On May 26, 2021, Brother Bryan Grafft earned the Grand Master’s Entered Apprentice Proficiency Coin. W.B. Hal Cottrell, Grand Tyler and Deputy Grand Custodian, made the presentation prior to Br. Bryan being passed to the degree of a Fellow Craft mason.
On May 25, 2021, Brother William Coenen was initated into the Fraternity at Craftsmen Lodge No. 314 in Lincoln. He was joined by several visiting brethren from other Lodges. The lodge would like to thank everyone that helped make the degree possible.
The Tribesmen MC put on their annual fundraiser for the Sesostris Shrine transportation fund. This is usually done at the Abate of Nebraska bike show which is held in February, but was postponed due to COVID. Because of lifted restrictions, the fundraiser saw one of the best turnouts in the history of the local biker community and over $30,000 was raised in one day for the fund.
The transportation fund provides food, lodging and transportation to and from appointments for patients and their families to the Shrine Children’s Hospitals for injuries or burns.
The Shrine is very thankful to the Tribesmen MC and their continued support for this yearly event and everyone that supported the endeavor.
Cyn Norman, Past Grand Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star, placed the 50-year pin from Ogalalla Lodge No. 159 on her husband Don’s label during a presentation of the pin at Grand Chapter in Kearney in May.
Prior to his being passed as a Fellow Craft, Brother Evan Chambers of George W. Lininger Lodge No. 268 demonstrated near perfect proficiency on May 18, 2021. His efforts were rewarded with presentation of the Grand Master’s Entered Apprentice Proficiency Coin for Excellence by Deputy Grand Custodian W.B. John Dimon. Brother Chambers is shown accepting the Coin from W.B. Dimon with W.M. George “Fritz” McMullin observing. Well done Brother Evan!
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.
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.”
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).
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 30th 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.
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.
Nebraska Grand Lodge 