Notables

2023 Rock Maul Award (Large Lodge)

John J. Mercer Lodge No. 290

At the 2023 Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Nebraska, John J. Mercer Lodge No. 290 repeated as winners of the Rock Maul Award (Large Lodge). The Rock Maul Award is bestowed by the Grand Master, upon the recommendation of the Grand Lodge Awards Committee, to a large lodge and a small lodge whose works represent the best well-rounded large and small lodges in Nebraska.

Pictured below (L to R): (then) MW Alex Straatmann-Grand Master 2022-23, WB John Dimon, WB Brent Marriott, Bro. Jesse Gabriel, Bro. Michael Barnes, WB Ben Zaayer, WB Eric BenSalah, Bro. Ethan White, (then) RW John Millington-Deputy Grand Master.

2023 Gold Pan Award

At the 2023 Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Nebraska, John J. Mercer Lodge No. 290 won their first ever Gold Pan Award. The Gold Pan Award is awarded each year by the Grand Lodge of Nebraska to that Nebraska Lodge which, in the opinion of the Grand Lodge Awards Committee, has contributed extraordinary service to or advancement of Freemasonry in Nebraska, or has shown the greatest improvement or innovation in its activities. Mercer won with their innovative “Blade of Mercer” raffle, commissioned by Bro. Jesse Gabriel.

Individual Masonic Achievement Award

WB Roger Manley

WB Roger Manley (left) was awarded the Individual Masonic Achievement Award by the Grand Lodge of Nebraska Awards Committee on WB Eric BenSalah’s (right) recommendation letter. Roger was presented the award at Mercer’s Ladies at the Table event on June 28, 2022.