Grand Lodge of Nebraska
Grand Lodge of the Month for December 2022
The Grand Lodge of Nebraska was chartered in 1857 when Nebraska Lodge № 184 (chartered by the Grand Lodge of Illinois), Giddings Lodge № 156 (chartered by the Grand Lodge of Missouri) and Capitol Lodge № 101 (chartered by the Grand Lodge Of Iowa) came together to form the Grand Lodge Of Nebraska. Thus, Freemasonry predates statehood by ten years.
Upon formation, these three Masonic Lodges who first comprised the Grand Lodge would go onto become “Nebraska Lodge № 1,” “Western Star Lodge № 2,“ and “Capitol Lodge № 3,” respectively.
Robert C. Jordan of Capitol Lodge № 3, was the first Grand Master of Masons in Nebraska from 1857 through 1860. Today, a medal is presented in his name to the member with the longest period of good standing in each lodge in the state.
The Nebraska Masonic Home was incorporated in 1888 and established on September 1, 1903 in Plattsmouth, Nebraska. The Home is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of its residents by offering a continuum of care through gracious assisted living and quality nursing care to eligible members of the Masonic family.
In 1985, the Grand Lodge established a charitable foundation with its board of directors elected by Nebraska Freemasons. Since then, the Foundation has sponsored scholarships, the Masonic All–Star Marching Band, the Masonic Veterans Partnership and the Child Identification Program (CHIP). It also maintains a library and museum at the Grand Lodge office and contributes to the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association. It also has provided funding for the national conference of Grand Masters.
Today, the 156th Grand Master, Alexander Straatmann, presides over 110 local Lodges and more than 8,000 Brothers. Among its many distinguished and honored Brothers are William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, General of the Armies John J. Pershing, Secretary of State and three-time Presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan, newscaster Floyd Kalber, Baseball Hall of Famers Grover Cleveland Alexander, Dazzy Alexander and Richie Ashburn, and numerous Nebraska governors, U.S. senators and congressmen.
The Grand Lodge A.F.&A.M. of Nebraska
301 N. Cotner Blvd.
Lincoln, Nebraska 68505https://www.glne.org/800-558-8029
