1Nebraska Masonry - Men putting ethics into practice.

2013-2014 Grand Lodge Offi cersGRAND MASTER ..........................Thomas L. Hauder (332), LincolnDEPUTY GRAND MASTER ........... Joe D. McBride (224), AinsworthGRAND SENIOR WARDEN ..............John T. Maxell (327, 6), OmahaGRAND JUNIOR WARDEN ................... Dennis E. Rix (15), FremontGRAND SECRETARY ......Reginald S. Kuhn, PGM (134, 19), LincolnGRAND CHAPLAIN ......................Donald E. Rife (173, 135), StrattonGRAND ORATOR ..........................James A. Carlton (325), BellevueGRAND HISTORIAN ..............................David N. Silver (11), OmahaGRAND CUSTODIAN ......................Bruce A. Watkins (300), LincolnGRAND MARSHAL .............Robert W. Moninger (256, 200), LincolnGRAND SENIOR DEACON .... Richard D. Myers (119, 102), FremontGRAND JUNIOR DEACON ....Patrick D. Barger (54, 332, 5), LincolnGRAND SENIOR STEWARD ......... John B. Ferguson (294), KimballGRAND JUNIOR STEWARD .......Kevin R. Lindly (148), Broken BowGRAND TYLER .................... Dennis H. Brydl (287, 314, 332), LincolnGRAND MUSICIAN ....................... Mark K. Clinton (54, 332), Lincoln

SPECIAL APPOINTMENTSPERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE .....Steven R. Barchus (302), OmahaPERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ....... Kent B. Broyhill (5), Dakota CityPERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE . Stephen C. Kennedy (4), Brownville

Thomas L. Hauder147th Grand Master - Installed February 2, 2013

The Vision of Nebraska Masonry: Nebraska Freemasonry will establish itself as the premier fraternal organizationpromoting universally acknowledged values of friendship, morality, and brotherly love.

VOL. XXXII NO. 1 Spring 2013THE GRAND LODGE OF NEBRASKA

Spring…that word evokes images of rebirth and renewal. As Masons, this is a good time to take stock of what we have and what we have been doing and decide on a rebirth and renewal of our Masonic spirit. Take this time of year to give the Lodge a good cleaning, sweep out the dust from your winter’s work. Help an older member with spring yard cleanup or painting. Take time to learn a new part or lecture. Spring should be a time of taking stock to see what needs to be done and then taking action. Pick a project and make a difference in your Lodge this spring!

Annual CommunicationI would like to thank all of you who

attended and participated in Annual Communication this year. The sessions went very well and we managed to pass some legislation and received some great input on other legislation that we can improve on for next year. I would also like to thank everyone who stayed for the installation of Grand Lodge Offi cers. It’s been a long time since we did installation at Annual Communication and it was fun to share that with the Craft. Thanks to all the appendent bodies that supported the hospitality suite. It was nice to have a place to relax, unwind and enjoy some fellowship at the end of the day. A special thanks to WBrothers Tom Brummett and Chuck Sohm for keeping the room open on Saturday night after the installation. It was fun!

New Grand Lodge Offi cesAs those of you at Annual Communication heard, we

have purchased a new building for the Grand Lodge of-fi ces. Our old building is suffering from multiple issues, lack of space and is in a declining neighborhood. The new building is at 301 N. Cotner in Lincoln (look it up on Google earth). It’s in a much better location and will afford us the opportunity to have suffi cient space for a nice training room, offi ces, museum, library and more. This

will be a space that Nebraska Masons can be proud of and will serve us for many years to come. Renovations have started and we expect to move sometime in May. We will have a cornerstone cer-emony in the summer. Watch the Grand Master’s blog for more information.

Follow the Work of theGrand Lodge

Just a reminder that you can follow Grand Lodge activities by reading the Grand Master’s blog. The blog can be found at http://nebraskagrandlodge.wordpress.com or by using the link on the Grand Lodge home page. You can now also follow the Grand Master on Twitter @NebraskaGM.

Thank you all for your support and encouragement. I look forward to working with you all this year.

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Have you ever been around when a time capsule was opened? I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. Sometimes when laying the cornerstone for a building, folks used to bury a box in it that held memorabilia and artifacts from their time. It was to be opened at a future date, so that the next genera-tions could see what was “signifi cant” to people at the time of its creation.

Let’s say you have a box measuring about 2 feet square that will seal tightly when buried under the old oak tree in your back yard. What would you put in there to represent your life and your own self to someone in oh, 100 years, when they open it? Not necessarily the whole world, but things that tell about you and how you live.

We have an opportunity which comes around only once in a lifetime! The Grand Lodge of Nebraska has purchased a new home, and with it, the opportunity to put into place a cornerstone and time capsule. The Grand Master has asked for suggestions as to what to place in this representation of our Grand Lodge to future Masons.

There is nothing that creates a link with the past quite like an item you can hold in your hands, knowing that the last time somebody held it was a hundred (or more) years ago. Time capsules are a good way to make that link, if they are created with care.

As Grand Historian, I thought that we should ask you, the Brethren, for your suggestions.

Alfred Hitchcock described the value of time capsules in one brief sentence: “We seem to have a compulsion these days to bury time capsules in order to give those people living in the next century or so some idea of what we are like.” Although sometimes time capsules are intended for people to open at a predetermined time in their own future, the items in a time capsule should provide a refl ection of both personal and global conditions at the time.

Here are some guidelines to keep in mind as you think of your suggestions:

The time capsule will be 2’x2’.Our time capsule will be unique to Nebraska Freemasonry,

and the items chosen should refl ect this. There are other institu-tions, such as archives and museums, saving things, too – but they will not have the things that will be most important to our Fraternity. We need to choose the things that best represent what we want future generations to know about us, not just what we think an archives might keep.

Items most suitable to include in a time capsule are those that are not likely to be affected by changes in technology, or to require special equipment to be read or used. We want your ideas!

Keep in mind the number of years that will go by from when we seal our time capsule to when someone opens it up. In our case, it may be the length of time that our Grand Lodge will stand. If technological change occurs as rapidly in the next 100 years as it has in the last 100 years, the people of the future might not know what a video tape, or an optical disc is, or have the equipment on which to play it. If we wish to include articles that need playback equipment, we would need to include the equipment, along with detailed instructions on how to use it and the type of energy needed to run it (voltage and current re-

The Opportunity of a Cornerstoneby David Silver, Grand Historian

quirements), and include the software as well as the hardware if needed. Probably not the best usage of our limited space. Think of the history of our Grand Lodge - perhaps how it relates to the history of Nebraska. If you were opening a time capsule placed by Brethren 100 years ago, what would you like to see in it?

After we decide what to place into the capsule, we will cre-ate a detailed listing of the items. We will include the materials from which they are made and their functions. We will include one copy of this in the time capsule and retain one copy for our records.

Imagine the feeling you get when you forget about one of your favorite things and then fi nd it again, years later – It’s great isn’t it. Now imagine that you open a time capsule with objects, letters and photos written by people who lived hun-dreds or thousands of years ago, how cool would that be! Send me your ideas! Let’s take a journey in time and make this the most interesting capsule in history. Ideas can be emailed to isellre4u@gmail.com or mailed to the Grand Lodge offi ce.

I would like to remind all the Brethren in Nebraska that the Masonic Service Association does have representation in Nebraska, especially in the Omaha and Lincoln areas and our Veteran Administration Hospital and Clinics. We still have an opening for a representative in Grand Island and for the Clinic there. If there is any Brother who would be willing to get involved, please feel free to write, phone or e-mail me at my information below.

The Masonic Service Association (MSA) representatives provide avenues to several programs through the organization as a whole. The association’s primary activity provides disaster relief as recently demonstrated in the plea for the victims of hurricane Sandy. The association has been doing this since 1923 and has made 100 appeals to grand jurisdictions for different relief efforts since. When a disaster relief appeal is made, all of the monies received are sent, in their entirety, to the grand jurisdiction involved. No portion of donated funds is retained by the MSANA for any reason whatsoever. In the 100 relief efforts mentioned to date, over nine and one half million dol-lars have been raised.

Another program offered by the Association is the educa-tion/information publications. MSA publishes the Short Talk Bulletins, audiovisuals and other printed material that includes items on degrees, history, philosophy and inspiration and char-ity information.

The MSA also has the Masonic Information Center (MIC) which was funded by a grant from John J. Robinson, a former Marine, a farmer, a business executive, and an author with a special interest in the history of Medieval Britain and the Cru-sades. The purpose of the MIC is to provide information on Freemasonry to Masons and non-Masons alike and to respond to critics of Freemasonry. Inquiries about Freemasonry to the MIC come from around the world - by phone, fax and email.

Masonic Service Association Nebraska Representatives Update

by Anthony T. Johnson

Continued on page 5

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Education Symposiums

To Light!

A Publication of the Grand Lodge AF & AM of NebraskaVOL XVI NO 1 SPRING 2013

Who Am I? - Lessons from Les Miserablesby Larry Jacobsen

If you’ve not read Victor Hugo’s novel Les Miserables, or seen one of the half-dozen movie versions, or attended the musical, or caught the latest fi lm musi-cal, then I encourage you to do so, for it is a lesson in the virtue of compassion that spans a lifetime, and you will fi nd many parallels to the ethical lessons we encounter in Masonry.

The story is much too broad to cover in detail here, so we’ll touch on the two key characters and their relationships. The setting is France in the early 1800’s:

Jean Valjean – imprisoned for 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his family, he is fi nally paroled but em-bittered. A priest offers him refuge, but Valjean steals some pieces of silver. He’s later captured by police and brought back to the abbey. The priest lies to the police and gives Valjean two precious candle-sticks claiming Valjean had forgotten to take them as part of a gift by the priest. Valjean, overwhelmed by the priest’s forgiveness, decides to redeem himself. He breaks parole, changes his name, and 8 years later is a respected factory owner and mayor.

Inspector Javert – knew Valjean as a prisoner and relentlessly pursues him for years for having broken parole. Javert is a strict adherent to rules, and despite Valjean’s transformation to a virtuous life, he intends to bring Valjean to justice.

Who Am I?Valjean encounters numerous ethical

dilemmas as he strives to live the virtuous

life, but the following episode is most revealing. Valjean, who changed his name to M. Madeleine to protect his identity, learns that another man, a feeble-minded old beggar, has been mistakenly arrested as Jean Valjean by Javert and is facing a court trial. Valjean ponders the dilemma in his own mind. Should he let this lesser man suffer the consequences and free

the real Valjean from Javert’s endless pursuit, or should he proclaim his moral duty to reveal who he really is, even if it means being sent back to prison. In the musical version he exclaims “If I speak, I am condemned. If I stay silent, I am damned.” Valjean reveals his real identity

and the story takes a signifi cant turn. The consequences of his confession didn’t matter to him because he had already established a moral rule inside himself.

Think back to your obligations as a Mason and the consequences of those obligations. Valjean would likely have been a good Mason for he exemplifi es the great tenets of our institution.

Brotherly Love – “By the exercise of

Many of the Founders Fathers of our country were Masons and they provided exceptional examples of men who could not and did not shirk from dissent as their civic duty. Many believe that Masonry is a social institution, designed to promote charity and civic duty in society. Attend the Spring Masonic Education Symposium for a discussion about Masonry and civic duty, followed by a game of Masonic Jeopardy. These sessions promise, and deliver fascinating facts in regards to Masonic history, ritual, philosophy, and biographies. If you are a Mason, and you DESIRE FURTHER LIGHT IN MASONRY, then you MUST attend these sessions. The Spring Symposium will be held at Lincoln (Scottish Rite Center) on March 25, Hastings (Scottish Rite Center) on March 26 and Omaha (Papillion Lodge) on March 26. Starting time will be 7:00 PM.

Continued on page 4

4 To Light!

brotherly love, we are taught to regard the whole human species as one family, the high and low, the rich and poor . . .” Valjean could have easily relented and let the poor beggar suffer the consequences, but Brotherly Love prevailed.

Relief – “To relieve the distressed . . . to soothe the unhappy, to sympathize with their misfortunes, to compassionate their miseries . . .” Valjean contemplates the dilemma, “Can I condemn this man to slavery. Pretend I do not feel his agony(?) . . .” Compassion prevailed.

Truth – “Truth is a divine attribute, and the foundation of every virtue.” Valjean concludes his statement before the jury “And so Javert, you see it’s true, That man bears no more guilt than you!, Who am I? 24601! (the prisoner number tattooed on his arm). Truth prevailed.

Valjean’s experience may be an extreme example, but the question of “Who am I?” should resound with every Mason when confronted with dilemmas that challenge the three great tenets of our fraternity.

Valjean’s episode also demonstrates commitment to a virtuous life. You can’t be a paragon of virtue in one segment of your life and be one who acts with total disregard for one’s rights in another.

Javert and JusticeInspector Javert has spent his entire

life in accordance with the law. By never breaking the law himself and believing that those who do are immoral, he has circumscribed himself into a space where there is only justice and no mercy. There is a sense of perfection in the way he thinks. His idea of a good person goes along the lines of Thomas Aquinas’s belief that in order to be a good person you must have the following four virtues: justice, fortitude, temperance, and prudence, those four cardinal virtues that were explained to us in the Entered Apprentice Degree. Javert’s fault lies in trumping the virtues with Justice.

Near the end of the Les Miserables story, Javert is captured by student revolutionaries as a spy of the French government. Valjean, supporting the revolutionaries, tells the students he will “take care of Javert” and slips away with him to a back alley. Valjean now has the decision of killing his

longtime adversary, or being merciful and continuing his life on the run. He chooses to be merciful and Javert proves incapable of comprehending why he made this decision. Javert, however, continues the pursuit, captures Valjean and tells him “It’s a pity the rules don’t allow me to be merciful.” But Javert, now for the fi rst time, faces doubt (how can I arrest Valjean when he spared my life?) yet he cannot reconcile his belief that the law is always right no matter what the consequences. He releases Valjean and then commits suicide by jumping into the Seine River.

The lessons and virtues that we encounter in the three degrees of Masonry are extensive, and despite how many times we hear them, there are always different ways that we might interpret and apply them. Take for instance the Entered Apprentice lecture that describes “Justice”:

“Justice is that standard, or boundary of right, which enables us to render to every man his just due without distinction. This virtue is not only consistent with divine and human laws, but is the very cement and support of civil society; and as justice in a great measure constitutes the real good man, so should it be the invariable practice of every Mason never to deviate from the minutest principles thereof, . . “

One might say this accurately describes Javert. He never deviated from the minutest principles. But that would be unfair to the legacy of Masonry, for the principles of brotherly love, relief and truth, the cardinal principles of justice, fortitude, temperance, prudence, and the multitude of other ethical principles presented in our rituals, lectures and charges gives us a framework for the virtuous life.

However, that framework of ethics can be complex and messy, and can sometimes result in agonizing decisions, as experienced by Valjean. We all confront those tough decisions in our own way. The lesson of Les Miserables are the virtues of love and compassion that conquers all adversities. However you interpret “light” in Masonry, you will likely fi nd those virtues, and you will likely answer the question of “Who am I?”

WHO AM I? - Continued from page 3 According to CoilExcerpts f rom Coi l ’s Masonic

Encyclopedia, authored by Henry Wilson Coil.

Progressive ScienceAmong the old aphorisms about

Freemasonry, is one which declares that “Masonry is a Progressive Science”. Just why this should be either laudatory or characteristic of Freemasonry is not apparent. It originated before the Progressive Political Party and progressive education became idols of such doubtful value, and though operative Masonry depended on the geometrical and physical sciences to a great extent, it would be diffi cult to fi nd any science in speculative Masonry. Science was never so vibrant and energetic as at the present day but its greatest accomplishment has fi lled men with the great fear that mankind might be obliterated. Even the Ancient Flood was arranged so as to preserve one family.

Those who deem Masonry scientifi c and progressive probably overrate sc ience as against mora ls and humanity and progressivism against fundamentalism, tradition and fixed ideals. If we believe, as we must, that morality is a leading principle of Freemasonry, what progression have we made or do we propose? Individuals may improve in their Masonry but that has hardly improved the principles of Masonry. Has anything been added or proposed to be added to Brotherly Love, Relief, Truth, Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence, Justice, Faith, Hope and Charity? The whole idea behind landmarks, which made so great an impression on the minds of Freemasons, was that Masonry would not change, advance or recede.

While that extreme conservatism may be subject to some criticism, the fact that it has been benefi cial and not detrimental would seem to be established by the remarkable growth and dispersion of the Society. By isolating itself from the more aggressive and progressive elements and movements, Freemasonry has avoided pitfalls into which other societies have fallen and been forgotten.

Yes, Freemasonry has some virtues and some faults, but it is not likely to improve the one or remove the other by borrowing from other institutions.

5

156th Annual Communication and Installation of Grand Lodge Officers

The inquiries vary from information on how to become a Mason, to wanting more information about the Fraternity, answering specifi c ques-tions about the ritual or Masonic protocol and genealogy.

The other program for which MSA is noted is the Masonic Hospital Visitation Program. It is, without a doubt, the fi nest public relations program ever undertaken by the Masonic frater-nity. The Masonic Service Association of North America deems this program their major relief work. It is much more than merely “visitations” to the disabled and lonely patients in V.A. Hos-pitals, State Veterans Homes and Extended Care Facilities. It is the rendering of personal services to all our sons and brothers, Masons and Non-Masons alike, which now need someone to turn to for encouragement and to make life a little more pleasant.

The following individuals are your MSA representatives. Feel free to contact them if you have questions or want to volunteer to fi ll the position in Grand Island:Anthony T. (AJ) Johnson Richard D. Harris2613 Alberta Ave 4807 South 66th StreetBellevue, NE 68147 Lincoln, NE 68156Phones: Phones:(402) 291-8603 (402) 429-0921(402) 679-6141tjark@cox.net

MSA - Continued from page 2

1) Cotner No. 297 in Lincoln received the large lodge Rock Maul Award; 2) Members of the Heroes of ‘76, Joseph Warren Camp, National Sojourners present the colors for the Public Opening; 3) Geneva No. 79 received the small lodge Rock Maul Award; 4) Lodges that raised the most money for Change for the Troops in the Total Amount Raised category were George W. Lininger No. 268, Geneva No. 79 and Sts. John No. 331; 5) Lodges that raised the most money for Change for the Troops in the Total Per Capita category were Franklin No. 264, George W. Lininger No. 268, and Sts. John No. 331; 6) M.W. Rex Moats presented a 50-year pin to M.W. V. Kaye Ramsey of John J. Mercer No. 290 in Omaha. PGM Ramsey raised M.W. Moats to the sublime degree of a Master Mason in 1987; 7) M.W. Moats passes the Sonny Eatmon Traveling Gavel to incoming Grand Master Tom Hauder; 8) Ronald D. Stites was the winner of the Secretary of the Year Award, chosen by the Grand Lodge Offi ce staff; 9) Newly Installed Grand Master Thomas Hauder is excorted to the East by Installing Grand Master Russell G. Reno, PGM; 10) Grand Master Hauder receives his Shrine fez from Gary Unger, Assistant Rabban of Tangier Shrine.

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Th e 2013 Valentine’s Day Royalty are Jean Hawkins and Gene Geise. Congratulations!

New Board President

The Nebraska Masonic HomeMary C. Stapp, Executive Director

A Special Th ank YouOn behalf of the Board of Trustees, residents, and staff of Th e Nebraska Masonic Home, I want to extend a sincere thank you to past Grand Master Rex Moats and his Grand Lodge Offi cers for their ongoing support of Th e Nebraska Masonic Home.

We very much appreciate the support of the Grand Lodge and look forward to the upcoming year. Our thanks are also extended to the Administrative Staff of the Grand Lodge.

Congratulations to Grand Master Tom Hauder and the 2013 Grand Lodge Offi cers. May you experience an enjoyable year ahead.

Mary C. Stapp, Executive Director

Valentine’s Day King & Queen Resident of the Year 2012

Employee of the Year 2012

At the New Year’s Eve Party Ruby Lancaster was honored to be named Resident of the Year by fellow residents.

Kathy Wiles (center), Transportation Coordinator, was chosen from the 2012 Employee of the Month recipients as the 2012 Employee of the Year. Congratulations!

John McHenry of Lincoln was elected as president of the Board of Trustees of Th e Nebraska Masonic Home at the January board meeting. McHenry has served on the Board for 16 years and looks forward to his new leadership role. Our special thank you to past president James R. Erixon for his dedicated years of service to Th e Masonic Home.

Five Generations . . .

Barbara Sirek, lower right, was blessed to witness the baptism of her great-great-grandaughter. Th e family arranged for her baptism to be held in the chapel at Th e Home and got a fi ve generation photo as well.

The Nebraska Masonic Home

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Honorarium Donations (November 21, 2012 - February 19, 2013)Wayne Bower (Bethany Chapter No. 113), Bill Dean (Ed and Linda Nolte), Marion Kantner (Electa Kensington Chapter No. 8), Paul H. Kenyon (Cullen and Ardith Pilker), Erma Kipling (Ed and Linda Nolte), John and Betty Kirby PGM (Albert and Wanda Fisher), Nadine McHenry (J.B. and Sherry Fischer), David B. Powell (Delbert and Holly Powell), Veva Rankin (Antonio and Marie Renda), Robert O. Rhodes (Vernon and Sue Kittinger), Barbara B. Sirek (Jean and Chet Hayes), Clarence Smith (Mike and Patty Smith), Mary C. Stapp (Dorothy J. Johnson), Aletha Taff (Ed and Linda Nolte), Leona Trout (Sharon L. Glenn), Wendell and Cathy Wagner PGS (Albert and Wanda Fisher), Judy Wehrbein (Alfred and Barbara Dietrich), Geraldine B. Wilcox (Bruce R. S. Litte), Virginia Woods (Terry and Deborah Wingett).

The Nebraska Masonic Home FoundationJo Peters, Director

General Donations (November 21, 2012 - February 19, 2013)Acacia Chapter No. 39, Robert and Barbara Alf, Anna L. Allison, Alpha Chapter No. 325, Don and Wilma Andersen, Donald and Roberta Anderson, Don and Mary Andrews, Jeff and Lora Andrews, Aurora Chapter No. 93, Bruce and Susie Baker, Richard and Ruthanne Barber, Dennis and Jeanne Lea Beavers, Robert A. Brannan, Ken and Lois Braymen, Bridgeport Chapter No. 260, James and Diane Brown, Kurt and Diann Brown, Imogene P. Bruce, Richard and Anna Buckmaster, Mervell D. Bumgarner, Dorothy Burger, Suzanne K. Byler, Phyllis Cain, Henry and Cathy Carnaby, Michael Casey, Bradley F. Cate, Kem Cavanah, Centennial Lodge No. 326, Bill and Madaline Christensen, Rollo and Alyce Clark, Chris N. Clark, Concordia Chapter No. 97, David E. Cook, Warren H. Cooke, Lowell and Joann Cope, Corinthian Lodge No. 83, Craft smen Lodge No. 314, Phyllis J. Curry, Marcia C. Davis, Bessie L. Dick, James Dodds, William R. Dodge, Dorcas Chapter No. 144, Delmer Durham Jr., Ralph H. Eatinger, Philip and Doris Edwards, Electa Kensington Chapter No. 8, Janice E. Ellis, Eureka Chapter No. 86, Eureka Chapter No. 86 Past Matrons, Nancy L. Falk, Homer and Virginia Farley, Robert and Grace Felthousen, Randy Fleming, Florence Chapter No. 61 R.A.M., Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Folsom, Dale Foltz, Fontenelle Chapter No. 249, Darryl and Becky Frerichs, Kenneth and Marge Fridrich, Gothard and Lynn Friesen, David J. Friis, Luther and Mary Frost, Fullerton Chapter No. 191, James and Barb Gammill, Bill and Edna Gekas, Geneva Chapter No. 180, Charles M. Godwin, Grand Lodge of Nebraska, Bruce B. Harman, Harmony Chapter No. 13, Jeff and Julie Hartung, Charles and Peggy Haskell, Maurice R. Hawthorne, Bill Hayes, Frank and Shirley Hazelwood, Hebron Chapter No. 31, Susan Hedges, Phil H. Heidelk, Dean and Mary Ann Hemphill, Norman and Carol Herzog, Keith and Norma Heuermann, Keith and Roberta Hightree, John and Barbara Hobbs, Gene E. Hokom, Jim and Marilyn Horak, Calvin and Judith Hubbell, Robert and Adrienne Huff man, LaVose Ann Hull, John and Barbara Husebo, Imperial Chapter No. 279, Jachin Lodge No. 146, Jerald and Norma Jacobson, Don and Sharon Jelinek, Ann Jessop, Ron and Jean Jones, Darold L. Jordan, Ronald B. Jorgensen, Cynthia Kaan, Don and Elaine Kemper, James and Patricia Kikendall, Robert L. Kloch, Allen W. Knott, David L. Knutson, James Koehler, Marvin and Renee Kovar, Keith and Audrey Kreycik, Paul and Delores Larson, Perry and Dona Laten, Arthur W. Laughlin, Richard and Elizabeth Leitschuck, James L. Lindahl, Luceba Chapter No. 220, Th omas and Susan Lucht, Luna Chapter No. 169, Norman H. Maben, Ronna L. Manta, Ralph and Eleanor Marcan, Roy and Margie Martin, Gerald Marts, Orville and Sharon Matzke, Gerald and Jean McColloch, Meridian Chapter No. 74, Ramon L. Mieth, Reed and Joella Miller, Miriam Chapter No. 175, John and Carol Miyoshi, Mizpah Lodge No. 302, Ed Morava, Mt. Calvary Commandery No. 1, Harold Mueksch, Keith and Eleanore Muenchau, Bob and Joan Muir, Naomi Chapter No. 121, Marion Fuller Nelson, Norval S. Nicholls, Jack and Karen Nichols, Jim and Marcia Ochsner, Ogallala Chapter No. 142, Jeff ery K. Ogle, James and Cynthia Olson, David and Jan Ordway, John and Ruta Ozol, Loren E. Page, Gary L. Panzer, Sandra S. Panzer, Allen and Kelley Patton, Elwood H. Pederson, Dorothy H. Peters, Phillips Chapter No. 204, William C. Porter, Purity Lodge No. 198, Gary and Sara Radil, Jerry and Patricia Raikes, Clarence “Ace” Ranslem, Ross and Glendoris Rash, Jerry and Portia Reed, Keri Rheinfrank, Lois L. Rich, Jack and Shirley Richards, Rob Morris Chapter No. 192, Royal Chapter No. 184, Ruth Chapte r No. 119, Rexford and Alice Sala, Charles and Patricia Scheuneman, Walter and Alyce Schmidt, Robert and Carol Schmucker, Joe and Jeanette Bailey, Carroll Schnurr, Jon and Dee Schuetz, Norman and Carol Schuttler, Ray and Ruth Schwarz, Scottish Rite Foundation of Omaha, Scottish Rite Temple, Daniel and Joan Shurtliff , Duane and Jackie Smith, Kenneth and Th elma Smith, Margaret Sorensen, Kathryn E. Stapp, Starcraft Chapter No. 307, Starcraft Chapter No. 307 Kensington, Stacy and Judy Stasenka, Jerry and Midge Stephens, Straddlers NCT #47 Camping Group, Florence M. Strobel, Sunset Chapter No. 300, Lloyd and Nola Synovec, Charles and Barbara Talmadge, Bernard and Janice Taulborg, Temple Chapter No. 271, Terry and Marilynn Th eis, Raymond L. Th omas, Warren R. Th omas, Beverly Th ygesen, James and Patty Tische, Howard and Helen Tracy, Trinity Chapter No. 299, Dewayne and Helen Triplett, Clark C. Trissell, Truth Chapter No. 262, VBM Printers dba Old Stuff Newspaper, John and Jan VerMaas, Vesta Chapter No. 6, Greg and Dineen Vlasnik, Robert and Joyce Vondrasek, Tony and Elaine Vrana, Jack and Donna Wagaman, Dale and Mary Walkenhorst, James and Florence Walter, Robert and Mary Ward, Wausa Chapter No. 159, Wayne Chapter No. 194, James A. Widtfeldt, Herman and Helen Wiebers, Jerrie Wilcox, Warren and Beverly Wilkie, Ron Williams, Michael B. Wilson, Th omas and Sally Withers, Denny and Marian Witt, William T. Workman, Irene A. Zimmerman.

Memorial Donations (November 21, 2012 - February 19, 2013)Thomas J. Aron PGM (Thomas Aron Jr.), John, Helen, John Jr., Charles and Roger Ballou (Clarence and Mary Courtright), Ardythe Bargman (Vesper Chapter No. 9), Vietta Beavers (David A. Beavers), Thelma Bierschenk (Jody J. Scheffelmaier), Juanita Brendel (Scott G. Brendel), Jerry Brown (Alfred and Barbara Dietrich), Mary Chase (Tekamah Chapter No. 131), Alfred and Margetta Chester (John G. Chester), Leola Clark (Richard L. Clark), Wayne C. Cleaver (Mary J. Cleaver), Florence Conner (Barbara J. Maytes), Charlotte Darling (Mary Ann Watchorn), Leonard G. Davis (Vickie L. Seemann), Maurice “Baldy” and Mary Diehl (Klaus and Edie Schoenherr), Harold and Edna Eatinger (Marvin H. Eatinger), Bob and Barb Embury (Phil and Linda Ruden), Bobby Embury (Robert Meisinger), Roland Emmett (Grace S. Emmett), Jacob Z. Esbenshade (Dorothy N. Esbenshade), Bill Faircloth (Terry and Chris Walsh), Harold Flockhart (Raymond and Flo Evers), Gordon D. Francis (Harriette S. Francis), James W. Gray (Richard D. Hitz), Minnie Halstead (Laura Spears), Adelyn Headden (Sheila Aiken), Ethel Higgins (Michael and Judith Carlson, Duane and Roxanne Heim, David E. Ruffner, James and Jeanne Karnegis, Jim and Isobel Taylor), Jack Hoffman (Nova G. Hoffman),Judy Johnson (Elizabeth Chapter No. 250), Lowell Johnson (Dorothy J. Johnson), Noel Kiefer (Centennial Lodge No. 326), Lavina Kinder (Vern and Phyllis Shires), Erma Kipling (Bill and Linda Kenedy, Howard Davie and Family, Warren Davie and Family, Jim and Isobel Taylor, James and Jeanne Karnegis), Joann Krapp (Clarence Krapp), Bud Kurtz (Betty Kurtz), Continued on page 14

The Nebraska Masonic Home

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It was good seeing everyone at the 156th Annual Communication. Hopefully, you saw our booth, which displayed pictures of the children and 139 Purple Ribbons. Donors to the Purple Ribbon Club fund the Home’s 4-H animal projects.

There were 32 children living at the Home at the beginning of the summer 4-H season. Three of these children had just earned their high school diploma. Two of the graduates started college and one entered the military.

There were three major projects for the buildings and grounds committee in 2012. An irrigation system was installed on three of the fi ve pastures, the Home purchased the Fremont Lodge to accommodate future growth, and a piece of ground with a two car garage was purchased on the north edge of the Home’s campus.

The newly purchased two car garage was made into an Industrial Technology shop where over 200 4-H awards (electrical, welding, wind generation, and rockets) were earned during the fi rst year.

All of the children participated in 4-H. A total of 1,137 4-H awards were earned - 53 of these were earned at the Nebraska State Fair. It’s been over 10 years since children from the Home have competed at Aksarben. Three girls competed this year. They earned fi ve blue ribbons and one purple ribbon.

Two major events are held at the Home each year – the 4-H Chili Supper and Achievement Day. The Chili Supper is the 4-H Club’s annual fundraiser. Over 750 people attended last year. George Washington’s Bible was on display at the Chili Supper thanks to PGM Rex Moats. Achievement Day is our end of the 4-H

year celebration. Over 350 people attended.The Home is blessed to have excellent employees, gracious donors, and a

wonderful Board of Directors. 2013 is projected to be a great year for the Home. Achievement Day is August

10, 2013. Consider bringing a new Mason or a candidate and show them one of the Nebraska Masonic charities.

2015 is the Home’s 100th Anniversary in Fremont, Nebraska. Masonic-Eastern Star Home for Children

MASONIC-EASTERN STAR HOME FOR CHILDRENRon Giesselmann, Executive Director

2012 at the Children’s Home

Nate loves his new calf.

Christmas at Truman Cottage.

Chasity shows that she can still fi t between the fence rails.

Chasity and Morgan react to a shot by the opposing team in the Grand Lodge Game

Room.

Gina, Chasity, Jarrett, Martin and Gabe each won a trophy at the Valentine’s Day

Bowling party.

Taylor, Harley and Cynthia baked cookies while they were out of school during a

snow day.

Kylee was a member of the Fremont High School swim team.

Alexis is happy to help at the farm.

Luis wrestled for the Fremont Middle School.

9Order of the Eastern Star

Members of Nebraska Grand Chapter joined together to CELEBRATE across the State at the Installations of our Star and DeMolay Chapters, our Lodges, our Bethels and our As-semblies. We CONGRATULATE all those who were installed and wish everyone a most successful year.

On January 19-21, 2013, seventeen District Grand Super-visors assembled at our School of Instruction in Plattsmouth. It was three full days of instruction, fellowship and fun, with plenty of good eating and little sleep … what a weekend! We thank those Past Grand Matrons and Past Grand Patrons who were also in attendance. Those 17 ladies are now out and about visiting your Chapter with their School of Instruction.

Our Masonic Family gathered in Kearney for the Annual Communication of Nebraska Grand Lodge, and Eastern Star was proud to be a part of that Celebration. Our Congratula-

The CELEBRATION Continues in Eastern Star!!by Judy Wehrbein, Worthy Grand Matron

(L-R) Judy Wehrbein, Worthy Grand Matron; Adam Medley, State Sr. Councilor; Ariel Moats, Miss Nebraska Rainbow; Bob Williams, Associate Grand Guardian; Kaylee Jenkins, Grand Bethel Honored Queen; Tom Hauder, Grand Master; Jasmine Jirsak, Miss Nebraska Job’s Daughter; Julia Williams, Miss Nebraska Congeniality; Robin Brown, Grand Guardian; Maximilian Carter, State Jr. Councilor; and Alvin Benemerito, Worthy Grand Patron.

(Front Row l-r) – Cheryl Beckius, Jan Thoman, Sharlene Coulter, Alvin Benemerito, Judy Wehrbein, Bev Donham and Tracey Hefner. (2nd Row) – Claudia Ranslem, Dian Larsen, Karen Phillips, Brenda McGuire, Joyce Royal, Laurie Sieg, and Bev Pickering. (3rd Row) – Jessica Hochstein, Kristi Hastings, Gloria Guern, Dottie Arent, Carrie Knapp, Candy Martin, Isobel Taylor and Margaret McCall.

tions to Past Grand Master Rex Moats and his Offi cers on a wonderful year. We also joined together to Celebrate with newly elected Grand Master Tom Hauder and his Offi cers during their Installation and Reception.

Our attention has now focused on preparing for our “Spirit of the Star” Grand Chapter Session in Kearney May 14-16. Information has been sent out to the Chapters and can be found on our website (neoes.org). This is a STAR CELEBRATION that you don’t want to miss. The more who come, the bigger the Celebration will be. Come for the week, a day or just an evening…but do plan to come to Celebrate with us. Enjoy shopping with the many vendors, singing in the Celebrate Choir or just enjoying the fellowship of our fraternal family. We look forward to having you there, as it is the culmination of the special year we have shared together.

In Star spirit and fraternal love ~Judy, WGM and Alvin, WGP

Corn Feed to be held July 28 in West OmahaThe corn feed originated with Sister Ethel and Brother Earl Gardner, members of Fontenelle Chapter #249. Ethel and Earl moved back to our area from Minnesota in the spring of 1980. At their home north of Council Bluffs airport, we prepared the meal until they moved to Arizona. During the summer of 1985, the Corn Feed Moved to West Omaha Masonic Center. The date is always the last Sunday in July. This is a fund raiser for Centennial No. 326 and Fontenelle Chapter #249. Brother Fred Ripley contacts a farmer about buying the corn and the corn is picked fresh the morning of the corn feed. Members husk the corn on the spot (what good fellowship). The menu includes fried chicken, scalloped potatoes, coleslaw, desserts and beverages. People come from all over parts of the state for good food.

See you on July 28th. Satisfi ed customers, including PGM Moats, at the 2012 Corn Feed.

Fontenelle Chapter to celebrate100 years in May

Fontenelle Chapter #249, Order of the Eastern Star, is cel-ebrating its 100th anniversary this May. An open house/birthday party is planned for Sunday, May 19, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the West Omaha Masonic Center, located at 2424 South 135th Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska. Fontenelle was instituted in February 1913 with the Worthy Grand Matron and Worthy Grand Patron of Nebraska installing 14 offi cers, and charter was granted May 14, 1913. The name “Fontenelle” was derived from Logan Fontenelle, who was the last great Indian Chief of the tribe Mahas. If you have memorabilia from Fontenelle’s 100 years that you wish to donate, please contact Cathy Voshell, WM at rvoshell@cox.net. See you there!

Mark your Calendars for Grand Chapter!May 14-16, 2013

Younes Conference CenterKearney, Nebraska

10 Nebraska Masonic Youth Groups

Nebraska Job’s DaughtersRobin Brown, Grand Guardian

Bob Williams, Associate Grand GuardianKaylee Jenkins, Grand Bethel Honored QueenJazmine Jirsak, Miss Nebraska Job’s Daughter

Julia Williams, Miss Nebraska Congeniality

NEBRASKA DEMOLAYMichael W. Stuhr, Executive Director

by Luke Castner, State Master CouncilorWow, where has the time gone! It seems like yesterday we

were just at Grand Lodge, and now we are getting ready for school to get out. On behalf of Nebraska DeMolay, I would like to thank everyone that was at Grand Lodge for the kindness and hospitality shown to us. We had a great time and were pleased to be able to showcase some of our DeMolay ceremonies.

The busy season is starting to pick up for the state line and chapters throughout the state. We just had the Sweetheart Dances for Both District 1 and 2. The annual Sweetheart Retreat will take place in Omaha on March 9-10, 2013.

One of my favorite things to attend as a state offi cer is Round Up. Luckily for me that takes place in a couple of weeks. Every year we give out the infamous Rodeo of Sports trophy. Sidney has taken it home the past fi ve years. Will they make it a sixth year or will a different chapter take it home in 2013?

For those of you who don’t know, we are going to be adding another chapter to our ranks in the next year. Superior Lodge No. 121 of Superior has passed a Resolution to Sponsor a DeMolay chapter in Superior. They plan to draw members from Superior and the surrounding communities, including northern Kansas.

This year, Conclave will be held on July 18-21 in Sidney. We are excited to take Conclave out west and hope to see everyone there!

K. Roger Dill of Victory Lodge No. 310 in Valley was named Mason of the Year by Nebraska DeMolay.

Tangier Shrine was named Sponsoring Body of the Year by Nebraska DeMolay.

Greetings from Nebraska Job’s Daughters! I am Jazmine Jirsak, the Miss Nebraska Job’s Daughter 2012-2013. I am a Past Honored Queen of Bethel #15 in Fremont. I am so privileged to be a part of the 2012-2013 Nebraska Grand Family. Our Grand theme this year is “Footprints in the Sand.” As we journey through our year we hope to leave our footprints on this wonderful state. This year has brought many wonderful adventures and I have loved every second! Our travels began quickly after our 2011-2012 Grand Session. The Grand Family had a great time visiting each of our beautiful bethels across Nebraska. This summer we were privileged to attend DeMolay Conclave. We witnessed the installation of State Master Councilor Luke and his State Offi cers. We had a great time and danced the night away. In the beginning of August, 40+ members of Nebraska Job’s Daughters hopped on a bus and headed to Baltimore, MD for our Supreme Session. Our daughters competed in many different areas, including ritual, performing arts and arts and crafts. Many of our members placed in their individual competitions and our Nebraska Choir received second place! In Baltimore, I was privileged to participate in the Miss International Job’s Daughter Pageant. It was an amazing week full of new experiences, friends and wonderful memories. This winter we relived our summertime road trips as we traveled to many Bethel Installations. It was so wonderful to see the newly crowned Honored Queens of our order preside so graciously. I enjoyed seeing so many Masons on the sidelines and encourage you to visit often. As Jobies, we love having guests at our meetings and are especially grateful for our Masonic Heritage. We are so blessed to have the support of so many wonderful men. Thank you for all that you do for Nebraska Job’s Daughters!

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by Sami Voshell, Grand Worthy AdvisorGreetings from Nebraska Rainbow! We have some exciting

news which was announced at Grand Lodge concerning the passage of legislation last summer at the 2012 Supreme Assembly, International Order of the Rainbow for Girls in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The legislation allows non-affi liated wives of Master Masons to attend Rainbow meetings by virtue of their husband’s membership in a lodge. Under this legislation, they will also be allowed to serve on an Advisory Board which is the supporting adult body of a local Assembly. We are confi dent that this new avenue of introducing the wives of Master Masons to the Masonic Family is a positive step and will encourage these women to want to explore the many opportunities provided.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Grand Lodge for all of the courtesies extended to Supreme Deputy Betty and myself during the Annual Communication. It was wonderful to be able to greet so many Masons and Masonic Family members, bring greetings and present our Rose Lecture at the Public Opening. It was also a pleasure to tell about Rainbow and present a tribute to the offi cial Rainbow fl ag at the Ladies’ Luncheon. I would like to thank each of you who contributed in any way to the Silent Auction. It is a lot of fun and your generous donations will greatly help our Masonic youth organizations. We would like to congratulate Past Grand Master Rex Moats on a successful year and wonderful Communication and we wish Grand Master Thomas Hauder a prosperous and fulfi lling year.

Around the state, initiations at Athena Assembly #24 in Bellevue and Lincoln Assembly #6 brought fi ve more members into our Rainbow family since the start of the new year. This brings our total to thirteen since Grand Assembly and my challenge is thirty new members by Grand Assembly. We are also

still hard at work collecting pop can tabs for Ronald McDonald House Char i t i e s and performing many hands-on service projects. On April 20, we will hold our Statewide Service and Fun Day which includes a service project at the Nebraska Masonic Home, lunch, a fun event, and promises to be a very productive and energizing day! Would you like to join us?

Supreme Deputy Betty and I are looking forward to attending Grand York Rite, Grand Chapter of Eastern Star and Shrine Bowl. Now, it is my pleasure to invite you to attend the 68th “Weather the Weather Together” session of Nebraska Grand Assembly of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls June 14-16, 2013 on the campus of Doane College in Crete. The Informal Opening is at the Haddix Center Saturday afternoon, June 15 at 1:30 p.m. Registration information may be obtained by emailing Mrs. Laurie Sieg at ks33902@windstream.net . We cannot wait to see you there!

Nebraska Masonic Youth Groups

INTERNATIONAL ORDER OF THE RAINBOW FOR GIRLS

Betty Garwood, Supreme Deputy

We would like to thank everyone who contributed to and participated in the Silent Auction held at Annual Communication! Over $2,900 was raised and will be divided between our Nebraska Youth Organizations. THANK YOU ALL for your generous support of our Youth!!

Gene and Judy Wehrbein, Silent Auction Committee

Scholarships Available forMasonic Youth

Grand Lodge Masonic Youth ScholarshipsEach year, the Grand Lodge of Nebraska awards one $1000 scholarship to outstanding active members in each of the three Masonic Youth Groups. Additionally, a $1000 scholarship is also awarded to the best overall applicant, named the Grand Master’s Scholarship.

The Emick-Masonic Youth ScholarshipThe Glenn O. and Evelyn F. Emick Memorial Scholarship provides a $1,000 scholarship for each of the three state colleges: Chadron, Peru, Wayne, and the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

Recipients of both scholarships must show a respectable scholastic record, be a Nebraska resident and active in one of the Masonic Youth organizations: DeMolay, Job’s Daughters or Rainbow for Girls.

Applications for both Scholarships can be found on the Forms and Publications page of the Grand Lodge web site, www.glne.org. Applications are due May 1.

Sami Voshell, Grand Worthy Advisor, with Grand Master Rex Moats and his wife Diane.

12

Gayard W. Albers, Lincoln No. 19Wade D. Albers, Nebraska No. 1Johnny F. Anderson, Mosaic No. 55Paul C. Baker, Acacia No. 34Harry E. Chapman, Beatrice No. 26Ralph F. Cowles, Wallace No. 279Richard J. Crom, Mt. Moriah No. 57Donovan Ketzler, George Lininger No. 268Thomas C. Krivohlavek, Acacia No. 34Stanley McGill, George Washington No. 250Samuel A. Moore, Jr., Alliance No. 183Daniel F. Neu, Camp Clarke No. 285Gene R. Norton, Diamond No. 291Harold D. Raburn, Jachin No. 146Wilson E. Rice, Capitol No. 3Richard H. Rosenblatt, Nebraska No. 1Melvin D. Sinn, Hebron No. 43Richard R. Smith, Nebraska No. 1Vernon L. Sodomek, Centennial No. 326Alfred E. Stitt, Capitol No. 3Earl Tuers, Jr., Franklin No. 264Herman H. Wolf, Hebron No. 43

Year Pin Presentations50-Year Pins 60-Year Pins

David J. Anderson, Jachin No. 146William D. Anderson, Nebraska No. 1Walter Dean Beck, Comet No. 229Duane E. Berry, Shiloh No. 327Jerry F. Bespalec, Crete No. 37Bendt C. Brodersen, Diamond No. 291Joe E. Bryarly, Jr., James L. Eatmon No. 294Raymond H. Buell, Comet No. 229Wayne H. Clamp, Blazing Star No. 200Fred C. Clark, Arcana No. 195Marvin A. Cox, Seneca No. 284Larry V. Curts, Beatrice No. 26Darwyn V. Delehoy, Shiloh No. 327Billy D. Edmonds, Lincoln No. 19Lemoyne E. Exstrom, Jachin No. 146William D. Galbraith, Crete No. 37William L. Gayer, Centennial No. 326J. Richard Giles, Seneca No. 284Marlyn G. Grubbs, Acacia No. 34Lee A. Hicks, Lebanon No. 323George W. Hunt, Comet No. 229Dan E. Jackman, Shiloh No. 327Clifford C. Janda, Covert No. 11Myron J. Jacobson, Arcana No. 195Jack M. Johnson, Comet No. 229Jerry L. Johnston, Charity No. 53Richard W. Kelley, George Lininger No. 268George B. Lawler Jr., Capitol No. 3James R. Link, Centennial No. 326Dennis Lundgren, George Lininger No. 268Philip M. Mier, Samaritan No. 158J. Todd Moore, Cement No. 211Samuel A. Moore, Jr., Alliance No. 183Franklin J. Pavel, Lincoln No. 19Lyle R. Phipps, Seneca No. 284Vincent L. Rosenberger, Alliance No. 183Darrell D. Schuler, Camp Clarke No. 285Rhett R. Sears, Silver Cord No. 224Jerry Lee Sronce, St. Paul No. 82Paul O. Swanson, Lebanon No. 323George Vorovka, Alliance No. 183Ronald D. Weller, Centennial No. 326

70-Year Pins

W.B. Wayne Clamp (right) received his 50-year pin from W.M. Larry Donner on December 13 at Blazing Star Lodge No.

200 in Burwell. Brother Clamp was raised in Custer Lodge No. 148 in Broken Bow and then was a member of Ord Lodge No. 103

where he served as Master three times.

James Ingram (left) received a 60-year membership award from W.B. Kent Ingram of Franklin Lodge No. 264. Also pictured is

James’ wife Mildred.

On December 12, 2012, W.B. Al Knott received his 75-year pin at Zion Lodge No. 234 in Hyannis. Present to celebrate the event were 22 Brothers and guests from various lodges. Pictured are R.W.B. Joe McBride, W.B. Al Knott, W.B. Cliff Macomber, and W.B. Josh Streiff. Al will celebrate his 100th birthday this fall.

Roger Coufal, Master of Acacia Lodge No. 34 in Schuyler, and Dennis E. Rix, Grand Junior Deacon, presented Thomas Krivohlavek (center) with his 60-year membership award.

Brother Sam Moore (seated), a member of Alliance Lodge No. 183, was presented with a 50-year pin at his residence in Scottsbluff by members of Robert W. Furnas Lodge No. 265 in Scottsbluff. Brothers Kent Greenwalt, Frank Wooden, Don Loos, Ed Morava and Jack Nichols made the presentation.

Members of Alliance Lodge No. 183 visited W.B. Vincent Rosenberger at his home in November, and presented him with a 50-year pin. Pictured are Bro. Bob Phillip, Bro. Gene Gatti, W.B. Vince Rosenberger, W.B. Todd Harris.

Lawrence H. Clay, Nebraska No. 1Samuel K. Hanna, Seneca No. 284Jack E. Luther, Hooper No. 72Harold R. Peterson, Charity No. 53Paul O. Walline, Jachin No. 146Dan L. Wilcox, Centennial No. 326

13

L a w r e n c e R. James was presented the B r o n z e J o r -d a n M e d a l for George W. Lininger Lodge No. 268 at the Lodge’s annual Dinner honoring Lodge past Masters on November 20, 2012. The presentation took place at the Omaha Valley Scottish Rite Masonic Center and was made by 2012 Master, WB Doug Lewis and Brother James’ son Brother Chip.

Worshipful Master David Rose of Florence Lodge No. 281 in Omaha presented the Bronze Jordan Medal to Je-rome Givens on December 11, 2012.

WBKeith Attebery received the Bronze Jordan

Medal from Lancaster Lodge No. 54 in Lincoln from W.M. Tyler White. Keith has been a member for 66 years. He is 90 years old and active in the lodge and degree work, handling signifi cant offi ces, as well as lectures.

Brothers Daniel Neu and Darrell Schuler received membership awards from brothers at Camp Clarke Lodge No. 285 in Bridgeport. Pictured are Darrell Kraupie, presenter; Daniel F. Neu, 60-year member; Worshipful Master Brent Van Patten, presenter; Darrell Schuler, 50-year member; and Darrell Schuler, II, presenter.

BRONZE JORDAN MEDALS AWARDED

On Sunday, January 6, 2013, members of Acacia Lodge No. 34 in Schuyler, along with members of Fremont Lodge No. 15 and Shrine band members and friends and family attended an award ceremony for Marlyn G. Grubbs. Marlyn is recuperating at Nye Legacy in Fremont and was more than overwhelmed with the large turnout for his 50-year award. His award was presented by WB Roger Coufal of Acacia Lodge.

Brother Grubbs shared some remembrances of his commit-ment to Masonry and challenged all other brothers in attendance to encourage others to become part of “one of the best parts of my life.” He continued to share some of his feelings about being a Mason and his comments were met with all around applause.

The ceremony was attended by a few other 50 and 50-plus year Masons.

Marilyn’s wife proudly pinned his 50-year pin to his lapel while Roger Coufal presented him with his mem-bership card and certifi cate.

Grubbs Receives 50-year Award

Comet Lodge No. 229 in Ceresco presented membership awards to several members at the Christmas Dinner on December 7, 2012. W.M. Mervyn L. Moeller presented pins to W.B. George W. Hunt, Bro. Raymond H. Buell, W.B. Jack M. Johnson, and W.B. W. Dean Beck.

Jachin Lodge No. 146 honored LeMoyne Exstrom with a 50-year membership award. The presentation was made by Dan Brown, Master of the lodge in Holdrege. Other Masons honored were Bruce Raddatz (25 years), Ray Winz (45 years) and Wilbur Black, who has been a member for 68 plus years.

M o s t Wo r s h i p f u l Grand Master Tom Hauder presented a 70-year membership award to Jack E. Lu ther on March 2nd at his home, surrounded by family members. His wife Elaine is seated with him.

70-YEAR MEMBER HONORED BY GRAND MASTER

14

Lodges Present Achievement Awards

Alvin Benemerito received a Masonic Achievement Award on January 12. It was presented during the Installation of Offi cers of Long Pine Lodge No. 136. Pictured are Shanda Benemerito, Alvin Benemerito and Kevin Lindly, Grand Junior Steward.

Clark Noble, left, is shown receiving the Masonic Achievement Award for Jachin Lodge No. 146 from Dan

Brown, Master, for his dis-tinguished service to the Holdrege lodge. The award was presented during the December regular meeting at the Holdrege Masonic Temple. Clark has been a member for 47 plus years.

Worshipful Brother Rodney Richter received the Masonic Individual Achievement Award on January 24 at the Awards Banquet for Franklin Lodge No. 264.

Cynthia Rubendall was presented with the non-Ma-son Achievement Award by WM Kent Ingram of Franklin Lodge No. 264.

The Nebraska Masonic Home FoundationContinued from Page 7

Memorial Donations Continued (November 21, 2012 - February 19, 2013)

Patricia Kutilek (Richard J. Kutilek), Ray Lancaster (Alfred and Barbara Dietrich), Saul Libowski (Capitol Lodge No. 3), Walter Lingenfelter (Lowell and Mary Lou Erickson), Gordon O. Luhrs (Mary C. Luhrs), Keith and Bertha Lyons (Tom and Donna Lee Johnson), James L. Magner (Hazel Magner), Robert Marks (Shirley Marks, Lou and Nancy Worm), Dale D. Masters (Pastor Coral Eberly), Orville R. Matszke (Centennial Lodge No. 326), James McClain (Mary Jane Reigel), Malah McKnight (Jody J. Scheffelmaier), David and Clara Meisinger (Janet A. Meisinger), Inez Melcher (Todd R. Melcher), Lewis Miller (Arlon and Doris Miller), Richard T. Miyoshi (Clement Landis Jr., Shawnee Latimer, Lonnie and Wendy Olson, Roy S. Yanagida), Bethene Morris (Stanley A. Morris), Lewis and Nettie Mougey (Mr. and Mrs. Richard Mougey), William (Spec) C. Nelson (James and Phyllis Anderson), William A. Nelson (Norma Nelson), Gale Nielsen (Douglas A. Nielsen), James G. Pickard (Louise G. Pickard), Velma Pierce (Edith Nielsen), Esther Pillard (Eugene and Patsey Pillard), Katherine Pitney (Jim and Louise Shamblen), Linford and Shirley Pitts (Jim and Linda Young), Jack E. Price (Carl and Willa Barney), Glenn A. Prigeon (Centennial Lodge No. 326), William K. Robinson (Lorna M. Robinson), Robert Ross (Alfred and Barbara Dietrich), Wanda Salisbury (Temple Chapter No. 271), Nicholas Shearer (Michael and Teresa Shearer), Eletha Sheldon (Jane Dodds, Otto H. Klabunde Jr., Mary Lou Mann, Arthur J. Palmer), Thomas Simpson (Centennial Lodge No. 326), Betty D. Smith (Alvin H. Smith), Russell Soden (Beverly J. Soden), Wayne Stevens (Alfred and Barbara Dietrich), Joe Stoupa (Paul and Robin Stoupa), Jim Stratbucker (Martha Thibault), Lois Tepner (Mt. Vernon Chapter No. 84), Robert E. Trout (Sharon L. Glenn), Bob and Hazel Vandegrift (Maggie J. Rasmussen), Bonnie J. Waller (Rex and Denise Waller), Jerry Watts (Centennial Lodge No. 326), Katherine Wehrbein (Kevin and Dottie Arent, Shirley DeVasure, Lowell and Mary Lou Erickson, Duane and Roxanne Heim, Gale and Wanda Retzlaff, Robert and Roma Rhodes, Jim and Isobel Taylor), Glenn and Agnes Wetenkamp (Rebecca Wetenkamp), Ronald “Rex” Wilson (Alfred and Barbara Dietrich), Frank Zabokrtsky (Arnola R. Zabokrtsky).

The Nebraska Veteran Freemasons meet annually at the Grand Lodge communication for lunch and the admission of new members. The meal is generally pretty good, and there is a great opportunity for fellowship around the table. However, most Nebraska Masons don’t know what the Veteran Freemasons are or what the membership requirements might be. Most folks assume the organization is for Nebraska Masons that have served in the armed forces. While quite a few members of the organization are in fact military veterans, that is not a membership requirement.The only requirement to become a member of the Nebraska Veteran Freemasons is that you must have been a Mason for 21 or more consecutive years. There is a nominal $5.00 fee to join, and no membership dues. The only costs that members incur are for the lunches. There are a great many potential members out there, and we hope to see you next year and in the years to follow.

The VETERAN FREEMASONS ASSOCIATION Explained...

15

For those of you who attended the Grand Lodge Annual Com-munication, you may already be familiar with some of the changes that have happened, and will be happening with this great program.

Before I start explaining the changes, I would again like to thank all the Lodges, Youth Groups, the Order of the Eastern Star and other Masonic Organizations that contributed so generously to the program. Your contributions made possible the purchasing of over 1400 phone cards so far that were distributed to Nebraska Service members deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan. This enabled them in a small way to keep in touch with loved ones back home without incurring any additional expense. However, the deployments have slowed down with withdrawals from both countries, but your gen-erosity continued, and Most Worshipful Brother Rex Moats gave me instructions to fi nd new ways to support our Veterans as the membership had decided to continue this program.

I researched several options that went from supporting rooms in a Fisher House to be built when the new Veterans Hospital is completed in Omaha, to looking at housing for Veterans and many other ways we could support the Veterans of Nebraska. I ended up working with some wonderful contacts at Veterans Administration (VA) Hospital in Omaha. In working with Mr. Chris Shipp and the rest of the VA staff, I have made contacts with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Association and have become acquainted with three other programs in which the Masons of Nebraska can assist our Veterans and not only monetarily. Their greatest immediate need was new vehicles for transporting our Veterans across the state for services at the different clinics and the main hospital in Omaha. The least amount of mileage on the vehicles used was well over 90,000 with another rapidly approaching over 300,000 miles. With that note, let’s begin to talk about some of the changes that started with your Change for the Troops Program.

At the Annual Communication we started off the change with the funds currently in the program. We meet a major DAV need utilizing the funds from all of your generous donations in helping them purchase a vehicle through a federal program that matches funds. The Masons of Nebraska gave the DAV a check for $14,000 to purchase a new vehicle to transport the Veterans across the state.

The other changes for the Change for Troops Program besides raising the money to purchase at least one or two more vehicles for the DAV can include sponsoring three other programs of the VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System. The fi rst is the Community Resource & Recovery Center on the Omaha campus by providing money to purchase personnel care items, clothing and non-perishable food items for homeless Veterans. The second item is providing funding for the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing which assists Veterans to get back on their feet by providing low-cost housing to get the homeless Veterans mentioned above off the streets and back into a normal living situation. Our assistance here would purchase basic home furnishing and general household goods. The third program involves supporting the Veterans Advisory Group in their endeavors to provide additional services at the VA hospital and clinics.

Lastly I would like to thank you all again for your generosity and caring and want to leave you some fi nal thoughts. The left over phone cards from your initial program are being distributed to the Wounded Warriors families that are receiving care at the Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System along with some of the homeless Veterans mentioned above in the effort to get them back on their feet. As soon as we are able we will get the paperwork in to attempt to make this program a 501(c)3 program. Please continue to collect

What’s the Change - In the Change for Troops?by Anthony T. Johnson

for this worthwhile effort and let the Masons of Nebraska continue to show their support for those who gave their all to let you maintain the privileges we all enjoy every day. One fi nal thought or question as the program is taking a different direction in what the money is used for, do we the Masons of Nebraska want to continue with the Change for Troops name or should it change to something else? Feel Free to contact me or the Grand Lodge with your thoughts and contributions.

Grand Master Rex Moats presents a check in the amount of $14,000 to representatives of the Disabled American Veterans Department of Nebraska for the purchase of a new transport vehicle for patients of the VA hospitals in Nebraska. A.J. Johnson stands at the podium.

A TRADITION CONTINUES AND A CHAIN BROKEN AT LAST!

by Glenn Mulholland, Deputy Grand CustodianHistory of sorts was made on January 9, 2013 at Seneca Lodge

No. 284 in Thedford as they installed the new Offi cers for 2013.Brother Jay Jones, son of Calvin “Hap” Jones, Past Master of Sen-eca Lodge many times and who now is a member of the Celestial Lodge Above, was installed Master of Seneca Lodge, following in his dad’s footsteps. This little lodge has less than 30 members so you can imagine how diffi cult it is for them to maintain stability and get new blood in the chairs. W. B. Jones started in the offi cer line as the Senior Deacon and progressed through all the rest before be-ing installed as Master for the year 2013. He has been a spark plug in keeping this lodge on its feet through his efforts to improve the lodge-owned building and instill and excite its members to keep it alive. With his being installed Master, the old chain of having to rely on Past Masters to occupy the Master’s chair was snapped and the coming year looks to be very exciting as they have degree work to get done and new members to recruit, proving once again that “time, patience and perseverance will accomplish all things.” There is a lot of work to be done in the lodge and WB Jay is up to the task. It looks like there will be many exciting things happen in this lodge this year.Brother Jay Jones (left) receives the furniture of the lodge from W. B. Glenn Mulholland as W. B. Mervin Titchen proceeds with the ceremony of installing Brother Jay as Worshipful Master of Seneca Lodge No. 284 in Thedford.

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GRAND LODGE CALENDAR OF EVENTS

April 4-6 Grand York Rite, KearneyApril 13 All Committee Meeting, FremontApril 27 One-day Conferral, OmahaMay 14-16 Eastern Star Grand Chapter, KearneyMay 28-Jun 1 Masonic All-Star Marching Band Camp, KearneyJune 1 Shrine Bowl Parade & Football Classic, KearneyJune 8 Florence Lodge 281 Rededication, OmahaJune 14-16 Rainbow Grand Assembly, CreteJune 19-22 Job’s Daughters Grand Bethel, North PlatteJuly 18-21 DeMolay Conclave, Sidney

THE NEBRASKA MASONOFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THEGRAND LODGE AF& AMOF NEBRASKA1240 N 10th STREETLINCOLN, NE 68508-1125

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

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PAIDLincoln, NE

Permit No. 1066

The Nebraska Mason is produced quarterly and distributed to more than 17,000 members of the Masonic Family. Copy for articles is due at the Grand Lodge Offi ce on or before the following dates. Articles received after these deadlines will be held for possible inclusion in future issues:

June 1, 2013 September 1, 2013 December 1, 2013 March 1, 2014

Send articles to:The Nebraska Mason

Offi ce of the Grand Lodge1240 N 10th Street

Lincoln, NE 68508-1125(402) 475-4640

or(800) 558-8029

Fax: (402) 475-4736E-mail: michelle@glne.org

Produced, edited, and proofed by Michelle Fulmer and Carol Schroeder

19th Annual Masonic All-Star Marching Band Camp

May 28 - June 1, 2013University of Nebraska-Kearney

We still need scholarships for deserving students to attend band camp. If your lodge, chapter or appendant body can help, please contact the Grand Lodge of Nebraska as soon as possible.

The Grand Lodge Offi ce will move to its new building at 301 N. Cotner

Blvd., Lincoln in May.

TheNebraska Mason

is going electronic...

If you would like to receive your copy of the Nebraska Mason via email with a link to an online version of the magazine, please send an email to Michelle at the Grand Lodge Office at michelle@GLNE.org.

Your name will be removed from the print version list and added to the electronic distribution list.