Taken from the Lodge Newsletter,'Comet Commentaries' & The Minutes. Thanks Bro. McIntosh!
December 2011: The Sublime Degree of a Master Mason was conferred on Bro. Christopher Oltjenbruns, son of W.B. Fritz Oltjenbruns, and Bro. Rodney Moeller, son of Bro. Merv Moeller and grandson of W.B. Jack Lefler!
The Annual Lodge Dinner was held and attendance was great! The presentation on the Civil War, given by Craig Schneider was very informative and enjoyed by all.
November 2011: The Secretary announced that the Lodge had received formal approval by the Grand Master of the merger with Pomegranate Lodge #110.
The Degree of a Fellowcraft Mason we conferred on Bro. Rodney Moeller by Bro. Merv Moeller.
Plans were made for the annual Lodge Dinner in December.
Elections were held for 2012 with the following results:
October 2011: The Degree of an Entered Apprentice Mason was conferred on Mr. Rodney Moeller by his father, Bro. Merv Moeller.
A Celebration of Life was held at the Ceresco Methodist Church for Bro. Cliff Hughes. The Masonic Service was presented at the request of the family with W.B. Jack Johnson delivering the Lecture.
September 2011: The petition of Mr. Rodney Moeller was balloted on and he was elected to receive the Degrees of Freemasonry.
The Lodge was certified in the Master Mason Degree by W.B. Ed Nolte, Deputy Grand Custodian.
The Degree of a Fellowcraft Mason was conferred on Bro. Christopher Oltjenbruns. The Middle Chamber Lecture was given by W.B. Bob Schmucker, The Questions & Answers were given by W.B. Jack Johnson and W.B. Fritz Oltjenbruns and the Charge by W.B. Gerry Brodd.
The balloting on the Resolution of Consolidation with Pomegranate Lodge was done and the Resolution passed unanimously.
Balloting was also done for the Amendment to the Bylaws, changing the meeting time for Regular Communications to 7:30pm year round, this also passed unanimously.
Recognition was also given to Ceresco Chapter OES for the new carpet inside the front door.
August 2011: The petition of Mr. Rodney Moeller to receive the Degrees of Freemasonry was read and a Committee of Investigation was appointed.
The Secretary laid before the members the Resolution providing for consolidation with Pomegranate Lodge #110, Ashland, NE.
An Amendment to the Lodge Bylaws, Article 1m Section 1, changing the meeting time for the Regular Communication from 8:00pm summer and 7:00pm winter to a standard meeting time of 7:30pm year round was laid before the lodge.
Dates were discussed and set for W.B. Ed Nolte, Deputy Grand Custodian, to certify the Lodge in the Master Mason Degree and for Individual Proficiency.
New glass was installed in the front door and sidelights.
July 2011: The Oasis for Ceresco Days was well attended and went smoothly again this year, and the Quilt Show was a hit again this year with many, many beautiful quilts on display in the Lodge Room.
We will again host an Oasis for the Platte Valley Shrine Club at the Lodge after the parade in Ashland for Stir Up Days.
June 2011: The Entered Apprentice Degree was conferred on Mr. Christopher Oltjenbruns.
A 50 Year Pin was awarded to Bro. Cliff Hughs at Saunders House in Wahoo
in the presence of friends, brothers and relatives. Refreshments were
served and an enjoyable time was had by all.
May 2011: The petition of Christopher Oltjenbruns was balloted on and he was elected to receive the Degrees of Masonry.
Discussion was had on the events for the Oasis to be held again this year during Ceresco Days.
Highway litter pick up for the spring was completed with many in attendance the work went quickly.
April 2011: The petition of Christopher Oltjenbruns was read and a Committee of Investigation appointed.
The Secretary, WB Jim Hunter, read a letter from Irma Nord expressing thanks for the Lodges participation in Ivan's funeral ceremony.
The Lodge was certified in the EA & FC Degrees by Deputy Grand Custodian WB Ed Nolte.
March 2011: It was reported that the new insulation in the Lodge Room seemed to be paying dividends, as the propane use for the winter was down.
WM Greg Prososki announced that Lodge Certification in the EA & FC Degrees would be held in April.
It was reported that OES had sponsored two Band Scholarships.
February 2011: WM Greg Prososki gave an extensive report on the Annual Grand Lodge Communication in Grand Island, with discussion as to eh current happenings and the resolutions that were and were not adopted.
WB Darrell Beaman was duly installed Senior Deacon and WB Erv Rolofson as Tyler.
WB Jack Johnson and WB Gene Peterson said that they would be serving soup for the next meeting, so all should come early and have a bowl!
January 2011: An Emergent Lodge of Master Masons was closed in due for for the year 2010 and an Emergent Lodge was opened in due form for the year 2011.
Bro. Russ Roberts was examined by SW Greg Prososki and WM Jack Johnson declared him proficient as a Master Mason.
Installation of Officers was held, with WB Jack Johnson as Installing
Master, WB Chuck Leypoldt as Installing Chaplain, WB Lyle McKlem of Wahoo Lodge #59 as Installing Marshal, WB Gerry Brodd as
Installing Secretary & Sharon Moeller as Installing Pianist.
The following Officers were Installed: Bro. Greg Prososki, Worshipful Master Bro. Merv Moeller, Senior Warden WB Bob Schmucker, Junior Warden WB Jerry Niday, Treasurer WB Jim Hunter, Secretary WB Gene Peterson, Chaplain Bro. Andrew Tanner, Junior Deacon Bro. Russ Roberts, Senior Steward WB Jack Lefler, Junior Steward WB Leroy Hanson, Marshal
We were also able to enjoy music from Euphoniumist Harley Mohlman, and had many friends and family in attendance. Visiting Brethren included: Bro. Mike Lawver from Wahoo Lodge #59, WB Gary Brhel from Blue River Lodge #30 in Milford and WB Elect Troy Medinger from Lebanon Lodge #323 in Columbus.
December 2010: The yearly Lodge Dinner was held with a menu that consisted of Smoked Windsor Loin, Scalloped Potatoes, Corn, Lettuce Salad and Dinner Rolls, with Ice Cream cups enjoyed as dessert. Entertainment was provided by Sad Saddle, a local bluegrass group, and they were outstanding. A good time was had by all who attended! W.M. Elect Greg Prososki announced an Open Installation date of Saturday, January 15th, with a storm date of January 22nd.
November 2010: New gutters and downspouts were installed on the Lodge Building.
Elections were held for 2011 with the following results:
Bro. Greg Prososki, Worshipful Master Bro. Merv Moeller, Senior Warden W.B. Robert Schmucker, Junior Warden Treasurer, W.B. Jerry Niday Secretary, W.B. Jim Hunter
October 2010: A committee was formed to frame and display the Lodge Proficiency Certificates. Fall Highway Pick Up was held on October 23rd and a good number of the brethren and family attend, making short work of the two mile stretch of Highway 77 we take care of. Thanks to all who helped!
September 2010: WB Jerry Niday reported that five members of Comet Lodge had
participated in the Masonic Charities Golf Tournament in North Bend and a
good time was had by all.
We had the honor of receiving M.W. John T. Parsons, Grand Master, Grand Lodge A:.F:. & A:.M:. of Nebraska and R.W. E. David Watts, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Lodge A:.F:. & A:.M:. of Nebraska to award our 60-year member WB Ralph Olson with his pin and certificate, and our 50-year member, Bro. Wayne Nelson with his pin and certificate. Both the Grand Master and the Deputy Grand Master spoke of the dedication shown by these brothers, and that they exemplified the greatest traditions of Masonry.
August 2010: Lodge Proficiency in the Entered Apprentice and the Fellowcraft Degrees was held on Thursday, August 26th, with two practices for the degrees preceding that date. Plans were made to honor our new Bronze Jordan Medal holder, Clarence Christenson, our 60-year pin recipient Ralph Olson and our 50-year pin recipient Wayne Nelson.
July 2010: Plans were finalized for the Oasis to be held during Ceresco Days. Discussion was held regarding holding an Oasis after the Ashland Parade in July. The usual location is undergoing improvements at this time, and the Secretary of the Platte Valley Shrine Club asked that Comet Lodge hold the Oasis. The brethren moved, seconded and passed to do so. Also, moved seconded and passed that the furnace and air conditioner in the Lodge Room be replaced.
June 2010: W.M. Jack Johnson and WBs Jerry Niday & Gene Peterson reported that they had looked at the Hunter furnace that was used for 3/4 of a season and it was decided that a proposal would be obtained to replace the furnace and air conditioner for the Lodge Room. WB Jerry Niday announced the winners of the Academic Scholarships and the Masonic Band Camp Scholarship. There was discussion about preparing for the Ceresco Days Oasis.
May 2010: W.M Jack Johnson Installed Bro. Roger Hill as Senior Deacon with WB Gene Peterson acting as Installing Marshal. The Lodge was certified in the Master Mason Degree by the Deputy Grand Custodian. The date for the certification in the Entered Apprentice and Fellowcraft degrees will be determined at a later date.
April 2010: The Spring Highway Cleanup was held and we had an attendance of 15 brethren and a couple of young helpers! The job was finished in about an hour. Bro. Greg Prososki gave a short report on the Schools of Instruction held by the Grand Lodge.
March 2010: A Spaghetti Feed was held for the Tiger Rock TaeKwonDo Academy held in Ceresco so that they could purchase the approved mats they needed for the class. The fundraiser was a great success and the class was able to purchase the mats they needed. A Soup Supper was held in conjunction with a Ceresco History event in the Lodge room. People were asked to bring in historical artifacts, photos and memorabilia from the Ceresco area and Chili, Oyster and Potato Soups were served. Bro. Russ Roberts was examined by S.W. Greg Prososki in the Fellowcraft Degree and was declared proficient by W.M. Jack Johnson. The Sublime Degree of a Master Mason was then conferred on Bro. Russ Roberts with assistance of brethren from Wahoo and Craftsmen Lodges. A Bible was presented to Bro. Russ and he expressed his thanks to the Lodge and its guests for the excellent presentation.
February 2010: It was decided that two $500.00 academic scholarships be funded for students at Raymond Central High School. WB Darrell Beaman was installed as Marshal.
January 2010: Installation of Officers was held, with WB Gerry Brodd as Installing Master, WB Bob Schmucker as Installing Marshal & WB Jim Hunter as Installing Secretary.
The following Officers were Installed: WB Jack Johnson, Worshipful Master Bro. Greg Prososki, Senior Warden Bro. Merv Moeller, Junior Warden WB Jerry Niday, Treasurer WB Jim Hunter, Secretary Bro. Doug McIntosh, Junior Deacon Bro. Andrew Tanner, Senior Steward WB Erv Rolofson, Tyler WB Gene Peterson, Chaplain
Bro. Russell Roberts was presented, examined & declared proficient in the Entered Apprentice Degree. The Degree of a Fellowcraft Mason was then conferred on Bro. Roberts with the Middle Chamber Lecture given by WB Bob Schmucker, The Q&A given by WB Darrell Beaman and WB Gerald Brodd, The Letter "G" was given by WB Jack Johnson and the Charge by WB Jack Lefler. Bro. Russ expressed his thanks for an impressive performance and said that he found the Middle CHamber Lecture to be especially significant. Present for the Degree were brethren from Wahoo Lodge who we wish to thank for the assistance they provided. It was decided that the Lodge would again sponsor a Raymond Central student for the Masonic All Star Marching Band Camp this coming summer.
December 2009: The Annual Banquet was enjoyable as always, with over 50 in attendance, including the Raymond Central Band Director, and two of the Band Students who attended the Masonic All-Star Marching Band Camp this summer. The Band Instructror and Band Students also provided the entertainment for the evening by playing a few songs, and the students gave a short presentation on attending the Band Camp.
WB Jack Johnson announced that there would be a closed Installation of Officers at the January Meeting, with WB Gerry Brodd as Installing Master.
The Degree of an Entered Apprentice Mason was conferred on Mr. Russ Roberts by the sitting Officers.
November 2009: A Petition for the Initiation for Russ Roberts was read and a Committee of Investigation was appointed. Plans for the Annual Banquet were finalized, with the menu being pork chops, mashed potatoes, corn, lettuce salad and ice cream & cookies for dessert. Members of the 2009 Masonic All-Star Marching Band and their families will be invited as guests of the Lodge, as will the Raymond Central Band Director. It was moved and carried that the ladies restroom get a pair of new fixtures, and the men's, new paint and supplies.
Elections were held for the year 2010, with the following results: WB Jack Johnson, Master Bro. Greg Prososki, Senior Warden Bro. Merv Moeller, Junior Warden WB Jerry Niday, Treasurer WB Jim Hunter, Secretary
October 2009: The Lodge Highway Clean-up was held on Oct 17th and there were a good number of brethren in attendance, (along with a helper or two!), and the work was done well and quickly. The date of the Annual Lodge Banquet was scheduled and plans are in the works.
September 2009: Bro. Greg Prososki and Bro. Merv Moeller attended and reported on the Grand Lodge Leadership Meeting at the Scottish Rite in Lincoln. Bro. Greg Prososki reported that the new Dan Brown book, The Lost Symbol was to be released on Sept 15th and that the book was to focus on the Masonic Fraternity. After the books release many of the brethern have read it and are pleasantly surprised that he treated the Freemasons very fairly.Wb Jerry Niday reported on the CHIP Program at the State Fair, put on at the Nebraska Sheriff's Association building was well attended.
August 2009: Bro. Andrew Tanner was presented with his commerative Masonic Bible. The Degree of Master Mason was conferred on Bro. Marc Grimminger, who also received his Masonic Bible. WB Erv Rolofson reported that his granddaughter had greatly enjoyed participating in the Masonic All-Star Band Camp and the Shrine Bowl Parade in Havelock and the East-West game and was thankful for the scholarshipthe lodge provided for her to attend.WB Jerry Niday reported that the Raymond Central Band Director had been in contact with the Grand Lodge Office, and that she was able to utilize three scolarships from lodges which had funded scholarships, but had no candidates. The RC Band Director was a chaperone again this year for the Masonic Band Camp as well.
July 2009: The Oasis and Quilt Show were a huge success, as well as the Golf Tournament in Wahoo. Thanks again to Bro. Doug McIntosh for again for all the work involved in making the Golf Outing a success!
June 2009: Preparation for this years Oasis and Quilt Show are underway. The Lodge was successfully certified in the EA, FC & MM Degrees. WM Gerry Brodd and Helen are celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary in Ashland at the VFW! The Degree of a Fellowcraft Mason was conferred on Bro. Marc Grimminger.
May 2009: A new flag was purchased for the Lodge as the old one had gotten frayed and tattered. Discussion of the Soup Supper, which was a success! WB Jack Johnson and WB Gerry Brodd visited Craftsman Lodge # 314 and assisted in degree work. The Entered Apprentice Degree was conferred on Mr. Marc Grimminger.
March 2009: A new microwave was purchased for the lodge from the Memorial Fund. Discussion of a date for highway clean-up was discussed and set. The petition of Mr. Marc Grimminger was read, voted on favorably, and an Investigation Committee appointed.
February 2009: WB Gerry Brodd, WB Jack Johnson & Bro. Greg Prososki attended Grand Lodge in Kearney Feb 6th & 7th, which was very informative and an enjoyable time. During the Regular Meeting, it was discussed that Ceresco Days would be here before we know it and plans are in the works for the upcoming events.
Bro. Doug McIntosh is planning the annual lodge Swing for Kids golf tournament at the Hilltop Country Club, near Wahoo, for Saturday July 11th, with a shotgun start at 8am.
WB Jerry Niday has built a new display case for the Past Masters pictures that is a work of art and a great improvement over the frames that held them previously. Take a look at it when you attend the next Regular Meeting or Degree. Thanks Jerry! The Lodge has been busy practicing for the Master Mason Degree to be held soon, so keep an eye on the events calendar, the date will be posted soon!
January 2009: After a brief Business Meeting, Installation of Officers was held, with W.B. Leroy Hanson, serving as Installing Master, W.B. Robert Schmucker, serving as Installing Marshall, W.B. Jim Hunter, serving as Installing Secretary and W.B. Jack Lefler, serving as Installing Chaplain.
The Degree of a Fellowcraft Mason was conferred on Bro. Scott Ohle on January 29th. The Degree was done very well, as usual, and Jack Johnson's potato soup was enjoyed before the degree by all who attened. We would also like to thank all the visitors that attended the degree!
December 2008: Bro. Doug McIntosh reported that he and his crew had installed the insulation in the ceiling above the Lodge Room. W.B. Gerry Brodd reported that Brother Lloyd Edwards, our Deputy Grand Custodian for so many years, remains in the Ashland Care Center and visitors would be welcomed. Our Annual Masonic Banquet was held on December 5th with a meal that included Steakettes, Baked Potatoes, Green Beans and Lettuce Salad, prepared by the "Val Ladies". There were over 40 in attendance and a good time was had by all.
November 2008: The Highway Clean-up Program contract was renewed for 2009. The new ductwork was installed in the lodge room so it is now more evenly heated. A petition was read and will be voted on during the Regular Meeting on December 4th!
Election of 2009 Officers was held: Master-Gerald Brodd, Senior Warden-Jack Johnson, Junior Warden-Greg Prososki, Treasurer-Jerry Niday, Secretary-Jim Hunter.
On August 26th in Ceresco, and on August 28th and 29th in Valparaiso, Comet Lodge together with the Raymond Central PTO held the first ever CHIP event at the two grade schools! Organized by Doug & Laura McIntosh and the RC PTO, and with funds raised by Comet Lodge, approximately 90% of the elementary students participated in the program! For those who aren't familiar with the CHIP Program, It is the 'CHild Identification Program', which is a kit that consists of a video interview of the child which captures the child's appearance and speech, a still photograph, the child's fingerprints, a dental impression, and finally a cheek swab to get a sample of the child's DNA. Data collected by the National Crime Information Center and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reports that a child is reported missing every 43 seconds. Having this much of the child's information at your fingertips could greatly assist the authorities if the child ever went missing. The Lodge would again like to recognize the tremendous job Doug & Laura McIntosh did in spearheading this event!
