March Lodge . Michelle Fulmer. Michelle Fulmer Thursday, February 26, :09 PM Michelle Fulmer. From: Sent: To:

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1 Michelle Fulmer From: Sent: To: Michelle Fulmer Thursday, February 26, :09 PM Michelle Fulmer March Lodge By order of the Grand Master, the body of this is to be read at the March regular communication of all Nebraska subordinate lodges. All attachments must be printed and made available to the Brethren. John T. Maxell, Grand Master 25th Anniversary Joint Recognition with Prince Hall Celebration A banquet will be held on Saturday, March 14th at the Omaha Scottish Rite celebrating 25 years of joint recognition with the MW Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Nebraska. Registration and payment are required. To register, click on the Banquet picture on the home page of or use the link below. Banquet Registration Schools of Instruction Schools of Instruction are being held on one day this year. The dates for Lincoln and Omaha are: Omaha - March 7 at 101 W Centennial Rd, hosted by Papillion 39 (lunch provided by Job s Daughters with a free will offering) Lincoln - March 21 at 1635 L St., hosted by Liberty 300 Schools may also be held in Sidney, Wayne and McCook, dates TBD Academic Scholarships The Grand Lodge will once again offer $125 for each lodge to offer a scholarship to a local high school student. Lodges must at least match the $125. Lodges may offer more than one scholarship if they choose. Forms are available for download by clicking the link below. Scholarship Info Masonic Band Camp Scholarships Hopefully your lodge discussed giving one or more band scholarships at your January or February meeting. If you haven t, please do so at your March meeting and consider how many scholarships your lodge might be able to sponsor this year. As always, the ratio of scholarships to applications is very low! Forms can be downloaded below. Band Forms New Petition for Initiation The Petition for Initiation has been revised by the Grand Lodge Officers. The new petition must be used beginning March 15, The petition will be available on the Grand Lodge web site for viewing, but cannot be printed. Originals must be obtained from the Grand Lodge. There is no cost for the petitions, however, postage will be charged. Please contact Michelle or Debbie at the Grand Lodge to request your new petitions. View the New Petition Here Fellow Craft Degree Competition The Grand Lodge will hold a Fellow Craft Ritual Competition in two locations in the fall in Lincoln on October 3rd and in Broken Bow on October 31st. Details on the competition and how to enter can be downloaded below. Ritual Competition Info 1

2 Monthly Education Message and Spring Symposiums The March edition of the Masonic Education and a flyer for the Spring Masonic Education Symposiums can be downloaded below. The Symposiums are March 23 in Hastings, March 24 in Papillion and March 25 in Lincoln, all from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Please read the information at your next communication. Education Msg & Symposium Flyer Grand Master to Hold Presentation on Lodge Officers Manual Grand Master John Maxell will make a presentation on the Lodge Officers Manual and officer duties at Blazing Star Lodge No. 200 in Burwell (270 S 8th St) on April 11, The presentation will be held from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Lunch will be served following the meeting. To attend, please RSVP to Grand Senior Deacon Bob Moninger at or to bob@nebraskagrandlodge.com. Nebraska Masonic Building Endowment Fund Grand Master Maxell previously requested that all lodges consider a donation of $500 to the Nebraska Masonic Endowment Fund for building upkeep and improvements. Such donations are still being encouraged, however, if your lodge cannot donate the full amount, please consider a lesser donation. Checks should be made payable to the Nebraska Masonic Endowment Fund. Thank you for your support of the Grand Lodge building fund Grand Master Programs Grand Master Maxell has presented two programs for 2015: One Lodge/One Goal - this program encourages all lodges to create one goal for the lodge and complete it. Paint the lodge hall, do a new fundraiser, etc. The Master should get buy in from the members, write it down, and get it done. Lodge Grants - Four $1,000 grants will be available in 2015 for lodges to use on lodge renovations and improvements. Lodges must raise new funds from a new fund raising activity for a new project raising at least $750. More information on the programs: Lodge Grants Info One Lodge/One Goal Does your Lodge have extra Lodge Furniture? The Grand Lodge is looking for lodges with a surplus of lodge furniture (altar, officer chairs, pedastals, three lights, etc.) to replace the furniture currently being used at Annual Communication. If your lodge has surplus furniture that you would like to donate to the Grand Lodge, please take a picture of the items and them to michelle@glne.org. All items will be considered for use by the Grand Lodge Officers Lodge web sites and Facebook pages You may have noticed that the Grand Lodge has a new web site. Unfortunately, all lodge page links were lost in the transition. If your lodge has a web site of its own or a Facebook page, please it to michelle@glne.org so that she can update the link on the Lodge Information table. And while you re at it, take a look at the new web site and let us know what you think! Annual Communication Summary Click here for an Attendance and Voting Summary from the Annual Communication held February 5-6 in Kearney. AC Summary Masonic Veterans Partnership, formerly Change for the Troops As we come out of our Grand Session and Annual Communication, let me remind you of a program we, the Masons of Nebraska, decided to support five years ago. It started as a program to provide Service Men and Women deploying from Nebraska with Phone Cards, hoping to curb expenses associated with Family of Nebraska made a drive to collect enough money to purchase a Ford FLEX for the Disabled American Veterans of Nebraska in 2013, which I am very proud to say occurred in October Since then, we have still been collecting money, but have not reached the amounts that can truly be a help to 2 support. So I encourage you to bring back those jars and boots and give as generously as you can so we can show significant support to our Nebraska Veterans and look for further articles in the Nebraska Mason and on the Web Page. Checks should be sent to the Grand Lodge, made payable to the

3 keeping in touch with loved ones while deployed. As the deployments decreased from Nebraska, the program started to take a different shift toward always remembering our Veterans and helping the Veterans in Nebraska. In 2012, the Masonic those who have sacrificed so much for the freedoms we enjoy. In an effort to help with these donations, we renamed the program to the Masonic Veterans Partnership and have made it a 501(c)3 under the Nebraska Masonic Foundation to encourage your Nebraska Masonic Foundation. To download all items linked to this in one document, click here. Grand Lodge of Nebraska 301 N. Cotner Blvd. Lincoln, NE You are receiving this because you are designated as a lodge contact for your Masonic lodge. This is also being sent to all Grand Lodge Officers and Past Grand Masters. To unsubscribe, send reply with instructions. 3

4 Grand Lodge Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Nebraska 301 N. Cotner Blvd. Lincoln, Nebraska (800) (402) Fax (402) February 2014 TO: ALL SUBORDINATE LODGES PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION AT THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING OF YOUR LODGE I am pleased to inform you that Grand Lodge will again offer the Masonic Scholarship program for this academic year. If your lodge will provide $125, Grand Lodge will make $125 available so that a scholarship of $250 may be awarded to a high school senior in your area. Additional funds may be contributed by your lodge to increase the size of the scholarship, but the maximum amount Grand Lodge is able to provide each lodge is $125. If your lodge wishes to participate in this program, please notify your high school of the availability of the award as soon as possible so they may select a recipient. Once Grand Lodge is notified of the scholarship recipient, has received verification of enrollment from the appropriate school, and receives your lodge's check for $125 (or more), we will issue the scholarship award check directly to the designated institution. Please carefully read through the instructions for the scholarship included in this mailing, as they have been updated. The high school should select the recipient based on the following criteria: the Masonic Scholarship should be awarded to the high school senior who best exemplifies good citizenship and high moral character, without regard to scholastic standing or parental finances. The scholarship is to be used at an institution of higher learning or technical training center of the student's choice. It is emphasized that the school should make the selection without regard to Masonic ties. We hope that all lodges will take part in this program to help our young men and women gain a higher education while earning public recognition for the efforts of Nebraska's Masons on behalf of today's youth.

5 Revised Dec Please Read Carefully INSTRUCTIONS FOR GRAND LODGE ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP AWARD 1. Notify your local high school as soon as possible of the availability of the award and of the guidelines for them to follow in selecting a recipient. 2. Return completed Notification of Award (Form GL SCHOL 1 Rev 12/10) and check to the Grand Lodge Office as soon as the scholarship recipient is known. Please send both together not just one or the other! 3. Give to the Student: a. The Scholarship Award Certificate (located at The certificate is available in PDF and Word form documents that can be filled in with the scholarship information by tabbing from field to field. Please print this document. You will not be able to save the changes if using the PDF form. It is recommended that the certificate be presented to the student by the Worshipful Master of your lodge during the high school awards or graduation ceremony. If it is not possible to arrange this presentation through the high school, ensure the student does receive this certificate in another manner. If you need a hard copy of this certificate, please call the Grand Lodge Office, or Debbie at debbie@glne.org. b. The Verification of Enrollment (Form GL SCHOL 2 Rev 1/10) and Instructions to the Student Please first write in your lodge's name and number in the space provided at the bottom of this form, and place your seal in the appropriate spot, to aid Grand Lodge in processing the paperwork and issuing the check. Be sure the student is also given the Instructions for the Student which reminds them that the Verification of Enrollment form needs to be given to the college for completion and returned by that school to the Grand Lodge Office. It is not completed by the high school counselor. It is not completed by the lodge. Grand Lodge must receive written verification directly from the college that the student has enrolled in classes before the check can be issued. The check will be sent directly to the college. Increasing the amount of the scholarship or giving more than one award If your lodge wants to contribute more than $125 to increase the amount of the scholarship, or award more than one scholarship, you may do so. Grand Lodge, however, will be able to provide only $125 to any one lodge. It is recommended that payment of any additional scholarships be routed through the Grand Lodge Office. This will ensure your lodge and the student selected receive recognition on the list printed for Annual Communication and any other publications that may print a list of the awards.

6 NOTIFICATION OF ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP AWARD When your recipient has been chosen return this form to the Grand Lodge Office with your lodge s payment do not send separately Date: TO: Grand Lodge AF & AM of Nebraska 301 N. Cotner Blvd Lincoln, NE FROM: Lodge No., Nebraska This is to inform you that our Lodge will participate in the Masonic Scholarship program for this academic year. The amount of $ is enclosed as our contribution to the scholarship award (minimum lodge contribution is $125). It is our understanding that the Grand Lodge will provide $125 toward the award, for a minimum award of $250. The recipient of this award is to be: Name Address City State Zip Phone Number He/she has received the Instructions for the Student for proper handling of Verification of Enrollment form, which is to be forwarded to the Grand Lodge Office by the College, so that the scholarship check may be issued. Comments (Please indicate below if more than one award is to be made by your lodge and/or the amount if the award is to be more than $250.) MORE THAN ONE AWARD BEING PRESENTED (Separate form(s) attached) ONE SCHOLARSHIP FOR: AMOUNT $ OTHER By (for the Lodge): (Title) GL-SCHOL-1 Rev. 12/10

7 VERIFICATION OF ENROLLMENT & REQUEST FOR SCHOLARSHIP PAYMENT ATTENTION: COLLEGE ADMISSIONS/FINANCIAL AID DIRECTOR The student named below has been selected as the recipient of a Masonic Scholarship Award. Please complete and return this verification of enrollment to the Grand Lodge of Nebraska, at the address indicated at the bottom of this form. Upon proper notification of enrollment, a check will be issued and mailed to you for credit to the student's account. This is to certify that: Student's Name Address City, State, Zip Phone College/University ID# has enrolled as a student at: Name of School Address 1 Address 2 City, State, Zip Phone It is our understanding the amount of $ is to be used for tuition, books, or other legitimate college expenses. It is further our understanding that the student is to be credited for the full amount of the award immediately upon receipt of payment. Term Begin Date: By (for the college/university): (Signature) (Title) Return form to: Grand Lodge AF & AM of Nebraska 301 N. Cotner Blvd (Lodge Lincoln, NE or fax to (402) Seal) Phone (800) within Nebraska; (402) outside Nebraska Lodge awarding scholarship GL-SCHOL-2 Rev. 01/10

8 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE STUDENT MASONIC ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP AWARD Attached is a form for you to use to claim your Scholarship. This form must be received in the Masonic Grand Lodge Office in order for your scholarship to be paid. This form should have the amount of your scholarship filled in and the name of the Masonic Lodge awarding the scholarship at the bottom. If any of this information is missing, contact the lodge and ask them to complete it. Complete the section: This is to certify that: with your full legal name, home address, telephone number, and your college Student ID# number. Complete the section: has enrolled as a student at: with the full name, address and phone number of the school you will be attending. Most colleges have a specific office that handles scholarships. That is the address and phone you should provide. Mail or hand deliver to the Admissions or Financial Aid Office of the college you will be attending. They will verify your enrollment and forward to the Grand Lodge of Nebraska for payment. The check will be mailed to the college/university to be credited to your account.

9 Grand Lodge Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Nebraska 301 N. Cotner Boulevard Lincoln, Nebraska (800) (402) Fax (402) November 2014 TO: FROM: Worshipful Masters & Lodge Secretaries Eastern Star Chapters, Scottish Rite Valleys, York Rite Bodies, Shrine Centers and Clubs and other Nebraska Masonic appendant bodies Masonic Band Committee THE 21st ANNUAL MASONIC ALL-STAR MARCHING BAND! The 2015 Masonic All-Star Marching Band Camp will be held June 2-6, 2015 at the University of Nebraska-Kearney. The Masonic All-Star Band has proven to be a very rewarding and memorable experience for the participating musicians. All Nebraska subordinate lodges, Eastern Star Chapters and other Masonic appendant bodies are encouraged to provide a scholarship for one or more students for the Masonic All-Star Marching Band. The fee for the Masonic All-Star Marching Band Clinic is $ per student for 2015, which covers all expenses except travel to and from Kearney. This fee can come from Lodge funds, members donations, or fund-raising events. An announcement and application form for the Masonic All-Star Marching Band Camp will be sent to all Nebraska High School Band Directors after the first of the year. Should your Lodge wish to provide a scholarship for this program, contact your High School Band Director as soon as possible to let them know that you are offering a scholarship. Additionally, scholarships are always needed for students throughout the state without a lodge in their community. Please consider providing additional scholarships to benefit those students. In keeping with the tradition of the Shrine Bowl Classic, our goal is to make the Masonic All-Star Marching Band Camp an opportunity for the best of the best musicians in our state to come together, truly making this an all-star marching band. You are encouraged to reward the most talented band members in your community with the chance to participate as a member in this outstanding band camp. Not only does this ensure that the camp remains a premier program, but these gifted students have more of a capacity to bring back and share what they learn to their own individual schools and band programs. The Application Form and Notification of Band Scholarship Form with payment are due in the Grand Lodge Office by March 13, 2015, so don t delay in contacting your High School Band Director. Your scholarship check must accompany the Notification of Band Scholarship Form, which is included. For more details, please see the enclosed Fact Sheet, or call the Grand Lodge Office at the 800-number listed above. Don t let the Masonic All-Star Band march without a student from your area!

10 MASONIC ALL-STAR MARCHING BAND CLINIC FACT SHEET What is the Masonic All-Star Marching Band Clinic? It is a program sponsored by the Nebraska Grand Lodge in conjunction with the Annual Nebraska Shrine Bowl Classic. Students from Nebraska high schools will attend music clinic and training sessions conducted June 2-6, 2015 at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. The band will be featured on game day leading the Shrine Parade and presenting a half-time show at the Annual Nebraska Shrine Bowl Classic in Kearney. What is its purpose? To support youth, create local interest and attention and provide more visibility of the Masonic family. In keeping with the tradition of the Shrine Bowl Classic, our goal is to make the Masonic All-Star Marching Band Camp an opportunity for the best of the best musicians in our state to come together, truly making this an all-star marching band. You are encouraged to reward the most talented band members in your community with the chance to participate as a member in this outstanding band camp. Not only does this ensure that the camp remains a premier program, but these gifted students have more of a capacity to bring back and share what they learn to their own individual schools and band programs. Who will sponsor the students? Nebraska Masonic Lodges, Eastern Star Chapters, York Rite Bodies, Scottish Rite Bodies, Shrine Clubs, and Individual members of the Masonic Family What is the money used for? All student expenses except travel to and from Kearney are paid by the fee. How do we get involved? The Lodge Master and Secretary and leaders of other Masonic organizations are receiving this information. 1. Make the decision to provide one or more scholarships. 2. Determine source of funding for scholarships - $ per student. A. Lodge or Organization funds B. Donations from Lodge or Organization members C. Fund-raising activity 3. Select student(s) A. Students shall be presently enrolled as high school juniors, sophomores or freshmen B. Contact High School Band Director C. Students may be selected by High School Band Director or you, but must be endorsed by Band Directors (knows skill level of student) D. Notification of Band Scholarship with payment should be received at the Grand Lodge Office by March 13, If you want to provide a scholarship but are unable to find a student, submit the Notification of Band Scholarship and check, as we always have numerous students who apply that do not have a scholarship available What do we have to lose if we don't get involved? An opportunity for your Lodge or organization and its members to become more involved in your community and to create more recognition for what Masonry is all about. To provide a worthy student or students in your community with an unforgettable learning experience; and the chance to have your community represented before thousands of state-wide spectators at the Annual Nebraska Shrine Bowl Classic. Your community and young people need what Masonry has to offer.

11 NOTIFICATION OF BAND SCHOLARSHIP Return to the Grand Lodge Office as Soon as the Recipient is Known and Prior to March 13, 2015 (If the deadline has passed, please contact the Grand Lodge Office for instructions ) Date: TO: FROM: Grand Lodge AF & AM of Nebraska 301 North Cotner Boulevard Lincoln, NE Lodge/Chapter No., Nebraska This is to inform you that our Lodge/Chapter will participate in the Masonic All-Star Band Scholarship program for June 2-6, Our check in the amount of $ is enclosed to sponsor band scholarship(s). Separate forms for each scholarship to be awarded are enclosed. It is our understanding that each band scholarship is $275.00, which includes all expenses except travel to and from. The recipient of this award is to be: Name Phone Address City Zip High School Attending If the student sponsored cannot attend or the scholarship is otherwise unused in 2015, hold our scholarship over to be utilized in There are always numerous students who apply that do not have a scholarship. If you would like your scholarship to be openly applied to one of those students, please indicate below: Yes, please use our funds as an open scholarship. By (for the Lodge/Chapter): (Title)

12 Mail to: Grand Lodge of Nebraska 301 N. Cotner Blvd. Lincoln, NE or FAX to For add l info call MASONIC ALL STAR MARCHING BAND APPLICATION FORM June 2 6, 2015 University of Nebraska Kearney *This Form must have the approval and signature of the Band Director and parent.* Name of student: Male Female In the school year, the student is currently a: Freshman Sophomore Junior (Please note that students currently in the 8 th grade are not eligible to attend band camp in the summer of 2015.) (Please type or print neatly) Mailing Address: Student Cell Phone: Student Parents or guardians information: Name(s): City/State/Zip: Okay to send texts? Yes No Shirt Size: S M L XL XXL Best Phone #: Hm Cell Wk Alternate #: Name of High School: Marching Band Instrument(s): If saxophone indicate alto, tenor or bari. With the exception of bass drums, all students must provide their own instrument. (No flag corps) Positions for percussion instruments will be limited to 15 Snare, 6 Quad/Tri toms, and 5 Bass Drums. Percussion applications will be chosen by the Masonic Band Directors from all applications received by the deadline, regardless of scholarship status (see below). List any special music honors received and chair in High School Band: BAND DIRECTORS PERCUSSION APPLICATIONS ONLY: Please rank your percussion student on the following characteristics on a one to five (1 to 5) scale, with 1 being low and 5 being high. Selection of students for the percussion section will be based on the following criteria, and must be received by the application deadline. We urge you to honestly rank your student, as this will affect the overall quality of the band and your student s experience at camp. Circle your ranking: Attitude (low) (high) Leadership (low) (high) Rhythm/Time (low) (high) Rudiments (low) (high) This drummer is ranked out of drummers in his/her high school band. Please also be sure to include honors received in the space provided above. Band Director I approve this student for band camp. I don t yet have a scholarship please try to find a sponsor for me Parent or Guardian I agree to allow my son/daughter to attend if his/her application is accepted. I have received a scholarship from: PLEASE MAIL TO THE GRAND LODGE BY MARCH 13, 2015 Acceptance of applications received after this date will be considered on a case by case basis. If the deadline has passed, please call the Grand Lodge Office for instructions Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for Updates and Info: Nebraska Masonic All Star Marching

13 Nebraska Grand Lodge Ritual Contest Fellow Craft Degree Saturday, October 3, 2015 hosted by Lancaster Lodge No. 54 at 1635 L St., Lincoln, NE. Saturday, October 31, 2015 hosted by Custer Lodge No. 148 at 1106 S E St., Broken Bow, NE. Monitor the Grand Lodge Website for further details. A team of three judges, led by the Grand Custodian, will judge all competition. The decisions of the judges are final, with the decision of the Grand Custodian being the ultimate word should the need arise. What is being judged? Accuracy of the spoken ritual. Accuracy of the floor work. Quality of the overall presentation of the degree. What is required to participate? All team members will compete wearing a jacket and tie, apron and jewel. Each team will provide a candidate. (Candidate to be clothed as an Entered Apprentice without the hoodwink, or garments being arranged.) A team consists of all officers, including Secretary and Tyler. The candidate does not repeat the obligation. No sideliners rise to accompany the Worshipful Master and Stewards to the East when the candidate is brought to more light. Senior Deacon conducts the candidate to the preparation room door as if being reinvested, but turns and faces the Junior Warden, then resumes with the after passing the stairs. The competition begins with the declaration and ends when the Letter G lecture has been completed. The lights will remain at full brightness during the entire competition for the benefit of the judges. Who may participate? One team per lodge. A team may enlist members of another lodge, but members of the joining lodge may only participate on one team. i.e.: Members of Fremont 15 could not send some participants to North Bend 119 and some to Acacia 34. Grand Lodge Officers and Deputy Grand Custodians are ineligible to participate on a team. Deputy Grand Custodian Apprentices ARE eligible. What is the reward? The winning team will receive a plaque for display in the home lodge. Teams with multiple lodges participating will receive plaques accordingly. Each member of the winning team will receive a unique lapel pin. The winning team will present the Fellow Craft contest program at the 2016 Annual Communication. The admiration and respect of your Brothers from across the state. How to Enter Fill out the Fellow Craft Ritual Contest Roster Completely. Do not leave any officer stations blank. Include Alternate Names if available, and circle the appropriate contest date. the form to Michelle at the Grand Lodge Office at michelle@glne.org or mail the form to: Grand Lodge of Nebraska, 301 N. Cotner Blvd., Lincoln, NE

14 2015 Grand Lodge of Nebraska Fellow Craft Ritual Contest Roster Lodge 1 Lodge Contact Lodge 2 Phone # Name Telephone Worshipful Master Senior Warden Junior Warden Secretary Chaplain Senior Deacon Junior Deacon Senior Steward Junior Steward Tyler Candidate Alternate Alternate Alternate Alternate Date Attending (Circle one): October L St, Lincoln October 15 - Broken Bow

15 MASONIC EDUCATION Grand Lodge of Nebraska PROGRAM To be read at your next regular communication. March 2015 BLUE LODGE We have always heard of the term Blue Lodge. What does the term Blue mean, and why are we using the Blue Lodge in present conversation? Some authorities think that as blue has, from ancient Biblical times, been associated with truth, with Diety, with wisdom and hope; that, as Mackey taught, the blue of the Old Testament is a translation of the Hebrew tekelet, which is derived from a root meaning perfection, and the color blue came into Masonry as its color by natural association. Others believe that as our ancient Brethren met on hills and in vales, over which the blue vault of heaven is a ceiling, that the covering of a lodge is the clouded canopy or starry decked heaven. These allusions seem to connote that blue, the color of the sky, is that of all celestial attributes for which Freemasons strive. The term is peculiarly American; it is found nowhere else in the Masonic world. Evidence does not support the conclusion that the color Blue is the symbol of the three symbolic degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry, whether Operative or Speculative, in time immemorial or of the present. That Blue is a significant or characteristic symbol of Freemasonry is not supported by the ritual. No pointed reference is made to it in the three symbolic degrees. Blue is emphatically the color of Freemasonry, wrote one authority. But the color of the United Grand Lodge of England is Garter (Oxford) Blue, while that of private (subordinate) lodges is Cambridge Blue, and the Grand Steward's Lodges in London, known as the Red Apron Lodges use crimson, thought to be suggested by the color of the ribbon of the Order of the Bath. The color of the Grand Lodge of Scotland is thistle green, while daughter (subordinate) lodges adopt a color of their choice. The recently instituted Grand Lodge of India adopted three colors, the Garter Blue of England, the Thistle Green of Scotland and the Sky Blue of Ireland. This is in honor of the three Grand Lodges by whom it was instituted. Could the color Blue have been adopted when Blue Ribbons were attached to the Aprons? Perhaps, but aprons which can be seen in the museum in Freemasons Hall London are evidence that prior to and during the early years following the formation of the Grand Lodge in 1717, aprons were white and of a considerable size. How and when the term Blue Lodge came to be known as the color of Freemasonry is yet to be discovered, but in present day usage, the term Blue Lodge identifies the membership and organization of Freemasons under the authority of the Grand Lodge. Grand Lodge of Nebraska 301 N Cotner Boulevard, Lincoln, NE phone Nebraska Masonic Education web site:

16 Sponsored by the Masonic Education Committee of the Grand Lodge of Nebraska What: Agenda: Freemasonry is fascinating! History, Ritual, Philosophy, Biographies, Books. But where can you go to learn more and whet your appetite for more light in Masonry? Attend the 2015 Spring Masonic Education Symposiums where you will be exposed to the fun and fascinating facts of Freemasonry. *Masonic Jeopardy - Learn by having fun! A new version to test your knowledge of Masonic facts. * WHAT WILL YOUR LODGE LOOK LIKE IN THE YEAR 2030? Modification and change are inevitable in every part of our lives no matter how much we resist change. What do you want your Lodge to look like in just fifteen short years from now? If you are sincerely interested in the future of Masonry and sustaining your Lodge you will want to attend the Spring Symposium. Don Kavalec, a member of the Grand Lodge Education Committee will be the moderator and facilitate discussion. Some of the topics discussed will be: are: How will we compete for a person's time in our increasingly active lives? Will we or should we modify how we conduct our meetings? How will we educate and perform our rituals? Will we need to consolidate Lodges? What value can we add and how do we communicate this to a prospective member? These and other possible topics will be offered for discussion. This Spring Symposium can serve to start specific discussion at your Lodge. Contact will be made by our committee in advance so you can be prepared for this event. If you care about your Lodge and its future you will want to attend. When/Where: March 23, 2015 at 7:00-8:30 pm Hastings area - Scottish Rite Temple, 411 N. Hastings March 24, 2015 at 7:00-8:30 pm Omaha area Papillion Lodge, S. 84 th & Centennial Road. March 25, 2015 at 7:00-8:30 pm Lincoln area - Scottish Rite Temple, 332 Centennial Mall South All Masons and guests are invited! No Reservations Required

17 JOHN T. MAXELL GRAND MASTER Grand Lodge Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Nebraska 301 N. Cotner Blvd. Lincoln, Nebraska (800) (402) Fax (402) One Goal One Lodge The reason for this program is to help create a bond in each of your Lodges where all the members can work toward a goal selected by the membership and organized and ran by the officers of the Lodge. It is critical to get a buy in from all the members, so don t rush through the process of set the goal or setting of the tasks. And remember that even a good plan sometimes needs to be revisited and reworked to reach the desired outcome. To set goals properly, you have to have a clear starting point. You see, if we can get you facing in the right direction, then all you have to do is keep walking. With this worksheet you ll be setting and achieving goals in no time. The goal setting worksheet can get you pointed in that direction by giving you a place from which to start. You have to define and prioritize your goal first, and the goal setting worksheet will do just that. Most people continually toy with dreams and desires, but rarely take any action to realize these dreams. All projects need to start with a template or goal setting worksheet, on which you can begin writing down these desires. After the main goals have been recorded a plan of action or tasks must be written down in order of completion. Different tasks can be assigned to different members in the Lodge based on skill level and resources. Add a time line for each task, this will allow for more efficient use of resources and it will allow the Lodge to track its progress. Remember to celebrate your small achievements while working towards your goal. And please share your accomplishments with me. Sincerely, John Maxell Grand Master John.maxell@galarson.com

18 GOAL SETTING WORKSHEET Today s Date: Goal Target Date: Achievement Date: GOAL: Tasks and Action Plan Target Date: Date Completed: Comments: Next or Revised Goal:

19 JOHN T. MAXELL GRAND MASTER Grand Lodge Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Nebraska 301 N. Cotner Blvd. Lincoln, Nebraska (800) (402) Fax (402) Dear Brothers: As I announced at Annual Communication in February, this year there are four $1,000 grants available to lodges for use in lodge renovation and improvements. I encourage your lodge to participate in this program. I have attached an application form for your review and completion. To remind you of the criteria: 1. The lodge must participate in new community based fund raising activities which raise $ of new charitable funds. These charitable funds must then be donated to support either one of our Masonic youth programs, such as CHIP, our youth groups, the band camp, or a youth program in the local community. It is imperative that these be new funds from a new fund raising activity for a new project. For example, if your lodge has provided a band scholarship in past years, the funds could not be used for that purpose. 2. The $1,000 grant must be used by the Lodge for renovations and/or improvements to your lodge facility. 3. Applications will be reviewed by a three-person committee and awarded at Annual Communication in February. Past Grand Master Thomas L. Hauder has agreed to serve as the Chair of the review committee. The criteria will include consideration of innovative fund raisers and use of the funds. 4. Grant applications must be received at the Grand Lodge no later than January 16, I encourage your lodge to participate in this program. It is my hope that it will be a way for your lodge to institute a new community activity which could potentially benefit the lodge. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. Fraternally yours, John T. Maxell Grand Master

20 GRAND LODGE OF NEBRASKA LODGE RENOVATION GRANT APPLICATION Lodge Name: Lodge Address: Person Completing Application: Name: Address: City/State/Zip: Home Phone: Cell Phone: Work Phone: Describe the fund raising activity undertaken by the lodge, including a reconciliation of the amount raised and how it differed from lodge fund raising activities in previous years. Specifically, how was the community involved in the fund raising activity: Describe how the funds raised by your lodge were used and how this was different from prior year activities: Describe how your lodge will use the $1,000 grant. Please be specific as to the project and estimated costs. Attach supporting pictures and documents, if desired: Date: Additional pages can be attached if more room is needed. APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED AT THE GRAND LODGE OFFICE NO LATER THAN JANUARY 16, Grand Lodge of Nebraska, 301 N. Cotner Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68505

21 Grand Lodge Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Nebraska 301 N. Cotner Blvd. Lincoln, Nebraska (800) (402) Fax (402) February 9, 2015 SUMMARY OF THE 158 TH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION OF THE GRAND LODGE AF & AM OF NEBRASKA The 158 th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Nebraska was held February 6-7, 2015 at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney, Nebraska. In attendance were all Grand Lodge Officers, 17 Past Grand Masters, 15 Deputy Grand Custodians and 59 non-delegate Masons. Of the 134 subordinate lodges, the following Masters, Wardens and Secretaries were registered: There were 59 Worshipful Masters in person and 30 by proxy; there were 39 Senior Wardens in person and 24 by proxy; there were 37 Junior Wardens in person and 28 by proxy; and 59 Secretaries in person and 23 by proxy. The Lodges that had all four delegate officers in attendance in person were Lodges 1, 10, 54, 112, 146, , 250, 256, 290, 310, 317, 327, 332 and 333. Each lodge will receive a certificate to display in their lodge. There were no Masters, Wardens or Secretaries registered from the following lodges: 9, 14, 21, 37, 41,43, 53, 59, 64, 73, 82, 89, 95, 97, 128, 154, 192, 239, 248, 263, 286, 288, and 291 There have been no Masters, Wardens or Secretaries registered for two years from the following Lodges: 14, 73, 95, 192, 239, 248, 263, and 288. And for three years from lodges 192 and 263. We were pleased to have dignitaries present from the following jurisdictions: Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Nebraska, Grand Lodges of Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wyoming, as well as a representative from the Masonic Service Association. We were also pleased to have in attendance representatives from the following Masonic-related organizations: Eastern Star, Rainbow for Girls, Job s Daughters, DeMolay, Daughters of the Nile, Social Order of the Beauceant, York Rite, Red Cross of Constantine, Scottish Rite, Tehama, Tangier, Sesostris and Abu Bekr Shrine Centers, National Sojourners, The Nebraska Masonic Home and the Masonic-Eastern Star Home for Children. GRAND LODGE OFFICERS ELECTED: R.W. Dennis E. Rix R.W. Richard D. Myers R.W. Patrick D. Barger M.W. Reginald S. Kuhn Deputy Grand Master/Grand Master-Elect Grand Senior Warden Grand Junior Warden Grand Secretary APPOINTED: V.W. Kevin R. Lindly Grand Chaplain W. James A. Carlton Grand Orator W. Dennis H. Brydl Grand Historian

22 M.W. Scott J. Krieger, Sr. Grand Custodian W. Donald E. Rife Grand Marshal W. Robert W. Moninger Grand Senior Deacon W. Ronald D. Stites Grand Junior Deacon W. Stephen C. Kennedy Grand Senior Steward W. James J. Jones Grand Junior Steward W. Paul D. Rutherford Grand Tyler Special Appointments: W. John R. Fairlie Personal Representative of the Grand Master W. John B. Ferguson Personal Representative of the Grand Master W. Alexander F. Straatmann Personal Representative of the Grand Master One Grand Master s Recommendation and one member Resolution were balloted upon: The Grand Master s Recommendation provides that if a member holding plural membership in this Jurisdiction and another Grand Jurisdiction is suspended from membership in the other said Jurisdiction, for anything other than non-payment of dues, it will automatically be referred to the Grievance Committee for review and forwarded to the Grand Master for further action as may be warranted, including suspension or expulsion from the Fraternity. The recommendation passed. Member Resolution No. 1 provides that commencing on January 1, 2016, each subordinate lodge shall pay to the Grand Lodge an assessment of $3.00 per member, said assessment to be distributed as follows: $1.50 to support the CHild Identification Program, $.50 to support Nebraska Job's Daughters, $.50 to support the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls in Nebraska, and $.50 to support Nebraska DeMolay. The resolution passed. The 159 th Annual Communication will be held on Friday and Saturday, February 5-6, 2016 at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney, Nebraska. Fraternally, Reginald S. Kuhn, PGM Grand Secretary