The Valley of Omaha Scottish Rite welcomed 9 new 32° Scottish Rite Masons at the 270th Reunion on May 2nd, 3rd, and 4th during the Del D. Weber, 33° Memorial Class. The Class honored our late Brother Ill. Del D. Weber, 33°, who passed away after a courageous battle with cancer this past January. Del served as Chancellor of the University of Nebraska at Omaha from 1977-1997, and was actively engaged in the Scottish Rite as well as the community. He served on numerous Boards and non-profits, including serving as King of Ak-Sar-Ben in 1983.
Among many memorable events during the Reunion, John Maxell, 33°, General Secretary for the Scottish Rite presented the 2018 Best Actor Award to Matt Vandergriff, 32° KCCH after the 14th Degree in recognition of his excellent work in many Degrees, including the 7°, 14°, 21°, and 30°. The Knights of St. Andrew assembled before the 29°, and marched in, proceeded by Steve Sexton, 32°, playing the bagpipes and with Carl Simmons, 32° displaying the KSA’s new banner. The Valley extends its gratitude to the Knights of St. Andrew for being on-hand to prepare and serve breakfast on Saturday morning, as well as to volunteer to move tables, serve lunch, bartend, and other functions requested on short notice. The Valley also extends its appreciation to M.W. Bob Moninger, 32° KCCH, Grand Master of Masons, who joined the Grand Lodge officers to put on the 8° on Thursday evening.
Additionally, we had two sons join their fathers during this Reunion. Sean Mullaly from North Bend Lodge #119 joined his father Tom, and Blake Nelson, also from North Bend #119, joined his father Terry, who joined last year in the John J. Wonder, 33° Class last May.
We were joined during this Reunion by Curt Edic, 33°, G.C., Emeritus General Secretary for the Omaha Scottish Rite from his home in Missouri. It was great to catch up with Curt, who served as General Secretary from 2000 through 2015.
After the Reunion, the Valley celebrated the Kentucky Derby on the east patio. Knights of St. Andrew made mint juleps and Gary Unger, 32° KCCH made an excellent dinner of pulled pork and brisket, with baked beans and pasta salad. More than 60 Scottish Rite Masons and their ladies were on-hand for a few hours to enjoy perfect Spring weather, watch the races, and enjoy cocktails. Many ladies came in Kentucky Derby attire! We were also joined by a Scottish Rite Mason in town for the Berkshire Hathaway meeting from Sacramento, California!
Thanks to the Stage Crew, Culinary Masters, Knights of St. Andrew, Royal Order of the Duck, Degree team actors and directors, and dozens of Brethren who were here throughout the Reunion to make it a great experience for our new Brethren!