Father’s Day brunch at Cooper Farm! The Grand Master’s lady bought the meal! Fun and service by Capitol Lodge No. 3.
125th Anniversary of East Lincoln Lodge No. 210
June 17 was the 125th anniversary of East Lincoln Lodge No. 210. GM Myers, MW Reg Kuhn, and Brothers from Cotner Lodge No. 297 and East Lincoln Lodege No. 210 celebrated. WM LeRoy Rosenthal presented perpetual memberships to his two sons. A nice night of fellowship and rich tradition, with perfect service from the daughters of Job!
Florence Foundation Photo Contest
On June 16, Most Worshipful Rick Myers got to be a judge in Florence Lodge No. 281 Foundation photo contest. Out of many superb photos, these were judged best examples of “Bringing Light to the World.” Omaha Police Captain was also a judge and the GM’s personal guard while in Benson.
Grand Master at Grand Bethel
On June 15, Grand Master Myers enjoyed presenting three scholarships to three Nebraska Jobs Daughters. What a terrific group of young women!
Outdoor Lodge in North Platte
On June 13, Grand Master Myers and Grand Marshall John Ferguson attended the picnic and outdoor meeting of Platte Valley Lodge No. 32 in North Platte. Brethren attended from Wallace, Hyannis, and Ogallala. Excellent fellowship and fun!
110th Anniversary Celebration of Franklin Lodge No. 264
Franklin Lodge No. 264 celebrated 110 years as a lodge on June 11, 2017. The event was attended by several Franklin lodge members, local Star members, brothers from Jachin Lodge No. 146 in Holdrege, Grand Master Rick Myers and his Lady Marsha, Grand Junior Deacon Alex Straatmann and his Lady Kim.
On the Left is Brother Delbert Rogers, Past Grand Patron of Nebraska and on the right, M.W. Grand Master of Nebraska Rick Meyers of Fremont.
The presentation was of a Non-Masonic Achievement Award was made to Beverly J. McNiff as she retires from a 23-year career in the local Mid-Nebraska Community Services. She was accompanied by husband Richard. Left, Beverly J. McNiff receiving a Recognition Plaque from WM Ingram.
As we gather, Lady Marsha Meyers and Lady Kim Straatmann sitting, Mrs. Bob Wagner and Mrs. Bruce Rasmussen of Holdrege, Standing l-r GJD, Karen Duncan, Lorraine Richter, Sila Moore, Rodney, Steve Siel, Ray Winz, Bob Wagner-Holdrege.
A brief history was provided by Secretary Jerrell Gerdes, summarizing the following:
The City of Franklin was only 25 years old when our Masonic Lodge was granted a Charter as JEPTHA Lodge on June 11, 1907 by the Grand Master Ornan L. King. Turns out that name was rejected by Grand Lodge, and instead the ROLLAND H. OAKLEY LODGE #264 was the Charter name,. That name was not acceptable to the local Masons, and finally June 9, 1909 the Lodge was name Fraanklin Lodge #264 A.F.&A.M. under the signature of Grand Master William A. DeBord.
Anyway, the Franklin Lodge began on June 11, 1907 110 years ago today! The Masons met in homes, then the Conklin Building (Lipp Building), then Hutchins Furniture later Marcellus Furniture, then on November 7, 1981 the present building was dedicated. This came after 70 years of labor to find a permanent home. At the dedication, Secretary James Hill acknowledged Past Master Clarence Paulson who had served as Master for twelve years and is credited with pursuing this Temple.
During the past 110 years, Joppa Lodge #76 in Bloomington, Riveerton Lodge #63 in Riverton, and Republican City Lodge #98 have consolidated with Franklin #264. Our membership is 51 today, half of our members are absentee due to their residence in 2017. Over the 110 years, Leadership has been strong, 52 Worshipful Masters, Jerrell Gerdes serving 13 years and Clarence Paulsen serving 12 of years. Leaving 50 individuals who lead also.
Any accounting must also mark the service of Perry L. Slocum who served as Treasurer for 54 years!! Ugene Blank served 19 years!! Secretary service includes Earl Tuers Sr. who served 32 years, followed by 13 years by Steve Siel.
Following the meal, Grand Master Myers presented a short talk on the Grand Lodge of Nebraska. The Grand Master is having a Ride Across Nebraska, welcome are VINTAGE AND CLASSIC CARS, MOTORCYCLES etc. They will be staying the 29th of June in Red Cloud.
National Sojourners – Lincoln Chapter
The second Thursday of May marked the third meeting of the National Sojourners Chapter #52 (Lincoln) and it was noted that our numbers have tripled since the first meeting. We welcomed nine new members and voted to accept five more new members.
But before we go further, what is National Sojourners, and why are you reading about it in a publication that is primarily Masonic in nature? Because we are Masons, and veterans of the military armed services. We all care deeply for our Country, our Constitution, our way of life, our brothers and sisters in arms, and our Masonic affiliations.
The Sojourners actively promote patriotism among young people pursuing education in military sciences such as JROTC. The support we provide encourages their continued enthusiasm to serve our country in the troubled times we find ourselves in. These young men and women need positive role models to be positive role models…Sojourners strive to provide this.
We also promote patriotic activities through community outreach. I don’t know about others, but I have seen a marked enthusiasm to serve from today’s youth, and a spirit of pride and service in our emerging generation of young leaders. Within our communities people are more likely to become involved in community, local, state and national level issues, and promote what they see as their civic duty.
How do you become a Sojourner? What are the requirements? What’s in it for me? Certainly all good questions…and the answers are:
- You must be a veteran of the Armed Forces who was separated HONORABLY and have a DD 214 specifying such service.
- You must be a Master Mason in good standing and have a current Membership Card
- Lincoln Chapter #52 is a MIP (Member in Perpetuity) only Chapter so when our members join they pay a one-time fee of $250 if they have not been a life member in another Sojourner Chapter, and $155 if they have been a life member of another Chapter.
What do we do when we meet, and how often do we meet? We currently meet each month in Lincoln at a restaurant where we enjoy a social time, have dinner, and are forming the committees and leadership necessary to make our Chapter a viable part of the city and communities of it. Our set meeting date is the second Thursday of the month and the social time begins at 1730. We do encourage brothers to bring their spouse / significant other, and enjoy talking to others who have experienced some of the same things you did while serving.
The Brothers in line in the picture are receiving their charge as the latest members of our Chapter by Brother AJ Johnson who joined us from Omaha Chapter #19. We hope to have a strong relationship with Omaha #19 and look forward to joining them for visits and will enjoy their company when they visit us here in Lincoln.
The second picture is of our nine new members…and if all continues as it has we will soon double our current membership! Brothers in arms, Brothers in Faith, and Brothers in Masonry. What more could we ask for?
If this sounds like something you may want to be a part of, and feel you might like some more information please contact one of our officers or a member. Contact information for our primary leaders in Lincoln is:
- Ed Raper – Chapter President – 402-852-6157
- Tom Michaelson – Chapter Secretary – 402-730-8645
- Mike Lagueux – Chapter Chaplain – 402-310-2118
You may also attend our next meeting which will be the second Thursday in July since the National meeting will be in June. We have been meeting at the Cornhusker Hotel in the restaurant there in a private meeting room. We will have plenty of petitions available so don’t forget your checkbook and feel free to join us.
