CORINTHIAN LODGE #83
Our Lodge
Brotherhood • Tradition • Service
Who We Are
Corinthian Lodge #83 is a Masonic Lodge in Wayne, Nebraska, with a history stretching back to the pioneer communities of northeast Nebraska. Corinthian Lodge #83 is a community of Freemasons brought together by a shared commitment to brotherhood, integrity, service, and personal growth. Our Lodge provides a place for men to build lasting friendships, strengthen their character, serve their community, and carry forward the traditions of Freemasonry.
OUR HISTORY
From Pioneer Nebraska to the Present
The history of Corinthian Lodge #83 stretches back to the pioneer communities of nineteenth-century Northeast Nebraska. Over the generations, communities changed, towns grew, and neighboring Masonic lodges came together—but the traditions and Brotherhood they established continue today.
THE BEGINNING
1870s
Pioneer Beginnings at LaPorte
The story of Corinthian Lodge begins in LaPorte, Nebraska, an early and once-thriving county seat of Wayne County. During the 1870s, local pioneers and community leaders came together to establish a Masonic community. Among those associated with these early years was pioneer banker John T. Bressler.
Their efforts led to the establishment of Corinthian Lodge No. 83, beginning a Masonic lineage that would continue through dramatic changes in the communities of Northeast Nebraska.
A CHANGING REGION
1881
The Move to Wakefield
The arrival of the railroad changed the future of Wayne County. In 1881, the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha Railway established a route through the region but bypassed LaPorte. Commerce and population began shifting toward communities located along the new rail line, including the developing town of Wakefield.
Recognizing the changing future of the area, the Brothers of Corinthian Lodge relocated the Lodge from LaPorte to Wakefield in 1881. Wakefield would become Corinthian Lodge No. 83’s home for generations.
WAYNE GROWS
1883
Wayne Lodge No. 120
At the same time, the nearby community of Wayne was rapidly growing. Wayne became the county seat in 1883, and local Masons sought to establish a Lodge of their own.
On June 22, 1883, the Grand Lodge of Nebraska chartered Wayne Lodge No. 120 A.F. & A.M. For approximately the next 130 years, Corinthian Lodge No. 83 in Wakefield and Wayne Lodge No. 120 in Wayne served as neighboring Masonic Lodges only about fifteen miles apart.
GENERATIONS OF BROTHERHOOD
Growing With Our Communities
Throughout the twentieth century, the Lodges grew alongside the farming communities, businesses, schools, and families of Northeast Nebraska. Their membership included farmers, businessmen, professionals, tradesmen, civic leaders, and generations of men united by the principles of Freemasonry.
Corinthian Lodge became a longstanding part of the Wakefield community, while Wayne Lodge No. 120 served generations of Masons in Wayne and the surrounding area. Although separate Lodges, both carried forward the same traditions of Brotherhood, character, charity, and service.
A SHARED FUTURE
Preserving Our Masonic Heritage
As the population and character of rural Nebraska changed, area Masons increasingly looked toward consolidation as a way to preserve their Lodge histories, strengthen membership, and ensure that Freemasonry remained active for future generations.
◆
Laurel Lodge No. 248
The Masonic heritage represented by Corinthian Lodge grew to include Laurel Lodge No. 248 of Laurel, Nebraska. As active membership declined, Laurel Lodge consolidated with Corinthian Lodge No. 83. Its members, records, traditions, and history became part of the continuing Corinthian Lodge story.
◆
Wayne Lodge No. 120
In the modern era, Corinthian Lodge No. 83 and Wayne Lodge No. 120 also chose to unite. The consolidated Lodge retained the older Corinthian Lodge No. 83 name and lineage while making its permanent home at the former Wayne Lodge temple.
CORINTHIAN LODGE #83 TODAY
One Brotherhood. A Shared Heritage.
Today, Corinthian Lodge #83 makes its home at 911 Lincoln Street in Wayne, Nebraska. Within one Lodge lives a Masonic heritage shaped by the pioneers of LaPorte, generations of Brothers in Wakefield, the traditions of Laurel Lodge No. 248, and more than a century of Freemasonry represented by Wayne Lodge No. 120.
From pioneer Nebraska to the present day, the names and places have changed, but the Brotherhood continues.
Our Principles
◆
Brotherhood
Building lasting bonds of friendship, fellowship, and mutual support.
◆
Integrity
Striving to live with honesty, responsibility, and strength of character.
◆
Service
Supporting our neighbors, our communities, and those who need a helping hand.
◆
Personal Growth
Continually working to become better men, Brothers, family members, and citizens.
Brotherhood in Practice
Freemasonry is built upon more than meetings and ceremonies. At Corinthian Lodge #83, Brotherhood is found in fellowship, supporting one another, serving our community, preserving our traditions, and sharing the experiences that bring men together across generations.
Lodge Leadership
The officers of Corinthian Lodge #83 are entrusted with guiding the work of the Lodge, supporting its Brothers, and carrying forward the traditions entrusted to us by the generations who came before.
LEARN MORE
Interested in Freemasonry?
Discover the principles, traditions, and Brotherhood of Freemasonry and learn more about the path taken by generations of Masons before us.