Our Membership Supports
Scottish Rite Masons support several charitable programs for a variety of groups and organizations. In 2019, Scottish Rite Masons gave:
The RiteCare Speech and Language Clinic, located at the Barkley Memorial Center on the UNL East Campus, is underwritten by Nebraska's Scottish Rite Masons, as well as clinics in Omaha, Hastings, and Kearney. Money supports therapy and education by Speech-Language Pathologists, who help children communicate. Some Youth from 3-years of age up have difficulties communicating with family and their peers. The RiteCare Clinicians work with these young children individually or in groups. With speech therapy, children go on to lead a healthy childhood as a lifelong learner.. It is estimated that for every $1,000 spent at this level up to $10,000 will be save later for special education classes or altercations with authorities. Just one session costs Scottish Rite Mason approximately $101 for each child served. Scottish Rite Masons understand that being able to communicate is one of the most important things in a person’s life and they have been supporting this ideal for forty years in Nebraska! We are proud that these services have been offered at no cost to families, who may not otherwise be able to pay for speech-language therapy.
Scottish Rite Masons appreciate the importance of education for tomorrow's leaders, and we also support the extraordinary dedication shown by their teachers. Since 1964, the Lincoln Scottish Rite has awarded the Distinguished Teacher of the Year award to an educator whose work has made a significant and positive impact on the lives of Lincoln Public School students.
The teacher, nominated by his or her peers, is honored at a special ceremony, and their portrait is displayed in the administrative office of the Lincoln Public Schools. The teacher also receives a $10,000 stipend from the Lincoln Scottish Rite Preservation Foundation, which they may use any way they want.
The Scottish Rite Masonic Center has served our members for a century, representing men of every background - lawyers, doctors, clergymen, teachers, electricians, painters, businessmen. Our members have great pride in this beautiful Neoclassical building, designed by famed architect Ellery Davis, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2012, we recognized the need to undertake considerable renovations on our historic home, to serve our members in the 21st century.
To date, Scottish Rite Masons have raised nearly $250,000 in pledges, donations, and planned gifts, and the Temple Committee has undertaken Phase I work, which includes updating the aging HVAC system for considerable monthly savings in utility bills, tuckpoint work on exterior brickwork, restoring the beautiful bronze lanterns on the front entrance as well as the front doors. Phase II work will include renovations on the parking lot entrance to create a warm, inviting entrance and renovations on the Great Hall, to better welcome and accommodate wedding rentals.
Our members have generously supported the Centennial Capital Campaign, but we earnestly solicit support from Scottish Rite ladies, guests, friends and the public. Donations to the Lincoln Scottish Rite Preservation for any of our philanthropies - building renovation, RiteCare, Teacher of the Year - are 100% tax-deductible.
Additionally, the Lincoln Valley Scottish Rite has opened our doors and provides space for:
Order of DeMolay, Lincoln Chapter
Rainbow for Girls, Lincoln Assembly #6
Job’s Daughters International, Bethel #63
Daughters of the Nile, Naphis Temple No. 66
Order of the Eastern Star, Temple Chapter No. 271
Shrine Bowl of Nebraska