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LIBERTY LODGE #300s

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Genesis

The year was 1917, our men were being called up to serve in the First World War. .Lincoln Lodge #19, Lancaster Lodge #54, and East Lincoln Lodge #210 were endeavoring to confer the degrees on brothers going to war. Sensing a need for a new lodge, brothers Paul Ernst of Omaha Lodge #288, Ora Smith of Lancaster #54, and James Tyler Jr. of Lincoln Lodge #19 stepped forward as supporters. Time was of the essence and a petition of dispensation was applied for and accepted by Grand Master Fredric L. Temple under the guidance of Past Grand Master Samuel L. Whiting with Lincoln Lodge #19, Lancaster Lodge #54, and East Lincoln Lodge #210 providing the required endorsements. Liberty Lodge under dispensation was opened on January 10, 1918. Seated as Master, Senior & Junior Wardens were Paul L. Ernst, Ora F. Smith, and James Tyler Jr. East, West, & South, respectively. The first formal confering of degrees of Liberty Lodge U.D. were found in the minutes on January 22, 1918. Under U.D., six brothers were raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason and became eligible for Charter Membership. They were Brothers Clement Frey, Harry Higgins, Albert B. Nebelsick, Joseph H. Wilson, Clair A. P. Tyler and Raymond P. Smith. On February 14, Brother Jacob D. Gavenman of Lincoln Lodge #19, contributed one of the Great Lights of Masonry, The Holy Bible, to Liberty Lodge. The lodge met 13 times under U.D. On April 25th, 1918, a petition of charter was filed with the Grand Lodge and on the 5th day of June, 1918 was presented to the Sixty-First annual communication of the Grand Lodge in Omaha where it was accepted.

How appropriate that Liberty Lodge #300, A.F. & A.M. should hold its first communication, under charter, on the birth date of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Mark well this date: July 4th, 1918 A.D. (A.L.5918). On this date, The Lodge opened in form, with prayer, as Entered Apprentice Masons, with the following officers in there respective stations. W.B. James Tyler Jr. , Master, Brothers James F. Thompson, S.W. George C. Mason, J.W. Walter DeButts, Treasurer, J. Lloyd McMaster, Secretary, George E. Brostrom, S.D., John C.Brown, J.D., Herman N. Matley, J.S. and Ernest Gremel, Tyler. 

As a closing note, the name Liberty was recognized as having a dual reflection. Not only was the name compatible with Masonic teachings, but was the present time of World War One. The numerical identification #300 was determined by the date that the lodge was created, January 10, 1918 and in sequence by date. Thus, Liberty Lodge #300, A.F. & A.M. acquired its final and official designation.

(These notes were taken from an article written by Brother Gifford D. Mullins, M.M. Liberty Lodge #300, A.F &A.M.)

It should be interesting to note that in the History of our Lodge and in other organizations of Masonry that our first Master and his father had much to do in the organization of Masonry in Nebraska. James Tyler Jr's father was the second Potentate to serve Sesostris and had much to do with the organization of that body. J. Lloyd McMasters father was one of our charter members and was our first charter secretary.

Note:  Taken from W.B. Roger Miner's Liberty Lodge webpage.  http://www.minerland.net/libertylodge.htm