About Mizpah Lodge #302

A century of Brotherhood, Faith, and Community in Omaha

Our History

Instituted on Nov. 12, 1918, and chartered by the Grand Master of Masons in Nebraska on June 4, 1919, Mizpah Lodge #302 has been a part of Omaha for over a century.

Our lodge was founded under the Grand Lodge of Nebraska, with Worshipful Brother Arthur C. Pancoast serving as our first Worshipful Master. We originally met at the Masonic Temple at 19th and Douglas in downtown Omaha. The building was a thriving hub shared by seven other blue lodges, Tangier Shrine, Eastern Star chapters, the York Rite and several Masonic youth bodies. In those early years, degree work was conducted two to three evenings per week, reflecting the brotherhood's deep dedication to the craft.

In 1975, as Omaha's center of gravity shifted westward, Mizpah Lodge relocated to its current home at 1124 South 48th Street. What was once a neighborhood grocery store was transformed into a permanent lodge home, with Most Worshipful Brother Harold Hultman laying the cornerstone on Aug. 30, 1975.

Mizpah Lodge #302 building exterior at 1124 S. 48th Street, Omaha

Serving Our Community

Mizpah's bylaws mandate that a minimum portion of the yearly budget be dedicated to causes identified by our Community Care and Outreach Committee. 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 numerous organizations and individuals, including:

  • Nebraska Masonic Home
  • Masonic-Eastern Star Home for Children in Fremont
  • Omaha Home for Boys
  • Masonic Service Association relief projects
  • Annual holiday meals for fire station #34 in the Morton Meadows neighborhood
  • Roof replacement for a family whose breadwinner became disabled
  • Full funding of a specialized hearing aid for a 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.

Community

Morton Meadows Neighborhood Association

Mizpah Lodge maintains an active partnership with the Morton Meadows Neighborhood Association, which utilizes 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 traditions of Masonry.

Feeding Ministry

Once Upon a Meal

Once Upon a Meal is a feeding ministry that uses our building each week to prepare and deliver 300-plus meals to people in the Omaha community who are facing homelessness. The organization's dedication to those in need aligns directly with Masonry's core principle of charity, and we are proud to provide the space that makes this work possible.

Our Building

Our Doors Are Open

The lodge building at 1124 South 48th Street has been a neighborhood anchor since 1975. We welcome community organizations to use 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.

A Legacy of Leadership

Most Worshipful Brother John F. Futcher, 95th Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Nebraska

M.W. Bro. John F. Futcher, 95th Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Nebraska

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 of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Nebraska, serving in 1960. It is 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.

The Brotherhood Today

Members of Mizpah Lodge #302

Petition for Initiation

If you are interested in becoming a Freemason and joining Mizpah Lodge #302, the first step is to submit a petition for initiation. You must be a man of good moral character, be at least 18 years of age and believe in a supreme being.

We encourage you to visit our lodge, meet the brethren and ask questions before petitioning. Feel free to contact us with any questions.

PETITION FOR INITIATION