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YORK RITE OF FREEMASONRY YORK RITE COMMUNICATION
FROM GARY HAHN ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9TH, 2008 In Memoriam - The passing of WB. Ted McNeese
TED MCNEESE It has been made known that our Brother, Companion and Sir knight Ted McNeese has been called to the Celestial Lodge above on Tuesday, April 8th, 2008. He was a Past Master of East Lincoln Lodge #210, was a member of all Lincoln York Rite Bodies: Capstone Chapter #64, Lincoln Chapter #6, Lincoln Council #4 and Mount Moriah Commandery #4, Scottish Rite, and Eastern Star. Further information to follow.
From Larry Zwart on Thursday, October 5th, 2007 Omaha Chapter Number 1 Royal Arch Masons will
have Omelet Breakfast This from Bruce Anderson on Thursday, August 9th, 2007
Companions and Sir Knights: This from Bruce Anderson on Thursday, August 9th, 2007
Companions and Sir Knights:
Fraternally, This from Roger Miner on Wednesday, August 8th, 2007 Companions and Sir Knights: This editor was just informed by W.B., Companion, & Sir Knight Kieth Herbster that our Past Most Illustrious Grand Master Will Hurst has past away due to health complications. Please keep the family of Will Hurst in Your prayers. Dona reported that Will's funeral will be at Plymouth Congregational Church on Monday, August 13th, 2007 at 10:30 a.m.
This from Corky Herbster on Tuesday, July 17th, 2007
Just had a phone call from Dona. Will had surgery today for
removal of This from Bruce Anderson on Thursday, January 11th, 2007
In Memory of Frederick C. Way, Sr. SIR KNIGHTS TAKE NOTE Commandery Installation 2007 On Monday, January 8th, 2007, Mount Moriah Commandery #4 Knights Templar, is planning an installation of Officers to be held at the Masonic Temple at 1635 L Street in Lincoln, Nebraska to begin at 7:00 P.M. Dress will be Dark Business Suit for men and Sunday Dress for women. .Reception to follow in the Dining Room. This will be an open installation and everyone is invited. (Further Information to follow).
LINCOLN AREA CENTRAL
SCHOOLS OF INSTRUCTION FOR THE YEAR 2007 Entered Apprentice School - Monday, March 12th, 2007. - 7:00 P.M. - Host Lodge - Cotner Lodge #297 A:. F:. & A:. M:. - 1542 North 65th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska.
Master Masons School, First Section -
Thursday,
March 22nd, 2007 - 7:00 P.M. - Host Lodge - East Lincoln Lodge #210 A:. F:. & A:.
M:. - 2700 S Street , Lincoln, Nebraska. Master Masons School, Second Section -
Friday,
March 30th, 2007 - 7:00 P.M. - Host Lodge - Lancaster Lodge #54 A:. F:. & A:.
M:. - 1635 L Street,
Lincoln, Nebraska.
NEBRASKA GRAND YORK RITE ANNUAL SESSION 2007 Nebraska Grand York Rite Annual Session will be held on April 18th, 19th, 20th, & 21st, 2007, at the New World Inn, Columbus, Nebraska. On Wednesday, April 18th, 2007, All Past Grand High Priests plan on attending the Grand High Priests' Dinner at 6:30 P.M. In the evening, a meeting of Sir Galahad Priory K.Y.C.H. will also be held. The Order of High Priesthood and the Order of the Silver Trowel will be given in the afternoon. On Thursday, April 19th, 2007, the "Nails" Breakfast will begin at 7:00 A.M. and Grand Council will open at 8:00 A.M. Grand Chapter, Grand Council, And Grand Commandery Officers Elect dinner will commence at 6:30 P.M. On Friday, April 20th, 2007, Grand Chapter will open at 8:00 A.M. and the Formal Grand York Rite Banquet will begin at 6:30 P.M. On Saturday, April 21st, 2007, the Red Cross of Constantine Breakfast will begin at 7:00 A.M. The Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Nebraska will open at 8:00 A.M. and at 6:30 P.M. the Past Commanders' Banquet will commence at 6:30 P.M. Contact the New World Inn in Columbus, Nebraska, (402-564-1492) for reservations. YORK RITE DEGREE SPRING CONFERRAL 2007 On Saturday, March 31st, 2007, The York Rite Degrees will be given on a One-Day Conferral at the Masonic Center in Hastings, Nebraska commencing at 8:00 A.M. Be there at 7:30 for rolls & coffee. YORK RITE DEGREE CONFERRAL FALL 2007 On Saturday, October 6th, 2007, The York Rite Degrees will be given on a One-Day Conferral at the Masonic Temple, 1635 L Street in Lincoln, Nebraska commencing at 7:30 A.M. Be there at 7:15 for rolls & coffee. (Further Information to follow).
This from Bruce Anderson on Thursday, December 7th, 2006 > From:> Subject: Passing of Edwin Carter> Date: Wed, 6 Dec 2006 20:19:53 -0600> > Companions and Sir Knights:> > I have been asked to pass along the following death:> > Edwin Carter Passed away Tuesday, December 5th, 2006 at Crete, Nebraska. Ed was a Past Master of Bennett Lodge #94 and presently a member of Liberty Lodge #300. He was a member of Lincoln Council #4, Lincoln Chapter #6 R.A.M., and Mount Moriah Commandery #4. He was Past High Priest of Lincoln Chapter #6, Past Illustrious Master of Lincoln Council #4 and Past Commander of Mount Moriah Commandery #4. Funeral Services are to be held at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home on Friday, December 8th, 2006 at 3:00 p.m. Masonic Funeral Service by Liberty Lodge #300.> > As an Addition The Knights Templar of Nebraska are going to be the
Pallbearers at the funeral. The Masonic Funeral Service is going to be given by
Liberty Lodge 300. The Knights will be in uniform, and anyone who wishes to be
there are invited to also be in uniform Class A's or Dress Blues. Ed was
Past Commander of Mount Moriah and always thought well of Knights Templar.
STEAK & EGGS BRUNCH On Sunday, October 15th, 2006, from 11:oo a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The York Rite Bodies of 16th & L Street are sponsoring a Steak and Eggs Brunch. Tickets are available from any York Rite Member or call Jim Brown for tickets at 483-1727 in the evening or 472-2320 during the day.
From Fred Wyant on Saturday, October 20th, 2006
Brethren, Companions, Sir Knights, and Fratres:
Some of you are already aware of the huge fire this
afternoon in York and that it totally destroyed York Lodge #56 AF&AM. At least
no one was seriously injured fighting the fire, so far as I know at this
point.
The entrance to the lodge is the aluminum door on the right. The four windows that are above it is the lounge and the dining room. It appears that the fire wall on the left is holding somewhat.
Betty and I arrived home about noon today from my
official visit last night to the York Rite Council in McCook. Shortly after 1
pm I received a call from our Junior Warden who informed me there was smoke
coming from the building east of the lodge and that the fire department might
need to get into our part of the contiguous building. I immediately walked the
three blocks to the lodge and gave my keys to the fire chief. There was quite
a lot of smoke coming from the second floor windows at the east end of the
block and the lodge is west of the center of the block. At that time, it
looked as if the fire department might get it under control fairly soon.
As time passed, however, it became apparent that
our one ladder truck was not up to the job by itself and a third and then
fourth alarm went out for help. Eventually, four ladder trucks arrived, one
each from Seward, David City, and Grand Island. Other departments also arrived
to assist but by 3 pm it was evident that the lodge itself was becoming
involved, the fire having bypassed two firewalls to get into the lodge proper.
For a while, it looked as if the whole block would go, but the double firewall
between the lodge and the old York College building to the west held and with
two trucks pouring water down that firewall on the lodge side, they stopped it
there.
From what I could see from back of the police
firelines, it appears that the fire never reached below the second floor, at
least at our Lodge end of the fire. Of course, the Lodge is on the second
floor and when I finally left to come home around 7 pm it was certain that it
is a total loss. I'm also sure the three businesses on the ground floors will
be unable to continue there because of all of the smoke and water damage, even
if the fire didn't destroy them. We do have insurance on the lodge and
contents, which will go a ways toward helping obtain and furnish a replacement
building, but there is no replacing all of the historical and priceless
artifacts that it contained, including many of the lodge records, York Rite
sets and costumes, etc.
I will be looking for a temporary location in which
to hold our meetings until a new building can be completed. I expect to have a
location for the MSRICF meeting next Thursday which I will announce at the
dinner that evening at the Chances-R Restaurant. The Red Cross of Constantine
meeting schedule there for November 11 will also be relocated and an effort
made to inform all concerned of the new location.
This Lodge Building had served York Lodge #56 A.F.&A.M. and the York, Nebraska Community for 120 years in the same building which has to be some record. At the bottom of the Blue Lodge page is the dedication of York Lodge #56 A.F.&A.M accomplished around October 15th, 1886, 120 years almost to the day. We all will miss the old lodge very much.
Utica Lodge #96 has offered their lodge for our use
and I am sure that Stromsburg and Geneva will do the same. We may find it
useful to take them up on their offer, especially for degree work, which we
expect to be forthcoming soon as we have a candidate to vote on in our regular
communication on October 31. I will ask the Grand Lodge for permission to hold
our Communications in other secure locations.
We wanted a new building, but not in this way or
even at this time; however, the choice is no longer ours. Now, we need to gird
up our loins, to use a biblical phrase, and get to work. If anyone has
suggestions to offer for the good of the Lodge, please let me know.
Fraternally,
Fred O. Wyant,
Master, York Lodge #56
Secretary-Treasure, Nebraska College MSRICF
From John Dale, Grand Commander, Knights Templar of Nebraska FIRE DESTROYS YORK, NEBRASKA MASONIC CENTER By John F. Dale Grand Commander, Knights Templar of Nebraska As you may already know, a davastating fire on Friday, October 20th, 2006, destroyed the building and contents of the Masonic Center in downtown York, Nebraska, the home of York Lodge #56, A.F.& A.M, Solomon Chapter #33, Royal Arch Masons, and Joppa Commandery #17, Knights Templar. Neighboring buildings and businesses also suffered major damages. The fire appears to have started in the business below the Lodge, but the fire's cause is still under investigation. Immediate plans are being explored to locate and arrange a temporary location, which may be used by the Masonic Bodies of York. Long range plans for a new home for these bodies will be developed later. In addition to the need for another meeting space, It is clear that the York Rite Bodies will need to replace many items of furniture and equipment. At this early stage, as Grand Commander and Grand High Priest, we are asking you to take inventory and consider how you might be able to assist our Brothers, Companions, and Sir Knights in York. As I have visited around the state, I have observed that many of our Masonic Centers have aprons, Royal Arch robes, swords, chapeaus, etc. which might be shared. Do not send anything now. I am simply writing to make you aware of the situation. The bodies in York will make an assessment of what they will need, and further communication will be coming to you so you can determine specifically what you could do. In the meantime, please hold these good Masons of York in your prayers, concern and fraternal love. Signed: John F. Dale, Grand Commander Grand York Rite of Nebraska - e-mail - neyorkrite@windstream.net
From Larry Zwart on Thursday, December 21st, 2006 *Worshipful Brother Alex Murray*, Past Master 2003, York Rite
member and From Larry Zwart on Friday, October 20th, 2006 Doors will be opening at 7:00 AM for coffee, rolls and
socialization at Mercer Lodge Building in Omaha. Companion Ron Clarke will have
everything in place for the Royal Master Degree to begin as close to 7:30 AM as
possible. We look forward to a very successful day and encourage all Council
and Commandery members to come and witness the degrees. Sioux City Festival
Chapter & Council Degrees, including Super Excellent Master,
Nov 18, 2006 8 AM From S.K. Roger Miner on October 22nd, 2006 On Saturday, October 7th, 2006, The York Rite Degrees were given at the Masonic Lodge at 1635 L in Lincoln, Nebraska commencing at 7:30 a.m. York Rite Members from Hastings, York, Grand Island, Beatrice, Lincoln and Omaha helped put on the degrees. The morning began with coffee and rolls and everybody being on time. All of the Chapter Degrees the Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master and the Royal Arch degrees were portrayed in the morning. The Masters of the degrees were John Parsons and Marlin Palasek of Omaha and Jeshua by Fred Wyant of York. After a fine lunch of chicken, potato salad, Cole slaw, & baked beans, the Council Degrees, the Royal Master and Select Master were portrayed. Next were the Commandery Degrees of Red Cross, Order of Malta, and the Order of the Temple were given with Joe Manes of Beatrice doing his usual fine work as Commander. All of the work was finished by 5:30. A big thank you to all was given by the director of degrees and wished the members a safe travel home.
Shown here are our newest Companions and Sir Knights: from left to right, Brad Finch of Liberty Lodge #300 in Lincoln, Paul Quackenbush of Claytonia, Highland Lodge #194, Cortland, Nebraska, Timothy Daniel Culp from Beatrice #26, Beatrice, and James Dee Coker from Mission, Kansas, Beatrice Lodge #26. Not shown are Herschel Talley from Lancaster Lodge #54 of Lincoln, Nebraska. rwm From Comp. Jim Brown on Tuesday, October 3rd, 2006 Companions & Sir Knights,
Jim- I just rec'd. a call from our GHP. He will visit our chapt. tomorrow eve. I told him about the covered dish. Steve Smith may be with him.
Bill From Comp. Jim Brown on Monday, October 2nd, 2006 Companions & Sir Knights, FROM NOBLE Jim Brown on September 13th, 2006 Companions and Sir Knights, Don Gasparetti's father died this morning at 4 a.m. The family plans a private service for Friday afternoon. Remember Don in your "applications to Deity." Jim FROM Companion Jim Brown on September 12th, 2006 Companions and Sir Knights, FROM Companion Don Gasparetti on September 12th, 2006 Well somehow he managed to survive
the night. PLEASE KEEP NOBLE DON AND FAMILY IN YOUR PRAYERS.
From Jim Brown on Tuesday, September 12th, 2006 Companions and Sir Knights,
COMPANIONS & SIR KNIGHTS TAKE NOTE To Everyone Who Knew Her: Coye Carter, Wife of Sir Knight. Edwin Carter, KYCH, Past Comander of Mount Moriah Commandery #4, Illustrious Master of Lincoln Council #4, High Priest of Lincoln Chapter #6, and Worshipful Master of Bennett Lodge #94, Passed away on Friday, December 9th, 2005. Funeral Services will be held at Lincoln Memorial on Tuesday, December 13th at 2:00 for Coye. I can remember back, about four years ago, when Coye and Ed would not miss a meeting of York Rite. Ed would attend the business meetings of York Rite and Coye who was a member of the Social Order of the Beauscent would attend hers, both always participating in our Pot Lucks. They would never miss a Grand York Rite Annual Session. This from Dona Hurst; At one time earlier in her life, she was a strong member of Campfire. She also enjoyed going with Ed in his camper and spending much time camping with their many camp organizations in which they belonged. As she once put it, " she enjoyed seeing the world". Coye will be missed by the many who new her. (Edwin is also a dual member of Liberty Lodge #300).
This From Companion Ron Grass on Tuesday, August 15th, 2006
Knight Companions,
The YR College session is coming up shortly. You should be getting a
letter from Sec. Don Grazier soon. I would like to have the degree team meet
at the Temple in Fremont at 10:00 that morning for a quick run-through of the
degree, as well as setting up the room and locating all the necessary
paraphenalia. This will give us time to break for lunch, also. The meeting
will start at 1:00.
With a practice and our parts well learned, the ceremony should be
memorable for the candidates. Hope to see everyone there.
Ron Grass
Degree Director
INSTALLATION OF YORK RITE 2006 OF LINCOLN BODIES On Sunday, December 18th, 2005, The Open Installation of the York Rite Bodies meeting at the Masonic Temple at 16th & L Streets will take place commencing at 1:00 p.m. Officers are to be there at 12:15 p.m. for pictures. There will be a reception following. (See the Chapter, Council, & Commandery pages for the officers to be installed.
Installing Officers for the York Rite Bodies at 16th & L are as follows: from left to right Illustrious Companion James F. Brown Jr. Illustrious Companion Albert Chatfield Right Eminent Past Grand Commander Robert Wunder Excellent Companion Jeffery Wunder On Friday Night, January 6th, 2006, Capstone Chapter #64 will be Installing their Slate of Officers for the year 2006 at East Lincoln Lodge #210, 27th and S Streets, commencing at 8:00 p.m. There will be a Pot Luck meal at 6:00 with a closed Business Meeting at 7:00. The Installation at 8:00 p.m. is open to everyone. NEBRASKA YORK RITE ANNUAL SESSION 2006 Nebraska Grand York Rite Annual Session will be held on April 5th, 6th, 7th, & 8th, 2006, at the New World Inn, Columbus, Nebraska. On Wednesday, April 5th, 2006, All Past Grand High Priests plan on attending the Grand High Priests' Dinner at 6:30 P.M. In the evening, a meeting of Sir Galahad Priory K.Y.C.H. will also be held. On Thursday, April 6th, 2006, the "Nails" Breakfast will begin at 7:00 A.M. and Grand Council will open at 8:00 A.M. Grand Chapter, Grand Council, And Grand Commandery Officers Elect dinner will commence at 6:30 P.M. On Friday, April 7th, 2006, Grand Chapter will open at 8:00 A.M. and the Formal Grand York Rite Banquet will begin at 6:30 P.M. On Saturday, April 8th, 2006, the Red Cross of Constantine Breakfast will begin at 7:00 A.M. The Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Nebraska will open at 8:00 A.M. and at 6:30 P.M. the Past Commanders' Banquet will commence at 6:30 P.M. Contact the New World Inn in Columbus, Nebraska, (402-564-1492) for reservations. YORK RITE DEGREE CONFERRAL 2007 On Saturday, March 31st, 2007, The York Rite Degrees will be given on a One-Day Conferral at the Masonic Temple at Hastings, Nebraska commencing at 8:00 A.M. Be there at 7:30 for rolls & coffee. YORK RITE DEGREE CONFERRAL FALL 2006 On Saturday, October 7th, 2006, The York Rite Degrees will be given on a One-Day Conferral at the Masonic Temple, 1635 L Street in Lincoln, Nebraska commencing at 7:30 A.M. Be there at 7:15 for rolls & coffee.
LINCOLN AREA CENTRAL SCHOOLS OF INSTRUCTION FOR THE YEAR 2006 Entered Apprentice School - Tuesday, March 14th, 2006. - 7:00 P.M. - Host Lodge - East Lincoln Lodge #210 A:. F:. & A:. M:. - 2700 S Street, Lincoln, Nebraska.
Master Masons School, First Section -
Friday,
March 24th, 2006 - 7:00 P.M. - Host Lodge - Lancaster Lodge #54 A:. F:. & A:.
M:. - 1635 L Street, , Lincoln, Nebraska. Master Masons School, Second Section -
Tuesday,
March 28th, 2006 - 7:00 P.M. - Host Lodge - Craftsman Lodge #314 A:. F:. & A:.
M:. - 2645 B Street,
Lincoln, Nebraska.
Lincoln Valley Scottish Rite You are cordially invited to the Installation of Officers of the Lincoln Scottish Rite Bodies, Saturday, January 7th, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. Scottish Rite Temple, 322 Centennial Mall South, Lincoln, Nebraska. W. Scott Dodge, 32nd Degree - Venerable Master - Elect George McCabe, 33rd Degree - Wise Master - Elect William Nelson, 33rd Degree - Commander - Elect Richard Bales, 32nd Degree KCCH - Master of Kadosh - Elect
OMAHA NOTICES
April 30, 2006 - 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM Masonic Day
at Zoo or Ball Park
For Omaha Notices that we now have, look to the Masonry Page for Masonic Activities of 2006 of other Masonic Bodies. Omaha Chapter #1 Soup Supper is on Saturday, April 1st from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Mercer's Masonic Lodge Building at 5903 Maple Street in Benson - Parking at Max I Walker's across the street and next door to the East - MENU: Chilli, Potato Soup, Chicken Noodle Soup, Dessert and Beverage. We appreciate your support. This is also a reminder to those who volunteered to bring deserts to bring them before 4:00 PM on Saturday, April 1st if possible!!!! Brethren: Just a final reminder of the
Masonic Education Symposium on Thank you,
The Scottish Rite Spring Reunion 2006 On Saturday, March 25th, 2006, The Scottish Rite, Lincoln Valley, will hold their Annual Scottish Rite Reunion this year at the Scottish Rite Temple in Lincoln. Further Information to Follow.
The York Rite of Freemasonry is one of two branches in Masonry which a Master Mason may proceed after he has completed the three degrees of Symbolic Masonry or Blue Lodge. The other being Scottish Rite. There are three main bodies of York Rite Masonry, and each has its own function. Chapter or Royal Arch Masonry consists of four degrees. Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master and the Royal Arch Degree. These degrees are closely related to the Symbolic Degrees of Blue Lodge Masonry and are the First Step in York Rite. The Council of Royal Master Degree,, Select Master Degree, and The Super Excellent Master Degree make up the Cryptic Degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry.They are a continuation of lessons taught in masonry, and the second Step. We learn in the masters degree how the word was lost and in Chapter how it was found, and in the Cryptic degrees how it was preserved. The Order of Knights Templar is the last Step in York Rite Masonry and is of the Christian Order. It is made up of three degrees, The Illustrious Order of the Red Cross, The Order of Malta, and The Order of the Temple. In these lessons one will experience the most interesting , most serious, of lessons that he will experience in a lifetime. Questions and AnswersA quick Overview of Freemasonry and York Rite for those Masons and others who would like to be more informed. If there is one thing most people are sure they know, it's that Masons are never supposed to talk about Masonry .Not true. Oh, there are some secrets - but there's nothing in them that would interest anyone except a Mason. Almost all of the "secrets" deal with ways of recognizing each other. But as far as Freemasonry, what it does, what it teaches, how it's organized, where it came from, what goes on in a Lodge meeting - that's open for discussion. Given a chance, we'll probably tell you more than you really wanted to know. We're excited about the Fraternity, we get a lot out of it, and we really want to share that with others. Then why hasn't anyone ever asked me to join? People have asked me to join Rotary, Lions, and other clubs. It's no reflection on you. There is a rule in Masonry that a person must seek admission himself. We aren't allowed to go out and twist arms. There is a reason for that. A person needs to come to Masonry because he really wants to, not because he's been talked into it. Masonry is a real commitment. If you are a Mason and you need help, every Mason in the world MUST help you, if he possibly can. By the same token, you must be willing to help any Mason who needs it. And then there is another reason - a person has to be ready for Masonry. Masonry isn't a civic club, although we do a lot of civic projects. It is a Fraternity. We're dedicated to the growth and development of our members as human beings. A person has to be ready to grow, has to suspect that there is something more to life, and wants to know what that is, before he is really ready to become a Mason. What goes on in a Masonic Meeting? There are two types of meeting agenda. The first is like the business meeting of any other organization. It takes us just a bit longer to call the meeting to order, because we use a longer opening ceremony or ritual than most civic clubs do. But, it reminds us of some of the most important lessons in Masonry. Then, when the lodge is "open", we hear the reading of the minutes, vote to pay bills, take care of old and new business, and plan projects, just like everyone else. The other type of meeting is one in which new members are received. This is done with beautiful rituals, which is designed to teach some important lessons. I've heard that Masonry is a religion. Is it? Can a man be a Mason and a Christian at the same time? Masonry acknowledges the existence of God. No atheist can become a Mason. Prayer is an important part of the Masonic ritual. Masonic vows are taken in the name of God, but Masonry never tries to tell a person how he should think about God, or how he should worship God, or why he should believe. We offer no plan of salvation. We teach that man should live a good life, not because that alone will earn him entrance into heaven, but because anything else is destructive, both to himself and to those around him. It is good to be good. As to whether a man can be a Mason and a Christian, the best answer is that most us are. There are many Freemasons who belong to other faiths, including Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism, but the majority in America are Christian. And we number many, many ministers of many different denominations. As Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, an active Freemason himself, once remarked: "Masonry encourages men to be good and that can never conflict with Christianity". What is The York Rite? The York Rite is a continuation and amplification of the Masonic Lodge. It consists of three bodies: The Royal Arch Chapter. The Council of Cryptic Masons and the Knights Templar. When the two Grand Lodges of England merged into the United Grand Lodge of England in 1813, they included the Royal Arch Degree as a part of the official structure of Freemasonry, and indicated that the Orders of Chivalry had a rightful connection with the approved Masonic structure. The Council Degrees, were originally Scottish Rite Degrees, and were later adopted by the York Rite. The Royal Arch Chapter consists of four degrees: Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master and Royal Arch Mason. The Council of Cryptic Masons has two degrees: Royal and Select Master. There is a third, the Super Excellent Master degree, which is conferred at least once a year at various locations within the state. This degree requires a large cast of characters and is quite colorful and most impressive. It is a degree available to all Select Masters. The Commandery consists of three Orders: The Order of the Red Cross, The Order of Malta and The Order of the Temple. These orders require a belief in the Christian Religion. In total, one might say that the York Rite begins with the Entered Apprentice degree in the Lodge, and concludes with the Order of the Temple in the Commandery Are there any churches or religions whose members you won't accept as Masons? No. A man's belief is his own business, and Masonry has no right to approve or disapprove of his belief. What about those "Secret Vows" I hear so much about? The exact words of the vows are secret. That's one of the ways we recognize each other. The contents of the vows are not. In less formal language than we use in the Ritual, a Mason promises: "to treat women with deference and respect, to help a Brother when he asks for and needs help, to remember that people are entitled to dignity and respect and not to treat them as if they were things. Respect the traditions of the Fraternity, and to keep secret the few things that are secret". Why don't you let women join? We're a Fraternity, a Brotherhood. The essence of a fraternity is that it is for men, just as the essence of a sorority is that it is for women. That's the primary reason. Recent developments in psychology and sociology have discovered another reason. There is a new thing called "male bonding." That's the new technical way of saying something that has been known for thousands of years. It's important for men to have a few things they do by themselves, just as it is for women to have the same thing. But that doesn't mean that there is no place for women in Masonry. York Rite’s women’s organization is called the Social Order of Beauceant, and is a part of the Commandery and is completely run by women. Just what is a "Lodge?" What does it look like? Who runs it? A lodge, or body, is both a meeting place for Masons and the Masons who meet there. You could actually say "The Lodge is a meeting at the Lodge." It's a Middle English word. When the great cathedrals of the Middle Ages were being built, the masons had special, temporary buildings built against the side of the cathedral in which they met, received their pay, planned the work on the cathedral and socialized after work. This building was called a lodge. The term has simply remained down through the ages. As to the officers in the York Rite, the leader of the Chapter is called the High Priest, The leader of the Council is referred to as Illustrious Master. The leading officer of the Knights Templar is called the Commander. We have a Secretary and a Treasurer, just like any other organizations. If that is the Local Bodies, what are the "Grand Bodies" called? The Grand Bodies are the State Organizations of York Rite masons. They are the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Nebraska, the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Nebraska and the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Nebraska. The local bodies are members of these Grand bodies. Just what do York Rite Masons do? York Rite Masonry has three Philanthropies it supports. Royal Arch Masons support the Royal Arch Research Assistance Program, which provides for research into auditory perception disorders in children. Cryptic Masons support the Cryptic Masons Medical Research Foundation, providing for research into vascular biology and arteriosclerosis. The Knights Templar supports the Knight Templar Eye Foundation that provides research, surgical treatment and hospitalization for those who suffer from eye diseases. Additionally, many York Rite Masons are also members of the Shrine and support the Children’s Hospitals. The Fraternity as a whole gives hundreds of college scholarships to students each year. Nationally, throughout the United States, the Masons give an average of $1,500.000.00 (that is one and a half million) EVERY DAY to charitable causes, most of which are not Masonic. A fact never publicized and thus hardly known. All those things are external, and they are important. But the real things the Masons do are far more difficult to describe. In essence, we try to build ourselves into better men, better fathers, better husbands and better citizens. We strive for self-development and self-improvement. We try to learn more about what it means to be human and what it takes to become better men. How does a man become a York Rite Mason? As we said earlier, no one will ever twist your arm. If you decide you want more information, we'll be happy to provide it through the Grand York Rite office in Omaha or ask any York Rite mason and he will assist you. If you want to join York Rite Masonry it works this way: "Ask any York Rite mason for a petition (to join). Fill it out and return it to him. He'll take it to his body and turn it in. Any Master Mason in good standing may petition the York Rite bodies. He may petition them individually, i.e. The Chapter, Council and Commandery, or he may fill out a petition for all three bodies at one time. His degree work will be scheduled according to his desires. If he wishes to complete the work in a one-day festival setting, he may do so, or he may take the work one body at a time. The Lodge will vote. If your petition is accepted, the Secretary will contact you about a date to begin the Degrees of York Rite. WHAT DOES IT COST? The initiation fees for joining the York Rite are $50 for the Royal Arch, $25 for the Council and $50 for the Commandery or $125 total. The annual dues vary across the state, but in the Lincoln area they total $57.00 which includes a subscription to the Royal Arch Mason Magazine and the Knight Templar Magazine. From the Global Fraternal Network Contributing Editors: Roger W. Miner William G. Hurst High Priest, Lincoln Chapter #6 Secretary, York Rite Bodies Royal Arch Masons, Lincoln, Nebraska Lincoln, Nebraska Brother and Dad Walter Miller Masonic
Memorial Service, Friday November 12, 2004 at 7:45 PM at the West Center Chapel
of Heafey-Heafey-Hoffman-Dworak-Cutler at 78th & Center Streets.
THIS FROM NOBLE REED FANNING OF SHRINERS 2000
Brothers, I am not sure this word has gotten out to everyone... From the Illustrious Grand Master of Cryptic Masons of Nebraska, William G. Hurst, and Editor, Royal Arch Magazine, Nebraska Section, comes this: Companions: I'm sure you've all heard, as I have, that Masonry, and particularly, York Rite Masonry, are rapidly becoming extinct. I, for one, (perhaps I'm an optimist) chose not to believe this. I sometimes look upon such statements as wishful thinking on the part of those who have little to think about or with. At the same time, however, I also recall the story of Moses who led the children of Israel out of Egypt. You remember how he led them around in the desert for forty years before they reached the Promised Land? Many wonder why he spent forty years wandering around when they really had a short distance to go. Remember all this time he had to put up with all that whining and complaining about why they left such a good life behind for all the troubles they were going through and to go where they knew not. But, think of this, during all that time, all the whiners and complainers dropped off. A new generation was born, and by the time the goal was in sight, he had a group of people ( a lean, mean fighting machine, if you will) who knew what they wanted and were ready to take it. I suspect that Masonry is somewhat like that. We, too, have those who recall the good old days, those who complain, and those who want to go back. Ccompanions, we are also getting new, young, and excited people, and we need many more of them. If we all work together and quit worrying about how it was, and start planning about how it is going to be with good leadership, young and enthusiastic members, and some sound planning on how to get more of them, our future will not be nearly as bleak as our detractors would have us believe. End. SOCIETIES, ASSOCIATIONS, ETC. This from the Andreas' Historical Journals written in 1882 Masonic.--There are four chapters of this order in Lincoln. They have an elegant and commodious hall on the corner of O and Tenth streets, over the First National Bank. It is handsomely furnished after the order of this society, adjoining which is their "Banqueting Hall," which is well supplied with all the necessities of such an apartment, having a kitchen with all its utensils, dishes, tables, chairs, etc. Lincoln Lodge No. 19, A., F. & A. M. This lodge was organized in 1868, and has at present about 150 members and is in a very flourishing condition. The officers at present are A. L. Palmer, W. M.; Lee P. Gellette, S. W.; O. W. Littler, J. W.; C. M. Leighton, Treasurer; L. B. Freeman, Secretary; E. O. Miller, S. D.; E. H. Salsbury, J. D. and John McClellan, Tiler. Lancaster Lodge, No. 54, A., F. & A. M., was organized in 1874, and has at present a strong membership. Officers, C. H. Willard, W. M.; C. B. Palmer, S. W.; L. M. Hubert, J. W.; T. Ganter, Treasurer; T. H. Benton, Secretary; D. B. Howard, S. D., Charles Rohrick, J. D. and John McClellan, Tiler. Lincoln Chapter, No. 6, R. A. M. This division of the order was organized April 28, 1878(1870), and now has a membership of eighty-four, with the following officers: James Tyler, H. P.; R. P. R. Miller(Millar), K.; Edward L. Stahl, S.; John McManigue(McManigal), C. H.; J. H. Foxworth (Foxworthy), P. S.; George Tucker, R. A. C.; A. M. Davis, Third V.; M. B. Harris, Second V.; T. H. Benton, First V.; D. Newman, Treasurer; S. B. Linderman, Secretary. Mount Moriah Commandery, No. 4, Knights Templar. This section of the Masonic fraternity was the second organized, whose existence dates from 1871. It has sixty-five members, with the following officers, J. K. Marly,(Marley) E. C., Jos.(James) Tyler, Gen'l.; D. Newman, C. G.; Ed. L. Stahl, Rec. Independent Order of Odd Fellows.--There are three chapters of this organization here. They at present occupy a spacious hall which they rent, but they are building
Editors Note: One of the best Websites on Freemasonry that this editor has had the privilege to view has come to me by a noble through Shriners 2000. Noble Scott Eastwold from El Riad Temple in Sioux Falls, South Dakota suggested we view the Website of Unity Lodge #130. They have done an excellent job of presenting Masonry to our brethern and to people at large. You my view this website by going to : http://www.unitylodge.com
Most Excellent Companion, Worshipful Brother Virgil Tubach This editor has on Friday, November 17th, 2001, learned of the death of my good friend, brother, and Most Excellent Companion, Worshipful Brother Virgil Tubach. This from my friend and companion Sir Knight Fred Wyant, Past Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Nebraska he writes; Virgil L. Tubach E. Grand Captain General of the Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Nebraska passed away at his home at 2235 South 57th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68506-2704. The funeral is Wednesday, November 21st, 2001, at 1:00 P.M. at the Lincoln Memorial Chapel, 6700 South 14th Street, (14th and Pine Lake Road) in Lincoln, Nebraska (402-423-2836). They are in charge of the arrangements. Worshipful Brother Virgil Tubach was a member of Lancaster Lodge #54, 16th & L Streets in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was Past Grand Orator and Past Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge A.F.&A.M. of Nebraska. He also served as Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Nebraska and Most Illustrious Master of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Nebraska. He was also Secretary of the M.S.R.I.C.F. of Nebraska and was serving in the appointed line of the United Grand Imperial Council of the Red Cross of Constantine. He was a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies, Lincoln Valley. He was also a long time member of Lincoln Chapter #6, Lincoln Council #4, and Mount Moriah Commandery #4 often working in these bodies. He was also a member of Hiram Club and served as their Historian. Sir Knight Fred Wyant writes that W.B. Virgil was one of the most active and dedicated masons that he has known and echoes the thoughts of the many brothers and friends of Virgil's: Virgil will be missed so very much. Surviving Most Excellent Companion and Most Illustrious Master Virgil, is his wife, Norma. W. B. Virgil was also coroneted 33rd Degree in Scottish Rite. Past Prior Knights York Cross of Honor, Past Governor Nebraska York Rite College 138, member Minnesota Council 34 and Nebraska Holyrood Council 61, Knight Masons. Most Worthy Companion Virgil also served as Past Worthy Patron Electa Chapter 8 Order of Eastern Star, Past Associate Guardian Bethel 5 International Order of Job's Daughters and served in the Grand Chapter Job's Daughters in Nebraska. Noble Virgil also was a member of Sesostris Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine serving in the Band. He is not only survived by his wife, Norma but his mother, son, daughters, grandchildren, sister, niece, and nephew. Masonic Rites will be given by Lancaster Lodge #54. EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE (HOPEFULLY WE CAN DO THIS AGAIN) On Sunday, April 11th, 2004, S.K. Edward I. Morrow, Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Nebraska, with the assistance of S.K. Ronald Grass, Grand Tactics Officer is planning an Easter Sunrise Service to be held at Tekamah, Nebraska. We will meet at the Masonic Lodge and together go to Masonic Park at 6:30 A.M. If you have never attended a sunrise service this is your chance. Sir Knights; Wear Your Uniform.
The 149th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Nebraska The 149th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Nebraska will be held in Kearney, Nebraska at the Holiday Inn Convention Center. All meetings will be held at the Holiday Inn.The dates are Thursday, February 2nd, Friday, February 3rd, and Saturday, February 4th, 2006. Call the Grand Lodge Office (1-800-558-8029) for further information and a Reservation Packet. To see further information on the 149th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Nebraska, Go to the Grand Lodge Page.
Secretary - Recorder of the Lincoln York Rite Bodies - William G. Hurst - E-Mail - billanddona@cs.com Grand Secretary - Recorder Jay H. Speck, Nebraska Grand York Rite, P.O. Box 201 Plattsmouth, Nebraska Phone 1-402-296-2131, Voice Mail and Fax 1-402-296-1743 E-Mail - plattspeck@aol.com
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