He knows when you’ve been bad and he knows when you’ve been good.
Santa apparently is not aware of the 4th Amendment’s guarantee of the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches. Or so argued Lee Terry, 33° with the annual Christmas Ethics debate. Lee argued that Santa violates our rights to privacy, while Hal Daub, 33° made the counter-argument that our rights to privacy are not violated.
Both Hal and Lee gave us plenty to think about with their debate, with much laughter and humor. When put to a vote, the audience gave Hal the victory with a slim majority over Lee.
175 Scottish Rite Masons and guests turned out for a record-setting Christmas Awards Banquet at the Omaha Scottish Rite on Monday, December 16, 2019. Patrick Watson, 32°, Venerable Master for the Lodge of Perfection served as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening, welcoming guests.
Patrick introduced the the Omaha Heartland Harmonizers Barbershop Chorus, who opened the evening with several holiday songs, and sang as members enjoyed a wonderful Christmas dinner prepared by the Culinary Masters. This year, the Culinary Masters served grilled-to-order steaks, with loaded baked potatoes, vegetables, and salad, followed by ice cream served by the Knights of St. Andrew.
After dinner, the Lodge of Perfection officers presented awards to Brethren who have made a difference during the course of the year as well as a few of the famous Rubber Chicken Awards. Gary Unger, 32° KCCH took home the first rubber chicken for last year’s Christmas soup dinner. Everyone agreed that this year’s steaks more than atoned for the soup last year. Degree Director AJ Johnson, 33° recognized Jonathan Paz, 32° KCCH for both the 29th Degree as the best Degree of the Fall Reunion as well as for Jonathan’s excellent work in several Degrees during the Reunions.
Schadd Gray, 32° KCCH, Director of the Stage Crew, recognized Gary Williams, 32° for his unsung work in the clouds during the Reunion, where Gary is responsible for making sure scenic drops are raised and lowered for the right scenes during each Degree of the Reunion.
Charles V. Sederstrom, Jr., 33° presented the SGIG’s award to Jim Parks, Sr., 33° and Tom Brummett, 33° (who was not present) in recognition of nearly 20 years work as Culinary Masters. After the building was renovated in 2001, Jim had the idea of the Culinary Masters, largely made of men from the Tangier Shrine Divan, cooking for the Lodge dinners rather than a caterer. For almost two decades, the Culinary Masters have continually upped their game, cooking first-rate dinners for the membership and creating a Masonic unity between the appendant bodies rarely matched in American Freemasonry.
Bill German, 32° KCCH and Schadd Gray, 32° KCCH then presented Chuck Sederstrom with a print of actor Jack Nicholson, which Chuck had been bidding on at the Friends of RiteCare Dinner this past October. The print was a gift on behalf of a large number of members who supported Bill’s winning bid, and represented members’ appreciation for all Chuck does as Sovereign Grand Inspector General for Nebraska.
As General Secretary, John Maxell, 33° recognized Dennis Newman, 32° as a new member who has jumped in to volunteer and serve. Dennis has become very active with the Knights of St. Andrew, managing the gig list, and volunteering whenever asked. John also recognized Chuck Wood, 32° KCCH, Master of Master of Kadosh for the Omaha Consistory and his officers as Line Office of the Year, for their attendance and engagement in Scottish events, activities, and fundraisers.
For the 7th year, Armel MacDonald, 33° has been instrumental in recognizing men who make a difference through their service, their mentoring, and as ambassadors for the Scottish Rite. Carl Simmons, 32° was recognized for Exemplary Service, willing to be involved whenever asked and needed. Andrew Muska, 32° KCCH was recognized for mentoring members through his service as a line officer and degree work. Mike Stuhr, 32° KCCH was recognized as the ambassador, representing the Scottish Rite through his long service to the Order of DeMolay, Blue Lodge, and in the Grand Lodge line.
Armel had a different idea for leadership. Rather than recognizing a single person for their leadership, Armel recognized numerous Brethren for their service to the nation through the Armed Services. This included Jack Duffield and Bill Craig, whose service reached back to World War II. The members gave Jack a standing ovation for his service. Armel then recognized men for their past and current service in each branch, asking them to stand as their names were called. It was a true honor to applaud men for extraordinary service in each branch extending over more than 60 years.
Of course, Santa Claus himself was present and took photos with members as well as member’s children who were present. The evening closed with Jonathan Paz, 32° KCCH singing a beautiful version of Silent Night/Stille Nacht in both English and German, said to have been sung by English and German troops during the Christmas Eve truce in 1914 during World War I.
This was definitely an evening not to be missed, and a great way to close the year’s Lodge meetings. Mark your calendars now for December, 2020 for the 8th annual Christmas Awards Banquet.