Grand Lodge School of Instruction Held in Kearney

Deputy Grand Custodians gathered July 18, 2020 in Kearney at Rob Morris Lodge No. 46 for a School of Instruction led by the Grand Custodian Delmar Jones. Nearly 20 Deputy Grand Custodians and Apprentice Custodians attended the annual School. 

A point of interest was the review of the “adjustments” for the conducting of candidates for their Masonic Degrees due to COVID and CDC guidelines.  The “adjustments” will be disseminated in the near future to all Nebraska Lodges for an anticipated August 1, 2020 return to conferring degrees and opening lodges in any of the three degrees.

 

The Sonny Eatmon Gavel is on the Move Again

Members of George W. Lininger Lodge No. 268 presented the Grand Lodge James L. “Sonny” Eatmon Traveling Gavel to Western Star Lodge No. 2 on July 16, 2020.  The presentation was originally scheduled for March 19, 2020, but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Shown left to right from George W. Lininger Lodge No. 268 are W.B. Andrew Muska, PM; Bro. Mario Buda, Senior Deacon;, and W.M. Don Leu, Master, with W.M. Leu handing the Eatmon Gavel to W.M. Ed Reed, Master of Western Star Lodge No. 2.  The second photo shows all members of Western Star Lodge No. 2 and George W. Lininger Lodge No. 268 present for the Eatmon Gavel presentation.

 

Brothers Honored for 25 Years of Individual Proficiency

Two Worshipful Brothers were recently recognized for earning 25 years of being individually certified proficient. They each received a letter of congratulations and acknowledgement from Grand Custodian Delmar Jones and a 25-year Eternal Certification Card.

At the regular communication of Western Star Lodge No. 2 on July 16, 2020, M.W. Ron Stites presented W.B. David Wetrosky with his 25-year certification letter and card (top picture). W.B. David also serves as the Deputy Grand Custodian for District 2 that includes Western Star Lodge No. 2, Plattsmouth Lodge No. 6, Euclid Lodge No. 97, and Union Lodge No. 287.

At the School of Instruction held on July 18, 2020 in Kearney, M.W. Ron Stites and Delmar Jones presented W.B. Jeffrey Merriman with his 25-year certification letter and card (bottom picture). W.B. Jeffrey also serves as the Deputy Grand Custodian for District 35 that includes Papillion Lodge No. 39, Omaha Lodge No. 288 and Miloma Lodge No. 328. 

Well done Worshipful Brothers David and Jeffrey!

 

Lodge Leadership Seminars Begin Around the State

The first of the six 2020 Grand Lodge Lodge Leadership Seminars was held July 11, 2020 in Kearney Nebraska.  W.B. AJ Johnson, standing, a member of the Grand Lodge Lodge Leadership Committee was the facilitator.  Attendees pictured seated from left to right are WB Ron Nielsen, WB Jerrell Gerdes, Grand Senior Warden, RW Alex Straatmann, and the Grand Custodian, WB Delmar Jones.  Also attending was the Grand Master, Ron Stites.  While the attendees were small in number the information exchange concerning lodge leadership was beneficial and some will incorporated into future Grand Lodge publications.

 

Courtesy Pin Presentation for Illinois Lodge

On July 16, 2020, Grand Master Ron Stites was pleased to be able to make a courtesy year-pin presentation to Brother Michael LaCroix for Black Hawk Lodge No. 238 in Illinois. Brother LaCroix became a Mason in Illinois and now resides in Omaha. He is a dual member of Covert Lodge No. 11. Brother LaCroix’s wife Carol was happy to do the honors of placing the pin on his collar.

 

Open for Business!

On Wednesday, July 1, 2020, Rob Morris Lodge No. 46 in Kearney held its first regular communication after the Grand Master lifted the ban on all lodge activities due to COVID-19. All members who attended wore masks and were very happy to be able to gather together again.

 

iPad for Nebraska Masonic Home Residents

The Omaha Area Masters and Wardens Club presented The Nebraska Masonic Home with an iPad for resident use on June 9, 2020.  iPads are used by residents to FaceTime with their families.  As you might guess, the iPads receive a lot of use, especially during the current COVID-19 Pandemic threat and restrictions. 

Pictured in front of the Home are George “Fritz” McMullin, Club President, Mary Russell with the iPad, Nebraska Masonic Home Executive Director, and Past Grand Master John Maxell, Club Secretary.

 

Nebraska Masonic Blood Drive Going Strong

Have you donated blood yet? John Herbolsheimer, Grand Orator, added his name to the list of donors last week.

The need for blood products is ongoing. My father was hospitalized last week and needed two transfusions. I thank the donors who gave to allow him to be treated. (Michelle)

As elective surgeries are starting to be allowed again, the need for blood will be increasing. Call your local blood donation site to make an appointment and be counted in the Nebraska Masonic Blood Drive Challenge. We can make a difference.

 

BeAFreemason.org – A message from the Grand Master

A message about www.beafreemason.org from Grand Lodge of Nebraska on Vimeo.

 

Craftsmen Lodge Creates and Donates Face Shields

With the Covid-19 pandemic affecting nearly every aspect of our lives these days, the Brethren of Craftsmen Lodge No. 314 in Lincoln decided to make a difference.  As we all know, personal protective equipment (PPE) is in very short supply.  A member of Craftsmen Lodge decided to put a recreational hobby to work. 

In a span of two weeks, the donations of the members of Craftsmen Lodge allowed over 600 reusable 3D-printed face shields to be presented to Lincoln-area medical personnel.

The assembled face shields are re-usable.

400 3D-printed headbands for the face shield assembly take up two four-foot rails.