Five New Master Masons Raised at Long Pine Lodge No. 136 in November

On November 27, 2021, Long Pine Lodge No. 136 raised five new members to the sublime degree of a Master Mason. Three members are from Long Pine Lodge No. 136 and two were done as courtesy work for Plainview Lodge No. 204. The degree included the official reception of Grand Master Jim Carlton. Grand Custodian M.W. Patrick Barger and Grand Marshal Stan Weidner also attended and assisted with the conferral.

Reception of the Grand Master

New Brethren with the Grand Officers

WM Garrett Weidner, Bro. Cody Croghan, MW Jim Carlton, Grand Master (conferred 2nd Sec), Bro. AJ Benemerito, Bro. Troy Graf and WBro. Barry Frerichs (conferred 1st Sec)

Father and Son, Alvin and new MM AJ Benemerito

New MM Troy Graf with his father’s Bible

Brethren in attendance: First Picture (Front L-R) WBro. Stan Weidner – Grand Marshal, Bro. Mike Jaeger (204), Bro. Cody Croghan, Bro. Christian Beaudette (204), MW James Carlton – Grand Master, Bro. AJ Benemerito, Bro. Troy Graf, MW Patrick Barger – Grand Custodian and WBro. Terry Foxworthy. (Back L-R) Bro. Chandler Larsen (Blazing Star No. 200), Bro. Don Coash, WBro. Jeremiah Schartz, WBro. Garrett Weidner – Worshipful Master of Long Pine Lodge 136, Bro. Pat Kellogg, WBro. Phil Brown, WBro. Barry Frerichs, WBro. Colin Andrews – Worshipful Master of Plainview Lodge 204, WBro. Gale Retzlaff (204) and WBro. Alvin Benemerito. More pictures can be found at: longpinelodge.org

 

Vitruvian Lodge U.D. Holds First Meeting!

Vitruvian Lodge U.D. met Thursday (Nov. 18) at 1635 L St. for the first time with its officers who also are members of East Lincoln, Cotner, and Liberty lodges.

(U.D. stands for under dispensation, which is a period of time new lodges must operate to exhibit to the Grand Lodge their “Masonic ability.” The dispensation was granted by M.W. Grand Master Jim Carlton.)

Following a perfect opening, excitement filled the air as the discussion focused on initial thoughts about the operation of the new lodge to enhance the Masonic experience of all members. W.M. Tom Lagerstrom exhibited a short exercise he would use at each meeting to educate brothers about our ritual work. The response from the brethren was very positive.

Pointing to the necessity of providing a fulfilling lodge experience for all members, W.M. Tom said Vitruvian Lodge must give each brother a reason to attend that meets his personal and Masonic needs as well as the needs of the lodge.

“Vitruvian Lodge offers a positive environment to engage Masons in community service, fraternal outreach, leadership, Masonic education, Temple maintenance, financial planning, and other aspects of a thriving lodge,” he said. “Our work is based on our ritual, and we will strive to breathe life and meaning into our work. No Mason should ever leave dissatisfied, so we also will have fellowship over food to complete the experience.” 

 

Rob Morris Raises New Member

Brother Justus Melton received his Master Masons degree on November 17, 2021 in Rob Morris Lodge No. 46 in Kearney. He is pictured with brothers present for the degree.

 

New Master Mason Raised at Bee Hive Lodge

On Thursday, November 11th, Brother Heath Evans  was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason at Bee Hive Lodge No. 184 in Omaha. Twenty-one brothers from 5 lodges were represented, all providing help to make Bro. Heath’s degree a memorable success!

 

Eastern and Western Nebraska Unite for Master Mason Degree

On Monday, November 8th, four Omaha Masons traveled 436 miles to Kimball, NE to team up with the brethren of James L. Eatmon Lodge No. 294 and the surrounding area (Bridgeport, Mitchell and Sidney) for a Master Mason Degree for Bro. Dillon Hatfield. In total, 22 brethren helped raise Bro. Dillon to the sublime degree of a Master Mason.

 

Congressman Bacon Initiated in Waterloo Lodge No. 102

On Tuesday, November 9, 2021, members of Waterloo Lodge No. 102 in Elkhorn, along with several Grand Lodge Officers and members of surrounding lodges conferred the Entered Apprentice Degree on U.S. Congressman Don Bacon. Grand Master James Carlton presided as Worshipful Master for the Degree.

 

Member of Bee Hive Lodge Earns FC Proficiency Coin

Brother Heath Evans of Bee Hive Lodge No. 184 in Omaha earned the Grand Master’s Proficiency Coin for Excellence in the Fellow Craft degree at Bee Hive’s regular communication on November 4. Shown here receiving his award from W. Brother John Dimon, DGC, as Worshipful Master Tom Jones observes. Heath is scheduled to recive his Master Mason Degree on Thursday, November 11.