Intro to Freemasonry
Freemasonry has been known throughout the ages as “a unique system of morality, veiled in allegory, and illustrated by symbols,” and is founded on the ideals of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. In 1874, eight of Norfolk’s earliest and greatest founders came together and formed Mosaic Lodge No. 55.
Our Local Legacy
Mosaic Lodge No. 55, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons was chartered by the Grand Lodge of Nebraska on June 23, 1875. Our lodge’s brothers have included 3 Grand Masters of Masons in the state of Nebraska, innumerable of Norfolk’s most respected citizens, and countless men who helped build Norfolk simply by doing their best work at their own professions & were improved by our gentle craft.
The sitting Grand Master of Masons in Nebraska Frank Welch joined with Samuel W. Hayes (Grand Master 1883), John S. McClary, John Alberry, George Burnham, William B. Chilvers, David A. Whitla, E. W. Squires, and A. L. Burnham to petition MWB Frank Welch in his capacity as Grand Master for a dispensation to form a lodge in Norfolk. Other notable brethren from this time included Charles P. Mathewson, William H. Wideman, & Alexander Bear.
Bro. Samuel W. Hayes served as the first Master of the lodge, and was later elected to serve as Grand Master of Nebraska for the 1883 term.
Bro. Andrew H. Viele was elected Grand Master in 1916.
In 1933, after years of renting rooms to share with other fraternal organizations or above local businesses, Mosaic Lodge No. 55 built our current 3-story temple at 907 W. Norfolk Avenue. The debt on the building was retired in 1946, and it has housed our family of masonic organizations ever since.
The following brothers have served as Mayor of Norfolk: Herman Gerecke (First Mayor), Samuel W. Hayes, Henry C. Matrau, Myron C. Walker, Alexander Bear, William M. Robertson, Miner C. Hazen, John F. Dudgeon, George W. Phelps, J. Roy Carter, Arthur W. Breyer, Glen A. Reicher, & Harley L. Rector.
The following brothers served as Postmasters of Norfolk: Charles P. Mathewson, William H. Wideman, John R. Hays, Andrew G. Nelson, Burton C. Gentle, & Howard Toay.
What We Do
Ritual
Our ritual is at the core of our charge to make men masons. Through these beautiful ceremonies, we begin to teach the lessons of Friendship, Morality, and Brotherly Love.
Fellowship
Masonry happens when brothers meet in harmony and refresh themselves with food, drink, and activity. Not everything need be labor, and this is where our bonds strengthen
Service
Our rituals teach us who we are meant to be, not what to do. By becoming a mason, we often see work that needs to be done in the world. A mason picks up his tools and does that work.
Who Freemasonry Is For
This isn’t a group to join if you’re seeking wealth or fame. If you join a lodge seeking monetary gain, you’re doing yourself and your lodge a disservice.
Freemasonry isn’t a place for ambition—but it is a place for belonging.
A Lodge offers something most men today rarely find: a room full of people who will take you seriously, challenge you to grow, and care enough to notice when you’re not okay. It’s not therapy. It’s not church. It’s not a networking group. It’s a brotherhood.
You don’t need to already have your life perfectly together to join. You just need to be serious about becoming the kind of man other men can rely on.
A Worldwide Brotherhood
When you become a Freemason, you’re not just joining a local Lodge—you’re stepping into a global tradition.
Freemasonry exists in nearly every country in the world, with millions of members who recognize each other not by name or appearance, but by shared values and ancient rites. We don’t all speak the same language, but we speak the same symbolism.
Mosaic Lodge is chartered by the Grand Lodge of Nebraska, which connects us to a recognized and historic lineage stretching back more than 300 years. That means your membership here opens the door to visit Lodges across the United States—and around the world—wherever regular Freemasonry is practiced.
This isn’t a club. It’s a lifelong passport to brotherhood.
Ready to Learn More?
If this resonates with you, freemasonry might be what you’ve been looking fo, and you might be the kind of freemasonry has been waiting for.
Take the next step. Reach out. Ask your questions.