Grand Lodge Area Meeting Held in Wayne

Following the April 25^th Northeast Grand Lodge Area Meeting hosted by Corinthian Lodge No. 83, those who were able to remain behind enjoyed an excellent treat and ice cream prepared by WB Frank Teach.  The meeting was facilitated by the Deputy Grand Master, Ron Stites, during which the Grand Master Moninger’s programs and projects were discussed.  Additionally the attendees provided a number of suggestions for the Grand Lodge to consider for improving the conduct of the lodge meetings, expanding technology for meetings, suggestions for awards criteria, and improving Masonic educational materials.

 

Papillion Lecture Series Featuring MW Myers

Omaha Area Masons gathered at Papillion Lodge No. 39 on April 23^rd for a guest lecture series that Papillion Lodge is sponsoring in 2019 under the leadership of WM Daniel Marr.  The presentation was made by MW Rick Myers on a program to effectively target and obtain candidates for lodge membership.  The program was developed by the Renaissance Lodge No. 332 to specifically identify ideas and programs for membership recruitment and was well received by those in attendance.  In attendance were Grand Master Bob Moninger, Deputy Grand Master Ron Stites, Grand Tyler Larry Donner, and nearly 20 Masons.

 

Easter Baskets for the Children’s Home

The week before Easter, members of Sesostris Shrine and Hickman Lodge No. 256 in Lincoln delivered 30 Easter Baskets to children at the Masonic-Eastern Star Home for Children in Fremont. As you can see from the pictures, the baskets brought big smiles to the faces of the children.

 

Flags Raised at the Grand Lodge Office

After many weather delays, the exterior renovations at the Grand Lodge Office are nearing completion, including the installation of the flag pole, which was paid for with donations from many lodges and individuals. The flags were finally raised at the Grand Lodge Office on Tuesday, April 17th. The Grand Lodge would like to thank the many generous donors that contributed to the flag pole project. It is a grand addition to the exterior of the building.

 

Bellevue Member Earns Full Form Proficiency Challenge Coin

On April 17, RW Jim Carlton, Grand Senior Warden, presented a Grand Masters Full Form Proficiency Excellence Challenge Ccoin to Brother Tracy McClarnon of Bellevue Lodge No. 325 for demonstrating outstanding proficiency answering the questions in Q & A for the Fellow Craft degree. Also pictured is Senior Warden Kyle Beckner, who was sitting as Worshipful Master for the evening.

 

Lincoln Area Meeting

Grand Senior Deacon John Millington meets with lodge representatives at the Lincoln Area Meeting on Tuesday, April 17 at East Lincoln 210.  Not pictured is Deputy Grand Master, RWB Ron Stites.

 

Table Lodge and Awards at Lininger Lodge

April 16^th was the date of the George W. Lininger Lodge No. 268 Annual Table Lodge and membership awards.  RW Ron Stites was presented his 25-year membership pin and certificate by MW Bob Moninger and WM Andrew Muska.  From left to right are RW Stites, MW Moninger, and WM Muska.

 

Grand Lodge Officers Visit Lone Tree Lodge in Central City

Grand Masters Personal Representative, WB Wayne Vian, made an official visit to Lone Tree Lodge No 36 on April 11^th to obtain feedback from the brethren of Lone Tree Lodge and present the Grand Masters Goals and Programs for 2019.  Also in attendance was the Deputy Grand Master, RW Ron Stites, who was attending to facilitate the vote by Lone Tree Lodge for Albion Lodge No 78 to consolidate with Lone Tree Lodge which was approved.  Shown in the photo are the brethren of Lone Tree Lodge No 36 and RW Stites and WB Vian.

On April 11^th the Master of Aurora Lodge No 68, WM John Lowe, and four brothers traveled to Central City to present the Sonny Eatmon Traveling Gavel to Lone Tree Lodge No 36.  Pictured on the left are brethren of Lone Tree Lodge and on the right brethren of Aurora Lodge.

Personal Representative of the Grand Master, WB Wayne Vian, made an official visit to Lone Tree Lodge No 36 on April 11^th to obtain feedback from the brethren of Lone Tree Lodge and present the Grand Masters Goals and Programs for 2019.  Also in attendance was the Deputy Grand Master, RW Ron Stites, who was attending to facilitate the vote by Lone Tree Lodge for Albion Lodge No 78 to consolidate with Lone Tree Lodge which was approved.  Shown in the photo are the brethren of Lone Tree Lodge No 36 and RW Stites and WB Vian.

 

Masonic Rights to be Given at Custer National Cemetery

The Grand Lodges of Montana and North Dakota will give Masonic rites to two brothers buried at the Custer National Cemetery at the Little Big Horn in Montana on Saturday, April 27th, at 10 a.m. Bvt. Brig. Gen. Marcus Reno and Capt. William Logan didn’t receive Masonic rites at their burials. Grand Masters M.W.Bro. Dale Sandstrom (ND) and M.W.Bro. Jeff Harada (MT) will preside. Invited to assist with the ceremony is Nebraska Past Grand Master Russ Reno, a first cousin to Marcus. History buffs and Masons desiring to witness this historic final Masonic tribute are invited to attend. Rooms are available in Hardin, MT, at the Roadway Inn at 605-665-1870. For a lower rate, mention that you are with the Masons.

 

Deputy Grand Master Assists with Pin Presentations at Covert 11

On April 10^th at Covert Lodge No. 11, R.W. Ron Stites, Deputy Grand Master, and W.M. Don Mastny, 2019 Master of Covert Lodge, presented two 60-year, one 65-year, and one 70-year membership awards at Covert Lodge’s Annual Honors Night recognizing Past Masters and presenting of membership awards.  Following a steak dinner for the nearly 50 attendees prepared by the brethren and served by Bethel #18 Jobs Daughters, the presentations were made.  Shown are the recipients of the awards;  from left to right are Louis Worm-65 years, Don Mastny, Ralph Hayner-70 years, Ron Stites, Gerald Wilkie-60 years, and Donald Ellis-60 years.