The Scottish Rite December Christmas Banquet is always a hilarious evening, and an evening not to miss.
The evening began with eggnog and cocktails in the lounge, and guests enjoyed a steak dinner served by Ford Catering. Chris (the Majek Elf) Carter, 32° KCCH was our Head Elf for the evening - or rather, our Master of Ceremonies. The move Elf, starring Will Ferrell, James Caan, and Zooey Deschanel, was the inspiration or the evening.
Ron Stites, 33° was presented with the Ambassador Award, recognizing his being present at every meeting, participating, mentoring new members, and being a true representative of the Masonic mission of ‘Making Good Men Better.’
The Lodge of Perfection officers presented awards throughout the evening, including presenting Mike Precella, 32° KCCH, Master of Kadosh for the Omaha Consistory, and the 2022 Consistory officers the Line Officers of the Year Award, recognizing their leadership in the Omaha Valley throughout the year.
During the year, Mike Precella led “A Time for Change,” a fundraiser where Line Officers would donate spare change in mason jars throughout the year. At the end of the year, A Time for Change raised nearly $2,000. Mike joined RiteCare Director Dr. Jessica Gormley and Speech-Language Pathologist Korey Stading, presenting a check for $2,000 which will purchase iPads for the RiteCare Clinic at the UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute. Members purchased raffle tickets, allowing them to guess the amount raised. Roger Moore, 32° won the raffle, guessing within $20 the $2,014 raised, and was presented with $50 for the winning guess.
Several months ago, the House of the Temple in Washington, D.C. commissioned New London Regalia to craft a sword for the Supreme Council’s Grand Tyler, used during Supreme Council sessions.
A limited number of these swords were made, and an anonymous Brother purchased a Tyler’s sword for the Valley of Omaha Scottish Rite. Gary Unger, 33°, Major Gift Officer for the House of the Temple, presented the Tyler’s Sword to Schadd Gray, 32° KCCH, Personal Representative to the Deputy.
As he has for many years, Steven Barchus, 33° trades his shirt and tie and desk at the Masonic Home in Plattsmouth for Santa’s red suit. Steve sat for pictures with members, their ladies, and families - always a favorite part of the December Christmas banquet. Steve has made kids smile as Santa for several years, and donates his Santa earnings to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Nebraska.
With so many laughs and a great dinner, the Christmas Banquet is always well-attended and never one to miss. John Hardy, 32° KCCH, 2023 Venerable Master for the Lodge of Perfection, is already working on the 2023 Banquet, which draws on the 1954 movie “White Christmas,” and will honor our veterans.