About Us - Mizpah Lodge #302

Our History

Mizpah Lodge #302 was instituted on November 12, 1918, and was granted a Charter by the Grand Master of Masons in Nebraska on June 4, 1919. The first Worshipful Master of the newly chartered Lodge was W.B. Arthur C. Pancoast. From the beginning, the Lodge met in the "New" Masonic Temple at 19th & Douglas in downtown Omaha, sharing the building with seven other Blue Lodges, Tangier Shrine, several Eastern Star Chapters, the York Rite, and a number of Masonic Youth bodies.

A review of the early minutes of Mizpah Lodge #302 reflects a vibrant and active fraternity — degree work was conducted two to three evenings per week, a testament to the Brotherhood's dedication and the community's enthusiasm for Masonry.

In the 1970s, the exodus of businesses and residents from downtown Omaha prompted the relocation of many Masonic bodies westward. Mizpah Lodge #302 followed suit, relocating to its current home at 1124 S. 48th Street in 1975. The Lodge transformed what had been a neighborhood grocery store into a permanent Lodge home, and Most Worshipful Brother Harold Hultman laid the cornerstone for this structure on August 30, 1975. Over the years, the Lodge has continually invested in its home with improvements including new Lodge Room carpeting, a new roof, heating and air conditioning replacement, and new lighting and ceiling tiles in the entryway and dining room.

A Legacy of Leadership

Most Worshipful Brother John F. Futcher

Mizpah Lodge #302 has produced one Grand Master of Masons in Nebraska. Most Worshipful Brother John F. Futcher served as Worshipful Master of Mizpah #302 in 1953 and went on to be installed as the 95th Grand Master of the Grand Lodge Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Nebraska, serving during the year 1960 — the highest honor the Craft can bestow.

"We proudly announce that, by the time this bulletin reaches you, our own John F. Futcher will be formally installed as the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Nebraska, the highest honor to be awarded by his friends in Masonry. Being keenly aware of his loyalty to all associates in Mizpah, he will always remain our good friend 'John'." — Mizpah Bulletin, June 1960

MWB Futcher's memory is honored within these walls to this day. A shadow box of his memorabilia hangs in the Lodge Room, and the hat he wore as Grand Master is on display in the entryway. At the time of the 1975 cornerstone ceremony, the building itself was dedicated to Most Worshipful Brother Futcher.

Centennial Rededication — 2019

On June 2, 2019, Mizpah Lodge #302 celebrated its Centennial with a Rededication Ceremony performed by the officers of the Grand Lodge of Nebraska. In due and ancient Masonic form, the building was symbolically plumbed, squared, and leveled — reaffirming the Lodge's commitment to Masonic principles and its place in the Omaha community for the century to come.

The ceremony was presided over by Past Master Michael W. Stuhr, who serves as Grand Orator of the Grand Lodge of Nebraska, and whose words captured the spirit of the occasion:

"You are strengthening the chain of your history that connects those who originally envisioned the creation of this Lodge with those who seek to ensure its integrity through the horizon of future periods. Remember that you are henceforth the custodians not only of this magnificent facility itself, but of the future integrity of the foundations of Masonry in this community." — Michael W. Stuhr, Past Master & Grand Orator, Grand Lodge of Nebraska — June 2, 2019

Serving Our Community

Mizpah's bylaws mandate that a minimum portion of the yearly budget be dedicated to Community Care & Outreach — service is not optional, it is foundational.

A History of Outreach

Over the decades, Mizpah Lodge has extended its charitable reach across Omaha and Nebraska through support for organizations and individuals alike:

Plattsmouth Masonic Home
Masonic Eastern Star Home for Children, Fremont
Omaha Home for Boys
Masonic Service Association Relief Projects
Annual holiday meals for the Fire Station on 48th Street
Roof replacement for a family whose primary breadwinner became disabled
Full funding of a specialized hearing aid for a young girl who had fallen through a Social Services gap

Community Partnerships

Our building and our Brotherhood are open to the community. These partnerships reflect our commitment to the neighborhood we have called home since 1975.

Morton Meadows Neighborhood Association

Mizpah Lodge maintains an active partnership with the Morton Meadows Neighborhood Association, who utilize our building regularly for community gatherings. Together, we co-host an annual Easter Egg Hunt for the neighborhood. Our partnership is also commemorated in a large mural on our parking lot wall, featuring scenes from both Morton Meadows history and the tradition of Masonry.

Once Upon a Meal

Once Upon a Meal is a feeding ministry that uses our Lodge building every week to prepare and deliver 300+ meals to individuals in the Omaha community who are facing homelessness. Their dedication to those in need aligns directly with Masonry's core principle of Charity, and we are proud to provide the space that makes their work possible.

Our Doors Are Open

The Lodge building at 1124 S. 48th Street has been a neighborhood anchor since 1975. We welcome community organizations to utilize our facilities and are committed to being a resource for the people of Omaha. If your organization is interested in partnering with Mizpah Lodge, reach out to us.

About Mizpah Lodge #302