Grand Lodge of the Month - Nebraska

The Grand Lodge of Nebraska was chartered in 1857 when Nebraska Lodge No. 184 (chartered from the Grand Lodge of Illinois), Giddings Lodge No. 156 (chartered from the Grand Lodge of Missouri) and Capitol Lodge No. 101 (chartered from the Grand Lodge of Iowa) came together to form the Grand Lodge of Nebraska. Thus, Freemasonry predates statehood by 10 years.

These three Masonic lodges that first comprised the Grand Lodge would eventually become Nebraska Lodge No. 1, Western Star Lodge No. 2, and Capitol Lodge No. 3, respectively.

Robert C. Jordan of Capitol Lodge No. 3, was the first Grand Master of Masons in Nebraska from 1857 through 1859. Today, a medal is presented in his name to the oldest Mason in each lodge in the state.

On February 3, 1990, during the 133rd Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge, a resolution was passed extending fraternal recognition to the Prince Hall Grand Lodge, F.&A.M. of Nebraska. That same year, the Prince Hall Grand Lodge reciprocated that recognition. During next year's Annual Communication, it was reported that members of both Grand Lodges participated in each other's degree work, and even participated in a Table Lodge together. This tradition continues to this day.