Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Nebraska [RG4244.AM]

HISTORY NEBRASKA MANUSCRIPT FINDING AID

RG4244.AM: Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Nebraska (Omaha, Nebraska)

Records: 1912-1992

Omaha, Douglas County, Neb.: African American Masonic organization

Size: 11 reels of microfilm; 0.5 cu.ft. of papers

BACKGROUND NOTE

Prince Hall Masonry is the African American arm of the Order of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. It was established by Prince Hall, a free Boston Black man, during the Revolutionary War era. The first Nebraska Prince Hall lodge was organized in 1875. In 1919, the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Nebraska was formed in Omaha. As Grand Lodge it gained jurisdiction over subordinate, or blue, lodges located throughout Nebraska. For more information about Prince Hall Masonry in Nebraska and its female auxiliary, the Order of the Eastern Star, see Nebraska History (Spring 1995, Vol. 76).

SCOPE AND CONTENT NOTE

This collection consists of records and papers relating to the members and activities of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge. The materials are arranged in two Subgroups: 1) Filmed records, 1912-1992 (eleven reels of microfilm); and 2) Census research files, unfilmed.

The filmed records of Subgroup 1 include correspondence, financial records, Grand and Annual Communications, legal documents, committee and officer reports, agendas, minutes and historical materials. Most of the material is from the Prince Hall Grand Lodge, although there are items from subordinate Nebraska lodges as well.

The Census research files, Subgroup 2, document Prince Hall members through the Nebraska Federal Census forms, 1900-1920. The files are organized by county. One folder includes a list of people who were Lodge members but were not listed on the census.

(Acc.87-76; 1992.0487; 1993.0237; 2002.0650)

Note: See the photo component [RG4244.PH] for images of officers and activities mostly from the 1980s. See the audio component [RG4244.AU] for oral history recordings of lodge members.

INVENTORY

Subgroup 1 – Filmed records, 1912-1986

Reel 1

Proceedings of Communications, 1919 (see also Box 1, F10 addendum)

Proceedings of Communications, 1920

Proceedings of Communications, 1921 & 1922

Proceedings of Communications, 1923

Proceedings of Communications, 1925

Proceedings of Communications, 1927

Proceedings of Communications, 1959

Proceedings of Communications, 1970

Proceedings of Communications, 1971

Proceedings of Communications, 1972

Proceedings of Communications, 1973

Proceedings of Communications, 1974

Proceedings of Communications, 1976

Proceedings of Communications, 1982

Proceedings of Communications, 1983

Reel 2

Proceedings of Communications, 1984

Proceedings of Communications, 1985 (see also reel 9)

Minutes of Grand Communications, 1927

Minutes of Grand Communications, 1928

Minutes of Grand Communications, 1930

Minutes of Grand Communications, 1931 (very difficult to read)

Minutes of Grand Communications, 1934 (includes Grand Master’s report)

Minutes of Grand Communications, 1936

Minutes of Grand Communications, 1937 (Grand Secretary’s report only)

Minutes of Grand Communications, 1941 (Grand Master’s report only)

Minutes of Grand Communications, 1949

Minutes of Grand Communications, 1950

Minutes of Grand Communications, 1951

Minutes of Grand Communications, 1952

Minutes of Grand Communications, 1953

Minutes of Grand Communications, 1967

Minutes of Grand Communications, 1975

Minutes of Grand Communications, 1976

Minutes of Grand Communications, 1977 (includes Grand Secretary’s report, July 1977)

Minutes of Grand Communications, 1977 (occasional Grand Communication, Oct. 1977)

Minutes of Grand Communications, 1978 (July 1978)

Minutes of Grand Communications, 1978 (occasional Grand Communication, Nov. 1978)

Minutes of Grand Communications, 1979

Minutes of Grand Communications, 1980

Minutes of Grand Communications, 1984 (occasional Grand Communication, May 1984)

Annual Communication Programs, 1955

Annual Communication Programs, 1963

Annual Communication Programs, 1965

Annual Communication Programs, 1966

Annual Communication Programs, 1967

Annual Communication Programs, 1968

Annual Communication Programs, 1969

Annual Communication Programs, 1971

Annual Communication Programs, 1972

Annual Communication Programs, 1976

Annual Communication Programs, 1978

Annual Communication Programs, 1980

Annual Communication Programs, 1981

Annual Communication Programs, 1982

Annual Communication Programs, 1983

Annual Communication Programs, 1984

Annual Communication Programs, 1986 (includes Grand Master’s Address)

Souvenir program – Grand Master’s Ball, 1973

Souvenir program – 200th Anniversary Celebration of Prince Hall Masons, 1975

Correspondence, 1924

Correspondence, 1926

Correspondence, 1931

Correspondence, 1932

Reel 3

Correspondence, 1933

Correspondence, 1934

Correspondence, 1935

Correspondence, 1936

Correspondence, 1937

Correspondence, 1938

Correspondence, 1939

Correspondence, 1940

Correspondence, 1941

Correspondence, 1942

Correspondence, 1943

Correspondence, 1945

Correspondence, 1946

Correspondence, 1948

Correspondence, 1950

Correspondence, 1963

Correspondence, 1964

Reel 4

Correspondence, 1966

Correspondence, 1968

Correspondence, 1969

Correspondence, 1973

Correspondence, 1974

Correspondence, 1975

Correspondence, 1976

Correspondence, 1977

Correspondence, 1978

Correspondence, 1979

Correspondence, 1980

Correspondence, 1981

Correspondence, 1982

Correspondence, 1983

Correspondence, 1984

Correspondence, 1985

Reel 4

(1977-1978)

Volume

1. 1. Report of Officers, Grand Trustee and Relief Boards and Committees, 1977

1. 1. Edicts, Proclamations, and Official Communications

1. 1. Dispensations, Souvenir Programs, Minutes, Rosters, Nebraska Masonic News, and other Official Acts and Presentations

1. 1. Lodge Reports. Quarterly, Annual, and Remittance

1. 1. Certificates of Elections and Appointments

(1978-1979)

1. 1. Reports of Officers, Trustee and Relief Boards and Committees

Reel 5

2. 2. Official Communications, Proclamations, Edicts, Dispensations, Restorations, Minutes, Grand Master’s Address, and Grand Master’s Trestle Board

2. 2. Masonic News Bulletins, Souvenir Program, Presentations, and Certificates of Recognition

2. 2. Grand Lodge Credentials and Quarterly and Annual Reports

2. 2. Certificates of Elections and Appointments

(1979-1980)

1. 1. Official Communications, Proclamations, Edicts, Dispensations, Minutes, Grand Master’s Trestle Board

1. 1. Souvenir Program, Grand Master’s Presentation, and Certificates of Recognition

1. 1. Rosters, Certificates of Elections and Appointments

1. 1. Special Report: Robert Medley, DDGM – Deceased April 25, 1980

(1980-1981)

1. 1. Reports of Officers and Committees: Annual Communication, July 16, 17, 1980

Reel 6

2. 2. Grand Officers and Committee Reports

2. 2. Grand Master’s Official Communications

2. 2. Correspondence

2. 2. Annual and Quarterly Reports

2. 2. Certificates of Recognition

Receipts and Disbursements: Trustee, General, Relief, Burial, and Mortgage Funds, 1932-1933

Receipts and Disbursements: Trustee Board, 1933-1955

Receipts and Disbursements: by individual lodge, 1940-1942 (includes some women’s lodges)

Receipts and Disbursements, 1956-1971 (Secretary’s Record)

Receipts and Disbursements, 1956-1971 (Treasurer’s Record)

Receipts and Disbursements, 1972-1973 and 1976 (Secretary’s Record)

Reel 7

Miscellaneous Financial Reports, 1926 and 1928

Miscellaneous Financial Reports, 1934, 1936, 1938, 1940

Miscellaneous Financial Reports, 1976-1978

Miscellaneous Financial Reports, 1982-1986

3-5-7 Club, 1975-1984 (also includes operational notes)

(Membership records)

1. 1. Rosters from 1912, Program of Official Proceedings

1. 1. Rosters of Officers and committee chairmen of lodges: 1932-1936, 1941, 1965, 1967, 1969-1970, 1970-1971, 1978, and undated

1. 1. Masonic Rosters and Burial and Relief Reports, including:
      
      Hiram Lodge, April 15, 1938
      
      Progressive Lodge, Dec. 30, 1941
      
      Omaha Lodge, July 4, 1942
      
      Lebanon Lodge, Sept. 17, 1942
      
      Alliance Lodge, Jan. 12, 1943
      
      Nat Hunter Lodge, Jan. 12, 1944
      
      Nat Hunter Lodge, Mar. 1, 1944
      
      Rescue Lodge, July 1, 1947
      
      Hiram Lodge, July 1947
      
      Omaha Lodge, Oct. 17, 1947
      
      Hiram Lodge, Feb. 5, 1948

1. 1. Undated rosters of Rough Ashler, Lebanon, Rescue, Marvin, Alliance, Omaha, Hiram, and Excelsior Lodges

1. 1. Returns to the Grand Lodge, including:
      
      Unidentified Lodge Quarterly Return, 1942
      
      Semi-Annual Returns = Rescue Lodge, 1941 and 1943;
      
      Lebanon Lodge, 1943; Nat Hunter Lodge (2), undated

1. 1. Membership, undated certifications, 1941

1. 1. Permanent Records (2), undated

(Rough Ashler Lodge)

By-laws

Correspondence, 1973-1978 and undated

Minutes, 1976

Membership Reports:

Quarterly Reports, 1973-1977

Annual Returns, 1970, 1975, 1976

Petitions for Degrees, 1974-1977 and undated

Remittance Reports, 1973-1977

Committee Reports:

Anniversary Committee Report, 1937

Audit Committee Annual Reports, 1972, 1974, 1975, 1976

Charity Committee Report, 1974

Miscellaneous: Officers, Members, Credentials, Bulletin, Programs, Certificates

(Nat Hunter Lodge)

Historical Information on Nat Hunter Lodge

Constitutions and By-laws

Correspondence, 1962-1984

Grand Master’s Notebook, 1983-1984

Reports, 1968-1969, 1984, and undated

Guest Lists for Special Dinners, 1970 and 1983

Rosters, 1970-1971

Miscellaneous: Programs, Trestle Board

Reel 8

(J.D. Kelly Consistory)

By-laws

Procedures of Meetings

Financial Statement, 1939-1941

Correspondence, 1963-1979

1967 Workbook

Secretary’s Book, 1981

Agenda for Council of Deliberation, 1963

Programs, 1962 and 1967

Certificates, 1979 and 1981

(Council of Deliberation)

Announcements of Meetings, 1939

Proceedings of Annual Session, 1969

Proclamations, Agendas, Reports, 1947-1980

Programs, 1978-1985

Reports from “The Winter Bulletin,” March 1978 and March 1980

(Zaha Temple (Shriners))

By-laws

Programs, Midwest Gala Day, 1965 and 1977; Jubilee Day Service (2), undated; Annual Orientation Ball, 1965

Souvenir Committee Minutes, 1965

Certificates, 1940 and 1941

(Trustee Board)

Financial Statements, 1931-1939

Correspondence, 1938-1941; Report, 1968

Agendas and Minutes, 1978

(Committees)

Reports of Committee on By-laws of Subordinate Lodges, Appeals and Grievances, 1933-1934

Report of Committee on Grand Master’s Address, 1934

Report of Committee on Rules and Order, 1935

Credit Union Committee Minutes, 1938

Report of Jurisprudence Committee, 1950

Report of Committee on Scholarship, 1968

Grand Attorney’s Report, undated

Committee rosters, undated

(Relief Department)

Resolutions, 1931, 1932 and undated

Constitutions, undated

Revised Constitution, 1944

Annual Report, 1980

(Junior Warden)

Sick and Shut-ins Notebook, 1966-1968

Report of Grand Junior Warden, 1984

Notes

(Trial Commission)

Memo and Minutes, 1977

(Building File)

Victory Celebration Program, 1940; Address of Mortgage Burning Ceremony, 1940

New Temple file, 1941

New Temple file, 1965

A Summary of Building and Site Repair, undated

Property Map, 1979

(Legal Documents)

Fidelity Bond Papers: Rescue Lodge, 1924; Grand Lodge, 1936, 1938, 1939, 1940

Insurance: Rescue Lodge, 1924- 5: Grand Lodge, 1937 and 1976; Listing of Policies, 1938

Affidavits for Procurement of Mortgage, 1930

Real Estate Mortgage Certificate, 1933

Real Estate Mortgage and Mortgage Certificate, 1940

Court Case Documents, 1932, 1934, 1937

Record of Registered Agent, 1974

Nonprofit Corporation Biennial Report, 1976-1977

(Procedural Instructions)

Prince Hall Primer

Opening of Lodge

Laying of a Cornerstone

The Scottish Rite

(Miscellany)

Minutes: Excelsior Lodge, Feb.1, 1937 (re: court of J.N. Thomas); Rescue Lodge, Nov.3, 1937; Lebanon Lodge Reorganization, July 5, 1941; U.D. Lodge, Dec. 17, 1941; Grand Master’s Cabinet, Aug. 20, 1944

Grand Master’s Report, Jan. 15, 1939

Funerals: Occasional Grand Lodge Minutes, 1941 and 1948; obsequies, 1969 and 1979

Programs, 1967-1985

Certificates: Dispensation, 1938-1973; Demit, 1941-1973; Appointments, 1919, 1939, 1950, 1971, 1978, 1980

Constitutions of Junior Craftsman and Nebraska Veteran Freemasons Association; By-laws of Club 21, and a variety of notes

Reel 9

Proceedings of Communications, 1986

Proceedings of Communications, 1988

Grand Communications, 1978 – Minutes (“Journal”)

Grand Communications, 1981 – Minutes

Grand Communications, 1984 – Agenda

Grand Communications, 1985 – Agenda

Grand Communications, 1987 – Minutes

Grand Communications, 1988 – Agenda

Grand Communications, 1989 – Minutes

Grand Communications, 1990 – Minutes

Annual Communications Programs, 1977

Annual Communications Programs, 1979

Annual Communications Programs, 1985

Annual Communications Programs, 1987

Annual Communications Programs, 1988

Annual Communications Programs, 1989

Annual Communications Programs, 1990

Annual Communications Programs, 1991

Annual Communications Programs, 1992

Midwest Regional Programs, 1987

Midwest Regional Programs, 1988

Midwest Regional Programs, 1989

Grand Master’s Addresses, 1984

Grand Master’s Addresses, 1985

Grand Master’s Addresses, 1986

Grand Master’s Addresses, 1987

Grand Master’s Addresses, 1988

Grand Master’s Addresses, 1989

Grand Master’s Addresses, 1990

Deputy Grand Master’s Reports, 1983

Deputy Grand Master’s Reports, 1984

Deputy Grand Master’s Reports, 1985

Deputy Grand Master’s Reports, 1986

Deputy Grand Master’s Reports, 1987

Deputy Grand Master’s Reports, 1989

Deputy Grand Master’s Reports, 1990

Deputy Grand Master’s Reports, 1991

Deputy Grand Master’s Reports, Undated

Auditor’s Reports, 1984

Auditor’s Reports, 1985

Auditor’s Reports, 1986

Auditor’s Reports, 1987

Auditor’s Reports, 1988

Grand Senior Warden’s Reports, 1980

Grand Senior Warden’s Reports, 1981

Grand Senior Warden’s Reports, 1983

Grand Senior Warden’s Reports, 1989

Grand Senior Warden’s Reports, 1990

Grand Junior Warden’s Reports, 1989

Grand Junior Warden’s Reports, 1990

Grand Secretary’s Reports, 1977

Grand Secretary’s Reports, 1989

Grand Secretary’s Reports, 1990

Grand Lecturer’s Reports, 1977

Grand Lecturer’s Reports, 1978

Grand Lecturer’s Reports, 1989

Grand Lecturer’s Reports, 1990

Grand Lecturer’s Reports, Journal, 1989-1990

District Deputy #1’s Report, 1990

District Deputy #2’s Report, 1988

District Deputy #2’s Report, 1989

District Deputy #2’s Report, 1990

Occasional Grand Lodge, 1984 – Minutes

Occasional Grand Lodge, 1986 – Agenda and Minutes

Occasional Grand Lodge, 1990 – Minutes

Trustee Board Agendas/Minutes, 1982

Trustee Board Agendas/Minutes, 1983

Trustee Board Agendas/Minutes, 1984

Trustee Board Agendas/Minutes, 1985

Trustee Board Agendas/Minutes, 1986

Trustee Board Agendas/Minutes, 1987

Trustee Board Agendas/Minutes, 1988

Trustee Board Agendas/Minutes, 1989

Trustee Board Agendas/Minutes, 1990

Trustee Board Agendas/Minutes, Special Mtg with Los Diablos Motorcycle Club, 1982, 1984

Grand Master’s Cabinet Agendas/Minutes, 1983

Grand Master’s Cabinet Agendas/Minutes, 1984

Grand Master’s Cabinet Agendas/Minutes, 1985

Grand Master’s Cabinet Agendas/Minutes, 1987

Grand Master’s Cabinet Agendas/Minutes, 1988

Grand Master’s Cabinet Agendas/Minutes, Undated agendas and minutes page

Correspondence, 1978

Correspondence, 1979

Correspondence, 1981

Correspondence, 1982

Correspondence, 1983

Reel 10

Correspondence, 1984

Correspondence, 1985

Correspondence, 1986

Correspondence, 1987

Correspondence, 1988

Correspondence, 1989

Correspondence, 1990

Correspondence, 1991

Correspondence, 1992

Financial records, 1976-1977

Financial records, 1977-1978

Financial records, 1978-1979

Financial records, 1979-1980

Financial records, 1980-1981

Financial records, 1981-1982

Financial records, 1982-1983

Financial records, 1983-1984

Financial records, 1984-1985

Financial records, 1985-1986

Financial records, 1986-1987

Financial records, 1987-1988

Financial records, 1988-1989

Financial records, 1989-1990

Financial records, 1990-1991

Financial records, miscellaneous and undated

Grand Lodge Officer and Committee Rosters, 1966-1967

Grand Lodge Officer and Committee Rosters, 1973-1974

Grand Lodge Officer and Committee Rosters, 1981-1982

Grand Lodge Officer and Committee Rosters, 1982-1983

Grand Lodge Officer and Committee Rosters, 1983-1984

Grand Lodge Officer and Committee Rosters, 1984-1985

Grand Lodge Officer and Committee Rosters, 1985-1986

Grand Lodge Officer and Committee Rosters, 1987-1988

Grand Lodge Officer and Committee Rosters, 1988-1989

Grand Lodge Officer and Committee Rosters, 1989-1990

Individual Lodge Officer and Committee Rosters, 1985

Individual Lodge Officer and Committee Rosters, 1986

Individual Lodge Officer and Committee Rosters, 1987

Individual Lodge Officer and Committee Rosters, 1988

(Rough Ashler Lodge #1)

Members, 1985

Indebtedness to Grand Lodge Records, 1987-1988

Officer Election Results, 1987

(Excelsior Lodge #2)

Members, undated

Indebtedness to Grand Lodge Records, 1987-1988

Officer Election Results, 1987

(Lebanon Lodge #3 (Lincoln))

Members, 1988

Indebtedness to Grand Lodge Records, 1987-1988

Minutes, 1986

Correspondence, 1988

(Rescue Lodge #4)

Members, 1985, 1987, and undated

Indebtedness to Grand Lodge Records, 1987-1988

Correspondence, 1988-1989

(True American Lodge #6)

Members, 1985

(Omaha Lodge #9)

Members, 1985

Quarterly Reports, 1987-1988

Indebtedness to Grand Lodge Records, 1987-1988

Financial Records, 1986-1987

Minutes, 1988-1989

Correspondence, 1988-1989 and undated

Officer Election Results, 1987

Relief Account, 1986-1987

(Hiram Lodge #10)

By-laws, 1984

Members, 1985 and 1989

Quarterly Return, 1988

Indebtedness to Grand Lodge Records, 1987-1988

Officer Election Results, 1987

(Nat Hunter Lodge #12)

Constitution and By-laws

Members, 1985, 1991, and undated

Quarterly Return, 1988

Indebtedness to Grand Lodge Records, 1987-1988

Correspondence, 1979-1992

Officers, Committees, and Schedule, 1992

Proposed Budget, 1981-1982

Remittance Report, 1988

41st Anniversary Program

50th Anniversary Program, 1991

Prince Hall Mason Project, 1985 and 1987

(Anchor Lodge #14)

Members, 1985 and 1988

Indebtedness to Grand Records, 1987-1988

Officer Election Results, 1987

(J.D. Kelly Consistory #27)

Report, 1988

Proposed Budget, 1986

(Committees/Boards)

Budget and Finance Committee, 1988

Building Committee, 1981-1990

Clothing Committee, 1984

Constitution and General Laws Revision Committee, 1989-1990

Feasibility of Consolidating Lodges Committee, 1988

Food Pantry Committee, 1988-1990

Foreign Correspondence Committee, 1990

Grand Master’s Address Committee, 1988-1990

Grand Trustee Board, 1990 Hospitality Committee, 1989

Jurisprudence Committee, 1988-1992

Per Diem Committee, 1989-1990

Recreation Committee, undated

Relief Board, 1987-1990

Resolutions Committee, 1985-1989

Returns Committee, 1989-1990

Scholarship Committee, 1990

Task Force, 1983-1984

Trestle Board, 1978

(3-5-7 Club)

Annual Report, 1979 (January-June)

Annual Report, 1979-1980

Annual Report, 1980-1981

Annual Report, 1984-1985

Annual Report, 1985-1986

Annual Report, 1987-1988

Annual Report, 1988-1989

Annual Report, 1989-1990

Monthly reports, 1982

Reel 11

Monthly reports, 1983

Monthly reports, 1984

Monthly reports, 1985

Monthly reports, 1986

Monthly reports, 1987

Monthly reports, 1988

Monthly reports, 1989

Monthly reports, 1990

Monthly reports, undated

Correspondence, 1982

Correspondence, 1983

Correspondence, 1985

Correspondence, 1987

(Historical/Legal Materials)

“A Statement of Freemasonry”

Historical Data

Constitutions and Amendments

Resolution of Autonomy between Most Worshipful Grand Lodge and Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge and Press Release, 1990

Contracts, 1981-1984

(Miscellaneous)

Organization of Lodge Minutes, 1941; Programs, 1983-1991; Funeral Programs; Notes; Amaranthus Materials; Fragments

Subgroup 2 – Census research files, unfilmed

Box 1

Folder

1. 1. 1900 Census

1. 1. Platte Valley #8

1. 1. “AL #7

1. 1. True American #6

1. 1. “HAS #5”

1. 1. Not listed

1. 1. “Leb #3 / AM #3 / PH #8

1. 1. Douglas County, v. 17-18

1. 1. Douglas County, v. 19-23

Addendum to Subgroup 1 (2002.0650)

10. 10. Proceedings of Communications, 1919

Subject headings:

African Americans — Nebraska

Alliance Lodge #7 (Alliance, Nebraska)

Anchor Lodge #14 (Omaha, Nebraska)

Excelsior Lodge #2 (Omaha, Nebraska)

Fraternal organizations — Nebraska

Freemasonry — Nebraska

Freemasons — Nebraska

Hiram Lodge #10 (Omaha, Nebraska)

J.D. Kelly Consistory #27 (Omaha, Nebraska)

Lebanon Lodge #3 (Lincoln, Nebraska)

Marvin Lodge #5 (Hastings, Nebraska)

Nat Hunter Lodge #12 (Omaha, Nebraska)

Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Nebraska

Progressive Lodge #12 (Omaha, Nebraska)

Rescue Lodge #4 (Omaha, Nebraska)

Rough Ashler Lodge #1 (Omaha, Nebraska)

3-5-7 Club (Omaha, Nebraska)

True American Lodge #6 (Grand Island, Nebraska)

Zaha Temple (Shriners) (Omaha, Nebraska)

AIP

kfk 11-25-1997; 01-25-2003