1Nebraska Masonry - Men putting ethics into practice.

The Vision of Nebraska Masonry: Nebraska Freemasonry will establish itself as the premier fraternal organizationpromoting universally acknowledged values of friendship, morality, and brotherly love.

VOL. XXXI NO. 4 Winter 2012THE GRAND LODGE OF NEBRASKA

“...Throughout the history of our country there was in most communities, a “Little Red School”, a “Little White Church”, and a “Little Blue Lodge”. The “Little Red School”, the “Little White Church”, and the “Little Blue Lodge” worked closely together as partners in the Community to assure that the community’s children and young people had a strong faith, a good education, a moral and ethical foundation, a great love of country, brotherly love and respect for their fellowman, an honor for our Country and our Country’s brave soldiers. The little “Red School” taught the children reading, writing, arithmetic, patriotism, and respect for one another. The “Little White Church” taught the community members and their children about the salvation of their souls through a loving God. The “Little Blue Lodge” taught young men how to suppress their passions and how to be good citizens, good church members, good patriots, good and faithful husbands and fathers. The “Little Blue Lodge” helped the “Little Red School” and “Little White Church” in community affairs and projects. Most of the ministers and male members of the “Little White Church” were members of the “Little Blue Lodge” and many of the “Little Red School’s” principals and male teachers were members of the “Little Blue Lodge”. The members of the “Little Blue Lodge” were members of the “Little White Church” and supported the activities of the “Little Red School”. The “Little Blue Lodge” was usually the only place in the community with a dining hall large enough for a crowd of people. The “Little White Church” and the “Little Red

School” routinely used the “Little Blue Lodge’s” building for events. In recent history, the “Little Red School” began to dis-tant itself from the “Little White Church” and the “Little Blue Lodge”. The “Little White Church” began to cry out about the “Little Red School” abandoning the “Little White Church” and its teachings. But after a while even some of the “Little White Churches” began to distance themselves from the “Little Blue Lodge”. After a while, the people in the Community began to question, “What was going on in their community?” “Why was there violence and killing in the “Little Red School”?” “Why does immorality seem to be running rampant among the com-munity’s young people?” They wondered “What happen to Patriotism among their youth?” “Why were many of their youth intolerant and disrespectful of their neighbors?” All this while, the “Little Blue Lodge” continued to be there for the “Little Red School” and the “Little White Church”. The “Little Blue Lodge” continued to teach a belief in God, support for the “Little Red School”, and the “Little White Church”, tolerance for others, a respect and love of Country, and the same moral teachings that had been taught in “Little Blue Lodges” from time immemorial.

Brethren, let us remember that kinder and gentler time when within all of our communities the “Little Red School”, the “Little White Church” and the “Little Blue Lodge” worked hand in hand for the good of everyone as we continue to be faithful to shine the

beacon of Masonic Light in our Communities, South Carolina, our Country, and the World.”

“The Little Red School, the Little White Church, and the Little Blue Lodge”

(an excerpt from a letter prepared by M.W. Gerald L. Carver, Past Grand Master, Grand Lodge of South Carolina)During my travels this year representing you in other jurisdictions, I had the honor of meeting and becoming acquainted with many distinguished Masons. One of those distinguished Masons was M∴W∴B∴ Jerry Carver, PGM of South Carolina. I heard him give "The Little Red School, the Little White Church and the Little Blue Lodge" at the Grand Lodge of Oklahoma Annual Communication in November, 2012. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. –Rex Moats, Grand Master

2

Grand Master’s MessageGrand Master’s MessageGrand Master’s Message

Rex J. Moats

Greetings from the East. What a busy fall season for Ne-braska Masonry. I want to start by thanking all of you who attended any of the seven area meetings around Nebraska to discuss pending legislation to be addressed at annual com-munication in Kearney on January 31, February 1 and 2. We had great questions from the craft regarding the public records criminal history check as well as the assessment increases for the George Washington Memorial and the CHIP Program. After attending all of the area meetings, it became clear that we could make the legislation even better by amending it with some of the suggestions we received at the meetings. Accordingly, we have amended some language on the public records criminal history check so that it applies to petitions for affiliation and reinstatement as well.

Masonic YouthDuring my travels this fall to the area meetings as well as to

other jurisdictions it became clear to me that it may make sense to add a couple more Grand Master’s Recommendations to the agenda at Annual Communication. One of the common themes was the state of our Masonic youth groups. In response to that, I am proposing a $1.50 annual assessment for our Masonic youth groups ($.50 per group for Rainbow, Jobs and DeMolay). This would equate to an investment in each of these group of approximately $6,000 per year. My rationale is as follows:

In my travels as your Grand Master this year I had the op-portunity to present checks on behalf of the Grand Lodge to each of the Nebraska Masonic Youth Groups. Checks for $2,000 each were presented to Rainbow, Jobs Daughters and DeMolay. Al-though this is a nice gesture, I am certain we can do better with over 12,000 Masons in Nebraska. I have the unique perspective as your Grand Master to have four children under 16 years of age (16, 14, 11, 8), three of which are involved in the youth groups of Rainbow and DeMolay. The youth of today are not like the youth of 30 years ago. Increasingly, they are involved in many activities outside of school ranging from soccer, baseball, basketball, dance, track, wrestling, volleyball and many other activities. Their most precious resource is their discretionary time, and we should be thankful when they agree to give us a portion of that time. Many years ago, without the distraction of the other activities these groups could have several fundraisers a year to help with their financial condition. That is not as easy in 2013 because of the other activities. Finances should never stand in the way of creating a successful Assembly, Bethel or Chapters and by adding a line item each Nebraska Mason will know exactly what each youth group is receiving. This is an investment in the leadership and the future of our craft and I hope you consider supporting it.

ProficiencyAnother issue I identified this past year was our proficiency

requirements for new Master Masons. I am proposing that new Master Masons memorize the Master Mason’s obligation. My rationale is as follows. In representing Nebraska Masonry this year, I had the opportunity to travel to many jurisdictions and

observe their requirements for proficiency. No other state I traveled to has the minimal proficiency requirements we have in Nebraska. Most states require the memorization of the answers and the obligations of each degree. Some states such as Texas also require a test in addition to the answers and obligations. Many states have a minimum six-month waiting period before you can petition for affiliation in an appendant body. While our intentions may have been well founded twenty plus years ago when we eliminated memorization of the answers and obliga-tions as an effort to enhance membership, numbers bear out that the actions have not necessarily produced the intended results. Simply put, when we eliminated the memorization effort and provided new brothers with a workbook, many brothers did not take the work as seriously. These new brothers may have been fortunate and had a mentor who helped them understand Freemasonry. That is fantastic if they did. But more often than not, they did not and either dropped out of the Fraternity after a short time, joined another appendant body to quench their thirst for Freemasonry or became inactive. We failed in providing them with the essentials of Freemasonry, motivation to continue to learn and the working tools to be solid blue lodge Masons.

If you only hear the obligation one time when you are initi-ated and never hear it again, because you were not required to learn it, does it really surprise anyone that we have brothers who do not understand that they are to answer and obey, help, aid and assist and stand to and abide by? By memorizing the obligation, it forces you not only to learn the words, but to understand its meaning and hopefully more fully understand what it means to be a man and a Mason. This is not the first time this issue has been before the Grand Lodge and I am sure it will not be the last. When we modified the memorization requirements, we gave the new Mason a workbook with the answers, but unknowingly took away his mentor. This is why we have added a requirement in the one-day degrees that the top line signer or mentor be present the entire time the candidate is taking his degrees and promise to assist with his proficiency.

I have often said it is difficult to put toothpaste back into the tube, but just because it is difficult doesn’t mean you don’t try. So try we will and I will pose these questions for you to ponder as we prepare to debate this very important issue on the floor of Grand Lodge at Annual Communication. First, the things in life that are the most rewarding are those that took effort to achieve. You take pride because it was difficult, not because it was easy. Second, as one Grand Master asked me when I was visiting the Oklahoma Annual Communication this past November, “If you don’t require your new Masons to learn and commit to memory what their contract is between them and the Grand Architect of the Universe how do you expect them to know how to conduct themselves as Masons?” And third, I was asked by the Grand Master of California this past November at the Nevada Annual Communication “Who will do your work twenty years from now since no one has even learned the basic level of proficiency?” Brothers, these are all very good ques-tions and require deep meditation and thought as we consider the most prudent path to preserve our 300-year-old fraternity for future generations.

It was not my intention to address this issue this year. How-ever, after witnessing firsthand requirements in other states and the current state of the work in our state, and listening to

Continued on page 5

3

A Publication of the Grand Lodge AF & AM of NebraskaVOL XV NO 4 WINTER 2012

To Light!

“Light!” Readingby Larry Jacobsen

Continued on page 4

NGRAMSLet’s start with a little fun. Go to your

web browser and enter Google Ngram Viewer ( or http://books.google.com/ngrams ). Open up that site and clear out the example in the text box on the top line and type (case sensitive, with commas but no space after the commas): Freemasonry,Kiwanis,Knights of Colum-bus then hit Enter.

What you will get is graph that shows how often each of those words or phrases have been used in books over a defined period of time. First you’ll notice the word Freemasonry has been in books for over a couple centuries before the other two organizations had even come into being. Secondly, you’ll see that around 1920-30 all three organizations peaked in the use of their organizational name in books. And thirdly, you’ll see that the use of their names steadily declined in books over the next 50 years, but in 1980, Freemasonry began a slow upward trend in use of the word, while the other two organizations show continued decline in use of their name.

Now, be careful what conclusions you draw from this little exercise. This in no way is a reflection on either the Kiwanis or Knights of Columbus. It has nothing to do with the work of either organiza-tion, only the frequency of the word in published books. If, for example, we entered Rotary or Elk’s, the Ngram could not distinguish between a Rotary member or a rotary saw, or an Elk’s Club member

vs. the 4-legged animal. What this amaz-ing product of technology indicates is that Freemasonry has been and continues to

be a topic of immense interest for authors since the fraternity’s founding, and that interest is on an upward trend today. And while there are countless fraternal and civic clubs that provide wonderful phil-anthropic and community service, none match the quantity of literature inspired by the Masonic fraternity. One Fraternity – So Many Books

So I sit in my den looking at my personal collection of Masonic-related books and I ask myself – “Where do I start?” Yes, I’ve read a number of them, but have accumulated many more with

good intentions to read them when time permits. And then I think about all the other Masonic-related books, magazines, pamphlets and articles that exist in the world (or at least those written in Eng-lish), and I wonder about the 100,000 volumes in the Iowa Masonic Library & Museum in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, or the House of the Temple Library in Wash-ington D.C., with over 250,000 precious books, manuscripts and other publica-tions, or the 20-plus Masonic libraries that are members of the Masonic Library & Museum Association (MLMA), or all the new Masonic-related books that Jim Tresner reviews every other month in the Scottish Rite Journal – and I ask, “How can one fraternal organization be the source of so many books?”

Well, it helps that Freemasonry is the oldest and largest fraternity in the world, which gave it a couple hundred year jump over more contemporary organizations, and its existence on several continents re-sults in a wide diversity of topics. None-theless, “what causes so many authors to research this fraternity?” I suspect most of you know the answers: a rich history; its origins; the appendant bodies; Mason-ic myths; analysis of the rituals; symbols; famous Masons; philosophy; Masonic buildings; jurisprudence; and on and on. In other words, there is no main entrance to the topic of Freemasonry. There is no central organization that dictates how we conduct ourselves. Other than the

4 To Light!

“Light!” Reading - Continued from page 3progression of the first three degrees, there is no prescribed method by which we approach Masonry.

Many Masons have never read a Masonic-related book, preferring instead to experience the craft first-hand by participation in degree work and inter-action with brethren at all levels of the Masonic family -and that is good. But for those who are drawn to the written word, whether it be books, periodicals, encyclopedias, and yes, electronic me-dia, there is a vast world of exploration to be had in those tomes, and more often experienced in the solitude of one’s easy chair or nook in a library. Organized Ma-sonic education initiatives are essential at getting us out of the starting blocks and intrigued about certain subjects of inter-est, but nothing replaces the oneness of a man and his books.Vast and Boundless Field

It is an exploration that will take you as far as your ambition and mind will per-mit. Regardless of your personal interests (history, philosophy, ritual, biographies, etc.), you will begin to connect the dots among different authors and topics and discover conduits to a greater apprecia-tion of your abilities in comprehending “more light.”

The Fellowcraft Middle Chamber lecture captures it best: “On the mind all our knowledge must depend; what there-fore can be a more proper subject for the investigation of Masons? . . . To sum up the whole of this transcendent measure of God’s bounty to man, we shall add that memory, imagination, taste, reasoning, moral perception, and all the active pow-

ers of the soul present a vast and bound-less field for philosophical disquisition, which far exceed human inquiry, and are peculiar mysteries, known only to nature and to nature’s God, to whom were are all indebted for creation, preservation and every blessing which we enjoy.”

This “vast and boundless field” is traversed by nearly all authors of Free-masonry, but in so many different ways. The war historian may cite the preserva-tion of brotherhood in the field of battle, the biographer may cite the growth of one’s character over a lifetime, the jurist may make the distinctions between law and ethics, a researcher may seek to dig deeper into the hidden or multiple meanings of Masonic symbols, and the philosophers are forever looking for that “stone” that will help explain the “light.”

Masonry does not ask that we each become the “Renaissance Man,” but it does drop enough subtle hints that “light” can be found in a multitude of ways, and there is nothing better than books to open those doors and to open your mind to the beauty of light in Masonry.

So to my rhetorical question of - “How can one fraternal organization be the source of so many books?”

I would answer “Light!” That thin sliver of light, ever so close to our grasp, but forcing us to reach a little farther, and with each advance in Masonry we stretch even harder and our mind and our actions almost become one with that “light” – but we’ve yet to contain it.

Small wonder there are so many books on the Masonic experience.

This April, I was surprised to receive a phone call from Larry Jacobsen asking to accept an ad-hoc position on the Masonic Education Committee and to go with him to the Midwest Conference of Masonic Education. As shocked as I was to be ac-corded such an honor, I gladly accepted and prepared for the trip to Toledo, Ohio. It was quite fortuitous, as at this time a question was ringing through my head: “How can we inspire a new Mason to be more involved?” I came to the confer-ence, hoping for an answer.

During the conference, I heard sev-eral presentations. The presentation that struck me the most was one from a Past Grand Master from Iowa. He discussed an interesting award called the Ashlar Award: an award given to a new Mason who had performed several tasks such as attending Lodges of Instruction, writ-ing essays describing your thoughts on Masonic symbolism, and performing community service as a Mason. This was an award provided by the Grand Lodge of Iowa to new Masons who wanted to get involved in the Craft. The top achiever in this award would then be given a special award by the Grand Master: the New Mason of the Year.

I was thrilled! Here was a perfect tool to get new members to get involved. It’s a strange saying from Napoleon Bonaparte when discussing awards and medals: “A soldier will fight long and hard for a bit of colored ribbon,” but I believe the saying holds true. Being recognized for one’s accomplishments is an extremely reward-ing experience. The process of obtaining this award will not only congratulate the new Mason for his endeavors, but will also inspire him to be more involved in the Fraternity, enriching him and all of us.

I’m looking forward to the oppor-tunity to bring this award to Nebraska. With the help of the Awards Committee, I’m compiling a Nebraska-centric criteria and material. With a little bit of luck and the help of God, I believe this award will soon come to Nebraska and inspire new Masons throughout the state.

New Ideas Energize the Fraternity

Comments of New EducationCommittee Member, Jonathan Paz

According to CoilExcerpts from Coil’s Masonic Encyclopedia, authored by Henry Wilson Coil.

THE BUILDERThe Builder is sometimes used to indicate Hiram Abif. The modern Freemason hopes

and tries to be a speculative, symbolic and moral builder, and the term has been used in an endless variety of essays, poems, etc., expressing that idea and its corollary, that the living brethren become “living stones in that spiritual building, that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” William Hutchinson and Dr. Oliver em-ployed the term, The Smitten Builder, to mean Christ, but there seems to be no other Masonic authority therefor.

The Builder was the title of a very fine Masonic magazine published by the National Masonic Research Society (1915-1930).

The Builders is the title of a book first published in 1914 by the Reverand Joseph Fort Newton. It is the most popular Masonic book ever written. It has gone into numerous editions and been translated into several foreign languages.

5

the Master Mason’s charge several times this year, I feel it is incumbent on me to do so. In our quest to open the west gate for more members, we have unknowingly compromised the institution and have not held true to preserving our landmarks. “To preserve the reputation of the Fraternity unsullied,” are words each of us heard in our Master Mason charge. We must remember that not everyone is called to the craft. Our ritual work provides the guidelines we need to heed when we are considering whether a man is worthy and well qualified. If a man is not capable of putting a significant level of effort into learning his contract between him and the Grand Architect of the Universe, I would submit to you he is not duly and truly prepared. Brothers, we need Masons, not members and there is a very big difference between the two when it comes to the level of commitment to the craft. I hope you agree.

Annual Communication AgendaAs Annual Communication approaches, we are excited to

share with the craft some of our plans. We are kicking off the countdown of Masonry’s 300th anniversary in 2017 with a five-year countdown. Each year at Annual Communication, between 2013 and 2017, we will have a different speaker to address the craft and explain our Masonic genealogy. On Fri-day afternoon, February 1, 2013, W∴B∴ Piers Vaughn, of St. John’s Lodge #1 A.Y.M, F & A.M. will present an address on how Masonry arrived in the colonies from England. It should be a fascinating historical discussion of the many Masonic roots Nebraska has in Freemasonry. We will also have a copy of the Grand Lodge of England Secretary’s ledger which documents the start of Nebraska’s Masonic journey. Our speaker on Friday evening at the Membership Banquet will be M∴W∴B∴ Jay Adam Pearson, the Grand Master of South Carolina. I had the pleasure of meeting M∴W∴B∴ Jay this past April at the 275th anniversary of the South Carolina Grand Lodge in Charleston, SC. He has been an inspirational Masonic leader during his term as Grand Master and we look forward to having him share his thoughts on what Masonry has meant to him and what it should mean to you. If you have never been to a Membership Banquet, please consider attending. The installation of the 2013 Grand Lodge Officers will take place on Saturday afternoon, February 2, 2013, at the Younes Convention Center. This is a change from past tradition, but will allow more people to attend and not travel multiple times in inclement weather.

We hope each of you will find time in your schedules to spend some time in Kearney at Annual Communication to re-kindle old friendships and establish new ones. The new Younes Convention Center is a fantastic facility with first class food and lodging. How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity at Annual Communication. As I close this article, I humbly ask each of you to consider how you can rededicate yourself to laboring in the quarries of Freemasonry and preserving the rite for another 300 years. It may be taking a new brother under your wing, it may be learning a lecture, it may be coordinating a widow’s dinner, but whatever it is, it is appreciated. Thank you for all you do.

Grand Master’s Message - Cont. from page 2

2013 Grand Master’s CalendarIf your lodge or appendant body has an event that you would like the Grand Master to consider attending in 2013, please send your invitations to michelle@glne.org or call the Grand Lodge Office, and they will be forwarded to Tom Hauder, Deputy Grand Master/Grand Master-Elect.

Grand Master Rex Moats and Grand Senior Steward John B. Ferguson travelled to Nevada to attend the Annual Communication in November. Pictured are M.W. Rex Moats, W.B. Allan “Skip” Pounds, dual member of Mid-West Lodge No. 317 in Hastings, M.W. Hans Scheurer, Grand Master of Nevada, and W.B. John Ferguson.

Fellowship in Nevada...

by Kevin R. KellyEuclid Lodge No. 97 in Weeping Water concluded its com-

munity improvement project for 2012 by pouring sidewalk and a large level concrete pad on the north side of the municipal swimming pool on Saturday, September 8. This project creates a viewing area for parents to sit and observe their children in the pool. Previously this area was dirt and limestone screen-ings. The Lodge teamed with Boy Scout Troop 220 and the City of Weeping Water to complete the project. Special thanks to Lodge brother David Spohr of Spohr’s Landscaping who provided tools, manpower and expertise. Proceeds from this year’s pancake feed were used to fund the project.

Lodge in Weeping Water Gives Back with Pool Project

6

The Nebraska Masonic HomeMary C. Stapp, Executive Director

BOON MEMORIAL FOOD TRUCKOn behalf of the residents and sta� we send our most sincere thank you to the Masonic bodies and individuals that once again participated in the long-standing tradition of the Boon Memorial Food Truck. We are so thankful to each lodge, chapter and individual for making it possible for � e Masonic Home to be the recipient of your annual fund raiser tradition to purchase food for � e Masonic Home. We send our blessings to all of you who participated in this very worthwhile endeavor. A special thank you is extended to Richard Schlaman for heading up the project. Masonic bodies that participated this year:Andrew Chapter # 41 OES Long Pine Lodge No. 136 Comet Lodge No. 229 Ashlar Lodge No. 33 Hebron Lodge No. 43 St. Paul Lodge No. 82 Custer Lodge No. 148 Guide Rock Lodge No. 128 Jachin Lodge No. 146 Albion Lodge No. 78 Newman Grove Lodge No. 305 Porter Lodge No. 106 York Lodge No. 56 Platte Valley Lodge No. 32 Geneva Lodge No. 79 Osceola Lodge No. 65 Friendship Lodge No. 239 Cement Lodge No. 211 Alliance Lodge No. 183 Stromsburg Lodge No. 126 North Bend Lodge No. 119Franklin Lodge No. 264 Lebanon Lodge No. 323

Happy Holidays from � e Nebraska Masonic Home

May the Peace & Joy of Christmas be yours

throughout the New Year.

From the Residents & Staff of The Nebraska Masonic Home

Gene looks over Nebraska-grown apples at a nearby orchard.

Hail to our residents who are Veterans!! Fran ¡ nds many choices at the Union Apple Orchard.

Lois and Bob enjoy the camp¡ re at a resident cookout.

� e new kitchen makes the employees smile.

The Nebraska Masonic Home

7

The Nebraska Masonic Home FoundationJo Peters, Director

General Donations (August 27, 2012 - November 21, 2012)Dean and Judy Abels, Bruce and Lu Ackerman, AkSarBen Chapter No. 277, Howard and Pat Aldrich, Alpha Kensington Chapter No. 325, Ralph M. Anderson Jr., Roy I. Anderson, Andrew Chapter No. 41, Arbor Vitae Chapter No. 92, Thomas Aron Jr., Arrow Chapter No. 164, John L. Batty, Robert C. Bennett, Bethany Chapter No. 113, Raymond W. Bieber, Charles and Ellen Binge, Ed and Carolyn Bredemeier, Gary and Patricia Bridges, Bart and Mary Brinkman, Richard L. Brooke, Kurt and Diann Brown, Brownville Chapter No. 263, Gary and Sally Bunnell, Stan Callicott, Capitol Chapter No. 320, Ceresco Chapter No. 198, Bill and Madaline Christensen, Chris N. Clark, Columbia Chapter No. 275, Jay S. Conaway, Cotner Lodge No. 297, Herbert and Sharlene Coulter, Ray Coulter, Crete Chapter No. 104, Richard and Edith Curley, Dome Rock Chapter No. 215, Randy Dunn and Diann Toler, Electa Chapter No. 8, Elizabeth Chapter No. 250, Paul and Donna Eveland, Jack and Elaine Ford, Howard T. Foy, Franklin Chapter No. 213, Darryl and Becky Frerichs, Friendship Chapter No. 122, Steven R. Fries, Simon Korshoj Masonic Charity Fund, Robert J. Gardner, Geneva Lodge No. 79, Ronald D. Glasser, James L. Griffi th, Bruce and Arlene Hall, Bob D. Hammond, Todd and Cheryl Harris, Frank and Shirley Hazelwood, Keith and Corene Herbster, Hickman Lodge No. 256, Charles and Janet Hinze, Holly Chapter No. 233, Home Chapter No. 189, Donald D. Hotz, Donald and Michele Hotz, Donald F. Huffman, Humboldt Chapter No. 234, Irene Chapter No. 207, Dale W. Jameson, Clair G. Johnson, Frank and Linda Johnson, Waynard and Donna Johnson, Joppa Commandery 17 Knights Templar, Thomas and Shirley Kaestner, Tom and Marcia Kennedy, Grant and Margaret Keran, Robin Kermmoade, Laura Chapter No. 301, George H. Lauritsen, Dale R. Link, Lodge of Perfection, Phillip and Sandy Logan, Daniel and Georgia Longley, Doug and Cindy Lottman, William and Peggy Mains, Bob and Jackie Maline, William March, Gordon G. McLeod, Richard D. Meyer, John and Marilyn Milks, Kent and Vickie Miller, Ronald and Jeannette Miller, William and Janet Miller, Minnehaha Chapter No. 246, Mizpah Lodge No. 302, Rex and Diane Moats, Mt. Vernon Chapter No. 84, Dennis D. Mundt, William and Lee Musgrave, David C. Myers, Myrtle Chapter No. 94, Lynn and Barb Naber, Gary and Janice Nantkes, Carl Norden, Rod and Donna Norrie, Jim and Marcia Ochsner, Richard D. Olsson, John and Pauline Parsons, Allen and Kelley Patton, William F. Pfl ug, Phillips Chapter No. 204, Al Pietsch, David Portwood, Betty Price, Karl and Annette Rasmussen, William and Janis Ray, Keri Rheinfrank, Keith Thomas Roby, Lawrence and Iona Rolofson, Robert and Ardell Roth, Rick T. Rothwell, Charles and Patricia Scheuneman, David and Roberta Schlichting, Rhett and Carol Sears, James and Karen Sharp, Michael and Patrice Sharp, Shelby Chapter No. 193, Richard and Geraldine Shipman, Daniel and Joan Shurtliff, Solomon Chapter No. 33 Royal Arch Masons, Danny and Diane Stanley, Warren and Joanne Stenback, Ron and Tami Stites, Sunshine Chapter No. 261, Charles and Barbara Talmadge, Tangier Road Runners Club, Tekamah Chapter No. 131, Vernon W. Thompson and Ardythe Gronlund, David and Margie Thomssen, James W. Thwing, Phillip E. Towle, Wes and Ruby Turtscher, Utica Chapter No. 199, Vesper Chapter No. 9, Victory Lodge No. 310, Violet Chapter No. 105, Ben and Marilyn Vrana, George Washington Lodge No. 250, Wausa Chapter No. 159, Wausa Lodge No. 251, Wendell and Verna Wertz, Harold and Wanda Wilkinson, Carl and Doris Willert, Michael B. Wilson, Jeffrey and Denise Winch, Bernard and Shirley Wolf, Dale and Yvonne Wulff, Tom and Kris Yungdahl.

Honorarium Donations (August 27, 2012 - November 21, 2012)Pam Boshart (Jerrie Wilcox), Cross Walk Music Group (Humboldt Chapter No. 234), Al Dietrich (Gene and Judy Wehrbein), Betty Garwood (Gary and Rita Hanson), Gene Geise (Cecil and Nicole Smith), Betty Kirby (Gary and Rita Hanson), Dr. David Portwood (Don and Linda Bristol), Lavina Ramge (Bruce and Mary Anne Ramge), Isabelle Ricker (John and Linda Koppenhaver), Irvin Rolofson (Richard and Marie Odgers), Clarence Smith (Mike and Patty Smith), Spirit of the Star Grand Family (Gene and Judy Wehrbein), Flora Belle Wehrbein (Gene and Judy Wehrbein).

Memorial Donations (August 27, 2012 - November 21, 2012)Ruth Austin (Straddlers NCT #47 Camping Group), Evelyn Baker (Temple Chapter No. 271), Jerrene J. Bennett (Kenneth D. Bennett), Dorothy Bower (John W. Bower), Richard E. Brasel (Vern and Constance Klaumann), Norma Brown (Myrtle Chapter No. 94), Gayle Cornish (Tekamah Chapter No. 131), Forrest and Lorene Couchman (Jack and Diann Frahm), Troy and Della Cox (Ann C. Petersen), Marvin Crewdson (Liberty Lodge No. 300), Lewis H. Dunn (John and Sydney Kruse), Edward and Gladys Elsasser (Robert and Inez Elsasser), Ernie Fridrich (Kenneth and Marge Fridrich), Ruth and Art Fye (Kathleen Fye), Wella Graham (John G. Quinn), Aurora Gray (Ceresco Chapter No. 198), Alice Grosshans (Rebecca A. Wetenkamp), Harold and Dorothy Haberman (Keith and Delores Sandall), Joyce Harris (Chester and Joann Harris), Ed Hentsler (Lloyd and Donna Hinkley), John Herrmann (Eureka Chapter No. 86), Mary Ann Hessenfl ow (Eureka Chapter No. 86), Harold J. Hoevet (Palmer and Shirley Johnson), Nelson Hughes (Lamont and Barbara Larson), Kenneth Hunter (John and Cynthia Timmermier), Donald D. Jeanneret (John and Helen Jeanneret), Andrew Maynard Johnson (Lone Tree Lodge No. 36), Loral Johnson (Russ and Loris Pankonin), Emma Jones (Robert and Mary Jones), Lois Jordan (Mark and Linda Daly, Darold Jordan), Matty Kemper (Wayne and Ruth Kemper), Ida Klockmer (Versper Chapter No. 9), David Lynn Koch (David and Marilynn Koch), Benjamin Kokes (Nebraska Lodge No. 1), Robert H. Koontz (Carlton and Sandra Guynes), George W. Lininger (Hugh and Linda Minor), Walter Emry Mauch (Richard and Carol Mauch), Paul McCarthy (Nebraska Lodge No. 1), Lewis Miller (Arlon and Doris Miller), Joan Marie Minor (Hugh and Linda Minor), Richard T. Miyoshi (Cheryl Armstrong, Ruth Asboe, Matt and Jill Bailey, Jill Breuing, Ervin and Maryanne Bull, Mr. and Mrs. J. Callen, Ray and Mary Casey, Patricia Cejka, Michael and Debra Chesterman, Tim and Carol Crook, Linda Davis, Connie Duryea, Beverly Emswiler, Teresa Frields, Alfred and Roberta Gigstad, Cheryl Goff, Raymond and Carolyn Gress, Brian and Leslie Gross, Sheryl Gundlach, Sam and Patricia Hatasaka, HBE Becker Meyer Love LLP, Clinton and Shirley Johannes, Chip and Erin Johnson, Glenn and Elaine Johnson, Jim and Mary Johnson, Mark and Carol Johnstone, Lyle and Pam Knox, Bud and Susie Kudlacek, Diana Landis, Steven and Linda Latham, Dorla M. Long, Joey Loveland, Alice Matsutani, John and Diana McNeilly, Bob and Dorothy Meduna, Kimberly K. Miyoshi, Mitzi J. Miyoshi, Vaunia J. Miyoshi, Peg Mort, Thomas and Diane Mountford, Michael and Vicki Murren, Nebraska Association of Resources District, Nebraska City High School Courtesy Committee, Margaret Ott, John Paap, Leo and Carol Parks, Richard and Joyce Phillips, Ralph and Virgina Pieke, Terry Ramig, R.M. and Joyce Ratcliff, William and Diane Rezac, Phyllis and Marv Roth, Thomas and Sharon Rustmier, Gene and Joyce Ruzicka, Ronald Sabatka, Duane and Jackie Smith, John and Sandra Smith, Steven and Joleen Stein, Paul and Mary Stevenson, Elaine Stopa, Krystal Sund, Joel and Nancy Sunderman, Bev Tallent, Sam and Sara Terasaki, Mary Thiesfeld, Donald and Alice Veskerna, David and Rosemary Woodman, Susan J. Yohe, Garry and Judith Zager), Richard D. Mlinar (Courtney Mlinar), Bethene Morris (Stanley A. Morris), Marvin Mosier (James and Leanna Bounds), LeRoy Mulhair (David and Nola Jean Anderson), Mildred Noble (Harold W. Noble), Deane Nutzman (Mr. and Mrs. Richard Mougey), Russell and Catherine Overholser (George and Judy Risser), Leonard J. Owen (Liberty Lodge No. 300), Winifred Page (Loren E. Page), Sidney C. Peterson (Carter A. Peterson), Bernadine Phillip (Robert R. Phillip), Esther Pillard (Eugene and Patsey Pillard), Katherine Pitney (Grand Lodge of Nebraska, Terry and Dian Larsen, Millbrook United Methodist Church, Lavergne I. Oelschlager), Kenneth Polenz (Ceresco Chapter No. 198), Norma Polenz (Ceresco Chapter No. 198), Raymond R. Reed (Nebraska Lodge No. 1), Richard Rickel (Lowell and Mary Lou Erickson), Warren E. Robinson (Kurt and Diann Brown), Nellie Sandall (Keith and Delores Sandall), Helen Shook (Wilford Shook), John Siefker (Darold Jordan), Garnet Stroup (Temple Chapter No. 271), Rod Stuehm (Leroy and Mary Stuehm), Donald I. Sutton (G.M. Sutton), Robert D. Vrzal (Nebraska Lodge No. 1), Gary D. Wilcher (Ardis N. Wilcher), Wayne D. Young (Liberty Lodge No. 300).

The Nebraska Masonic Home

8 Masonic-Eastern Star Home for Children

MasonIC-eastern star hoMe for ChIldrenRon Giesselmann, Executive Director

Periodically, former residents of the Home request to see their fi le. They are usually looking for information, so they can build their family tree or fi nd long-lost relatives. Most wait decades after leaving the Home to make this request.

After retrieving this information, I am reminded that most things never change, but some things do. There are some subtle differences in reasons for admission into the Home and activi-ties at the Home, but no startling differences between now and decades ago. The Home doesn’t fi x what is not broken. The Home does maintain and improve what is working well.

Comparing children who lived at the Home in the 1940s to children who have lived at the Home over the past ten years: Children were admitted into the Home then/now, because one or both of their parents were addicted to alcohol and/or gam-bling, and were unable to parent their child. Wars were hard on families then and now. Parents who were ill or deceased were a reason for admission now and probably more in the 1940s. These are just a few of the more frequent common comparisons.

Then and NowContinuing to use the comparison of the 1940s to the past

ten years at the Home, but comparing common activities: * Children participate in 4-H.* Children attend school at Fremont Public Schools.* Large garden.* Raise our own beef.* Both girls and boys live on campus.* Meals are prepared and served in each cottage; no cafeteria.* Children help beautify the campus.* Children celebrate Christmas!!Christmas is a fond memory for the children who used to live

at the Home and something to look forward to for the children currently living at the Home. The children at the Home are, as they always have been, treated to a traditional Christmas season. It is a special time of the year that the children needed/need to experience, so they can pass it on to their children.

The children at the Home are thankful to the Masons and Stars who have given to the Home during the Christmas season.

Martin, Fernando and Crystal display the last of the leaves for the year.

Cai t l in and Megan prepare cookies while Morgan prepares hot chocolate for the Christmas tree decorating party.

Julia volunteered to place the angel on top of the Christmas tree in her cottage.

Luis was a big help prepar-ing the Thanksgiving meal.

Michaela enjoys electronics class at the Home’s Industrial Technology shop.

Nathan did not need a ladder to place the star on top of the Christmas tree.

Gavin takes a slow fi rst sip of his hot chocolate.

Nothing like a little fun in the mud after working on a farm project.

9Order of the Eastern Star

Grand Chapter of nebraska, order of the eastern starJudy Wehrbein, Worthy Grand Matron and Alvin Benemerito, Worthy Grand Patron

Greetings from Nebraska Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. 48 Nebraska sisters and brothers traveled to Fort Worth, Texas November 1-9 to Celebrate “The Nature of God’s Love Around the World” 47th General Grand Chapter Triennial Assembly. We were so proud of our own who took part and we thank them for their service these past three years: Jan Thoman, GGC Membership Committee, Carole DeMoss, GGC Ambassador Committee to the Philippines, Jill Ramsey, GGC OES Journal Committee, and Betty Kirby GGC Service Dog Committee. Our thanks to Billie Mattern, PGM who arranged the bus trip for our delegation, to Jerrie Wilcox, PGM who planned and hosted our Big Red Dinner and to Carol Hudkins, PGM in charge of our gift presentation to our GGCC members.

The next 2012-2015 Triennium,“Hope for Tomorrow,” began on Nov 8th with the installation of Bobbi White, Most Worthy Grand Matron (from West Virginia) and John Grobler, Most Worthy Grand Patron (from Washington). We extend Congratulations to the following who were ap-pointed to GGC Committees from Nebraska: Jerrie Wilcox, PGM Credentials, Billie Mattern, PGM Eastern Star Journal, Robert Sorensen, Shrine Charities, Betty Garwood, PGM, Chairman of the Youth Committee, Carole DeMoss, PGM Deputy to the MWGM in Hawaii, Susan Andreasen PGM and Judy Bespalec, PGM, Bobbi’s Forever Friends and Cathy Wagner, Grand Secretary Emeritus, elected President of the International Grand Secretaries Association. We wish them all well in their new appointments.

Take time to Celebrate our Star wherever you are and never hesitate to share your enthusiasm for our beautiful Order. See what’s going on by checking out our web site, discussion board, facebook and Event Calendar, and be sure to include your activities, so we can plan to visit you. We will look forward to seeing all of you at our Grand Session next May 14-16 in Kearney. It’s going to be a Celebration!!

Our Star blessings and love to you all!

Nebraska Eastern Star Continues their

CELEBRATION!by Judy Wehrbein, Worthy Grand Matron

The Nebraska delegation at the Big Red Dinner at the 47th Triennial Assembly of General Grand Chapter in Forth Worth Texas.

The International Grand Secretaries’ Association met for its 34th triennial meeting on November 5, 2012 in conjunction with the 47th General Grand Chapter Assembly in Fort Worth, Texas. The meet-ing was preceded by an early morning breakfast held jointly with the International Grand Treasurers’ Association. Sister Cathy Wagner, Grand Secretary Emeritus of Nebraska, who has served as an officer of the organization for the past nine years was elected and installed as President at the close of the meeting. She will serve in this capacity for the next three years, until the close of the 48th Triennial Assembly which will be held in Pittsburg, PA October 29-November 5, 2015.

Grand Secretaries work closely together throughout the years, mostly via phone and email conversations, so it is with great excite-ment that many attending the meeting met each other face-to-face, perhaps for the first time. During the meeting reports were given by Betty Duncan, PGM, GSE of Wyoming, President; Cathy Wagner, GSE of Nebraska, Vice President, who presented a brief memorial service and gave a report on the History Books kept by IGSA; Dottie Higgs, PGS of Kansas who gave the Secretary/Treasurer’s report. One of the highlights of the meeting was a presentation from the Right Worthy Grand Secretary, Alma Lynn Bane giving some instructions to Grand Secretaries followed by a question and answer period. She announced the beginning of a new project called the “1618 Project” that will benefit the Eastern Star International Headquarters in Washington DC, the home of the office of the Right Worthy Grand Secretary.

Newly elected officers were installed at the close of the meeting by Sisters Betty Duncan, 2009-2012 President, Installing Officer and Jan Thoman, PGM, Grand Secretary of Nebraska, Installing Marshal. Those installed with Sister Cathy were Terrie Castay, PGM, GS of Louisiana, Vice President; Lynne Atkinson, PGS, AGM of Ontario, Secretary/Treasurer.

It will be no surprise to OES members in Nebraska that Sister Cathy has chosen the theme of “Attitude” for this Triennium. In her acceptance remarks she reminded the present and past Grand Secretaries that they are in a perfect position to promote a positive attitude among the Grand Officers and members of their respective jurisdictions. She thanked the members of the Grand Chapter of Nebraska for their support over the years and in particular Sister Jan Thoman for her assistance at the meeting and for serving as Installing Marshal.

The purpose of IGSA is to mutually assist Grand Secretaries in their official capacities, to pro-mote social interaction, strength-en the ties of fraternal love and to inspire love for the principles of the Order of the Eastern Star. Membership is open to all past and present Grand Secretaries in all jurisdictions under the Gen-eral Grand Chapter and in other jurisdictions recognized by the General Grand Chapter. IGSA sponsors an email group which is available to all dues paying members and it has proven to be a valuable tool in communicat-ing joys and sorrows among the group as well as assisting each other with work issues.

Nebraska Members Participate in Grand Secretaries’ Meeting

Jan Thoman, PGM, Grand Secretary of Nebraska, Installing Marshal, IGSA Installation and Cathy Wagner, Grand Secretary Emeritus of Nebraska, President, IGSA 2012-2015.

10 Nebraska Masonic Youth Groups

InternatIonal order of the raInbow for GIrls

Betty Garwood, Supreme Deputy

Nebraska Job’s DaughtersRobin Brown, Grand Guardian

Bob Williams, Associate Grand GuardianKaylee Jenkins-Grand Bethel Honored QueenJazmine Jirsak-Miss Nebraska Job’s Daughter

Julia Williams-Miss Nebraska Congenialityby Sami Voshell, Grand Worthy Advisor

Seasons Greetings! Boy has Nebraska Rainbow been busy this fall! Girls and adults from all over the state gathered to-gether in Norfolk for our annual Mini Grand conference. The weekend was spent making new friends, rekindling old friend-ships, and of course having some fun. Mini Grand also held the finish of my first Grand Worthy Advisor’s project. Over the past five months Rainbow Assemblies, and our sponsoring orders, have been collecting cold weather attire to benefit the Open Door Mission in Omaha. I am happy to report that through our hard work, and your assistance, Nebraska Rainbow collected 611 items to benefit the homeless and low income families!

Our other projects are progressing incredibly well. We are focusing on performing hands on service, and are hard at work collecting pop tabs for Ronald McDonald House Charities with the goal of collecting 1 million tabs by Grand Assembly in June. If you would like to help us with this effort, please contact your local Rainbow Assembly or myself. Initiations this fall at Westside #22 and Elkhorn Waterloo #38 brought new members into our order, for a total of eight new members so far this year.

This fall, we also held our annual Grand Cross ceremony and banquet hosted by Weeping Water Assembly #5. We were very pleased to be able to confer the degree upon Pamela McLeod from Lincoln #6 and Sophie Wagner from Athena #24 who were unable to attend the ceremony at Grand Assembly.

Lastly, I would like to thank Grand Lodge for their invitation to Annual Communication. Supreme Deputy, Betty, and I are looking forward to attending, greeting each of you personally, and speaking with you about our beautiful order. On behalf of Supreme Deputy Betty, Member of the House of Gold, Thelma, and myself, I would like to wish you and your family a blessed holiday season and a very happy new year!

The Hike Fund Inc. is a non-profit charity incorporated under the laws of the state of Nebraska and registered with the Internal Revenue Service as a tax exempt charity. It is administered by a Board of Directors composed of individuals in the fields of audiology, business, education, labor, law and medicine. The HIKE Fund Inc. has awarded many types of devices for the hearing impaired

including: Hearing Aids, FM Systems, Closed Caption Con-verters, Tactile Units, Alerting Systems, and Specialized Sports Equipment.

Through HIKE, Job’s Daughters International has embraced the needs of hearing impaired children. The HIKE Fund, Inc. has provided children with hearing assistive devices since 1986. If you know of a child who needs a hearing assistive device and is financially unable to obtain assistance, please contact Robin Brown at bethel4mom@yahoo.com.

The Nebraska HIKE Committee and Nebraska Job’s Daugh-ters have been busy awarding families in Nebraska with funds for children who are in need of assistance. Thus far this year, we have presented two families with hearing devices and we have two additional presentation scheduled in 2012. What an awesome experience for our Nebraska Job’s Daughters to be able to give the gift of hearing. Kids helping Kids!

The Nebraska Grand Family would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We look forward to seeing our Masonic Family in 2013.

“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.”

--Norman Vincent Peale

GBHQ-Kaylee, AGG-Bob, MNC-Julia, GG-Robin, and MNJD-Jazmine

11

Masonic Youth Foundati on of Nebraska

The Masonic Youth Foundati on of Nebraska, which was formerly the DeMolay Foundati on of Nebraska, has just cel-ebrated 49 years of supporti ng Nebraska Masonic Youth. The Foundati on’s mission is to provide fi nancial support to the three Nebraska Masonic youth organizati ons: De-Molay, Job’s Daughters and Rainbow for Girls. Donati ons received by the Foundati on are used for the benefi t of the three youth groups. Annually the three state youth advi-sory committ ees submit grant requests to the Foundati on for support of programs to benefi t their respecti ve Chap-ters, Bethels, and Assemblies. The Masonic Youth Founda-ti on also conducts specifi c fund raising acti viti es to support the Triennial Masonic Youth Conferences. This support has made it possible for the conferences to bring noted speak-ers and programs to more than 1,100 conference att end-ees over the past 10 years.

The Foundati on’s ability to serve and support these three vital youth programs is solely dependent upon our ability to raise funds. Our Masonic family has been our greatest supporter in the past--and we thank you for that. The furtherance of our mission is directly linked to your conti nued support. If you would like to make a tax deduct-ible donati on to the Foundati on, or become involved with the Foundati on, please mail to the Masonic Youth Founda-ti on at 202 South 19th St., Omaha NE, 68102, or contact Jim Carlton at 402-293-9323.

Greetings from Nebraska DeMolay! Every DeMolay Chapter is required to observe eight Obligatory Days during the course of the year; one of which is Frank S. Land Day. Frank S. Land was the Founder of DeMolay and chapters are required to observe that founding in a manner of their choosing on a day around November 8.

On November 3, 2012, DeMolays from Lewis M. Keene Chapter (Fremont NE) and Omaha Chapter (Omaha NE) departed bright and early from the Tangier Shrine Center with Kansas City (birthplace of DeMolay) in their sites. They arrived at DeMolay Headquarters around 10:30 AM and were met by a member of the staff who gave them a tour of Dad Land’s offi ce and the Museum Rooms. DeMolays were allowed to sit at Dad Land’s desk and view the many autographed celebrity portraits which adorned the walls. The group recognized photos of men like Harry Truman, Winston Churchill, Fulton Sheen, Walt Disney and others who were personal friends of “Dad” Land.

After a fast-food lunch, the group adjourned to a series of caves in Southwest Kansas City for an afternoon of Laser Tag. After checking into our hotel, the evening included dinner at Stroud’s (best fried chicken around) and a late night movie.

As Sunday morning dawned, DeMolays were ready to embark upon the purpose for which they had travelled. The group drove to Mount Moriah Cemetery to visit the graveside of the Founder of DeMolay. All present participated in a Memorial Service which was written several years ago by a Nebraska DeMolay Ritual Director. They also located the grave of the author of the DeMolay Ritual; Frank Marshal. Another notable buried at Mount Moriah is Walter Cronkite. The cemetery tour concluded as it has in years past with a visit to the mausoleum. The Mount Moriah Mausoleum contains a Masonic Lodge Room in the cen-ter of all of the crypts. The young men fi nd it very interesting to identify all of the Masonic symbols engraved around the lodge room. Following the c emetery tour, the group had a fast food lunch at a mall and returned to Omaha. All in all, the weekend was a very fi tting tribute to the Founder of our Order.

In closing, the State Offi cers and I look forward to greeting all at the Grand Lodge Session in Kearney. In the meantime, please enjoy a very Blessed and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Nebraska Masonic Youth Groups

NEBRASKA DEMOLAYMichael W. Stuhr, Executive Director

The Grand Lodge of Nebraska will once again sponsor a Silent Aucti on at Annual Communicati on to benefi t our Nebraska youth groups. We are asking each Masonic Body to donate at least one item for the Aucti on. Items will be on display Thursday, January 31 and Friday, February 1 at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney. The Aucti on will close Friday evening aft er the banquet. All money collected will be divided between Nebraska DeMolay, Job’s and Rainbow.

Individuals are also encouraged to support this very worthwhile acti vity with donati ons and your parti cipati on in bidding. For questi ons, contact Gene and Judy Wehrbein (402) 298-8192 or gwehrbein@jagwireless.net. Items can be dropped off at the Grand Lodge Offi ce at 1240 N. 10th Street in Lincoln before Friday, January 25.

We look forward to seeing you in Kearney for some fun in shopping, bidding and winning!

12

Year Pin Presentations50-Year Pins

Leonard O. Beckenbach, North Star No. 227Raymond W. Bieber, East Lincoln No. 210Wayne E. Boyd, Omadi No. 5John D. Carter, Jr., East Lincoln No. 210Don A. Chandler, East Lincoln No. 210Alfred F. Dunekacke, East Lincoln No. 210Robert C. Ellis, East Lincoln No. 210Bobby Embury, Plattsmouth No. 6Duane Alan Fitch, Wayne No. 120Michael L. Folkers, Covert No. 11Robert E. Gay, Platte Valley No. 32Gerald N. Gibson, North Star No. 227Gary J. Hanson, Fidelity No. 51William W. Hensman, Rob Morris No. 46Wesley W. Hornung, East Lincoln No. 210Harry E. Houghtaling, Bellevue No. 325Donald L. Hutchinson, Plattsmouth No. 6Gerald M. Kletke, Covert No. 11L. Earl Lierly, Bellevue No. 325Harry F. Lipert, Jr., East Lincoln No. 210William L. Lockhart, Plattsmouth No. 6Marcel Matousek, Fidelity No. 51Norman R. Monroe, East Lincoln No. 210Latham P. Mortensen, East Lincoln No. 210Robert D. Muse, Bellevue No. 325Kenneth W. Nelson, East Lincoln No. 210Sanford H. Nelson, East Lincoln No. 210Paul A. Nowakowski, East Lincoln No. 210Byron W. Oldham, Western Star No. 2Harry D. Ostergard, Platte Valley No. 32Dan D. Quine, Fidelity No. 51Allan R. Peate, East Lincoln No. 210Glenn V. Peterson, Rob Morris No. 46Halsey D. Phillips, Bellevue No. 325Robert V. Plank, Beatrice No. 26Glenn A. Ried, Covert No. 11Stephen M. Ruth, Fidelity No. 51William A. Schwiesow, Jr., Covert No. 11Gerald Selden, Fidelity No. 51Steven J. Silver, Covert No. 11Jay H. Speck, Plattsmouth No. 6Gerald D. Starkey, Bellevue No. 325Larry L. Steen, Bee Hive No. 184Charles E. Talmadge, Jr., Fidelity No. 51Richard W. Tejcka, East Lincoln No. 210Stephen P. Visek, John J Mercer No. 290Donald H. Wilke, Olive Branch No. 274Richard D. Wilson, Rob Morris No. 46Bert M. Wommack, John J Mercer No. 290Robert L. Wood, East Lincoln No. 210Ross Woods, Rob Morris No. 46

60-Year PinsJohn A. Baines, Fidelity No. 51Robert L. Barchus, Fidelity No. 51James W. Bell, Fidelity No. 51John L. Bohrer, Fidelity No. 51Ralph D. Brown, John J Mercer No. 290Ronald L. Brunton, Olive Branch No. 274Dale K. Buchanan, Bee Hive No. 184Max A. Burroughs, Rob Morris No. 46Robert E. Carmichael, East Lincoln No. 210Richard M. Dustin, Fidelity No. 51James W. Edwards, Frank Welch No. 75Marvin R. Ficken, East Lincoln No. 210Dale S. Hansen, East Lincoln No. 210Dale C. Heiliger, East Lincoln No. 210Roy L. Henderson, Fidelity No. 51Donald L. Hovendick, Fidelity No. 51Stanley L. Jensen, Jr., Covert No. 11Dayle E. Johnson, East Lincoln No. 210Edwin R. Keiser, Fidelity No. 51Arthur Kolb, East Lincoln No. 210James R. Lockwood, Platte Valley No. 32Franklin A. Logan, Liberty No. 300Emanuel Luft, Liberty No. 300William O. Meyer, Rob Morris No. 46Robert F. Mitchell, Jr., Fidelity No. 51Carlton H. Moore, East Lincoln No. 210Robert J. Parker, Sr., Mid-West No. 317Frank W. Rall, East Lincoln No. 210Charles A. Rommel, Bee Hive No. 184Theodore F. Schrader, Bee Hive No. 184Charles E. Strong, Omadi No. 5Everet W. Taylor, East Lincoln No. 210Eldon E. Teten, Western Star No. 2Dewayne Triplett, Rob Morris No. 46Duane L. Tunnyhill, Bee Hive No. 184Paul S. Waller, York No. 56Donald F. Wulf, Western Star No. 2

70-Year PinsW. Wayne Parker, Bee Hive No. 184Allan E. White, Plattsmouth No. 6Carroll E. Wilson, Platte Valley No. 32

Brothers of Keystone Lodge No. 62 in Phillips presented a 60-year membership award to W. Brother Mylus Robison on June 30, 2012.

Brother Leonard Beckenbach (left) of North Star Lodge No. 227 in Lincoln received a 50-year pin at his home in September. The presentation was made by Secretary Steve Wetzel.

Brother Duane Tunnyhill (left) received his 60-year pin at a banquet held in his honor from W.B. Robert Waite of Bee Hive Lodge No. 184.

M.W. Michael E Jones, Past Grand Master and Worshipful Master of Fidelity Lodge No. 51 in David City presented year pin awards to Steve Ruth, Marcel Matousek, and Gerald Seldon.

A 50-year pin for Jerry DeWitt, a member of Oliver Lodge No. 38 in Seward, was presented posthumously to his son Rick Timmerman by W.M. Clayton Wells, Master of Beatrice Lodge No. 26 in October. W.B. Wells made the courtesy presentation for the lodge in Seward since Brother Timmerman is a member of the Lodge in Beatrice.

Tekamah Lodge No. 31 presented Robert Rice with his 60-year pin. Left to right are W.B. Chuck Goll, Robert’s wife, and Brother Robert Rice.

13

BRONzE JORDAN MEDALS AWARDEDAlvin Anderson was presented the Bronze Jordan Medal for

Blue River Lodge No. 30 on August 26, 2012. The presentation was made by W.M. Dennis Reichenberg and Dick Dugdale, Secretary.

Mizpah Lodge No. 302 presented the Bronze Jordan Medal to Leonard L. Finnegan on August 29, 2012. Pictured right are W.M. Bill Stone, W.B. Leonard Finnegan and W.B. Craig Crawford, Sec-retary.

Thomas L. Miller (at left) was awarded the Bronze Jordan Medal from Minnekadusa Lodge No. 192 in Valentine on September 26, 2012.

Ashlar Lodge No. 33 in Grand Island presented the Bronze Jordan Medal to Robert L. Ellsworth on November 4, 2012.

Reuben Keller was present-ed the Bronze Jordan Medal for George Washington Lodge No. 250

on October 19, 2012. The presentation was made at Brother Keller’s home in Adams by Senior Warden John Kirby and Secretary Don Eisenbarth.

Eugene G. Edwards of Lincoln, was presented the Bronze Jordan Medal for Justice Lodge No. 180 at Benkelman. The presentation was made November 26, 2012 by Past Master Thomas M. Jones.

Brother Dr. Lawrence “Larry” R. James received the Bronze Jordan Medal on November 20 at the Past Master Dinner held by George W. Lininger Lodge No. 268. Making the presenta-tion on behalf of the Lodge was W∴M∴ Doug Lewis, with the as-sistance of Brother James’ son Chip. Pictured are Broth-er Chip James, Brother Dr. Larry James, W∴B∴ Doug Lewis.

Most Worshipful Grand Master Rex Moats and Worshipful Master James Carlton presented 50-year membership pins to four members of Bellevue Lodge No. 325 at the annual Membership Dinner. Pictured are W.B. Carlton, W.B. Halsey Phillips, B. Jerry Starkey, B. Harry Houghtaling, W.B. Robert Muse, and M.W.B. Moats.

A 50-year pin was presented to Duane Fitch of Wayne Lodge No. 120 in October at Mimi's Restaurant in Colorado Springs, CO. W.B. Robert Carhart, Tyler and Past Master of Wayne Lodge and his wife were traveling to Arizona and were able to meet with Duane and his wife Pat to make the presentation.

W.B. Wi l l iam G . W a l l a c e received a 70-year pin from Blaz ing Star Lodge No. 200. P ic tured are

W.B. Brother Alan Petersen, W.B. Wallace and W.B. Robert Moninger, Grand Orator. Brother Wallace turned 99 years old in August 2012. Gaylord and his late wife, Alda, made the Masonic Lodge and the Eastern Star the centers of their lives. We honor this fellow Brother and are most fortunate to have the opportunity to call him our Brother.

Three members of Mizpah Lodge No. 302 in Omaha received 60-year pins in August. Pictured are Barbara Barchus (spouse), Brother Robert L. Barchus (60-yr), Brother John A. Baines (60-yr), W.M. Bill Stone reading the certificate, and Brother Robert F. Mitchell Jr. (60-yr).

Edwin Keiser was presented with a 60-year pin by M.W. Michael E. Jones, Master of Fidelity Lodge No. 51.

14

NORTH PLATTE MASONS HONOR LONG TIME MEMBERS AND SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

Platte Valley Lodge No. 32 held its annual awards ceremony in October. At that time Worshipful Master Jim Conner honored Worshipful Brother Carroll Wilson for his 70 years of faithful service to the Masonic community. Brother Wilson is one of the very few who achieve this distinguished award and he was present to receive the award. He also is the oldest Master Mason belonging to Platte Valley Lodge and residing in the state and, as such, holds the Bronze Jordan Medal from Platte Valley Lodge. Brothers Ellis Burton and James R. Lockwood were then honored for their 60 years of service to the Masonic community. Brother Lockwood was present and was presented with his 60 year certifi cate and pin. Brother Burton was presented his pin at an earlier date. Also honored were Brothers Robert Gay, Harry D. Ostergard and Roy Pressler for having been faithful members for 50 years, Brothers Gay and Ostergard were present; Brother Pressler was unavail-able and will receive his award later this month. W∴B∴ Conner then acknowledged Brother Robert Crawford for having reached his 25th year as a Master Mason. Worshipful Brother George T. Robertson was presented with an outstanding Service Award for his contributions to the Child Identifi cation Program sponsored by the lodge. Worshipful Master Conner then announced the winners of Platte Valley Lodge’s academic scholarships; they were Ashley Staub, $750; Kaleb Christensen, $750 and Ethan Malmkar, $300. None of the winners were able to attend the ceremony due to other commitments. Refreshments and renewal of old friendships were then enjoyed by all in the Fred and Rachel Shrake Fellowship Hall.

W.M. Jim Conner presents W. B. Carroll Wilson a 70-year pin.

When the Franklin Municipal Pool opens in the Spring, a new handicap lift will be awaiting those with challenges to enjoy the water and the pool. Franklin Lodge No. 264 Brother Ugene Blank was instrumental in a raffl e event that benefi ted the City of Franklin. Local Masonic members, as well as members of the Franklin Chapter No. 213 OES, sold raffl e tickets for three Nebraska Cornhusker football games, awarding the lucky win-ners at the September 7 football game in Franklin. The Masons and Eastern Star sold 506 raffl e tickets and received $525 in donations for their efforts.

Treasurer Jerrell Gerdes reported that the Masons and Star paid 50% of the net proceeds, after paying expenses, to the City of Franklin. The fi rst winner had the option of choosing between Michigan, Wisconsin and Penn State, then the second winner choosing from the remaining. The three winners in rank of order were Tracy Kauk of Alma, Carrie Bose of Lincoln and Todd Siel of Franklin, while many winners from the Franklin area will benefi t from the new lift for years to come.

Worshipful Master Kent Ingram and other representatives delivered a check for $2,624.50 to the City of Franklin as their proceeds from the raffl e. Treasurer Gerdes also received two anonymous gifts, one of $1,500 and one for $100 that were directed to the City of Franklin as checks from the Masonic Lodge. In total, the City is the benefactor of $4,224.50 from the event.

Franklin Lodge Gives their Community a Lift…Literally

Members of Franklin Lodge No. 264 present the check for $4,224.50 to a representative of the City of Franklin for installation of a handicap lift at the municipal pool. Picture courtesy of Franklin County Chronicle.

2013 MASONIC ALL-STAR MARCHING BAND CAMPThe 2013 Masonic All-Star Marching Band Camp will be held on the campus of the University of Nebraska-Kearney.Due to a new NCAA rule banning high school all-star football games from being played on Division I school football fi elds, in 2013, the Shrine Bowl Parade and Football Game will move to Kearney and the University of Nebraska at Kearney on Saturday, June 1.Accordingly, the Masonic Band Planning Committee has decided it is in the best interest of the camp to hold the 2013 camp on the UNK campus as well. Dates for the camp will be May 28 - June 1, 2013.

15

Members of Lebanon Lodge 323 in Columbus picked up trash along Highway 22 east of Monroe during the Lodge’s recent fall highway cleanup day. The Lodge adopted 2.5 miles of road as a civic betterment project and performs the cleanup twice yearly, in the spring and fall. Left to right are Wayne Jacobsen, Stan Fraser, Troy Medinger, Dale Reinhardt, Rick Porter, Mark Sindt, John Boyer, Dave Geringer, and Bob Wilbur. (Photo by Laura Porter)

KEEPING IT CLEAN IN COLUMBUS

Chairman of Surgery and Director of Trauma at Box Butte General Hospital receives the Non-Mason of the Year award from Lodge Master Gary Goodell. Dr. Willette, a Massachusetts native, joined BBGH in January of 2011. He has been an invaluable addition to the community. He has saved the lives of numerous citizens and showed true heroism and citizenship during the standoff this past summer, operating

on 3 police officers and 1 citizen who were wounded by gunfire during the situation. In his actions that day, and every day before and after, Dr. Willette demonstrates the highest ideals and moral virtues. For these many reasons, Alliance Lodge No. 183 honors him with the Non-Mason of the Year award for 2012.

allIanCe Masons Choose award wInners and support

loCal baseball teaM

Jeff Harris accepts a check for $1,000, presented by Alliance Mason Gary Goodell, to be used for Spartan Baseball. The ball team has received $5,000 from the Alliance Masons in the past 5 years. Pictured are team members Jeffrey Heckman and Jayden Holman, Harris and Goodell.

W.M. Gary Goodell places the Mason of the Year medallion on W.B. Bob Cole. Bob has been an active member for 64 years and a Past Master in Mullen and Hyannis. He has been very active in Alliance Lodge and still coaches and can give lectures. Pictured are W.B. Chris Baas, W.B. Bob Cole, and W.M. Gary Goodell.

Raising a MasonOne morning while shaving, there was a knock at the bathroom door. I did not answer, then there were more knocks; this time the knocks came in a certain number. I said “Who is it?” and my 12-year-old son answered “It’s me dad...I have something for you.” I did not open the door as I had a straight razor to my neck. I asked him what it was he had. He responded that he had something to show me. I put the razor down and opened the door and there was my son with my Masonic emblem around his neck and my ring on his finger. Naturally I had to hold in a smile, and I firmly asked him, “What do you think you are doing with those emblems?” Bright eyed, he said “Only 7 more years and I can buy these emblems for myself.” I responded to him, “You can buy any emblem you want, but the emblem you have around your neck and finger must be found.” He looked at me with a very confused look on his face and I offered up no further explanation. So he asked, “How will I know where to find it?” I told him, “You must know where you are before you begin travels.” He then asked if it was a long trip. I said, “It is, it’s a trip in which you will never be the same as when you start. You will not visually know you are at your destination; you will feel it in your heart and many start out on the journey, but never make it to their destination.” At this point he was very confused. So, he said “These emblems are very powerful, like in Harry Potter right?” I answered “Yes, they are, and wearing these emblems also come with great responsibility.”

-Author Unknown

16

Grand lodGe Calendar of events

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETINGOF MEMBERS OF THE

NEBRASKA MASONIC FOUNDATIONTO: Members of the Nebraska Masonic FoundationThe annual meeting of the members of the Nebraska Masonic Foundation will be held at the Younes Conference Center, 416 Talmadge Road, Kearney, Nebraska, on Thursday, Janu-ary 31, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. to take action on the following:1. The election of Directors of the Corporation.2. Such other business as may properly come before the meet-

ing. Thomas L. Hauder Secretary

The Emick-Masonic Youth ScholarshipThe Glenn O. and Evelyn F. Emick Memorial Schol-

arship provides a $1,000 scholarship for each of the three state colleges: Chadron, Peru, Wayne, and the Univer-sity of Nebraska at Kearney. The recipient must show a respectable scholastic record, be a Nebraska resident and active in one of the Masonic Youth organizations: DeMolay, Job’s Daughters or Rainbow for Girls. An application and further information can be acquired by writing to:

Grand Lodge of Nebraska1240 N 10th StreetLincoln, NE 68508

THE NEBRASKA MASONOFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THEGRAND LODGE A∴F∴ & A∴M∴ OF NEBRASKA1240 N 10th STREETLINCOLN, NE 68508-1125

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

MOVING? Please cut off the bottom of thispage including your old address at the rightand mail to the above address after filling inthe NEW address shown below.

New Address _______________________City ______________________________State ______________Zip ____________

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDLincoln, NE

Permit No. 1066

Jan 31 Annual Communication, Younes Center, KearneyFeb 1-2 Annual Communication, Younes Center, KearneyFeb 2 Grand Lodge Officers Installation, Younes Center,

KearneyMar 25 Masonic Education Symposium, LincolnMar 26 Masonic Education Symposium, OmahaMar 26 Masonic Education Symposium, HastingsApr 4-6 Grand York Rite, Holiday Inn, KearneyApr 27 One-day Conferral, OmahaMay 14-16 Grand Chapter OES, Younes Center, KearneyMay 28-Jun 1 Masonic All-Star Marching Band Camp,

University of Nebraska-KEARNEYJun 1 Shrine Bowl Football Classic, University of

Nebraska-KEARNEYJun 8 Shrine Soccer Classic, HastingsJun 8 Florence Lodge 281 Rededication, OmahaJune 14-16 Rainbow Grand Assembly, CreteJun 15 2nd Annual Walk Across the Bridge, OmahaJun 19-22 Job’s Grand Bethel, North Platte

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETINGOF MEMBERS OF THE NEBRASKA

FREEMASONS CHILD IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM FOUNDATION

TO: Members of the Nebraska Freemasons Child Identification Program Foundation

The annual meeting of the members of the Nebraska Freemasons Child Identification Program Foundation will be held at the Younes Conference Center, 416 Talmadge Road, Kearney, Nebraska, on Thursday, January 31, 2013, at 4:00 p.m. to take action on the following:1. The election of Directors of the Corporation.2. Such other business as may properly come before the

meeting. James B. Hyland Secretary/Treasurer

The Nebraska Mason is produced quarterly and distributed to more than 17,000 members of the Masonic Family. Copy for articles is due at the Grand Lodge Office on or before the following dates. Articles received after these deadlines will be held for possible inclusion in future issues:

March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1

Send articles to:The Nebraska Mason

Office of the Grand Lodge1240 N 10th Street

Lincoln, NE 68508-1125(402) 475-4640

or(800) 558-8029

Fax: (402) 475-4736E-mail: michelle@glne.org

Produced, edited, and proofed by Michelle Fulmer and Carol Schroeder