Brother Donald Meyer Presented With 50-Year Masonic Service Award

On July 26, 2023, Worshipful Master Tod McConahay and Treasurer Armel MacDonald of Covert Lodge No. 11 visited Brother Donald Meyer and presented him with his 50 year pin, card and certificate.

Pictured (L to R): Mrs. Lisa Meyer (Daughter-In-Law of Donald Meyer), WB Tod McConahay (Master of Covert Lodge No. 11), Brother Donald Meyer (50 Year Award Recipient), Mr. Don Meyer (son of Brother Donald Meyer), WB Jeff Merriman (Past Master of Florence Lodge No. 291 and Deputy Grand Custodian), and Brother Anthony Hebert (Senior Warden of Florence Lodge No. 281).

 

MW Alexander Straatmann Receives Prince Hall Honorary Membership

While attending the 105th Annual Communication of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Nebraska, Free and Accepted Masons, Most Worshipful Alexander F. Straatmann was made a Honorary Member of Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Nebraska. Shown reading the Certificate of Membership is Most Worshipful Michael R. Wilcoxon, Grand Master of the Nebraska Prince Hall Grand Lodge to Nebraska Past Grand Master Most Worshipful Alex Straatmann.

 

Brother Clare Sward Presented Bronze Jordan Medal Certificate

On February 11, 2013, Alliance Lodge No. 183 presented Brother Clare Sward with their Bronze Jordan Medal award. Over the course of the last ten years, the certificate that was presented to Brother Sward was lost. At his request, a replacement certificate was presented to him on June 27, 2023 by WB David Wetrosky, Grand Lodge Office Manager. Brother Sward was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason on September 12, 1946 and has now been a Master Mason for almost 77 years. Also in attendance was Brother Marlo Burg, a member of George Washington Lodge No. 250. Brother Burg was raised on March 13, 1956 in Unity Lodge No. 163 and has now been a Master Mason for over 67 years.

Pictured from left to right are: WB Wetrosky, Brother Clare Sward and Brother Marlo Burg

 

Covert Lodge No. 11 Honors Night Presentations

Covert Lodge No. 11 held a dinner at the West Omaha Masonic Center on May 24, 2023 to honor Brothers Louis Worm and Ronald Ruh. They were presented with, respectively, 70 and 60 year pins and certificates.

In the photograph from left to right: Mrs. Frances Ruh (spouse of Ron Ruh), WB Bernie Hauber (Secretary of Covert Lodge No. 11), WB Tod McConahay (Worshipful Master of Covert Lodge No. 11), Brother Ron Ruh (60 Year award recipient), WB Mohan Krishna (Personal Rep of the Grand Master), Brother Lou Worm (70 Year award recipient) and Mrs. Nancy Worm (spouse of Lou Worm)

 

George W. Lininger Lodge Service Awards

During the April 18th George W. Lininger Lodge Annual Table Lodge, brethren from the Lodge, Prince Hall, and members of a few other Omaha area lodges, several Brothers were recognized for their service and longevity while laboring in the quarries. WB Leroy Kibby was presented his 50 Year Service Pin and Certificate and WB Henry Carnaby was presented his 25 Year Service Pin and Certificate. The Service Awards were presented by WB John Fairlie, Grand Senior Steward and Worshipful Master Nick Warner. WB Michael Mulligan and Bro. Jeffrey Vandine were unable to attend, but were also recognized for their 25 years of service to the Craft.

Pictured from left to right: WB Fairlie, WB Kibby, WB Carnaby and WM Warner

 

WB David Meinzer Presented Masonic Service Award

WB David Meinzer was presented with the Grand Lodge Masonic Service Award during G.W. Lininger Lodge’s Annual Table Lodge on April 18, 2023. In 2017, WB David was Worshipful Master of the Lodge. This was the same year that a total eclipse of the sun was viewable in southeastern Nebraska. WB David had the idea to conduct an “Eclipse Lodge” on his 100 year plus family homestead near Falls City, Nebraska. He obtained permission from the Grand Lodge for an occasional lodge in conjunction with the eclipse, commissioned a commemorative t-shirt, had yard games, and arranged for food and refreshments as well as cooks and grills for the event. Posting the event on Facebook resulted in at least 125 Masons, non-Masons, families, friends and attendees from many states. WB David was to have received the Award at the 2018 Table Lodge, but his work travels interfered for 5 years. Congratulations WB David for recognition long overdue!

Pictured from left to right: WB John Fairlie, Grand Senior Steward, WB David Meinzer and Worshipful Master Nick Warner.

 

WB William Craig Receives Bronze Jordan Medal Award

During George W. Lininger Lodge’s Annual Table Lodge on April 18, 2023, the Bronze Jordan Medal was presented to WB William R. Craig. Presenting the award from left to right are: WB John R. Fairlie, Grand Senior Steward, WB William R. Craig, and Worshipful Master Nicholas S. Warner. WB Craig is a nearly 67 year member of the Fraternity and Past Master of the Lininger Lodge in 2004.

 

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

 

Bro. Nolan Awarded Grand Master’s Full-Form EA Proficiency Excellence Coin

On behalf of Grand Master Alex Straatmann, MWB Russ Reno presented a Grand Master’s Full-form Entered Apprentice Proficiency Excellence coin to Bro. Rylie Nolan at Cotner Lodge No. 297’s pasture lodge meeting. W. Bro. Jeff Axelson, right, was his mentor. Bro. Nolan is eager to earn the two remaining coins as he progresses through his newfound journey into the foundations of Masonry.

 

Start Preparing Awards Applications

Brethren of York Lodge #56 posed for a picture with the Gold Pan award as they reflected on this year’s activities. Has your lodge started preparing its awards applications for this year? Now is the time!

Visit the Grand Lodge website to see what awards are available to apply for and to download the applications. If you have any questions, please contact Kevin Scheele, Chairman of the Awards Committee, or the Grand Lodge office staff.