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Lodge members had to set up additional, last minute,
seating to accommodate the turnout at Ponca State Park
for Omadi’s 150th anniversary celebration. The setting
was the beautiful, new educational and resource center
in the park.
“We had a catered 1850’s style meal served in pie tins,”
Kent Broyhill, Worshipful Master of Omadi Lodge stated.
“It consisted of beef or chicken stew, cornbread and
cobbler. Michele Haitz, the caterer with numerous
Masonic connections, did a marvelous job with the meal.
We even printed up special placemats with a brief
history of Omadi Lodge and my message to the attendees.
We were extremely pleased with the turnout of members
from Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota lodges. We also had
members from Lynn Broyhill Assembly #12 and Capitol
Lodge No. 3 present. Capitol Lodge supported Omadi’s
founding in 1858.”
“During the afternoon we recognized a 6th generation
Mason, Braden Garwood of Dakota City,” Broyhill
continued. “He is the son of Scott Garwood and grandson
of Doug Garwood. The interesting thing here is that all
six generations were members of Omadi Lodge and all six
generations lived on the “Century Farm” which was
established in 1868 near Dakota City. Braden was also
initiated into The Order of Eastern Star at the OES
Grand Session in May, under the direction of his
Grandmother, Betty Garwood, Worthy Grand Matron.”
Grand Lodge Officers attending the anniversary were John
Parsons, Tom Hauder, Stephen Kennedy, Dennis Rix, Jerry
Verbeek and Dave Watts. John Parsons brought greetings
and a special message from the Grand Lodge of Nebraska.
Tom Hauder delivered the Grand Oration. Past Grand
Masters present were Ivan Vrtiska and Mike Jones.
Omadi lodge had special 2-ounce shot glasses made as
mementos for the Ladies at the Table Ceremony. The
wonderful ceremony paying tribute to the ladies and
dedicated brethren was conducted by Past Grand Master
Mike Jones of David City. Mike had fun engaging his
receptive audience and educated them with tidbits of
information and humor between the toasts.
After a brief recess to reset the room, Kent Broyhill
conducted an engaging game of Masonic Trivia. The game
is run very much like a TV game show complete with two
30 second impromptu commercials. At the end of the game
a new “Pooh Master” is crowned with all the rights and
privileges of his new title.
The game panelists were Grand Lodge Officers Dave Watts,
Tom Hauder and John Parsons. After three rounds of
questioning, Dave Watts was crowned our new “Pooh
Master.” Dave received an official “Pooh Master”
T-shirt, a crown (wire basket), a scepter (toilet
plunger), and a new Teddy Bear. In recognition of Dave’s
noble efforts, his wife Becky was presented a sterling
silver, diamond cut, Masonic pendant.
When asked about his version of Masonic Trivia, Broyhill
replied. “It serves as an educational program, it’s fun
and engaging. It keeps people from falling asleep and if
they do, they themselves become the entertainment.
“Gifts and memorials honoring loved ones are also
accepted.”
Kent Broyhill, Master
June 2008
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