Custodian School Held in Bridgeport

The Grand Lodge of Nebraska was excited to hold the first known Custodian School in the panhandle in recent history. Designed to reduce travel for Deputy Grand Custodians (DGCs), the Grand Lodge will be holding several Custodian Schools this year across the state like this one in Bridgeport, instead of just one. All DGCs in the panhandle attended with the exception of one, who is recovering from an injury and sent his regrets.

Pictured in the photo, left to right, are: Grand Custodian Patrick Barger, DGC Marc Carley, Grand Master and DGC Jim Carlton, Grand Junior Deacon and DGC John Herbolsheimer, Grand Junior Warden and DGC John Ferguson, DGC Brad Dutton, Apprentice Denny Meyer, Personal Representative of the Grand Master and DGC Jeff Buhrman, and Grand Junior Steward and Apprentice Eric BenSalah.  Attending the school but not pictured were DGC Richard Cooper, Apprentice Christian Soseman, and DGC Sean Sutherland.

 

College View Holds Meeting in Columbus

Five members of College View Lodge No. 320 in Lincoln traveled to Columbus on May 5th to hold their May business meeting at Lebanon Lodge No. 323. Nine members of Lebanon Lodge joined as well. This tradition was started in 2014 in an effort to bring the lodge to our senior lodge member, WB Donald Schaufelberger, who was unable to attend lodge in Lincoln after moving to Columbus. The tradition has carried on since then, even with Don‘s passing back in 2019. The camaraderie between the two lodges continues to grow each and every year. “Thanks to Lebanon Lodge for allowing us to utilize their lodge building again this year and for supporting us as always.”

 

Solomon and Washington Lodges hold Joint Awards Recognition Dinner

On May 4, 2021, Solomon Lodge No. 10 in Fort Calhoun and Washington Lodge No. 21 in Blair held a joint member awards night. Most Worshipful Grand Master Jim Carlton was on hand to make the presentations.  Most Worshipful Past Grand Master Phil Lorenzen served as emcee (a member of both lodges) The Invocation was given by W.B. Rod Hansen of Washington Lodge. The awardees were announced by W.M. Stu Sprick (Solomon) and S.W. Trent Hansen (Washington).  There were 52 members and guests present for a rib eye steak and potato dinner.

Group photo left to right: W.M. Stu Sprick (Solomon 10), Charles A. Pleak (Solomon, 50-yr 2020), Nile Johnson (Washington, 50-yr), James Ryan (Solomon, 50-yr), Jack Lorenzen (Solomon, 60-yr), M.W. Jim Carlton, Herb Coulter (Washington, 50-yr), Frank Korshoj (Washington, 50-yr), S.W. Trent Hansen (Washington).

 

George W Lininger Lodge Holds Annual Table Lodge

On the evening of April 20, 2021, 33 Mason’s gathered at the Omaha Valley Scottish Rite Center for the Annual George W. Lininger Lodge No. 268 Table Lodge. This was the 30^th consecutive year for George W. Lininger’s Table Lodge – members recall only goes that far – that even the 2020 Pandemic could not stop.  George W. Lininger Lodge was honored to have M.W.B. Freddie Clopton, Grand Master of Nebraska Prince Hall Masons, in attendance as well as a number of Nebraska Grand Lodge Past Grand Masters.  M.W.B. Clopton brought greetings from the Prince Hall Masons.  In addition to the “festive board” and obligatory toasting, in keeping with tradition of George W. Lininger Table Lodges, it recognized its long time members.  

B. John Williamson was presented his 50-year pin and certificate and W.B. Bill Craig received his 60-year pin and certificate.  B. Dennis Thomte was not able to attend due to a death in the family, but he was recognized as a 65-year member.  B. Thomte will be presented his 65-year pin and certificate at a later date. Additionally the 25-year members were not able to attend, but were recognized.  The following will be presented their 25-year pin and certificate in the near future:  Brothers Daniel Elmore, Lawrence James, II, Michael Lawson, Michael McIntyre, and Danny Stanley.

Pictured from left to right:  M.W.B. Clopton, B. Williamson, W.B. Bill Craig, M.W.B John Parsons, W.M. George “Fritz” McMullin.  Photo by M.W.B. Ron Stites.

 

New Member Initiated at Plattsmouth

Plattsmouth Lodge No. 6 initiated new member Austin Hicks on Thursday, April 29th. Pictured (L to R): WBro. Eric BenSalah, Grand Junior Steward – Bro. Austin Hicks – WBro./Master Matthew Hullett.

 

First Existing MM Accepts Challenge to Earn Proficiency Coins

Worshipful Brother Jeff Buhrman of Tabula Rasa Lodge No. 332 in Lincoln earned the Fellow Craft and Master Masons Proficiency Coins for Excellence at the lodge meeting in April. Most Worshipful Grand Master Jim Carlton presented the coins. Brother Jeff is the first to accept the challenge (this year only) to existing Master Masons to learn the Q&As for the FIRST TIME and compete for a coin.

Pictured are R.W. Grand Senior Warden John Millington, M.W. Grand Custodian Patrick Barger, W.B. Jeff Buhrman, M.W. Grand Master Jim Carlton, and W.B. Grand Tyler Hal Cottrell.

 

Cotner Member Presented with 60-year Pin

On April 23, 2021, W.B. James B. Hyland was presented with his 60-year membership pin and certificate at the Past Master’s Dinner for Cotner Lodge No. 297 in Omaha. Cotner Lodge’s Past Masters Dinner. There were several in attendance for the dinner. W.M. Jeff Axelson made the presentation, with Jim’s wife Alma.

 

Two Members of Bellevue Lodge Earn Proficiency Coins

At a Special Communication of Bellevue Lodge No 325 on April 21, 2021, two members earned Grand Master’s Proficiency Coins for Excellence.

Brother Josh Hall was presented with the Master Mason Proficiency Coin, and Brother Jocef Hernandez was presented with the Fellow Craft Proficiency Coin. 

Pictured at left are Most Worshipful Jim Carlton, Bro. Josh Hall, Worshipful Master Bill Pickle, and Bro. Kenn Thompson (in the background).  

Pictured at right are Most Worshipful Jim Carlton, Bro. Jocef Hernandez, Worshipful Master Bill Pickle, and Bro. Kenn Thompson (in the background).  

 

New Member of Rob Morris Lodge

On April 21, 2021, Rob Morris Lodge No. 46 in Kearney held an Entered Apprentice Degree to initiate their newest member, Frank Sedem. He is pictured front-center with the brothers in attendance at the degree. Congratulations, Brother Sedem.

 

Members of Mercer Visit Iowa Lodge

The Brethren of John J. Mercer Lodge No. 290 in Omaha were out traveling again. This time to Cobia Lodge No. 631 in Council Bluffs, IA. Past Master (Mercer) John Dimon, DGC is a plural member of the Lodge. His late father is also a Past Master of Cobia.