Bellevue Brother Earns Proficiency Coin

Brother James Meaney was awarded the Grand Master’s Full Form Proficiency Excellence Coin in the Fellow Craft degree on November 23rd at Bellevue Lodge No. 325. Pictured are Worshipful Master Kyle Beckner, Brother Meaney, and Deputy Grand Master Jim Carlton. James is an active duty Marine Gunnery Sergeant who is readying himself for a reassignment to Virginia in December. The Brethren of Bellevue appreciate his desire to become a Master Mason before he departs, and are calling Special Communications to confer his degrees and evaluate proficiency. 

 

Lininger Lodge Holds Annual Table Lodge

On November 17, 2020, George W. Lininger Lodge No. 268 in Omaha held its annual Table Lodge and included a tribute to the Past Masters of the Lodge and recognized those who were 55- and 65-year members.  The Table Lodge was originally scheduled for April 21, 2020, but like everything else in the country at that time it was delayed due to the COVID pandemic.  Attendance may not have been what it has been in past years, but those who were able to attend will remember the event and brotherhood.  Referring to the gathering as the COVID 17 based on the attendance, a fantastic meal was enjoyed by all.  The evening included the traditional toasting and a lot of good natured ribbing of all in attendance that included one of the Lodge’s newest initiates, B Jesus Sanchez.  Shown in the photo are the attendees, except for WB AJ Johnson, who was serving as the Paparazzi.

 

Two Members Earn Individual Proficiency

On November 15th, W.B. George McMullin (left) of George W Lininger Lodge No. 268 in Omaha and W.B. Bill Pickle (right) of Bellevue Lodge No. 325 earned their full individual proficiency certifications. John Herbolsheimer (center), Grand Orator and Deputy Grand Custodian, led the class.

 

Grand Master Proficiency Coins Awarded at Bellevue

Two brothers of Bellevue Lodge No. 325 were awarded Grand Master’s Proficiency Excellence coins on November 11. Pictured are Brother James Meany, who earned his EA coin, and Brother Koko Sessou, who earned his MM coin. Also shown are Brother Dan Alati, mentor for both winners; Worshipful Master Kyle Beckner; and Deputy Grand Master Jim Carlton.

 

Bellevue Masons Make Improvements to Property

On Nov 7, 2020 members of Bellevue Lodge #325 replaced the sidewalk in front of their lodge.  The square and compass was stamped into the pavement in the northeast corner. Pictured are W.B. Myron Bell, Sr., Br. Jason Kamer, Br. Bill Pickle, Br. Ben Pickle, Br. David Pickle, Br. Mo Krishna, Br. Bill Raymond, Br. Kenn Thompson.  

 

Bellevue Mason Awarded Individual Proficiency

Brother Dan Alati was presented with his Individual Proficiency certificate, card, and pin by Deputy Grand Master Jim Carlton at the Regular Communication of Bellevue Lodge No. 325 on November 4. Brother Dan attended the Omaha area Grand Lodge Proficiency Class to reach this achievement. He came in under the short form proficiency requirements and felt compelled to learn the Q&A’s, as he wanted to mentor new candidates. He has now earned all three Grand Master’s coins, and mentored several Masons in doing likewise. We should all be proud of the efforts of Dan Alati, the Junior Steward of Bellevue Lodge. 

 

Giving Blood to Give Back

Masons around the state continue to do what they can to give back to their communities and help others. Grand Chaplain Roger Moore of Waterloo Lodge No. 102 in Elkhorn recently made his third blood donation of the year.

 

Western Star Lodge Giving Back to the Community through Donations to Schools

Members of Western Star Lodge No. 2 in Nebraska City presented Northside Elementary School with a donation to help their fundraising efforts. Pictured below are Worshipful Brother Andy Lagerstrom, Worshipful Brother John Grant, Secretary, and Worshipful Brother Mike Njus of Western Star Lodge, with Principal Mr. Brent Gaswick of Northside Elementary. The school is raising funds for an indoor rock climbing wall.

Members of Western Star Lodge also presented Hayward Elementary School with a donation to help their fundraising efforts. Pictured are Worshipful Brother John Grant, Secretary, Worshipful Brother Andy Lagerstrom, Worshipful Brother Joseph Musumeci and Worshipful Brother Mike Njus of Western Star Lodge, with Principal Mr. Davis of Hayward Elementary. They are raising funds for outdoor classroom tables.

 

College View Initiates Newest Member

On October 28, 2020, College View Lodge No. 320 in Lincoln welcomed its newest member, Steven Johnson, who was initiated into the Entered Apprentice degree.  Brother David Johnson conferred the degree as Worshipful Master, with W.B. Curtis Wolbert as Senior Warden, W.B. John Cramer (Cotner Lodge No. 297) as Junior Warden, W.B. Thomas Anderson as Senior Deacon, Brother Scott Buck as Junior Deacon, W.B. Brian Goninan (Hickman Lodge No. 256) as Senior Steward, Brother Scott Gossett as Junior Steward, and W.B. Bruce Watkins as Tyler.  W.B. Thomas Anderson and W.B. Curtis Wolbert gave the Questions and Answers lecture, W.B. Bruce Watkins gave the second section lecture, W.B. Thomas Anderson gave the third section lecture, and W.B. Bruce Watkins issued the Charge as well. Thanks to all of the brethren who helped bring Brother Johnson into the fraternity this evening.

 

Bellevue Mason Wins Proficiency Coin

Brother Koko Sessou gave an error-free presentation of Answers in the Fellow Craft Degree Q&A when proving up prior to his Master Mason Degree in Bellevue Lodge No. 325 on October 21, 2020. To recognize his outstanding performance, Deputy Grand Master Jim Carlton awarded him the Grand Master’s Full Form Proficiency Excellence Coin. Pictured left to right are Brother Dan Alati (Koko’s mentor), Worshipful Master Kyle Beckner, Brother Sessou, and R.W. Jim Carlton.