WB Wayne Benson Presented With Masonic Service Award

At a regular communication of Olive Branch Lodge No. 274 in Rosalie on November 10, WB Wayne Benson was presented with a Masonic Service Award. WB Wayne became the Rainbow Dad at Lynn Broyhill Assembly No. 12 in South Sioux City in March of 2008. He served in that position until July of 2022. He has helped numerous young ladies develop and become outstanding citizens and leaders in their communities. Lynn Broyhill Assembly is known state-wide for their proficiency and participation. WB Wayne has been instrumental in supporting their endeavors for more than 14 years. Pictured from left to right are: WM Mike Tomasiewicz and WB Wayne Benson

 

Quality vs Quantity: A Masonic Discussion

Join the live discussion about this important topic!

Link to join:

https://scottishrite.zoom.us/j/83130543276?pwd=emdVWE5SOWFEcDJBWnpLLzdvUEc5dz09

Passcode: Y5yEpz

 

Paden Cottage Opens!

On January 3, 2018 Paden Cottage opened with the first six children moving in!

It’s been a long construction cycle but the outcome is fantastic! The girls each have their own room with a private bathroom, a study desk and plenty of room to grow and become the person they are meant to be.  And thanks to Mrs. Lindly, they each get their own quilt to brighten up their room.

A big thank you from the Director, his staff, the children and the Board of Directors of the Masonic-Eastern Star Home for Children to all the wonderful donors that helped us make this vision a reality!

Special thanks to MWB Ivan Vrtiska for designing a wonderful building that feels like a cozy, welcoming HOME!

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Letter from Imperial Shrine to the Grand Lodge of Nebraska

Brethren:  As you know, we have been dealing with an issue regarding the Imperial Shrine since early in 2013.  You can read my post of January 18 to get further details.

This post is to share with you a letter from Imperial Shrine to the Grand Lodge of Nebraska.  This letter will be read into the record at Annual Communications next week by a representative of the Imperial Shrine.  He will also be presenting the checks to Midwest No. 317 and the York Rite of Hastings.

Again, I’d like to thank all of the Brothers that helped with this issue and many thanks to the divan of the Imperial Shrine for their cooperation.

You can read the letter by clicking on the link below:

Nebraska Letter from Imperial Potentate

 

Midwest Lodge No. 317 and Imperial Shrine Legal Conflict

Brethren:  In the December 2013 Nebraska Mason magazine, I detailed for you the ongoing legal conflict between Midwest Lodge No. 317, the York Rite bodies of Hastings and Imperial Shrine concerning a deceased Brother’s estate.  (The article can be read here.)

Since the publication of the December NE Mason, we have continued to work on bringing this issue to a positive conclusion and I am very pleased to share the following information with you:

1.  On 13 December 2013, the legal department for Imperial Shrine asked the court to drop their petition regarding the trust and the money disbursed to the Lodge and YR.

2.  On 16 December 2013, I submitted the invoices from Midwest 317 and YR to Imperial Shrine and asked for them to reimburse both the Lodge and the YR for money spent defending themselves from the Shrine’s actions.  Imperial Shrine agree to take it under consideration at the January board meeting.

3.  On 16 January 2014, I was advised by a member of the Imperial Divan that the Divan had voted to reimburse fully both the Lodge and the YR of Hastings.  Additionally, a representative of the Imperial Potentate is now scheduled to attend our Annual Communications in February to present the checks to the Lodge and YR of Hastings.  I have agreed to make time in our schedule for the presentation during the public opening.

It is my hope that this is the end of this issue and that we will not experience this sort of discord again in this jurisdiction.  I want to thank everyone that helped in this process, it was truly a team effort.  I also want to thank the members of the Imperial Shrine for making the right decision.

 

 

Mt. Zion Commandary No. 5 Christmas Event

Lady Ann and I had the pleasure and honor of attending the annual Christmas Event presented by Mt. Zion Commandary No. 5 in Plattsmouth today.  It is a wonderful tradition that was first enjoyed almost 90 years ago at Plattsmouth.  The ceremony is solemn and very apt for this time of year.

 

Alzheimer’s Walk Omaha

One of Worthy Grand Matron Bev Donham’s projects was to have Eastern Star and other Masonic Family folks walk in and raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association walk.  On Sunday, 29 September we all met in Omaha at Mid-Town Crossing for the walk.  It was a great day with hundreds of participants.  WGM Bev’s project raised $4,500 for Alzheimer’s research!  Thank you to all of you who donated to have me walk in this great event!

 

Nebraska Masons receive 33rd degree at AASR Biennial Session

At the 2013 Biennial Session of the AASR, Southern Jurisdiction, 3 well deserving Nebraska Masons received their 33rd degree / White Hat in the AASR.  They are:

1.  PGM Dean Skokan

2.  Micah Evens

3.  A. J. Johnson

Great job, Brothers, you each certainly deserve this high honor for the work you have done for Freemasonry!

Please congratulate these brethren when you see them next!

 

AASR Biennial Session 2013 Washington, D. C.

On August 25 – 27, I had the honor and pleasure of representing Nebraska Masonry at the AASR Biennial Session in Washington, D. C.  This session pulls together all the SGIG, Grand Masters and Members from the Southern Jurisdiction to transact the business of the AASR and also to enjoy great fellowship and exchange best practices.  We were treated royally by the AASR and got to see some of the great sites of D. C. as well.  The first night we had a dinner just for GM’s and other Grand Representatives at the St. Regis Hotel.  It was a magnificent event (see pictures below).  The session on Monday was very interesting and included the retirement of Adm. Gene Sizemore, who is moving from paid full time to a volunteer position after many years with the AASR.  The Gala Banquet on Tuesday night was well attended and I got to know the SGIG and Past Grand Master of Australia quite well.  All in all, a great trip and I picked up some good ideas for Nebraska as well.

 

4-H Achievement Day at Masonic Eastern Star Home in Fremont

The annual 4-H achievement day for the children at the Fremont home was held on Saturday 10 August with a great turnout and wonderful weather!  The children displayed their award winning projects and livestock to the appreciative crowd of parents and Masonic family members.  The slide was fun too!