The city of Bellevue has been called:

“The Genesis of Free Masonry in Nebraska”.
Cabin Fever Puzzle!

In checking over the possibilities and records in our quest for “ROOTS” of Nebraska Lodge No. 1, we find there are varying statements relative to Masonry as established in North America, particularly in the original Colonies prior to the Revolutionary War. We thought perhaps you might be interested in some of our findings which we desire to share with you at this time.

The first Masonic Grand Lodge of record was established June 24, 1717, in England and was known as the Grand Lodge of England. They were called the “Moderns”. Prior to that time there had been numerous groups or guilds in Continental Europe and in England conferring so-called degrees of a Mystic Nature which were under numerous names or titles, but with no established administrative, authorizations or control. With the establishment of the Grand Lodge of England, it placed this authorization for the conferring of these degrees or titles, in a regular manner, under one titular head called the “Grand Master”.

In 1730, the Grand Lodge of Ireland was organized and likewise, in 1736, the Grand Lodge of Scotland.

In 1751, another Grand Lodge was established in England known as the “Ancients”. From these four Grand Lodges sprang every present possibility for “ROOTS” for all Masonic Lodges and Grand Lodges in North America .

The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts is an offspring of the Grand Lodge of England. In April, 1733, the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of England, Anthony Lord Viscount Montague, issued a deputation to Henry Price of Massachusetts, appointing him “Provincial Grand Master of New England and Dominions and Territories there unto belonging”. Thus it was that, on the 30th of July, 1733, at the Bunch of Grapes Tavern on King Street in Boston, Henry Price assembled ten of his Brethren and organized the Provincial Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.

The first lodge in Boston was organized and dated July 30, 1733. This lodge, now known as St. Johns Lodge since 1784, is regarded as the oldest regular and duly Constituted Lodge in the Western Hemisphere.

Under the date of May 30, 1769, the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Scotland commissioned “Most Worshipful Joseph Warren, Esq.” to be Grand Master in “Boston, New England, and within 100 miles of same”. On December 27, 1769, Brother Warren was installed in ample form as “Grand Master of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons in Boston”.

This latter Grand Lodge was active for 23 years when on March 19, 1792, the two Grand Lodges, “Moderns” and “Ancients” consolidated under the name “Grand Lodge of Massachusetts”.

It is of special note that General Joseph Warren of Revolutionary War fame was the one and only Provincial Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts appointed by the Grand Master of Scotland. Brother Warren was killed at the battle of Bunker Hill.

On December 30, 1767, a Provincial Grand Master was commissioned by the Grand Lodge of England and formed several Lodges which operated in North Carolina under this Commission until 1787, when the Grand Lodge of North Carolina was formed. No records are available to show a Provincial Grand Lodge ever existed, as the lodges which then operated were subject to the Grand Lodge of England. The Grand Lodge of North Carolina was chartered December 9, 1787, with Samuel Johnston as Grand Master.

From the Grand Lodge of North Carolina 1787, through its mother Grand Lodge of England stems the first “ROOTS” of Nebraska Lodge No. 1.

Successive “Roots” are established as follows:

Grand Lodge of Tennessee, 1813, chartered by Grand Lodge of North Carolina;

Grand Lodge of Missouri, 1821, chartered by Grand Lodge of Tennessee;

Grand Lodge of Illinois, 1840, chartered by Grand Lodge of Missouri;

Nebraska Lodge 184 of Illinois, 1855, chartered by Grand Lodge of Illinois;

Nebraska Lodge No. 1, 1857, chartered by the Grand Lodge of Nebraska.

Having established our “Roots” through the sister Grand Lodges of Illinois, Missouri, Tennessee, North Carolina, and the Mother Grand Lodge of England, let us now focus our attention and interest on that vast expanse of Territory west of the Mississippi River, purchased from the French government in 1803 by President Jefferson, which is known throughout our history as the “Louisiana Purchase”.

The Spanish and French governments had made earlier explorations and settlements on the Mississippi from its outlet to the Gulf of Mexico near New Orleans to its source in Minnesota. The French claimed the country in 1682. They ceded it to Spain in 1762, who in turn, receded it to France in 1800, and it was later purchased in 1803 from France by the U.S. Government at a purchase price of $ 15,000,000.00. Included in this purchase was that Territory of land to be known later as Nebraska Territory, which included Kansas, Nebraska, North and South Dakota, and parts of Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado. The first explorers of record of this Nebraska Territory were two French brothers, Pierre and Paul Mallet, 1739.

In 1804, following completion of negotiations for the “Louisiana Purchase”, the Lewis and Clark expedition was sent out by President Jefferson for the purpose of gaining knowledge of the new and almost unknown territory, On Monday, May 14, 1804, this exploratory expedition began its historic journey up the Missouri River to the Pacific Ocean. It should be noted that both Meriwether Lewis and William Clark were both Masons.

A map of Bellevue and the surrounding areas copied from the original drawing by Brother William Clark 1804-1806

This expedition started from a location at the mouth of the Wood River , a small stream which empties itself into the Mississippi River opposite the entrance to the Missouri , up stream from St. Louis . It is a matter of record that Brother Lewis and Brother Clark first came in sight of Nebraska on July 11, 1804, and camped at a spot on the Missouri side opposite the Mouth of the Big Nemaha River, near the present site of Rulo, Nebraska, Richardson County. On July 21, 1804, they passed the mouth of the Platte River and encamped on the West side of the Missouri River which later was to become the site of the earliest permanent settlement of white men West of the Missouri River.

It was here that Peter A. Sarpy came to Bellevue in 1823 as a clerk for the American Fur Company and in 1825 was made manager of that very important Fur Trading Post.

This settlement, as earlier established, was called “Bellevue” because of its beautiful scenery and surroundings.

It was here at Bellevue in 1855, in the two story “Trading Post”, made of logs and operated by Peter A. Sarpy, that the first meetings of a Masonic Lodge were held in Nebraska Territory.

As has already been noted it was natural that among the early pioneers that made permanent settlements in the Nebraska Territory there would be those who were Masons. In the spring of 1854, it was established that among these settlers there were several members of our Ancient Craft. Included were seven persons who, after some consultation resolved together to petition the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Illinois for a dispensation that would give them authority to establish a Masonic Lodge in the community of Bellevue.

The seven known persons were Brother Addison R. Gillmore, Lathrop B. Kinney, Leavitt L. Bowen, Patrick J. McMahon, George Hepner, Abner W. Holister and Almarin Lockwood.

According to Brother A.R. Gillmore the first formal action taken to introduce organized Masonry into Nebraska Territory took place in November, 1854. The occasion was a preliminary meeting of Craftsmen for the purpose of taking initial steps necessary to procure a dispensation and the consequent authority to establish a “Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, at Bellevue, then in Douglas , but now (1854) in Sarpy County”. Present at this meeting which was convened in Green, Kinney and Co’s log store located in St. Marys, Mills County, Iowa, directly across the Missouri River from Bellevue, were Brothers Lathrop B. Kinney; Ex-governor Ansel Briggs, (probably of Iowa) but then a resident of Florence, Douglas County; Patrick J. McMahon, resident of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Almarin W. Lockwood, Trader’s Point, Iowa; J.M. Gatewood, retired agent of the U.S. Indian Agency of the Omaha, Pawnee, and Otoe Tribes of Indians; George Hepner, U.S. Indian Agent; A.W. Holister, of Belleuve and Brother A. R. Gillmore, who referred to himself as “your humble servant”.

These brethren, after due and sufficient deliberation, drew up in “due form” a petition praying the Grand Lodge of Illinois to grant the petitioners a dispensation. It should be noted at this point a discrepancy in the names of the petitioners. In the account of Brother C.D. Keller, Committee member for the Nebraska Lodge No. 1, it was reported that a Brother A.H. Burtch had appended his signature. This petition was ordered to be sent to the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Illinois. Brother Gillmore visited in Chicago in December of 1854, and found that the petition had been received and was then in the hands of the Deputy Grand Master.

He thereupon arranged for the payment of the usual fees. After some little delay the dispensation was issued and the name of L. B. Kinney was inserted as the first Master of the Nebraska Lodge No. 184, Bellevue , Nebraska Territory. Brother Gillmore stated further in his report that on his return to Bellevue in April, 1855, he found the Lodge duly organized and holding its regular meetings the second and fourth Tuesday evenings of each month. Meetings were generally held in the second story of the Trading Post of General Sarpy, near the steamboat landing for the town of Bellevue.

Brother Gilimore records very graphically what he found or saw upon his return. The description is worthy of being recorded in this volume for the delight, certainly, and for the edification and information of the Brethren living a century or more later, and under circumstances that are so vastly different from those obtained in a pioneering period of Masonic growth and development. Observe what he recorded in 1860.

1860 Annual Communication Committee Report submitted by Brother Addison R. Gilmore
[Submitted by Russ Reno, Grand Junior Deacon 5/20/2004]

“This venerable specimen of primitive architecture still graces the spot where it then stood (1851), and around and within its rude walls are clustered many valued associations. Its well worn threshold was the first one over which my feet passed after my advent to this territory, an event which I then recorded, in pencil, on a cornice beneath the dripping eaves, the trace of which time has not yet obliterated. Beneath its hospitable roof my first repast was partaken, at the insistence of its hardy but generous proprietor, the pioneer of Nebraska, General Peter A. Sarpy. Within its rude and rough walls the sound of the gavel first hailed the Craft and called them to their first labor. In this humble room the pioneer band of the brotherhood first assembled around their sacred but rude altar (a bale of Indian blankets) and received their first charge from the lips of the first Master (L. B. Kinney) who ever set the Craft to work under due instructions in this then extreme limit of civilization.”

-The jewels were of tin and were made by Brother John A. Nye, the second Master of the lodge, and they are still preserved in the lodge’s possession. In a letter written to Past Master Brother W.S. Heller on Dec. 22, 1899 , and read at the anniversary of the first meeting of Nebraska Lodge Past Masters, Brother Nye says:

“The tin jewels I made seem to have carried as much glory in succession as though made from the gold of Ophir, like the Master Workman of the Temple. My clumsy hands fashioned the same tools for Denver, for Helena, and Deadwood, at their earliest meeting to organize a lodge. I was a pioneer at their staking and starting, so I recall the small incidents, though these more than forty years in the wilderness have been crowded full of events”.

First Masonic Tools used in Nebraska

Brother Christian D. Keller, in his historical account of Nebraska Lodge, reported that the first regular communication, held under this dispensation, was on the evening of April 3rd, 1855 , and on the second floor of the old “Trading Post” owned by Peter A. Sarpy. Adjoining the Lodge room there resided a family of the Omaha tribe of Indians. This family along with others of the Indians was exceedingly curious "to know what their pale- faced brothers were doing". Hence, in order to elude observation, and preserve the secrets of the Order, Large Mackinaw blankets were hung around the room, until the desired end was accomplished. The Lodge was then opened in the Master’s degree, and was the first regularly opened Lodge of Master Masons in the territory. The officers as appointed by the Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Illinois were at their stations:

L. B. Kinney, Worshipful Master              L. L. Bowen, Senior Warden

A. Lockwood, Junior Warden      A.W. Holister, Secretary           W. Burnham, Treasurer

At this first meeting there was received the petition of Isaiah H. Bennet, signed by Brothers Burtch, Lockwood, and Burnham, desiring to be “initiated a member of our Ancient Fraternity”. This petition was acted upon in due form.

On May 29, 1855, the Lodge met at the same place. The Committee appointed to pass upon the petition of Isaiah H. Bennet reported that he was indeed “worthy of becoming a member of our Fraternity” and qualified in every respect but that “it becomes the painful duty of your committee to report that the worthy petitioner has been called by an all-wise Providence to the Supreme Grand Lodge of the Universe”.

In connection with the procedure of balloting Brother Addison R. Gillmore relates an incident indicative of the almost destitute conditions under which Nebraska Lodge operated in those very early days. Lodge furniture, clothing and tools were not available in the form desired.

Reference has already been made to the altar consisting of a bale of Indian blankets. In another instance, the altar was composed of two trunks covered with a blue blanket. The circumstances surrounding balloting are equally interesting.

Peter A. Sarpy: Frontiersmen

During the fall of 1855, General Peter A. Sarpy handed in his petition for initiation. During its consideration it was discovered that there was neither a ballot box nor were there any ballots. The meeting of the Lodge on this particular occasion was convened in a large room occupied by Brother Gillmore on the second floor of a large unfurnished building, afterward known as Benton House (destroyed by fire in the fall of 1857).

Immediately a question arose as to how the ballot would be taken. An expedient had to be found. In the words of Brother Gillmore this is what was done:

“To relieve ourselves from this awkward dilemma, we were forced to substitute an empty gallon pickle jar for a ballot box, and a box of small gravel stones, which I had gathered as specimens, and which I still had in my possession, were selected to serve the friendly office, while a cup of leaden bullets were to perform the dark colored service. The jar, the stones, and bullets were then placed upon our primitive altar (two trunks covered with a blue blanket), when we gravely proceeded with our ballot. This done, our W:.M:. ordered the contents of the bottle analyzed and the result proclaimed, a task that was speedily and scientifically performed by the J:.W:. and S: .W:., who gave their unanimous opinion that the presence of lead was not discovered or detected and that the ballot was clear in favor of the candidate."

At the invitation of the Bluff City Lodge, No. 71, Iowa, the brethren of the Bellevue Lodge sojourned to Council Bluffs on January 5, 1856, for the purpose of initiating their candidate. The regular meeting of the Council Bluffs Lodge, having been closed, the lodge room was “tendered” the Bellevue brethren for their use, together with its furniture, tools, and aid. General L.L. Bowen presided. The Lodge was opened in due form and the Entered Apprentice degree “duly conferred upon General Peter A. Sarpy, the Hardy pioneer and Indian trader of thirty-six years standing”. This was the first degree conferred by Bellevue Lodge. As earlier indicated, the Lodge had taken action to initiate Isaiah H. Bennet, whose death occurred before the act could be consummated. The records show that Stephen Decatur had also been elected to receive the degrees of a Master Mason but that his removal from the community had made this impossible.

The following is taken from the record of Bluff City Lodge No. 71:

“Lodge met this 5th day of January, 1856, in pursuance of previous adjournment.

Visiting brother present: George W. Gerton of St. John’s Lodge No. 4, Hartford, Connecticut.

On motion that Bellevue Lodge have the use of this Lodge Room this evening for the purpose of conferring an Entered Apprentice degree on Peter A. Sarpy, who has been balloted for in their Lodge, and duly elected.

On motion Brother Kinney of Bellevue Lodge is invited to at tend this Lodge and assist the Worshipful Master in work lectures.

The Lodge was called from labor to refreshment for the period of one week”

The Nebraska Lodge, No. 184, received its Charter in October of 1855, at the hands of the Grand Lodge of Illinois signed by Most Worshipful Grand Master James L. Anderson during a meeting at Springfield, Illinois; the charter was delivered to Brother L.B. Kinney, who visited the Grand Lodge for that purpose. The officers named in this charter were L.B. Kinney, W:.M:.; P.J. McMahon, S:.W:.; and George Hepner, J:.W:.. This Lodge was instituted and the officers installed, August 22, 1857, by Bro. R.C. Jordan, of Omaha, who had been appointed proxy by the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Illinois for that purpose.

The Grand Lodge of Nebraska was organized at a convention held in Omaha , Nebraska Territory, on September 23, 1857. In attendance at this meeting were representatives from the following Lodges then located in Nebraska Territory :

Nebraska Lodge No. 184 of Bellevue

Giddings Lodge No. 156 of Nebraska City

Capital Lodge No. 101 of Omaha

A committee of three was appointed to examine the Charters and Credentials of the Lodges so represented, and their report on this was adopted and the Grand Lodge of Nebraska was then duly organized and constituted with Robert Carrel Jordan, Grand Master.

The Grand Lodge of Nebraska, A., F. & A. M.-- first officers were:
R. C. Jordan, Grand Master
L .L. Bowen, Deputy Grand Master (Nebraska Lodge #1 first Senior Warden)
David Lindley, Grand Senior Warden;
L. B. Kinney, Grand Junior Warden (Nebraska Lodge #184 first Master, Nebraska #1 first Master)
William Anderson, Grand Treasurer
George Armstrong, Grand Secretary
John M. Chivington, Grand Chaplain
Horatio N. Cornell, Grand Marshal
Charles W. Hamilton, Grand Senior Deacon
John A. Nye, Grand Junior Deacon (Nebraska Lodge #1 first Senior Warden)

The Following resolution was then presented:

Resolution

“Resolved that the several Lodges under the Jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge be numbered anew, according to age of their Charter, beginning with Number one.”

The several subordinate Lodges were then declared to be as follows:

Nebraska Lodge No. 1 at Bellevue

Western Star Lodge No. 2 at Nebraska City

Capital Lodge No. 3 at Omaha

It will be very clear to any who may read the foregoing that the circumstances that prevailed were extremely difficult and trying. Means of communication were a definite handicap and even a barrier to accomplishing in any reasonable time all that had been envisioned by these determined and faithful brethren. Time, patience, and perseverance were all found to be necessary if the desires of the brethren were to be realized.

-

One other item of information should be noted in concluding the record of Nebraska Lodge No. 1 . The “compendium” of the lodge shows that Henry T. Clarke received the third degree of Masonry in that Lodge in September, 1857.

Brother Henry T. Clarke

This is the first record we have of the conferring of the degree of "Master Mason" upon any person in the Territory of Nebraska.

Brother Henry T. Clarke with others built the Southwestern railroad, which has since become part of the Burlington system. Through the generosity of H. T. Clarke, the Bellevue College was founded. Today a 1906 stone has been exchanged from Hastings College to Bellevue College, [now Bellevue University] is the only remaining link known). In 1884 Clarke Hall erected the six College Buildings on Elk Hill in Bellevue, Nebraska.

Having received its Charter, Nebraska Lodge No. 1 enjoyed a fair measure of prosperity for some years. But times of prosperity changed and changed rapidly, because of contributing factors created primarily by a flow of competitive migration and traffic to Omaha.

The meeting place of the first lodge of Nebraska continued at the ‘Old Trading Post’ for a time, when it was moved to the town of Bellevue into more convenient quarters for the members. Four different buildings in Bellevue were home to Nebraska Lodge #1 as well as the Old Trading Post.

The lasp of time has destroyed all these buildings except the last building used: the old ‘County Court House’.

This early hand colored photo of the County Court House as it appeared at the time when it was used as a lodge. The building is still in existence, and its second floor was the home of our lodge until January 24, 1888 when by authority of the Grand Lodge, the location of the lodge was moved from Bellevue to Omaha.

New Lodges had been established at Plattsmouth, Papillion, Springfield and Omaha. The Territorial Capital had been moved from Omaha to Lincoln. The Union Pacific railroad was being built west from Council Bluffs and Omaha. As a result “Bellevue and vicinity were withering away on the vine” and included in this situation was Nebraska Lodge No.1

The Lodge finally petitioned the Grand Lodge to remove its Charter from Bellevue to Omaha. The response to this request we here-with quote from the Grand Lodge proceedings of June 1888, Milton J. Hull, Grand Master.

“On January 24, upon petition from Nebraska Lodge No. 1, located at Bellevue, all provisions of the law having been complied with, I authorized removal of said Lodge to “Free Mason’s Hall” in the city of Omaha , where it is now located with bright prospects of future prosperity and usefulness.”

FREEDOM HALL
Photo restored by Pepper Aasgaard courtesy of the Grand Lodge of Nebraska.

This is the First Masonic building in Omaha where several lodges met prior to building Freemasons' Hall. The primary lodges were Capitol Lodge #3 and Covert Lodge #11. The building was used from 1857 to 1877. This building was also the first home of the Grand Lodge of Nebraska. Nebraska Lodge was very instrumental in founding the Grand Lodge of Nebraska. Four of Nebraska Lodges's original officers severed as officers in the original Grand Lodge line of progression though none become Grand Master. Notice the wooden sidewalks (click on photos to make larger). This building was located on 1120 Douglas Street, Omaha Nebraska.

FREEMASONS' HALL
Photo restored by Pepper Aasgaard courtesy of the Grand Lodge of Nebraska.

This handsome structure was commenced in 1876 by the Masonic Temple Craft of Omaha, and was completed in the spring of 1877. The building is situated at the corner of Capitol avenue and Sixteenth street, and is of brick, in size 45x88, three stories high, with iron and glass fronts, and a cellar under the entire building. The doors and windows, being trimmed with white cut stone, give the structure a very beautiful appearance. The first floor is designed for stores, the second floor for a public hall, dressing rooms and rooms for culinary purposes whenever any of the order have balls or parties. The third floor contains a magnificent lodge room, library and reception rooms, which are used by all the order of the kind in the city. The cost of the building was $16,000. An addition has been erected which furnishes another store, extends the public hall, and furnishes rooms for offices, etc. The cost of the addition was $5,000.

The action of Grand Master Hull in granting the request by No. 1 for removal to Omaha was approved by the Grand Lodge. The charter was removed to Omaha where it has been located since that time. At the time of removal, we had a total membership of 30 members and the Grand Lodge had 8007 members.

With the removal of our charter to Omaha a new era of activity began for Nebraska Lodge No. 1. New friends, new neighbors, and a complete new atmosphere of activity existed. The vine that had been withering at Bellevue began to grow again with a new lease of life.

By the turn of the century we had a total of 202 members.

Our growth continued at a steady pace and by 1917 we had 770 members. We were indeed proud. By 1930, we had the largest membership ever held by Nebraska Lodge No. 1, a total of 1443 members.

World War I had come and gone with its steady flow of service men petitioning for the degrees, many of whom received their degrees under special dispensation. This latter situation was general throughout all Grand Jurisdictions U.S.A.

Washington's Traveling Masonic Bible 1925

On October 25th, 1925 the officers of Nebraska Lodge #1 participated in the reception of the Masonic Traveling Bible. The Bible traveled twelve years in every State in the Union. The Bible now rests in the archives of George Washington's Lodge at Alexandria, Virginia. Notice the officer's jewels are worn as badges. This picture was taken in the New Masonic Building downtown Omaha, Nebraska.

Then came the years of adversity and drought: the depression years of the thirties.  Money was tight, unemployment was high, and the Bank Moratorium had been ordered and placed in effect by the President in 1932. These general conditions existed throughout the U.S.A. In addition the states of the Middle West were plagued with continuing days of drought, dust storms, erosions of farm lands and ranches and related lack of food production which added to the situation. The result: our membership dropped to 1106 members by 1941. During that same period of time 1930-1941, the membership in the Grand Jurisdiction of Nebraska decreased from 42,057 members to 30,752.

With the advent of World War II came another period of prosperity, and our membership was increased to 1,271 members by 1958. Since that time, 1958, we have had a continuing loss with the result that by 2001 our membership stabilized at 202 members. The same number of members we had as we entered the prior century.

There are numerous opinions and conclusions regarding the factors contributing to this loss: The Korean War, the Vietnam War, general attitude of the public and local and general economic conditions and that we rested on our past successes.

-Our Charter and Lodge have served the Greater Omaha community and the Grand Jurisdiction of Nebraska faithfully nearly 150 years. 124 of our members have had the honor and privilege of serving as Worshipful Master, several of them for more than one term. From this group of Past Masters there have been three elevated to the highest office that Masonry in Nebraska can provide, that of Grand Master of Masons of the Grand Lodge of Nebraska.

M:.W:. Edward M. Wellman      Installed June 7,1922    56^th   Grand Master

M:.W:. Benjamin F. Eyre           Installed June 6th 1946    81^st   Grand Master

M:.W:. John H. Brown           Installed June 10th, 1970    105^th   Grand Master

M:.W:. Philip A. Lorenzen Installed February 11, 2001 135th Grand Master

M:.W:. Philip A. Lorenzen became a member of Nebraska Lodge during the installation of Pepper Aasgaard on January 7th 2002 while still Grand Master becoming Nebraska Lodge’s fourth Past Grand Master.

The third Lodge in Nebraska, Capital Lodge No. 3 of Omaha , was created January 9, 1857, by the Grand Master of Iowa. At that time this lodge was officially designated and chartered as Capital Lodge No. 101 of Iowa.

For several years their meetings were held in the east third of the Pioneer Block 1108 Farnam Street, Omaha .

Covert Lodge No.11 was chartered June 22, 1866 and shared the same meeting quarters with Capital No. 3. Shortly there after these two lodges moved to new quarters on the third floor of the building at 1313 Farnam Street. Because of the continuing rapid growth in membership for these two lodges, it was only a period of a few years until a new lodge was organized. St. Johns Lodge No. 25 received their Charter October 28, 1869 . Thus at that time we had three lodges meeting in the building at 1313 Farnam Street.

The City of Omaha grew rapidly in population. Associated with this growth was a healthy increase in membership for these lodges. It was again necessary that they seek a new location with additional quarters and facilities to accommodate their growing membership. It is at this time that we find the first official documentation of these lodges and their move to “Freemason’s Hall” located at the northwest corner of 16th and Capitol Avenue, Omaha.

We quote from the Grand Lodge Proceedings of June 9, 1877:

“At the request of Capital Lodge No. 3, Covert Lodge No. 11 and St. Johns Lodge No. 25, the Grand Lodge of Nebraska dedicated “Freemason’s Hall” located at the northwest corner of 16th and Capitol Avenue, Omaha.”

George H. Thummel

Grand Master

From this statement by Grand Master Thummel we can assume that “Freemason’s Hall” had been occupied by these lodges prior to the date of dedication.

As previously stated the Charter of Nebraska Lodge No. 1 had been moved from Bellevue to Omaha in 1888.

George W. Lininger Lodge No. 268 received their Charter June 10, 1908 .

Omaha Lodge No. 288 received their Charter June 8, 1915.

We now have six (6) lodges meeting in “Freemason’s Hall” located at the northwest corner of Capitol Avenue and Sixteenth Street .

Nebraska Lodge #1 Capital #3 Covert #11 St. Johns Lodge# 25

George W. Lininger #268 and Omaha #288

Over a period of years from the time “Freemason’s Hall” was first occupied in 1877 to the early 1900’s there had been a slow but continuous growth in membership for all lodges and appended groups. We were outgrowing our facilities at “Freemason’s Hall”. We again needed and required more space with a strong desire for a new building.

The Temple Craft Board was organized and incorporated with instructions to select a site for a Masonic Temple. Following many meetings and discussions a new site at Nineteenth and Douglas Streets, Omaha, was selected and approved for the new Masonic Temple . Ground was broken and construction began.

"On October 4 1916, the Corner Stone of The Masonic Temple, Omaha was laid." by Andrew H. Viele Grand Master

From Grand Lodge Proceedings, June 4, 1918: “I have granted permission to the following lodges to move to new halls, having in each instance required the Certificate of the Grand Custodian or an Assistant Custodian, that the new Hall was suitable for lodge purposes: Lotus Lodge No. 289, Ravenna; Curtis Lodge No. 168, Curtis; Hubbell Lodge No. 92, Hubbell.

I also issued a "blanket order" permitting all of the Omaha Lodges, using the old Masonic Temple for lodge purposes, to move to the new Temple."

Frederick L. Temple

Grand Master

The move of these lodges to the New Masonic Temple at 19th and Douglas Streets was made during the Spring of 1918.

Mizpah Lodge No. 302 received their Charter June 4, 1919. Right Angle Lodge No. 303 received their Charter June 9, 1920.

For many years the Masonic Temple at 19th and Douglas Streets was the home for eight (8) Lodges, York Rite Bodies, Eastern Star Chapters, Tangier Shrine, and other appended groups. It also housed the offices of the Grand Lodge of Nebraska and the Grand Chapter of The Eastern Star.

During this period of more than sixty (60) years, through the 30’s, these groups reached their maximum membership growth. In recent years we have watched the decline of membership in each individual group.

On May 8, 1979, Nebraska Lodge No. 1 approved a resolution to relocate and move to the West Omaha Masonic Temple, 2424 South 135th Avenue. Included in this resolution was a change in meeting date, from Tuesday to Monday. The resolution, as submitted, was later approved by Grand Master, Jack H. Hendrix.

On Saturday, June 2, 1979 , the Corner Stone of the West Omaha Masonic Temple was laid by Grand Master Hendrix. He also dedicated the Temple that same evening.

The dedication of the Corner Stone laying and Temple Dedication ceremonies of were shared with Covert Lodge No. 11 and Centennial Lodge No. 326. These two Lodges are also tenants of the West Omaha Masonic Temple. The move of our properties to the new location was made Saturday, June 23, 1979.

Bellevue was our Home for 33 years

“Freemason’s Hall”, Omaha for 30 years

The Masonic Temple, Omaha for 61 years

It was with deep regret that we left our home of more than sixty years. We look back over this period of time as a rich memory and milestone of life. We remember the large classes which required conferral of degrees from morning until late at night. There were occasions when two lodge rooms were required. When that situation occurred one of the other lodges would assist in order to have the Charter on proper display. The dining room with our hostess “Mother Scott”; a sweet and most personable lady, beloved by all welcomed all Masons. Our love for her was returned in a most gracious manner as only “Mother Scott” could provide. The Annual Meetings of the Grand Lodge with the alternate trips to the Homes at Plattsmouth and at Fremont. These trips, made via auto and charter bus, were well attended, and enjoyed by all. It was always a delightful trip of good will and fellowship.

The Grand Lodge law required that election of officers for subordinate lodges be held in May with their installation to be in June each year. It further provided that the “Master-Elect” be required to assume the degree of Past Master before he would be eligible to be installed Worshipful Master of his Lodge. This particular degree or ceremony was always conferred by Past Grand Master Robert E. French-Grand Custodian, more common ly known as “Uncle Bob”.

On Monday evening prior to Grand Lodge the “Masters-elect” for the entire Grand Jurisdiction of Nebraska would assemble in the Commendery Room of the Temple. It was here the degree of Past Master was conferred on these designates with the solemnity and dignity that only "Uncle Bob" could provide.

This law was changed in 1931 and the election and installation of officers is now on a calendar year basis.

It has been a span of almost one hundred-fifty years since that first Light of Freemasonry in Nebraska illuminated that primitive Lodge room, located in the Fur Trading Post on the banks of the Missouri River at Bellevue, Nebraska Territory.

Nebraska Lodge No. 1 has carried that Torch from generation to generation. As the shadows of those pioneer Brethren, who have gone before us, pass by in review one by one, we stand with bowed head and a grateful prayer in our heart as we say, "Well done, Good and Faithful Servant".

As we locate in our New Home and Temple we extend this "Torch of Light" to our members as a symbol of "Rededication of Self"; and to generations yet unborn with the Hope and Prayer for their future prosperity and usefulness.

“FROM WHENCE COME YOU AND WHITHER ARE YOU TRAVELING?’’

Drop a pebble in the water,

Just a splash and it's gone,

But there's half a hundred ripples

Circling on and on and on;

Spreading, spreading on out from the center

Going on out to the sea,

And there isn't any way of telling

Where the end is going to be.

It is our opinion that no history of Nebraska Lodge No. 1 would be complete without a brief biographical sketch of the life of Peter A. Sarpy.

Brother Peter A. Sarpy

Peter A. Sarpy was born, 1804 in St. Louis, Missouri, and came to Nebraska Territory in 1823 as a clerk in the service of the American Fur Company. In 1825 he was given the management of the Trading Post at Bellevue, which had been located at the site in 1810.

In the course of time Sarpy established a business on the Iowa shore of the Missouri River, at a place called Trader’s Point, for the accommodation, primarily of the whites, as the store at Bellevue was for the Indian trade. As a consequence of the encroachment of the river, Trader’s Point was abandoned in the spring of 1852 and a new location established at St. Mary’s, a small settlement four miles down the river. Here very large business was conducted, the furnishing of outfits for miners and plainsmen being a feature. A ferry boat to be managed by 20 oars was built in St. Louis in 1853 for Sarpy’s use, but he failed in getting it upstream and the ferrying that year was done by the Highland Mary, a small steamer which was hired for the season to be succeeded in the Spring of 1854 by the fine steam ferry boat Nebraska No. 1. This boat was sold in 1856 to the Council Bluffs and Nebraska Ferry Company.

Sarpy was a keen business man, kind to his employees and of courteous and polished manners. Like nearly all frontiersmen of the day, he would indulge, at times in the use of liquor to excess, and on these occasions was known to indulge in much loud talk of a boasting nature, but never vicious or abusive.

He loved the freedom of the West and was intimately associated with the Indians, being honored with the title of “White Chief”, by the Omaha Indians. He married, according to Indian custom, NI-CO-MI, a woman of the Iowa tribes, to whom he was greatly attached and whom he as greatly feared.

It was at the Trading Post, operated by Peter A. Sarpy in Bellevue that the first meeting of a Masonic Lodge was held in Nebraska territory.

The first degree conferred by Nebraska Lodge No. 1 took place in the Lodge Room of Bluff City Lodge No. 71 in Council Bluffs, January 5, 1856.

MONUMENT-BELLEVUE

DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY

75 YEARS

On April 8, 1930, we celebrated our “Diamond Anniversary” as a Lodge with Grand Master Ira C. Freet in attendance as our special quest. We quote herewith his report to Grand Lodge on June 3, 1930, of this Seventy-fifth Anniversary of Nebraska Lodge No. 1.

“On April 8, I had the pleasure of attending a meeting of Nebraska Lodge No. 1, Omaha, when a large number of Masons met to celebrate the Seventy-fifth Anniversary of the Lodge. The celebration began with a fine dinner which was followed by a program of music and addresses suitable to the occasion, and the oration of the evening, which was given by Brother Jonathan A. Frye, Past Master of Nebraska Lodge No. 1. Although he spoke for about one hour, the facts he related were so interesting, and the manner in which he spoke was so pleasing, that he was given fervent attention by his Brethren.

The Brethren were so pleased with the oration that they decided to have it printed and a copy sent to each member of the Lodge, and it is my opinion that every Mason in Nebraska would be glad to have a copy of the oration.”

Ira C. Freet, Grand Master

The meeting was presided over by Wallace E. Linn, Worshipful Master, the invocation given by Brother Jesse Hazlett, Chaplain, the music pro vided by Brother Will Hetherington and his orchestra and the benediction pronounced by Brother Frank Wilcox, Secretary. The meeting was open to No. 1 members and families with about 250 in attendance.

1932 Monument-Bellevue

The unspoken hero of our lodge was Worshipful Master William S. Heller, Past Master 1898-99. In reading the articles and lodge minutes (now available at the Grand Lodge Office) I am overwhelmed by the compassion this fine mason had for our lodge. He not only held the first Past Master reunion, but had the foresight to document the event for future generations. Please review the comments documented on December 26th, 1899. W:.B:. Heller further demonstrated his devotion to his fraternity by a gift (thirty-three years after he was Master) to the Masons of Nebraska. This gift could not have been more timily during a time of national despair; the Great Depression when man questioned his very existence and the craft was held together by only their values and the cement of brotherly love.

Benjamin F. Eyre, Past Grand Master and Past Master of 1925 recalls the following events:

The idea for a Marker had been officially presented to the Officers of Nebraska Lodge No. 1, during the tenure of Office of W. Brother Wallace E. Linn, Worshipful Master 1929-30. There had been talk of such a project for sometime prior but no official action had been taken. The following Committee was later appointed:

W. Ben F. Eyre, Chairman

W. Jonathan Frye, Historian

Bro. Karl Bickel, Commercial Artist, Public Relation Director

The Committee first determined to consult with the Village Board of Bellevue in regard to the project. Our thinking was, the Marker should be located at some site in Bellevue where it could be easily seen and observed by the public in general. Our first meeting with the Village Board brought no conclusive result. They were willing to give further consideration to the matter and suggested that we again meet with them at a later date.

At our second meeting the Village Board gave unanimous approval of the project and suggested that the Marker be placed in the City Park. A resolution to that effect was approved by the Village Board. A certified copy of the resolution was later placed on file in the office of the Register of Deeds at the County Court House in Papillion.

With the completion of the preliminary arrangements we were officially in business. The next question: “Where do we go from here and how do we finance the project?” It was the thought of your Committee that we should ask our membership for donations. Our plan of financing was out lined and published in our monthly bulletin. A minimum of $1.00 per member was suggested with any amount in excess they desired to contribute.

With the publication of these plans, a very generous offer was received from W. Brother William S. Heller, Past Master 1898-99. His offer was to personally finance the project as a whole.

Brother Heller had been a court reporter in Omaha for many years. He was a most gracious Christian gentleman, a loyal and devoted member of the lodge whom every one who knew him loved and respected.

Brother Heller met with the Committee and indicated that he was wholeheartedly in favor of the project, that he always had had a desire to see a Memorial Marker of some sort established for Nebraska Lodge and now that the opportunity had presented itself, it was his desire and personal wish to underwrite the project financially. Needless to say, your Committee was greatly surprised and pleased to accept his most generous offer. We established a target date of June 1932 for the Grand Lodge dedication.

 

Brother Heller had friends in Des Moines, Iowa, who were in the Monument business and it was his wish that the stone be purchased from them. He also had ideas that he desired to incorporate in the design for the stone. Your Committee made two trips to Des Moines with Brother Heller to see that his wishes were complied with. It required several sets of drawings by Brother Karl Bickel before final approval was given by Brother Heller.

The contract for the purchase of the stone, delivering and placing of the same in the City Park at Bellevue, for the date agreed upon, was made by Brother Heller with the firm at Des Moines, Iowa.

A cement base upon which to place the Marker had been set in advance by the Contractor. A cavity had been made in the base in which a sealed copper box would be placed prior to placement and unveiling of the Marker.

The contents of the copper box included the program for the day and other Masonic material together with a Membership roster of No. 1

The complete Ceremony of the Dedication of the monument is printed in Volume 16, Grand Lodge Proceedings of 1932.

Click on the marble monolith to view fine details

DEDICATION OF MONUMENT

Tuesday, June 7th, 1932

Erected at Bellevue, to Commemorate the Establishment of Freemasonry in Nebraska, which was presented to Nebraska Lodge No. 1, A:.F:.& A:.M:. by Worshipful Brother William S. Heller, Past Master.

M:.W:. John R. Tapster, Grand Master of Masons of Nebraska, having accepted the invitation of Nebraska Lodge No. 1, A:.F:.& A:.M:., to dedicate this monument, invited the Grand Lodge to participate in the ceremonies.

The brethren of the eleven Omaha Lodges arranged for a fleet of about 150 automobiles, which promptly at 1:00 o’clock, P.M. left the Masonic Temple, Omaha, driving along the River Drive and Bellevue Boulevard, to the old historic town of Bellevue, where the first settlement was established in Nebraska by the Presbyterian Missionaries, and later was the head quarters of the John Jacob Astor Fur Trading Company, and where in the 1855, Nebraska Lodge No. 184, A:.F:.& A:.M:. was instituted by the Grand Lodge, A:.F:.& A:.M:. of Illinois .

Through the courtesy of Colonel L.L. Gregg, Post Commander, at Fort Crook, the Seventeenth Infantry Band, with Francis Resta, Director, gave the following program, preceding the ceremonies

.

March — “George Washington Nr-Vrnyrnnisl” . Sousa

Overture — “Light Cavalry” Suppe

Saxophone Quintet — “Just Friends” Klenner

Soprano — Sergeant Joseph E. DeBrosse

Alto — Musician Edward R. Besselievre

Tenor — Musician Donald V. O’Keefe

Baritone — Musician Harmon J. Shutes

Bass — Corporal Clifton L. Hess

Selection — “Victor Herbert’s Favorites” arr. by Lake

Serenade — “Les Millions d’ Arliquin” Trigo

March — “Nobles of the Mystic Shrine” Sousa

100^th ANNIVERSARY

PROGRAM

2:00 o’clock P.M.

W:. Harold H. Thom, Master Nebraska Lodge No. 1, presiding.

REDEDICATION SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1957

Invocation Rev, and Brother Leon C. Hills, Chaplain 184 Address M:.W:.G. Haven Stephens,

Grand Master of Masons of Illinois

Greetings from Grand Lodge of Iowa Raymond A. Smith, Bluff City Lodge 71, Council Bluffs, Iowa

Greetings: “Peter A. Sarpy” W:.Frank Wilcox

Presentation of Memorial W:.William S. HelIer

“It is now my delight to ask Brothers Benjamin F. Eyre, Jonathan A. Frye and Karl S. Bickel to unveil the Monument.

And now, Brethren it is my extreme pleasure and privilege to present this monument to Nebraska Lodge No. 1, that it may be committed to the Most Worshipful-The Grand Lodge, Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of Nebraska for suitable dedication. This presentation will be made by a brother who is well known in Masonic circles. He was for a time Grand Orator of the Grand Lodge, and is a Past Master of Nebraska Lodge Number 1. He is one that typifies that which our Order teaches. I know he has a message that will be of utmost interest and importance to all here assembled, and I bespeak for you a rare treat. I have pleasure in introducing Worshipful Brother Albert W. Jefferis.”

Oration W:. Albert W. Jefferis.

Acceptance of Memorial presented to Grand Lodge A:.F:.& A:.M:. of Nebraska,

M:.W:. John R. Tapster, Grand Master

“In accepting this monument in the name of the to Grand Lodge A:.F:.& A:.M:. of Nebraska, let us take his admonition to our hearts and consecrate ourselves anew to this great work. Let us take the torch from their falling hands, for to us is committed the care of this Great Institution in Nebraska in our generation and it is not only our duty and responsibility, but our privilege to see that it is passed on to the coming generation, unaltered and unimpaired. And so long as the waters of the nearby Missouri flow in their never-ending journey to the sea, they will chant the praise of those pioneers of Masonry and may the Great Architect in His All wise Providence grant that we may prove by our works, as have these pioneers, “that to live in the hearts of those we leave behind, is not to die.”

Dedicatory Prayer Rev. Louis Hieb, Chaplain,1

Vocal Solo — “Remember Thy Creator” (Adams) Walter B. Graham, 1

Benediction V:.W:. George Allen Beecher,

Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge

On Sunday, October 2, 1957, the Centennial year of our Grand Lodge, a ceremony of rededication for this Marker was held in the Park at Bellevue by No. 1.

Our guest speaker for the occasion was W:. Brother Herbert A. Ronin, Grand Marshal, Grand Lodge.

Speakers' platform at Bellevue ceremony: Rev. Levi Williams, Bellevue, Mayor Joe

Morgan, Governor Victor E. Anderson, W:. George Chandler, Master of Bellevue

Lodge No. 325, Dr. Frederick Fouts, Grand Master Royal and Select Masons of Nebraska ; Raymond C. Cook, Grand Custodian; M:.W:.Benjamin F. Eyre at microphone and Herbert Ronin, Grand Mashal who was speaker of the day.

CENTENNIAL YEAR CELEBRATION

100 YEARS

Our Centennial year observance was given first official recognition by Grand Master Charles F. Adams at the opening of the 98th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge in Omaha on June 7, 1955. We reprint herewith the presentation of the first 100 year Certificate given by the Grand Lodge of Nebraska.

M. .W. Charles F. Adams, Grand Master:

M. Benjamin F. Eyre will you join me? M. .W.. Sir, you are a Past Master of Nebraska Lodge No. 1 and a Past Grand Master of this Grand Lodge, and it is my pleasure to present to you for your lodge this Centennial Certificate, in testimony of the fact that your lodge is the oldest lodge in our jurisdiction. It reads as follows:

THE GRAND LODGE OF THE MOST ANCIENT AND HONORABLE FRATERNITY OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF NEBRASKA

CENTENNIAL CERTIFICATE PRESENTED TO NEBRASKA LODGE NO. 1 OF OMAHA

In commemoration of its One Hundredth Anniversary and in token and appreciation of the contributions which it has made to the work of this GRAND LODGE during the past one hundred years, this certificate is gratefully presented.

Done at this 98^th ANNUAL COMMUNICATION in the City

of Omaha, this 7^th day of June, 1955.

CHARLES F. ADAMS, Grand Master

CARL R. GREISEN, Grand Secretary

M:.W:.Benjamin F. Eyre, Past Grand Master replied:

“Thank you, M:.W:.Grand Master, for those kind words. In accepting this certificate which indicates that we have passed the century mark as an organized lodge here in the Grand Jurisdiction of Nebraska, we do so for various reasons. First, because it was at Bellevue that the first lodge was located, and our historians have referred to Bellevue as the Genesis of Masonry in Nebraska. And in that sacred Book on the altar, the first few lines of the first chapter of that Book, we read the lines which we repeat so many times. In the Beginning, and so M:.W:.Sir, I accept this as a symbol of the beginning of Masonry in Nebraska . I thank you kindly.”

Our Centennial Banquet was held at the climax of our 100^th year at the Scottish Rite Cathedral on October 13^th.  The affair was attended by 300 members and guests. The guest of honor was the Grand Master of Masons of Illinois, M:.W:. Milton T. Sonntag. Speaker of the evening was George W. Rosenl of, Dean of the University of Nebraska and Chairman of the Grand Lodge Centennial Committee. The title of his address was “Our Heritage and Our Destiny”, and was truly inspiring.

As a result of the efforts on the part of a special committee appointed for that purpose, arrangements were made for the procuring of a Centennial Bible, henceforth to recline on our altar as a symbol of the Great Light of Masonry.

This handsomely bound volume depicts on its cover this Centennial observance and to commemorate the occasion includes in its binding the identity by numbers, of the two hundred seventy-six lodges within this Grand Jurisdiction with suitable space provided for the names of the principal officers of the various lodges, many of whom were in attendance at the Ninety-eight Annual Communication.

The initial appearance of this Centennial Bible was in the opening ceremony of the Ninety-eighth Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Nebraska, at Omaha, on June 7, 1955.

Participants received a pewter token (a coin with Nebraska Lodge #1 AF & AM, Masonic tools and identified years embossed) as remembrance.

What Masonry is All About!

What a Very Proud Moment for Our Lodge!

Past Master (1990) Lyle Ward (far Left) listens as Grand Master Philip A. Lorenzen as he dedicates a bronze plaque (image of Lyle's Wife) as a memorial to the West Omaha Masonic Temple January 7th 2002. Lyle F. Ward donated half the cost of the new elevator. Lyle met his wife July 10th 1944 when she was an elevator operator at 1504 Dodge Street in downtown Omaha. The Marine Corps Recruiting Office was in the same building, that is where Lyle worked (could not have guessed that!). Lyle's wife Yvonne died in 1999. The gift was a wonderful tribute to not only a fine woman; but also to Lyle, a very giving Mason. Lyle F. Ward contributed over $45,000 to the elevator fund. The other half of the funds came from a grant and from the fraternal bodies (that share the building) and from other fine masons. We all have a lot to be grateful for. We are humbled by the goodness of a very giving man who happens to be a Mason.

First Lodge to offer their members On-Line ability to Pay Dues.

September of 1999, Cary Manson along with Pepper Aasgaard were the first Masons to pay their annual dues online. This was a first for Nebraska Masons, and may have well been the first in Masonry.  This was made possible using a secured internet form developed by Pepper Aasgaard and serviced by eServices Incorporated of Omaha, Nebraska

First Lodge to offer their members Private eMail

February 2002, Worshipful Pepper Aasgaard programmed our website to give members a First Lodge eMail address free of charge with no advertising. This has become a rapid communications tool within our lodge.

First in Radio

Worshipful Pepper Aasgaard requested that we look into creating a Public Service Announcement for Masonry during his first business meeting February 2002. With unanimous vote and support of the members, we as a lodge created the first Masonic Radio commercial to promote Masonry here in Nebraska. Brother Mike Beardmore an expert in the field of creative jingles, solicited the voice of the Huskers to make the radio commercial possible. In early March of 2002 Pepper Aasgaard along with Brother David MacDonald contacted the local radio stations and gave the pre-recorded announcements.

This Masonic Public Service Announcement aired on twelve radio stations including the long reach of 1290 AM.
1290 AM radio station began airing our Public Service Announcement nationally on March 15, 2002.
The Grand Lodge of Nebraska received several calls regarding these Public Service Announcements . . . including Masonic bodies in Florida.

Most Worshipful Michael E. Jones, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Nebraska AF & AM complemented Nebraska Lodge #1 and W:.M:. Aasgaard for their "pioneering" effort for the advancement of Free Masonry.

First Online Petition for Affiliation

Brother Kevin S. Meyer of Mt Moriah #28 F&AM in Bordentown, NJ: has the distinction of being the first affiliate member to find us, then apply for affiliation online and pay his initial membership dues totally on the internet.

First Online Petition Initiation

On June 3rd 2002 Christopher R. Donnelly of Omaha, NE became the first Mason to apply for Initiation online and pay his initial membership dues totally on the internet.

First Lodge to sponser an all Widows and Orphans Dinner.

Nebraska researched the lodge archives for surviving widows and orphans of all deceased members. This was a pains taking project headed by Brother Ron Suhr. The data base of surviving members was eliminated as each member past away. Bringing back such information was done with the assistance of W:.B:.Jack Duffield, W:.B:.Joseph Restivo and W:.B:.Keith Winheim all of whom were prior secretaries of the lodge.

Each surviving widow was called by the members of the membership committee with a follow-up call by the Worshipful Master Pepper Aasgaard. A dinner was held on June 13, 2002.

Thanks mostly to the extra help we received from Dave and (his most helpful loving wife) Maryann MacDonald. . . . If we were able to bring joy to one widow: we were successful in fulfillment of one of our basic obligations. Each widow received red roses and the eldest widow received a dozen roses.

Those in attendance expressed overwhelming support for the direction our lodge is taking and are very thankful we are there for them. In light of this humbling experience: Worshipful Master Pepper Aasgaard's desire is that all surviving spouses of members of our lodge continue to receive our quarterly Trestle Board.

Pepper Aasgaard expressed that we continue having dinners and activities for our widows and stated that either in the Spring or as early as this Fall we would be again contacting the widows for a future planned activity.

July business meeting a motion was made, seconded and voted upon that the lodge will, when called on to do so provide assistance when needed. The Lodge will also hold an annual recognition dinner for those who can attend.

First all Member 25 Year Pin and Recognition Dinner.

Brother Jack Duffield proposed awarding 25 year members a pin, it was amended by Brother Dave MacDonald with suggestions from several members to include a dinner which date place and time shall be announced by November's Business meeeting and election. The Dinner and twenty-five pins be given to all members who have reached that pinnacle provided they attend the dinner and if it within the length of their cable tows.

First Member to Petition Online for Initiation
i-------into the Shrine of North American!

On March 4th 2003 Mark Anich of Nebraska Lodge #1 in Omaha, NE became the first Mason to apply for initiation to the Tangier Shrine of Omaha Nebraska, Mark Anich Filled out his petition and paid his initial membership fees on the internet totally electronically.  He became a member of Tangier Shrine on March 28th 2003.

. . . excerpts of speeches by: WM Pepper Aasgaard during his installation and business meeting January 6, 2003

"Our 2002 officers have inspired us with new energy, new tools, and new direction. This is what Masonry is all about, this is what our lodge used to be like brethren: a young professional man’s organization."

"A new age of Masonry has taken its first breath."

"Our newest members are under thirty years of age bound by honor and integrity.
Least now, the guardians, our faithful Past Masters who like WB Frank Caldwell [in the late 1800’s] have held our lodge together during a long 30 year drought in membership. Many members and some in this very room have for years considered consolidating to another lodge. And worse . . . (just last Fall) have talked of our lodge going dark and possibly abandoning it’s charter, sad for when you are looking at death all around and membership counts fading for years; there is little hope."

"Remember our lodge was started with a less than a hand full of men in much harder times . . ."

"Changes had to be made, and changes were made swiftly. With a no quit attitude six Past Masters and our newest members have turned the tide. Those Past Masters were: Rusty Restivo, Jack Duffield, Cary Manson, Ray Blakeman, Bill Schwiesow, and "a wet from fishing" John B. Holzhey"

"We should be proud as a lodge of the 21 new members taken in over the past fourteen months. Our lodge needed help and without hesitation members of Florence Lodge #281 and Covert Lodge #11 and their Masters came to our aide. We most humbly thank them"!

"Thank you for entrusting the first lodge of Nebraska to me as I now have the honor to be its Master once again. By this time next year, we as a lodge will pass this trust to a much younger Master, who will have the responsibility of spotlighting Masonry not just for Nebraska Lodge #1, but for all Lodges in Nebraska during our 150th year celebrations"!

"I have the honor and pleasure to inform you that we have six more petitions tonight"!

“God Bless America, God Bless Masonry, and God Bless Nebraska Lodge Number One"

. . . excerpts from speeches by: WM Pepper Aasgaard January 6, 2003.

The planned to celebrations started with petitioning the Grand Lodge of Illinois during their annual communications in late 2004. The proceedings reflect the 150th year when we became Nebraska Lodge #184 of Illinois 2005.  This event officially started the 150th year celebrations.

Nebraska Lodge is grateful for all the support we received from other lodges and other Grand Lodge Jurisdictions who have supported this event.

Representatives from all over Nebraska came for the ‘All Day’ festivities which included a bus tour of Bellevue, a visit to the historical museum in Bellevue, a tour of the original site of Peter Sarpy's cabin and re-dedication of the Masonic Memorial.  Luncheon was held on the riverfront landing and final festivities were held that evening at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center.

To commemorate the event, the Lodge purchased new aprons with the years 1855 ~ 2005 embroidered on each apron.  The Lodge also purchased new collars to hold the historic Jewels of the lodge.

.

For more photos of this Historic event, please go to the Photo Achive

The Battle Cry of Freedom, words and music by George F. Root (1820-1895).

"The original words and music of this sprightly song were written in the summer of 1862 by George F. Root, one of the North's leading Civil War composers. So catchy was the tune that southern composer H.L. Schreiner and lyricist W.H. Barnes adapted it for the Confederacy."

The Battle Cry of Freedom