The Scottish Rite Masonic Center

Downtown Omaha’s Hidden Gem

By Deborah Daley​

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There’s an old phrase I sometimes use when I see someone with a hidden talent or an undiscovered treasure. The phrase, which comes from a biblical parable, is: “Hiding your light under a bushel.” This means to keep your abilities, talents, or good qualities hidden from others instead of letting them be seen. 

In the case of the Scottish Rite Masonic Center, I use this phrase because I want to illuminate the special qualities and mission of this fraternal organization. I want to pull back the curtain on the group’s five-story historical building, in the heart of Omaha, at 20th and Douglas Streets. The location is a venue for member gatherings, but it also offers community events, historical tours, and rental opportunities for private events.

General Secretary David Greenberg, the current head of the Omaha chapter of Scottish Rite, is responsible for the business programming, strategies, and operations of the group. He is assisted by a staff of five and many volunteers. 

“The Scottish Rite organization is a natural progression of the Free Masonry,” he explains. “After members have reached certain degrees or levels in that group, they proceed upward to Scottish Rite.” (For the uninitiated: Degrees are the presentation of ethical teachings and philosophy offered through dramatic presentations complete with costumes, scenery, and historical perspectives.) “You must be a Master Mason to qualify for membership, but just applying does not guarantee membership,” David continues. “There is a rigorous approval process through the Line Officers Guild Board of Directors.”

According to David, the group brings together men from all walks of life to build community and make a difference. “It is the mission of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, SJ, to improve its members and enhance the communities in which they live by teaching and emulating the principles of Brotherly Love, Tolerance, Charity, and Truth, while actively embracing high social, moral, and spiritual values including fellowship, compassion, and dedication to God, family, and country.”

Members enjoy the fellowship and community nature of the organization, explains member Bob. “In the Scottish Rite, I’ve found tradition and purpose, as well as friendships that have spanned decades,” Bob shares. “I would have never met many of these men I call brothers had I not been a Mason. That fellowship is the heart of why I remain committed to this fraternity.” 

David, who also is member of Suburban Rotary, has been in the Free Masons since 2009. He is a native of the Chicago area and was very active with Scottish Rite in Illinois. He and his family moved to Omaha a couple of years ago when his wife was transferred by her company. He began his job for the Omaha Scottish Rite back in April. 

He loves the diversity of the job because so many activities fall under the umbrella of the group’s work. The first is history. The building itself has its own historical legacy. Construction began in 1912 and was completed in 1914. The edifice features meeting rooms, an auditorium complete with theatrical lighting and equipment, Council chambers, a ballroom, and much more. The building contains many artifacts and historical mementos gathered over the years, including a one-of-a-kind 1926 Kilgren organ. 

Members attend monthly social activities that include the teaching of degrees, debates, lectures, presentations, and more. A critical aspect of the group is its embrace of philanthropy. Their primary cause is speech therapy for Nebraska’s children. For decades, the Scottish Rite has partnered with the Munroe-Meyer Institute at UNMC to fund speech therapy programs.

The Scottish Rite also sponsors events that are open to non-members, including Mother’s Day teas and concerts. “We are in the midst of putting together a concert series where our facility is one of many featuring music,” David notes. 

The organization also rents their auditorium and ballroom for wedding receptions, pageants, trade shows, conference meetings, recognition dinners, after-hours gatherings, recitals, and much more. Nikki had her wedding there and could not have been more pleased. 

“The Scottish Rite was an amazing spot for our wedding reception,” she reports. “Gregg, the onsite contact for weddings and events, was great to work with and provided planning materials I needed. The Scottish Rite members did the greeting at our wedding and were very hospitable throughout the process.”

“We encourage people to stop by, call, or visit our website to learn more,” David concludes. “I think they will be surprised to find this hidden gem in downtown Omaha and learn all we have to offer.” The Scottish Rite Masonic Center is located at 202 South 20th Street and is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays. For more information, call 402-342-1300 or visit the organization’s website at scottishriteomaha.org. 

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