The Orient of Nebraska Scottish Rite celebrated a unique Reunion this past November 3rd and 4th, welcoming Candidates from the Valley of Alliance, Hastings, Lincoln, and Omaha, as well as the Nebraska Prince Hall Masons.
A joint Reunion with the Prince Hall Masons has never been done before, and the Prince Hall Joshua D. Kelley Consistory #27 hosted the 16° and 32°, while the Valley of Omaha Scottish Rite hosted the 4°, 9°-10°, 14°, 18°, and 30°.
On February 3, 1990, delegates at the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Nebraska approved a resolution to extend full recognition to the M.W. Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Nebraska. On the same day, the resolution was unanimously approved by the Prince Hall Grand Lodge, and both jurisdictions pledged “never ending and always expanding respect for the principles and tenets of our fraternity.” In the 33 years since that historic date, both Grand Lodges have enjoyed warm and positive relations, with members joining one another for annual communications, Degree work, as well as the first joint cornerstone laying at the Omaha Home for Boys. A Brother might not ask why a joint Reunion isn’t being done now, but why wasn’t a joint Reunion done sooner?
The Orient of Nebraska Scottish Rite bodies were proud to welcome Sovereign Grand Commander James D. Cole, 33° who joined us for both days. The Grand Commander was tireless in making time to chat with every Brother, take photos with members, and watch Degree work.
Unity was a theme throughout the Reunion. Brethren came from all across Nebraska to welcome Candidates, as well as to simply watch Degrees and be part of a historic Reunion. On Friday and Saturday, members enjoyed dinner and lunch prepared by the Culinary Masters, which includes members of the Tangier Shrine Divan and several Past Potentates. The Knights of St. Andrew were on hand throughout both days, greeting members, serving breakfast on Saturday, setting tables and cleaning the dining room, and helping anywhere needed. Dan Wellendorf, 33°, SGIG in Nebraska, reminded us through his actions that he is a Brother, working on the stage crew, just as he did when he was Dan Wellendorf, 32°.
Nebraskans are proud that Scottish Rite Masons, regardless of whether they are a 32°, KCCH, or 33°, are always happy to work wherever they are needed, and members of all Degrees can be found in the kitchen, taking a part in Degrees, working with the stage crew, sound and light booth, back stage, or working the wardrobe room at Reunions.
The Reunion closed with a catered banquet, with 140 Scottish Rite Masons and their ladies attending. There weren’t “Prince Hall” tables and “A.A.S.R.” tables; members of both jurisdictions sat amongst one another, just as we had all weekend. Our Class Orator was Keith Bell, 32° P.H.A., eloquently expressed the theme. “Life is a unified event,” Keith said. “That is what this Reunion is, and that is what Masonry should be.”
Grand Commander James Cole, 33° closed the evening telling us that when he first joined Masonry, his first recollection was the Holy Bible in the center of the Lodge room, representing that which was most important to Masons. Brother Cole reminded us that we as Masons should always seek the center, symbolizing what is most important to us. Whether that center is family, faith, friendships, or the Masonic fraternity, it is our duty to continue to find that central point in our lives.
Members came away with new friendships among both sides, and the Orient looks forward to participating in more Masonic events in brotherhood with our Nebraska Prince Hall Brethren.