On November 2, 3, and 4, 2017, the Omaha Valley hosted the Fall Reunion, welcoming six new 32° Princes of the Royal Secret.
The Reunion began with social time and introductions on Thursday evening, followed by the 4°, 8°, hosted by the officers of the Grand Lodge of Nebraska, and the 9°-10°, which continues the story of the 2nd Section Master’s Degree. On Friday, the class received the 14°, 15°, and 16°, which was a degree revived for the first time in several years. On Saturday, the class convened for the 17° a new degree, 18°, 21°, 29°, 30°, 31°, and 32°.
Rather than a banquet on Saturday evening, the Scottish Rite hosted a luncheon, inviting ladies to join their husbands. Afterward, they women learned about the Scottish Rite with a tour of the building, saw a set change before the 29th Degree, and learned about Scottish Rite activities and programs during the year.
The Reunion was named in honor of William B. Webster, 33°. William Webster, who passed away in 1991, was an active Mason from a long line of Freemasons and whose family is an integral part of Omaha history. He served in the Army Air Corp during World War II, receiving numerous commendations for his service. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in General Education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1955. Afterward, he was in the real estate and investment business with his father. In 1976, he formed the Webster-Baker Broadcasting Company with his son John Webster, receiving an FCC license to operate KOIL in 1983.
William Webster was an active Mason, raised at Capitol Lodge #3 in 1946, and joining the Scottish Rite in 1948. He served as Venerable Master of the Lodge of Perfection from April, 1965 until March, 1967 and was on the Scottish Rite Educational Welfare Association board (predecessor to the Scottish Rite Foundation of Nebraska). He was also very active in numerous community boards, including the Omaha Home for Boys, Brownell-Talbot, and the Omaha Club. The William Webster scholarship is presented each year in his honor.
Additionally, William Webster’s father John Potter Webster and grandfather John Robinson Webster were active Masons, and his son John Wallace Webster continue the Scottish Rite tradition today. John R. was a 33° Scottish Rite Mason, as is John W. today. In recognition of the Webster family’s long involvement in the Scottish Rite, SGIG Charles V. Sederstrom, Jr., presented a Scottish Rite Heritage Award to the Webster family during the luncheon.
The Spring Reunion will be on May 17th, 18th, and 19th, 2018. Reach out to prospective Scottish Rite Masons and explain the value of continuing their journey in the “University of Freemasonry.” Several candidates are already committed, and we are anticipating another great class of Brethren to join us as members of the Scottish Rite.