The Kansas Mason - Winter 2015

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The Kansas Mason

Volume 53 Issue 4

A Publication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Kansas

150 YEAR LEGACY Rededication of the Kansas State Capitol 1866-2016

Winter 2015

K MH is 120 Years New.

O

ctober 2015 marks the beginning of KMH’s 120 th year serving Kansas seniors and their families. What does 120 Years New mean? It means 120 years of experience serving seniors, enriching lives, caring for residents. It means 120 years of working to constantly improve so we are the best we can be for our residents—many Masons and Mason family members, and our legacy of care continues.

But, 120 Years New means all of this on a transformed campus that offers the most complete senior living community in Kansas, one based upon Masonic values. 120 Years New means renovated

residences, rapid recovery services, and long term care. It means a breakthrough memory care approach with Behavior-Based Ergonomic Therapies and our “Household Model.”

We invite you to call or come by for a personal tour of the 120 Years New KMH. See why our community still demonstrates the value of ideals that continue to serve as a guiding compass for seniors and their families.

Come find out what 120 Years New means to KMH.

Vibrant living. Valued principles.

Assisted Living | Memory Care | Long-Term Care | Skilled Nursing | Rehabilitation 402 S. Martinson, Wichita, Kansas 67213 • 316.269.7500 • kmh.org

FROM THE GRAND EAST Daren L. Kellerman, Grand Master of Masons 2015-2016

Is Your Lodge Building Without Tools?

We have them!

a long history of the

And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready at the quarry; and there

“tools” to lodges for

was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building.

little or, in many cases, no cost. “Tools” have

In Kansas, we have Grand Lodge offering

consisted of programs, classes, incentives, Most Master Masons are familiar with

struggling treasury, attracting potential

personnel, materials, and better ways to

the above piece of scripture or a varia-

candidates, and member apathy. With rare

interact with the local community. Commu-

tion thereof. It seems simple enough and

exceptions, since time immemorial, Grand

nications and bookkeeping have been simpli-

most probably translate it into, “The rocks

Lodges have attempted to address those

fied, and networking is highly encouraged.

were quarried and squared, brought to the

problems and offer solutions, “tools” if you

Temple, and put in proper place with no fur-

will, to their constituent lodges.

consuming to use the tools offered them, and they sit unused. Many lodge officers,

The challenge is getting lodges to take

ther work being done.” Upon reflection, the

Unfortunately, some think it too time

stones most likely still needed work, even

advantage of those “tools” available to them. specifically the Master, Wardens, and

if it was just making sure they were plumb

Only a small percentage of constituent lodg-

with each other. Imagine how pleased King

es reach out; the larger percentage does not, about what is really in their “toolbox” to

Solomon would have been if the Sanctum

and may even see the Grand Lodge as trying

Sanctorum walls had not been perfectly

to interfere with

placed and collapsed, all because everyone

their autonomy.

assist them and their lodges. Only when they find their Sanctum Sanctorum walls

Discovering

leaning and starting to collapse do they

FREEMASO

was satisfied with the work done before they

NRY

BUILDING AWA

REN ESS Attracting New Members

ask, “Why isn’t Grand Lodge helping us?” Those who do search through their

got the building blocks of the great edifice put before them. There is

GRAND LODG E

“toolbox,” have found many things they

outside cove

r

OF KANSAS

A.F. & A.M.

320 SW 8TH AVENU E TOPEKA, KS 66603-3912 WWW.KANSASM ASON.ORG

a reason we only hear about the

can use to strengthen their lodge and/ or themselves before a collapse occurs.

perfections of the Solomon’s Temple.

I might also suggest recalling how often

R EACHE LARY T DENT EXEMP and STUW D R A A AS

Promotional

t

Trifold Handou

3 2

that might have been.

1

F

10

E

10

On The Level Booklet Path To Brothe rhood Pamph let Masonic Petition

D

C

10

B

1

A

Event Invitatio n Press Release

Includes:

1

t

Pass It On Bookle

QUANTITY

7 6

1

Welcome Letter From The Lodge Worshipful Master Script For On The Level PowerP oint Present Prospective ation Member Worksh eet Results Survey

Promotional

Materials CD

On The Level

PowerPoint CD

Slide 7

add local giving Slide 12

add local history

Card Sized

1 1 QUANTITY

PROMOTIONAL

Masons Given to you

GRAND

OF

We provide funding for local community charities, through our more than 230 Lodges throughout the state.

We help Brothers—as well as wives, widows, mothers and children—in time of need. programs to recognize our teachers and outstanding students.

We provide educational

We provide local cancer screening clinics throughout the state for communities that do not have professional health care centers for testing.

We give out more than 150 scholarships to Kansas students going to Kansas institutions.

Kansas Masons have donated almost $25 million to KU Cancer Research.

In Kansas, Masons give nearly $1.5 million a year.

The Grand Lodge of Kansas is the governing body of Freemasonry Kansas, formed March in 17, 1856, nearly five years before Kansas statehood. Bleeding saw Kansas, the prelude to America’s Civil the backdrop to Kansas War, provided Freemasonry.

In 1854, three Wyandot Indians and five white settlers – all of whom were Masons - came together in what is now Wyandotte County, and petitioned the Kansas, Grand Lodge of Missouri to establish a Lodge Masons in a Wyandot of Indian village. On August 4, 1854, the was granted and one dispensation week later, Kansas Lodge UD began two years, two other its work. Within lodges in Kansas were formed, and formed the Grand in 1856, the trio Lodge of Kansas, as America’s Civil War loomed.

Notably the first Master of Kansas Lodge UD was John Chivington, Methodist missionary a to the Wyandot and a vocal opponent Chivington left Kansas of slavery. in 1860, became an officer in the Union was later celebrated Army, and as a hero for his part in the Battle of Glorieta (1862). His orchestration Pass of the Sand Creek Massacre (1864), earned him universal however, condemnation and ultimately made him infamous.

The influence of Missouri masonry in Kansas sometimes resulted curious situations. in In the bloody 1850’s and the years of the (1861-1865), Kansas Civil War was continually torn by bitter strife over members of the two slavery, with factions hunting down and slaying each other. whenever enough Brethren, regardless Yet, of faction, could be eagerly stood found,

FRIENDSHIP RESPONSIBILIT GENEROSITY Y LEADERSHIP • Education

• Tolerance • Personal

• Family

growth

• Philanthropy • Diversity

AS MASONS, WE VALUE • Ethics AND PROMOTE:

FREEMASONRY

How to Become

5

a Mason

7

DEVELOPMENT

GUIDE

Values

Our Mission is guided by the enduring principles brotherly love, relief of our fraternity – and truth – and our core values which • Ethics, embodied are these: by leading lives based on honor and integrity • Tolerance for religious, ethnic, cultural, social and educational differences • Personal growth through continuous pursuit of knowledge • Philanthropy through charitable giving and community service • Veneration of family • Respect for individual Freedom Today there are more than 19,000 Masons who belong to 231 across the entire Lodges state of Kansas. While they serve a different than when Masonry purpose was founded in the Middle Ages, its mission principles are still and the the same.

2

MEMBERSHIP

Press Release Letter From The Lodge Script For Worshipful On The Level Master PowerPoint Prospective Presentation Member Worksheet Results Survey Event Invitation

FRIENDSHIP

THE PATH TO BROTHERHOOD

IN KANSAS

4

3

1

With rare exception, since

their guns against KANSAS they the nearest tree and of a Masonic Altar. began the erection Enemies by day, they HOW TO ATTRACT MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT met as Brothers at night.

POTENTIAL GUIDE

KANSAS Welcome

LEADERSHIP GENEROSITY

6

caretakers.

GRAND LODGE

Membership We welcome is open to men age 18 or older men of all One of Freemasonry’s ethnic backgrounds who meet the qualifications. and religious Men must traditions beliefs. seek membership is that we on their own do not solicit members IF YOU ARE initiative. or ask men INTERESTED to join.

• Talk to IN BECOMING the person who gave A MASON: • Contact you this card the Masons of Kansas • Call your at 785-234-5518 local Masonic at kansasmason.org, lodge (a list Freemasonry, of lodges can be • Ask for found

They took what was good and made it

built, and we as the builders and

inside left

November

ly, CAE

tually succumbed to the ravages and was rebuilt only to be destroyed again,

n Outreach Clinics As you likely know , the Kansa The clinic s Maso s are a rema rkable ‘grass nic Foundation (KMF) has roots’ succe supported Screenings ss story, Outreach thanks to are an impo Clinics for the hard Lodges, rtant way more than is pleased work of to detec Kansas Maso to spon 40 years t cancer Cancer sor these . in its early Alliance nic Lodg life-saving and The es acros stages, when scree s the State University nings—an it’s easie . of Kansa r to treat. d proud Within s Cancer to collab KMF, in this form Center. orate with cooperatio you will find it with the health profe n with the the applic Brothers Masonic ssionals ation form in your Before subm from the Lodge, we needed Midwest itting the to host hope you a FREE one of these will choo cancer scree form, please take se to comp important the time ning event lete the cancer-scre to revie for the form and w the inform ening clinic next fiscal If you have return it ation sheet s. After year (4/1/ to the Foun any quest discussing 2016-3/31 and FAQ’ ions, or to conta datio s. /2017 n The applic office. would like ct the Kansa ) is Febru ation dead to visit with ary 28, s Masonic line for 2016. a Lodge Foundatio hosting that has n office This is an conducted at (785) excellent 357-7646. one of these program to provi for your clinics in ding a stipen community, the past, d for the please feel and the Lodge hosti Kansas Maso free ng the event Keep the nic Foun Masonic . dation will Tradition cover all of Servic of the expe e strong and make nses, in addition a difference in your community !

A. Shive

as even the Temple of Solomon even-

1, 2015

Kansas Maso nic Lodg es RE: Kansa s Masonic Foundatio

Robert

While there may be no perfect solution,

MAS

A MESSA ONIC FOUNDATIO GE FROM N OUTREACH CLINICS THE KA NSAS MA SONIC FOUNDA TION

didn’t leave their “toolbox” unopened.

home lodge as a temple being

On The Level

• Community We believe that respect other’s there’s more to life than pleasure opinions beings. We and money. are committedand strive to grow We and develop to making as human the world a better place.

KANSAS

been given. Let us consider our

NEW MEMBERS

tools and taught how to use them. They

better, using the simple tools they had

For More Information kansasmason.org facebook.com/kansasmasons

LODGE OF

THE PATH TO BROTHERHOOD

of Kansas

by

a membership Locate a kansasmason.org information packet Lodge)

Grand Lodge of Kansas 320 SW 8th St. Topeka, KS 66603-3912 785.234.5518 Fax 785.357.4036

MATERIALS

On The Level POWERPOINT PRESENTATION

On The Level RESPONSIBILITY

1 PB

inside right

Master Masons met in days of old and why

KANS DGE OF AND LO THE GR

4

had been given, perfect as it may have

Make it your own

Customize the On The Level presentation to highlight charitable giving and history within your Lodge.

5

house weren’t satisfied with what they

THE PASS IT ON PROG RAM KIT CONTAINS THE FOLLO WING TOOLS FOR MEMB ERSH IP DEVE LOPM ENT.

The builders and caretakers in that

appeared. They were given their own

Secretary, don’t even take time to learn

using the many options we are offered (or even just learning what they are) can only help us build our lodges to be as strong as possible.

Remember, On The Level

time immemorial, Masonic Lodges have had the same

Daren Kellerman

problems: lack of attendance,

Master Mason

Kansas Masonic Foundation, 2909 SW Maupin Lane, Topeka, Kansas 66614

WINTER 2015 1

GRAND SECRETARY

By Tracy L. Bloom, PGM, Grand Secretary

Hot Topics For Kansas Lodges I’m going to cover some hot topics in my article this issue, and while none of them are critical individually, collectively they are defining the path in which the Grand Lodge of Kansas is moving.

The Kansas Automobile License Plate

would sure look a lot better with one of

turn to his lodge to receive his official dues

program: The plate sales are going great. Be-

our plates displayed on it.

card, upon which is the raised seal of his lodge and the lodge secretary’s signature,

fore we could get the plates into production, we had to collect intentions of at least 500

Welcome packets

thus making it his official proof that he is a

people to purchase a plate. We reached

sent to our newly

mason in good standing.

our goal only collecting Brother Mason’s

raised brothers: If

names of those who were interested in purchasing a plate with a square and

Welcome to Kansas Freemasonry A Quick-Reference Guide

you haven’t looked at

New Discovering Freemasonry member-

one of these packets,

ship awareness packets: These packets have

compasses on it. We met that challenge, as

please ask your lodge secretary to see one.

been produced and are available to order.

well as getting the bill passed by the Kansas

They are fantastic and absolutely first class.

The first-class packets contain lots of infor-

Legislature, which was a monumental task.

Each secretary of every lodge in Kansas

mation a lodge can use to share what Free-

Now that they have been produced and

received one of the example packets and

masonry is all about with family or friends.

distributed to the 105 counties in Kansas,

can show you what they contain. It’s filled

This program has taken the place of the old

we have to be on

with valuable information a

track to get those

newly raised Master

can be wholly admin-

500 plates sold

Mason may be wonder-

istered by the local

in two years. I’m

ing about, lodge proto-

lodge. Among several

happy to say as of

col, where to find further

printed materials is a

this writing, in eight

information,

months we have

Masonic history,

sold 273 or just

a temporary dues

Friends of Masons Night program and

On The Level

FRIENDSHIP BILITY RESPONSI TY GENEROSI IP LEADERSH

GRAND LODGE OF KANSAS

Event Invitation Press Release

customizable Power

GUIDE MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

AL NEW HOW TO ATTRACT POTENTI

MEMBERS

Point presentation the lodge can change to

1

Welcome Letter From The Lodge Worshipful Master Script For On The Level PowerPoint Presentation

On The Level

Prospective Member Worksheet Results Survey

over half of the plates we need to sell. This

card, a personal-

is great news, and I’m hopeful this article

ized letter from

will generate even more plates sold so we

the Grand Master

can reach our minimum sales goal. Once

and a lapel pin that he can proudly

Lodge or other body that wants to put

our initial up-front money is paid back, and

wear. It is, of course, extremely critical

together an evening of introduction to the

that will be after the 512th plate is sold, the

that the secretary report the newly raised

fraternity; the only thing we ask is that you

proceeds from the license plates sales will

brother as soon as it happens. Otherwise

fill out a request form to receive the packet.

be split between the Grand Lodge Library/

the Grand Lodge Office can’t get the pack-

That’s it! There is no cost to the lodge, but

Museum and the Fulfilling Our Obligation

ets out in a timely manner, which is critical

we do want you to realize that this is not

fund. Thanks for your support and, if you

since the temporary dues card has a very

a two-day turn around program. In other

see someone without a plate, please give

limited time restriction and is only good for

words, don’t order one and expect to put

him a gentle reminder that his car or truck

the new brother’s home lodge. He must re-

on the program the day after it arrives.

D BROTHERHOO

POWER POINT

PRESE NTATIO

1

N

On The Level GRAND LODGE OF KANSAS MEMBERSHIP

DEVELOPMENT GUIDE

localize the information. These packets

PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS

are available for any Kansas

history add local

Slide 12

the Customize el On The Lev n to presentatio ritable highlight cha history giving and r Lodge. within you

giving add local

Slide 7

Make it n your ow

2 THE KANSAS MASON

THE PATH TO

PB

There must be much more planning than

he delivers a great message. Of particular

that to pull off a good event, and one that

interest, in my opinion, is the KU Cancer

should impress, rather than seeming like it

Centers outreach clinics. They have great

was rushed and not well prepared for.

value, not only for your lodge, but your community and your Brothers. You never

Current Kansas Masonic Foundation

know whose life might be saved by doing

programs: I’d like to touch on all of the

something as simple as a cancer screening

current programs being administered by

clinic at your lodge, in your community

program. As a matter of fact, depending

the Foundation, all of which appear to be

or at your county fair. Early detection is

on how many are screened at your event,

coming directly from the local lodge. I’m

the key to more successful treatment, and

your lodge stands to gain financially, and

not going to go into great detail about

the cancer screenings that have already

I’m not talking about a small sum of mon-

these, because undoubtedly you have

taken place in several Kansas communities

ey. But, you’ll have to contact our Kansas

already heard about them from the Execu-

have saved several. With a detection rate

Masonic Foundation for more information

tive Director, Brother Robert Shively,

of around 10 percent, it really makes you

about that. Please take advantage of this

and if you haven’t, I’m sure you will hear

think, why hasn’t my lodge taken advan-

great program. It’s not about the money

from him soon. Bob is as dedicated of a

tage of this program? How much does

but is about making a difference in your

Mason as I have seen in the last 10 years.

it cost your lodge? Nothing! Only a little

community and the possibility of the lives

He has traveled to more lodges than most

time, someone to coordinate the event

Grand Lodge Officers, including me, and

and the rest is on the KU Cancer outreach

continued on page 51

Kansas Masonic Foundation offers

CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITIES Your Kansas Masonic Foundation has a charitable gift annuity program that has attractive rates and possible tax advantages.

For many people, establishing a fixed income from a charitable gift annuity is a very attractive financial plannnig option.

RECEIVE THE BENEFITS OF Fixed lifetime income for up to two beneficiaries.

Satisfaction in supporting an area of KMF that is important to you.

An immediate charitable income tax deduction.

Reduced federal estate taxes.

Kansas Masonic Foundation, Inc. • 785-357-7646 • www.kansasmasonic.foundation

WINTER 2015 3

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

www.kansasmason.org

The Kansas Mason I am hearing rumblings of a Kansas Masons

options to address this situation. They have

Public Awareness Campaign—is that true?

even considered hiring a lobbyist who could

I

n response to the Statewide Masonic Survey

work with the state Legislators and see if we

that revealed 91% of the general public in Kan-

could get the law changed. Unfortunately, given

sas is unaware of who we are or what we do

the current economic climate in Kansas and the

and 62% are unaware there is a Masonic Lodge

ongoing “shortfall” of funding for various pro-

in or around their communities, Grand Lodge

grams—like education—we are told the efforts

has been investigating opportunities to create

would be fruitless. In addition, most experts

greater awareness of Freemasonry in Kansas.

have suggested to Grand Lodge that the chances

While nothing has been “officially” announced,

to do this in the future are very remote. Grand

there are plans to discuss this during Grand

Lodge leadership will keep this on the front

Lodge’s 160th Annual Communication in March.

burner as we know the impact and importance

Plan to attend and learn firsthand what Grand

to the Lodges.

Lodge is planning for the Craft!

I understand that the Kansas Masonic FoundaWhy is Grand Lodge helping the Lodges

tion awarded almost 300 scholarships this year

with a quarterly newsletter?

through the Lodges—Is that correct and did

I

n the same study mentioned in the previous

everyone that applied for a scholarship award

question, it was reported that the number one

receive one?

reason Brothers leave the Craft is because the only communications they receive from their

Y

es it is, in fact, the Kansas Masonic Foundation doubled the awards for scholarships

Lodge is the annual dues statement. Seeing such

from the previous year. We had 110 Kansas

a need for more information, the Grand Lodge

Masonic Lodges across the state present these

took action and developed a quarterly newsletter

awards to the students. While there is no

that can be personalized by the local Lodge in an

guarantee that every student that applies in the

effort to strengthen the relationship between the

future will receive a scholarship the Founda-

lodges and their members. All of this and NO

tion continues to seek out ways to expand the

COST to the Lodge. This is just one of many

program through our Lodges. This next year

great services offered by your Grand Lodge!

each Lodge will be encouraged to put a link on their website directing them to the scholarship

Can Grand Lodge help our Lodge reduce the real

application process housed on the Kansas Ma-

estate tax burden?

sonic Foundation website. Applications can be

T

his is an area of concern for all Kansas

made between January 1, 2016-March 31, 2016.

Lodges. The Grand Lodge Council of

We want this to be the “Lodges” scholarship

Administration and Grand Secretary have spent

program with the Foundation simply handling

countless hours discussing and investigating

the administrative function.

If you have any questions that you would like addressed on Masonry, Grand Lodge, Kansas Masonic Foundation, Kansas Masonic Home, this publication or its articles, please send your questions to Editor@KansasMason.org or mail to Kansas Masonic Foundation, Attn. Kansas Mason Editor, 2909 SW Maupin Lane, Topeka, Kansas 66614.

4 THE KANSAS MASON

Established 1963

The Kansas Mason is the official publication of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Kansas, formally organized March 17, 1856.

The Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Kansas 320 SW 8th Avenue Topeka, Kansas, 66603-3912 The Kansas Mason (ISSN 2380-372X) is published quarterly (2/1; 5/1; 8/1; 11/1) by the Kansas Masonic Foundation, 2909 SW Maupin Lane,Topeka, KS 66614-5335 at the direction of the Council of Administration from the office of The Grand Lodge A.F.& A.M. of Kansas. Periodicals Postage Paid at Topeka, KS 66675.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Kansas Mason, 2909 SW Maupin Lane,Topeka, KS 66614.

SUBMIT ARTICLES: by email to editor@kansasmason.org or mail to KMF Editorial 2909 SW Maupin Lane Topeka, KS, 66614 All submissions may be in electronic format or hard copy and become the property of the Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Kansas.

Photos may be submitted through Flickr at www.flickr.com/groups/kansasmason/ No compensation is allowed or intended for any articles, photographs, or other material submitted or published.

Advertising Guidelines for The Kansas Mason can be found on the Grand Lodge website.

NOTE: Permission to reprint material appearing in The Kansas Mason will be granted upon written request to the Grand Secretary from recognized Master Masons.

Other written requests will be considered by the Council of Administration. When reprinted, articles should note “Reprinted with permission of the Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. (month and year)”.

The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Kansas, its officers or employees.

2014 by the MW Grand Lodge A.F.& A.M. of Kansas. All rights reserved. The Grand Lodge seal and the logos “Kansas Mason,” and “Kansas Freemasons/On The Level” are trademarks of the MW Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Kansas, and all rights are reserved.

©

INSIDE THIS ISSUE FEATURED ARTICLES FROM THE GRAND EAST 1 Is Your Lodge Building Without Tools? We have them!

GRAND LODGE 6 Shaking Off The Summer Dust; Refreshing For The Fall

Notification of Lodges Violating Duty to Attend Annual Communication 10 First Statewide Masonic All Family Event–A Hit! 12 Freemasonry In The 21st Century 7

Kansas Cornerstone and Beyond 14 Explore the Craft at District Schools of Instruction 15

FEATURE ARTICLE 8 2016 Annual Communication:

Touching History, Planning for the Future

DEPARTMENTS 2 GRAND SECRETARY

Hot Topics For Kansas Lodges

4 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 18 LODGE OF RESEARCH James Naismith, Man and Mason The Congruence of Color 24 MEMBER INTERVIEW Michael Holeman 25

FROM THE ARCHIVES The Masonic Governors of Kansas Did You Know?

The George Washington Inaugural Bible

28 AROUND THE WORLD Mediocrity in Masonry . . . Shame on us!

29 MAKING A DIFFERENCE 38 HOME WARMINGS A Rich Tradition 39 BOOK REVIEW The Craft Driven Lodge 40 OUT AND ABOUT 52 EVENTS CALENDAR

Cover photo courtesy of the Kansas State Historical Society The Kansas Mason (ISSN 2380-372X) is published quarterly (2/1; 5/1; 8/1; 11/1) by the Kansas Masonic Foundation, 2909 SW Maupin Lane, Topeka, KS 66614-5335 at the direction of the Council of Administration from the office of The Grand Lodge A.F.& A.M. of Kansas. Periodicals Postage Paid at Topeka, KS 66675. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Kansas Mason, 2909 SW Maupin Lane, Topeka, KS 66614.

WINTER 2015 5

GRAND LODGE

By B. Cole Presley, Grand Senior Warden

Refreshing For The Fall Shaking Off The Summer Dust;

On the warm summer morning of August

8th, Brothers who have not been together since last March, met at the Kansas Masonic Home in Wichita. These District and Area Deputies have been working diligently for the craft since their installation. Now with the fall season approaching it seemed a good time to bring these leaders back together and talk about their endeavors, specific challenges and the great things to come into the future.

After a morning fellowship session, the District and Area Deputies were broken up.

The Area Deputies spent the morning dis-

lot of data that is collected with that report.

tions made to this great facility. They also

cussing the current state of their respective

The purpose is not only to assist Grand

spent several hours with the Kansas Masonic

jurisdictions and worked together to de-

Lodge, but to give your District Deputies

Foundation. Not only with Bob Shively but

velop specific and tailored solutions to large

a snapshot of their assigned district and

the Foundation Board as well. Each Deputy

challenges. They also spent a great deal

create a better approach towards achieving

left this meeting with a renewed understand-

of time examining the best way to ensure

our mission which is to help Lodges get bet-

ing of KMF programs. Why is this important?

that Lodges are represented with a District

ter. In taking this time to compare reports

The programs built by the Foundation were

Deputy. This process saw the birth of a new

and generate ideas, the Fall Solutions Report

designed from the very beginning to serve

selection and management system. Look for

you receive should be a robust report that

Kansas Masons, their Lodges and Communi-

more information on that this spring!

helps set your Lodge on the path to success.

ties. With each District Deputy leaving with

Our District Deputies spent the morning examining their spring reports. There is a

The remainder of the day was spent touring the Masonic Home and the new renova-

a better understanding of these programs, they are now a great resource for you to reach out to.

Though appointed by the Grand Master each year, the District Deputy is here to help you and your Lodge.

After this and other session, they have emerged charged and ready to drive forward for each and every one of you. Don’t waste the resource, contact your District Deputy today.

6 THE KANSAS MASON

GRAND LODGE

By Grand Lodge Staff

Notification of Lodges Violating Duty to Attend Annual Communication By-Law 3-621 When every Lodge Master in Kansas is installed, he promises in his oath/obligation “a regular attendance on the committees and communications of the Grand Lodge on receiving proper notice; and to pay attention to all the duties of Masonry on convenient occasions.”

The below list is a list of those lodges currently in violation of the by-law and subject to action by the Grand Master and the Grand Lodge of Kansas: 277 Ashland (4)

067 Frankfort (4)

184 Phillipsburg (4)

cation--Duty of Lodges, it says, “Each Constituent Lodge of this

071 Baxter (4)

186 Mountain Slope 310 Naphtali (4)

Grand Jurisdiction which has not been officially represented in the

079 Corinthian

206 Harper

356 Wellsville (4)

Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge for three consecutive

087 Mankato (4)

211 Courtland

367 Plains (4)

years may be cited to show just cause why appropriate disciplinary

091 Marysville (4)

220 Lewis (4)

410 Quinter (4)

092 Devon (4)

234 Axtell

411 Climax (4)

160 Saqui (4)

253 Oakley (4)

415 Perry (4)

174 Western Star (4)

259 Beattie (4)

424 Claflin (4)

177 Russell (4)

268 Bourbon (4)

Reading By-Law 3-621, Representation at Annual Communi-

action should not be invoked. (Adopted 1960)” Notification of the above by-law has been published in The Kansas Mason for the past two years, as it is again this year.

In 2014, all lodges in violation of the by-law, numbering more than 50, received a personal letter from the Grand Master, with many also getting a follow up phone call. Thirty-one lodges in violation of the by-law attended the 2015 Annual Communication.

If there are any questions or concerns about your lodge being listed, please contact your lodge Master or Secretary.

The Grand Master will be contacting each lodge in hopes of healing any violations. He is willing to address any concerns on this or any topic: GM@Kansasmason.org

Lodges that did not attend the Annual Communication the previous two consecutive years: 043 Nickerson

149 Thayer

431 Minneola

056 Spring Hill

196 Madison

437 Enterprise

132 Carson

198 Blue Hill

143 Minneapolis

401 Latham

WINTER 2015 7

FEATURE ARTICLE

By Kansas Masonic Foundation Staff

Touching History, Planning for the Future 2016 Annual Communication:

The 160th Annual Communication for our Grand Lodge approaches, and this next year, a special

event will celebrate the long history of the Kansas Masons.

On Friday, March 18, 2016, Sen. Robert Dole, Gov. Sam Brownback and other dignitaries will join the Grand Lodge of Kansas as we rededicate the cornerstone of the State Capitol building in celebration of our 150th anniversary. In addition, Brownback will sign a proclamation making March 18 Kansas Mason’s Day in appreciation and recognition of the Brotherhood’s philanthropic work during more than a century in the Sunflower State.

The renewal being seen in the Lodges and on the state level of the Kansas Masons is critical to help our Fraternity thrive in the future. But we pull our strength and identity from the roots of our past, and rededicating the cornerstone allows us to look backward even as we move forward.

In 1866, the Kansas Legislature approved the building of a State House, appointing an architect and construction company to work on the important task. By October of that year, Kansas officials were ready to lay the cornerstone for the East Wing. Secretary of State R.A. Baker wrote

8 THE KANSAS MASON

to the Grand Lodge of Kansas, asking that they

was changed to an inferior brownstone. The

bers of Masons in the last two years, that we

be present and lay the cornerstone of the State

cornerstone and foundation cracked and was

gather every year to learn, exchange ideas and

Capitol on October 17, 1866.

replaced with limestone. However, the copper

engage in fellowship.

The Grand Lodge accepted the invitation,

capsule wasn’t found because it sank into the

“I think as a whole, we’re evolving in the di-

becoming a part of history that began with

foundation when the cornerstone disinte-

rection we need to evolve, and it seems like the

a procession on Kansas Avenue. It included

grated. It was discovered in 1950 by workmen,

Grand Lodge is listening,” said WM Brian Byrd,

the Knights Templar, as well as state offi-

and in July that year, the capsule was opened

of Wichita No. 303 after last year’s event.

cials, clergy, the Masonic Order, the Veteran

to discover destroyed records, corroded coins

Brotherhood and Returned Soldiers, and city

and bugs. The contents were restored to the

ing participation in the Annual Communica-

officials. A copper capsule was placed within

box and replaced in October 1950.

tion shows that Masons across the state are

the cornerstone, and it included the Holy

The cornerstone is a reminder of the im-

The Grand Lodge is listening, and increas-

excited and want to learn from the speakers

Bible, Kansas State Laws, newspaper copies

portance Kansas Freemasonry has held in the

and each other at the largest annual gathering

and many other items. Inscribed on the stone,

development of the state and the men who

of Masons.

among other inscriptions, were the words,

live here. We will be honored to rededicate

“Laid by the Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M.,

the cornerstone at our March Annual Com-

the Annual Communication in Topeka from

State of Kansas Oct. 17th A.L. 5866.”

munications, adding to the many other impor-

Thursday, March 17 thru Saturday, March 19.

tant events that occur over that weekend.

We hope to have several thousand Kansas

Unfortunately, this milestone event was followed by a harsh winter that harmed the stone, which was supposed to be limestone but

CUSTOM DESIGNED HAND OR MACHINE EMBROIDERED APRONS

contact Tim Fowler

It is during the Annual Communications, which have been attended by record num-

Make plans today to join your Brothers at

Masons join us this year for this special celebration and Annual Communication.

BIBLE MARKERS BLUE LODGE, SCOTTISH RITE AND YORK RITE COLLARS

solomoncityregalia@gmail.com or 785-313-7222 WINTER 2015 9

First Statewide Masonic All Family Event—A Hit!

GRAND LODGE

By Kansas Masonic Foundation Staff

Nearly 200 Masons from across Kansas

gathered on Sept. 20 in Topeka for the firstever Statewide All Masonic Family Event.

The opportunity to socialize with families, meet Brothers from other Lodges and just have a good day together has been a goal for some time.

The All-Masonic Family Event was the first to bring all the Masonic bodies togeth-

er, including the Grand Lodge, Kansas Shrine Temples, Scottish Rite Orient of Kansas and Grand York Rite Bodies of Kansas, to celebrate Freemasonry in Kansas.

“The fact that this thing has finally happened really excited me,” said Dale Fritz, Fidelity Lodge No. 106 in Eureka. “I’ve been

his son Brady Fritz, 18, who is currently

a Mason now for about eight years, and this

petitioning to become a Mason, even invited

is probably the most fun I’ve ever had as a

a friend he met at the Kansas Masonic All-

Mason because it included my family, as well

State Band Camp to attend, and she did so

as my Masonic Brothers and their families.”

with her parents.

Fritz said three Brothers from the Eureka

It was a day to be relaxed, and Fritz

Lodge attended, and even though he works

joked that there were no suits and ties –

with them and goes to Lodge with them, it

not even KMF Executive Director Robert

was still a chance for their families to mingle

Shively was dressed up.

and get to know each other.

The event was held at the Sports Center, 50 acres of activities that let Masons go to batting cages, ride go-karts, play miniature golf and hit balls at a driving range.

“He was definitely in a relaxed mode that I’ve not ever seen out of him before,” Fritz said, laughing. “It was fun just for everybody to let their hair down.

We got to watch Grand Master Daren

Fritz said he played Goony

Kellerman ride the go-karts with the kids,

Golf with his wife and kids;

who were roughin’ Daren up pretty good.

They were saying he didn’t have any jurisdiction in a go-kart.”

The value of spending time

10 THE KANSAS MASON

together, with a focus on fun and socializing, was apparent throughout the day.

Kyle Olson, also from the Eureka lodge,

took his 11-year-old son, 13-year-old

Lodge No. 33, tied for first place in the 1st

promote brotherhood and community,” he

daughter and one of her friends.

Annual Mason Putt-Putt Tournament at

said. “It gets people to talking from differ-

the event, so all the fun wasn’t reserved

ent parts of the state in a little less serious

son off the go-karts,” he said. “He prob-

for the kids. He took home a trophy and a

atmosphere than it might be in just a cold

ably rode them 1,000 times. We didn’t do

Masonic paperweight as proof of his golfing

committee room.”

anything but go-karts and eat. The food was

skill. Even with those rewards, Sutherland

real good.”

focused on the higher purpose of the day.

“The kids loved it. I couldn’t get my

So much fun was had by all, that next year’s event is already scheduled. So if you

A barbecue was provided by the Kansas

“The idea of just bringing people to-

missed your chance to shine at miniature

Shrine Temples and prepared by the Barbeque

gether from different organizations to meet

golf or tear up the go-kart course, mark

Unit of the Arab Shrine Temple in Topeka.

people with some of the same ideas, and

your calendar for the third Sunday in

people with different ideas, is a great way to

September in 2016. We’ll see you there!

John Sutherland, of the Mound City

WINTER 2015 11

FREEMASONRY

GRAND LODGE

By Jimmie L Grassi, Sr. PGM

In The 21 Century st

Background. Participation in the Masonic

studies have failed to arrest our declining

building our own destiny, brother by brother

fraternity has been declining for 50 years.

numbers, and have fallen short of rejuvenating

lodge by lodge.

Evidence of this decline is the fact that our

our fraternal spirit.

membership totals are at their lowest levels in more than 80 years.

Masonic leaders have tried numerous

Work to study these problems was

This paper briefly summarizes only some

of the findings of this study. The entire study

requested and began in 2004 when the Con-

it is published on the internet on the Masonic

ference of Grand Masters asked the Masonic

Information Center site.

The study pointed out, that there was lit-

initiatives to mitigate the losses. Some of

Information Center to look into the pos-

these are: the adoption of one-day classes,

sibility of creating a national Masonic public

tle argument among Masons that we were not

shortened proficiency requirements, and

awareness program. The Masonic Information

the first organization desiring to improve their

lowering of the minimum age for petitioning

Center accepted this challenge.

public image, and we knew that we could no

to 18. One-day classes attracted many new

The study was to test the integrity of

longer ignore our situation’s complexity. In

members, but did little to halt the increas-

what to communicate to the public about our

his book The World is Flat, Thomas Fried-

ing numbers of demits and suspensions for

identity as a fraternal organization within the

man quotes business organization consultant

non payment of dues. We also realized that

context of life in the 21st century.

Michael Hammer’s statement that: “One thing

getting new members was only a part of

Thus began the study by the Masonic

that tells me a company is in trouble is when

the problem. Clearly today, masons are not

Information Center, and a year later, in

satisfactorily addressing ways of keeping our

2005, the results of this study called “It’s

new members involved and enthusiastic about

About Time” was a fraternal call to action.

your past identity. I am glad you were great in

Freemasonry.

It communicated to our fraternity the need

the 14th century, but that was then and this is

Grand Lodges have hired public relation

to focus on making Masonry relevant to our

now. Michael Hammer put it this way, “When

firms, and paid for promotions in the media

changing communities and our 21st century

memories exceed dreams, the end is near.”

and television to determine a course of ac-

lives. It asked fellow Masons, to heed the

tion to gain members, but the results of their

call and to take the initiative to participate in

they tell me how good they were in the past.”

He agreed that you don’t want to loose

Our Masonic memories are to be treasured, but our Masonic dreams have faltered.

“When memories exceed

12 THE KANSAS MASON

Resisting and Denying Change

When we can answer these questions, then we can move

Over the last several decades, we have been content with excuses

forward with traditional programs for public relations, marketing

and have avoided the examination of the complicated set of changes

communications, increasing our membership and more.

that has weakened Masonry’s relevance to our contemporary lives.

The study pointed out, that even today when we want to think that

Exploring the patterns of Masonry

the loss of membership is our major problem, the research argued

1. What is happening in freemasonry today?

that membership loss is not the major problem. We should shift our

The task force members agreed that there are tensions in our organiza-

thinking to consider that the loss of membership is merely a symptom

tion today including but not limited to the following perceptions:

of our problem. Our actual problem is two fold:

• There is a slight movement toward education of the public about

1. The Loss of our Masonic Identity 2. The Lack of energy invested in Masonry.

freemasonry.

• There is a recognition that traditional communication tools have failed to heighten public awareness.

As Freemasons we have taken our Fraternity’s identity for granted, and have allowed the public to forget how important we are to the fabric of our society. We have forgotten what we do for each other, our lodges, and ourselves to enrich the quality of life for our families and for the community.

Recently freemasonry found a place in popular culture with the introduction of Dan Brown’s book the The DaVinci Code, the movie National Treasure and the book the The Lost Symbol. The fraternity and public’s interest in these works sold one million copies of The Lost Symbol the day it was issued.

• The inclusion of family members at Masonic events has produced mixed results.

• The participants in the study believe that the public believes in what they see, rather than what they read.

• Masonry is no longer perceived an elite organization.

• There are disagreements regarding priority of financial commitments to our Masonic buildings and to charitable contributions versus starting new programs.

• Current Masons do not understand the true meaning of our fraternity.

But, we owe the general public more than fiction, we owe them performance. All these years we have published the history of what

2. The public perception of Freemasonry today is:

Freemasonry has done in the past to build the United States and Canada,

We believe that the public perception and opinions of Freemasonry

to provide leadership during the American Revolution, to open lodge

can be summarized briefly in the following ways:

membership to non-stone speculative Masons. A reliance on our past

1. Confused. The public wants to know if the Masons are a fraternity,

historic heroes has inhibited Masons from achieving contemporary significance and describing what we offer to the public today in the 21st century.

The programs we see on TV and the books published allow current members and potential candidates to obtain and gain knowledge in the

a religious organization, or an alternate religion?

2. Mistaken. The public perception is that only grandfathers could be in such an old-fashion organization.

3. Oblivious. The public are not even aware that Masonry still exists.

history of freemasonry. They prove we were great in the 14th century but fail to tell potential members what Freemasonry offers them today in the 21st century and how they would benefit by joining our organization.

The task facing us today is to define our Masonic identity in a

Masons are not visible in the daily life of their communities.

Their identity is often mis-understood and mis-represented in the press and by religious critics. There is little reserve of positive memories of

rapidly changing world. The public today wants to know:

Masonic activity remaining in our communities. Within eye and ear

1. Who are the Masons?

range of the public, Masons have failed to perform what they profess.

2. How do we know them in our lives today?

They have lost their significance within the community.

dreams, the end is near.”

WINTER 2015 13

GRAND LODGE

3. What is the desired image of Freemasonry?

5. Who needs to be aware of the message of Freemasonry?

The ideal Masonic fraternity would be one that is defined in terms of

Masonic identity needs to be understood and observed by the following:

thought, energy and action. Under perfect conditions, the public would

• The general public, particularly those individuals who seek knowl-

know Masons according to the following observable accomplishments:

edge about themselves and humanity

• Building a community, based on shared Masonic values

• Our existing members

• Constructing a positive environment for personal growth

• Potential members who need information about the fraternity’s

• Encouraging education, idea sharing, and open discussion

benefits

• Welcoming diversity across religious denominations, ethnicity and age

• Members of the media

• Growing leadership ability

• Religious leaders who need to understand the distinction between

• Establishing the relevance of Masonic values to contemporary life • Advocating a concern for the well being of other Masons and their

Masonry and Religion • Civic Leaders

families 6. Who do we want to attract as potential members?

Masons would be defined as members of a fraternity that fits the

Masonry is not a fraternity limited by age, ethnicity, race or religious

following descriptions:

denomination. Masons are individuals who respect a quality of life,

• Masonry is a serious men’s organization dedicated to self improve-

which is uniquely fulfilling. Among their many and diverse qualities,

ment coupled with community involvement.

• Masonry is a provider of camaraderie, trust in each other, instant fellowship and brotherhood.

• Masonry brings together a group of people who emphasize individual excellence.

• Masonry is a provider of an atmosphere of inclusiveness.

• Masonry is an organization that makes good men better.

Masons are men who: • Seek fulfillment through multiple levels of experience, including body, mind and spirit • Enjoy brotherhood • Desire a community enriched by participation, dialogue, and inquiry • Are principled, disciplined and compassionate Freemasonry wants to attract candidates who are seeking enrich-

Masons must be visible in the community to demonstrate Masonic

ment in body, mind and spirit through participation in a brotherhood

values in many aspects of their lives.

committed to good works and personal growth.

4. Benefits of Freemasonry within the context of our 21st

7. What is the core of our fraternity’s identity?

century world

The study task force strongly recommended that Masonic programs

Masonry offers an opportunity for a principled way of life rooted in the

focus their efforts on constructing a fraternal identity that is true to the

following Masonic values: • Integrity • Diversity • Inquiry • Community • Vitality

following themes:

Masons are men who build community through brotherhood that

• Freemasonry must be lodge-centered, giving members opportunities to express themselves through activities that improve the experience of the lodge and benefit the life of the community.

• Freemasonry sustains its viability as a fraternal organization through its performance of Masonic rituals and values. Masonic values guide

is based on principled lifestyle. A mason’s life is deeply rooted in a

Masons both in the lodge and through everyday life. As trustees

system of values. Masonry cannot be kept inside the individual, it is a

of Masonry’s rich and valuable heritage, members must continu-

philosophy of fraternity that must be shared in action through numer-

ally invigorate their approach to Masonic participation, making it an

ous experiences, in the lodge, in our personal every day activities and

experience that is rewarding, enriching, and relevant to its members,

in our professional environment.

their families and the greater community.

14 THE KANSAS MASON

GRAND LODGE

Kansas Cornerstone and Beyond

By Allan L. Hurlburt, PGM

Very little can replace the feeling of being

British Colonial providence of Pennsylvania,

beyond. In Kansas, our Grand Lodge records

somewhere that represents a time and

at a building now known as Freedom Hall,

reflect no less than seventy-two (72) county

place where history is being made. There

where the history of our nation was later

courthouses that were dedicated with

are at least occasions when masons publicly

changed. The cornerstone was laid under

Masonic Cornerstone ceremonies, which

share their belief in a Grand Architect of

the direction of a Mason known as Benja-

is close to three-fourths of the counties in

the Universe and in doing so, frequently

min Franklin.

Kansas. Needless to say, there also have

became a part of the history of the event.

If you have ever visited the George

Such events are not unlike the proverbial gardener who participates or observes the

Washington Masonic National Memorial

planting of a tree, which everyone hopes

at Alexandria, Virginia, you undoubtedly

will live and endure for their lifetime and

remember that mural of George presiding, in his Masonic apron, in setting the first cornerstone of our nation's capitol. Although it is not so well known, a similar event took place around 1734 in Philadelphia in the

been hundreds of similar ceremonies at Post Offices, churches, schools, libraries, hospicontinued on page 50

IN KANSAS, OUR GRAND LODGE RECORDS REFLECT NO LESS THAN SEVENTY-TWO (72) COUNTY COURTHOUSES THAT WERE DEDICATED WITH MASONIC CORNERSTONE CEREMONIES

WINTER 2015 15

GRAND LODGE

By Robert C. Talbott, Grand Junior Warden & Grand Lecturer

Explore the Craft at District Schools of Instruction The season has started for District Schools of Instruction. Once again, we continue the time-honored tradition of meeting to study our gentle craft and ensure we maintain our ritual, which is our heritage. When you get down to the core of what distinguishes Freemasonry from all other fraternal organizations, it is our ritual and symbolic teachings. Surely there is nothing more important to the overall health and longevity of Kansas Lodges than to cultivate new generations of members. Our ritual is the only way to do this.

A very important question comes up each year regarding District Schools of Instruction, worth exploring here.

Question:

Plan now to attend your District School of Instruction. In fact, at-

Are there specific requirements for either lodges or of-

tend several and take several Brothers with you! With almost 30

ficers to attend District Schools of Instruction each year?

District Schools scheduled throughout the state, chances are there are several within driving distance for most Brothers.

Answer: Yes. Article XI-Section 3 of the Constitution and By-Law

Reference:

4-205 of the Grand Lodge of Kansas speak to this. While

Constitution Article XI – Section 3: Section 3. Webb

the by-laws do not specifically enumerate the number of members

Work–The Work of the Three Degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry,

that must attend from each lodge, every year, Article XI-Section

including the Lectures appertaining thereto, is the Webb Work, as

3 clearly states, “Every Lodge shall procure the Work through

exemplified by the Board of Custodians before the Grand Lodge at

authorized Instructors and shall practice the same in all the cer-

its session in the City of Leavenworth in the month of October, in

emonies of conferring the several Degrees.” Further, By-Law 4-205

the year one thousand eight hundred sixty-seven; and such Work

underscores that: “Every Degree conferred upon a candidate

shall be done in conformity with the authorized Floor Plans on file

who is seeking to attain membership in any Lodge in this

in the archives of the Grand Lodge. Every Lodge shall pro-

Grand Jurisdiction as the result of receiving the Degrees,

cure this Work through authorized instructors, and shall

shall be conferred in conformity to the authorized work of

practice the same in all the ceremonies of conferring the

this Grand Jurisdiction.” These two, combined, clearly set the

several Degrees. Cross-Reference: By-Laws, Secs. 3-601, 4-205.

requirement for not only obtaining but also practicing the Degrees

4-205. Degree Teams--Conferral of Degrees – No Degree

of Ancient Craft Masonry for every lodge.

team may enter or leave this Grand Jurisdiction without the approval of the Grand Master: Provided, Lodge officers or a Degree Team

Attendance is taken at all District Schools of Instruction and provi-

of one Lodge may confer any Degree in another Kansas Lodge

sions are made for Lodge Officers that need to attend other Dis-

without consent. Every Degree conferred upon a candidate

tricts for “make-up” attendance. This District School attendance is

who is seeking to attain membership in any Lodge in this

analyzed and recorded in the Grand Lodge Archives. Lodges with

Grand Jurisdiction as the result of receiving the Degrees,

chronic low or no Officer attendance will be reviewed and inquiries

shall be conferred in conformity to the authorized work

made to determine how they can maintain their Ritualistic Proficiency.

of this Grand Jurisdiction. (Amended 1992) Cross-Reference:

Conversely, many Lodges have attained many years & decades of

Constitution, Art. XI, Sec. 3.

Perfect Officer Attendance at their District Schools of Instruction as a point of pride and show of their dedication in maintaining the art of performing quality Degree Work on their candidates. These Lodges are formally acknowledged at Grand Lodge Annual Communication.

16 THE KANSAS MASON

2015-2016 DISTRICT MEETING SCHEDULE (Combined districts are grouped and color coded) District Lodge

City

DDGM

Grand Lecturer Assigned

Start Time Date Assigned

No. 1

Wathena No. 64

Wathena

Charles Baskins

C. David Williams

9:00 AM

10/24/15

No. 2

Wyandotte No. 3

Kansas City

Michael Kupsch

Vernon Clark

9:00 AM

11/7/2015

No. 3

Ben Hur No. 322

Kansas City

Donald Matteson

David Neal

9:00 AM

11/14/2015

No. 4

Palmyra No. 23

Baldwin City

Raymond Gottstein C. David Williams

9:00 AM

1/23/2015

No. 5

Old Mission No. 153

Praire Village

Doug Jessup

C. David Williams

9:00 AM

1/16/2016

No. 6

Stanley No. 444

Overland Park

Michael Johnson

Vernon Butt

9:00 AM

1/16/2016

No. 7

Parker No. 341

Parker

Kevin Reed

Vernon Clark

9:00 AM

1/9/2016

No. 8

Parker No. 341

Parker

Lee Hermreck

Vernon Clark

9:00 AM

1/9/2016

No. 9

Prudence No. 100

Columbus

Michael Welch

Don Newman, Jr.

9:00 AM

1/23/2016

No. 10 Prudence No. 100

Columbus

Troy Glasgow

Don Newman, Jr.

9:00 AM

1/23/2016

No. 11 Fortitude No. 107

Independence

Rodney Middleton Bob Talbott

9:00 AM

1/30/2016

No. 12 Fortitude No. 107

Independence

Michael Holeman

Bob Talbott

9:00 AM

1/30/2016

No. 13 Gilead No. 144

Yates Center

Kim Colgin

Don Newman, Jr.

9:00 AM

1/30/2016

No. 24 Gilead No. 144

Yates Center

Kris Brown

Don Newman, Jr.

9:00 AM

1/30/2016

No. 14 Emporia No. 12

Emporia

Carl Otto

Wayne Rector

9:00 AM

1/23/2016

No. 23 Emporia No. 12

Emporia

Leslie Allison

Wayne Rector

9:00 AM

1/23/2016

No. 15 Arab Temple

Topeka

Thomas Rigg

Vernon Clark

9:00 AM

11/21/2015

No. 16 Arab Temple

Topeka

Robert Amyx

Vernon Clark

9:00 AM

11/21/2015

No. 17 Arab Temple

Topeka

Jimmie Bechtel

Vernon Clark

9:00 AM

11/21/2015

No. 18 Arab Temple

Topeka

Vernon Clark

9:00 AM

11/21/2015

No. 19 Lafayette No. 16

Manhattan

George Shuler

Ron Main

9:00 AM

1/23/2016

No. 20 Lafayette No. 16

Manhattan

Daniel Bostrom

Ron Main

9:00 AM

1/23/2016

No. 21 Lafayette No. 16

Manhattan

Ron Main

9:00 AM

1/23/2016

No. 22 Salina No. 60

Salina

James Kay

Don Newman, Jr.

9:00 AM

1/9/2016

No. 32 Salina No. 60

Salina

Paul Livengood

Don Newman, Jr.

9:00 AM

1/9/2016

No. 25 Crescent No. 133

Ark City

Bryant Devine

David F. Snyder

9:00 AM

2/20/2016

No. 26 Haysville No. 112

Haysville

Lowell Brown

Ron Detwiler

9:00 AM

1/16/2016

No. 27 Wichita No. 99

Wichita

Jerry McDaniel

Bob Talbott

9:00 AM

1/23/2016

No. 28 Newton

Newton

Dahl Carmichael

Ron Main

9:00 AM

1/30/2016

No. 29 Masonic Home

Wichita

Kevin Farlow

Vernon Butt/ Earl Bryant

9:00 AM

1/30/2016

No. 30 Kilwinning No. 265

Pratt

Jason Gibson

Bob Talbott

9:00 AM

10/10/2015

No. 31 Sterling No. 171

Sterling

Casey Tillman

David Neal

9:00 AM

10/10/2015

No. 33 Belleville No. 129

Belleville

Mathew Mutz

David Neal

9:00 AM

1/16/2016

No. 35 Millbrook No. 281

Hill City

Alexander Leslie

C. David Williams

9:00 AM

1/30/2016

No. 36 Hoisington No. 331

Hoisington

George Reed

Vernon Butt

9:00 AM

1/23/2016

No. 37 St. Bernard No. 222

Dodge City

Bucky Moore

Vernon Butt

9:00 AM

10/24/2015

No. 38 Fargo No. 300

Liberal

Michael Brack

Ron Detwiler

11:30 AM

1/23/2016

No. 39 Fargo No. 300

Liberal

Frederick Clary

Ron Detwiler

11:30 AM

1/23/2016

No. 40 Goodland No. 321

Goodland

Marvin Seaman

Don Newman, Jr.

9:00 AM

1/16/2016

No. 34

WINTER 2015 17

LODGE OF RESEARCH

By Jon M. Woodward, Past Master Lawrence Lodge No. 6, Member of Mt. Zion Lodge No. 244 & Secretary Kansas Masonic Lodge of Research

Enabling The Masonic Explorer In All Of Us. Kansas Lodge of Research was established in 1982 to conduct research, gather and preserve Masonic information, supply speakers, and enhance Grand Lodge endeavors to promote Masonic Education. In this article Bro. Herb Merrick explores the background of the first master of his lodge and reveals the high ‘caliber’ of an Army artillery officer who received the military’s most prestigious combat decoration. Perhaps your lodge has had brothers with extraordinary accomplishments.

Submit your findings to klor@kansasmason.org or see our web page at kansasmason.org.

James Naismith, Man and Mason

room, could help its track athletes to keep

Naismith as the inventor of basketball

in shape and explicitly emphasized to make

and through his long association with the

it fair for all players and not too rough."2

University of Kansas as its first basketball

Within a couple of weeks, he had secured

coach, as a Professor of Physical Education

peach baskets to each end of the gymna-

and as Director of the University Chapel.

sium, selected a soccer ball for its size and

They are much less likely to know that he

softness, and wrote the 13 original rules

was a Master Mason and virtually nothing

of “basket ball”. By 1893 the game had

about his Masonic story. The biographies

become so popular that it was introduced Courtesy of Kansas Athletics

Most Kansans are familiar with James

written about him and the articles published about his public life have little to say about his contributions to the fraternity or how he related his Freemasonic beliefs to his personal life.

Naismith was born in 1861 in Ramsey

graduating McGill in 1888, he attended the

internationally by the YMCA movement.3 While in Springfield, Naismith petitioned the Roswell Lee Masonic Lodge and was elected to membership, initiated, passed and raised in 1894.

From Springfield, Naismith went to

Township, Ontario, Canada, and was

Presbyterian College in Montreal where,

Denver, Colorado where he received a

orphaned when he was nine when his

in 1890, he was ordained as a Presbyterian

medical degree and in 1898 joined the

Scottish-immigrant parents died of typhoid

minister. Subsequently, he taught physical

faculty of the University of Kansas where

fever. He subsequently was relocated to Al-

education at McGill and became its first

he spent the remainder of his professional

tamont, Ontario where he was raised by a

athletic director, but soon left to become

career. Like many Masons today, Naismith

strict, Presbyterian grandmother and uncle.

a physical education teacher at the Young

found himself pulled in many directions

His early education was an on again/off

Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) In-

and found little time to devote to Ma-

again thing, but after graduating high school

ternational Training Institute in Springfield,

sonic endeavors until later in life. During

in 1883, he enrolled at McGill University in

Massachusetts.

the first two decades of the last century,

While serving at the YMCA Institute

he coached basketball at the university,

in multiple sports. While on the football

in 1891, Naismith was assigned the task

taught physical education there, wrote

team, he introduced his new invention, the

of developing a wintertime indoor athletic

two significant books on the relationship

football helmet, into regular play . After

distraction that would “not take up much

between sport, religion and how they as-

Montreal where he excelled as an athlete

1

18 THE KANSAS MASON

sisted in living a moral life. He served as an

27 he was called to sit in the east for the

served as Chairman of the Scottish Rite

Army Chaplain during the First World War,

first time during a second degree conferral

Sports Committee which sponsored a base-

patrolling along the Mexican border in 1916

for two members. On December 13 he was

ball league for youth during the 1930s.

later serving in France until 1919.

elected Worshipful Master for the 1927

During the entire period from his initia-

After sitting on the sidelines of the blue

term. He was installed as Worshipful Mas-

lodge for a year, as all good Past Masters

tion into Roswell Lee Lodge in 1894 until

ter at a joint installation with Acacia Lodge

are prone to do, he was appointed as the

his petition for affiliation with Lawrence

Number 9 on December 23, 1926.

lodge’s Chaplain in January 1929, a posi-

Lodge Number 6 on December 12, 1921,

During his year in the East, Naismith

tion which he held for several years during

he maintained his membership in the frater-

oversaw the conferral of six Entered

the early 1930’s. While not in attendance

nity and lived according to its philosophic

Apprentice degrees, the passing of 15

at every meeting, Naismith did make it to

principles and moral guidance. His petition

Fellow-craft Masons, and 15 raisings of

between 15 and 20 meetings every year

to Lodge 6 shows him to be a Professor at

Master Masons, as well as the presentation

until 1936. In that year, he traveled to Ger-

the University and 60 years of age. He was

of several Masonic funeral ceremonies.

many to attend the Berlin Olympics and to

recommended by M.W. George O. Foster

He relinquished his gavel of authority on

present the medals for basketball. He also

and Elmer F. Engle, both prominent local

December 12, 1927, and was appointed

became involved in the development of the

members during the teens and 20’s. On

to the Committee on Sickness and Relief

National Association of Intercollegiate Bas-

January 9, 1922, his membership became

and as Captain of the Fellowship Team for

ketball (later the NAIA). He retired from

official on a favorable vote of the lodge.4

conferral of the third degree. In his annual

the University shortly after the death of his

While the first record of his attendance

report to the Grand Lodge, the Secre-

wife of 43 years, Maude, in March of 1937.

indicates he was at that meeting, it is likely

tary of the Lodge, W. Clarence E. Birch

Later that year he was the first line signer

that he had attended numerous functions at

remarked, “This has not been a big year in

(sponsor) on the petitions for initiation of

many times during the 23 years he lived in

the sense that we have conferred an ex-

Jack E. Naismith, his son, and Thomas Lee

Lawrence as a sojourner.

ceptional number of degrees. It has been a

Dawe, his son-in-law, who were elected,

year marked in a splendid way by harmony,

initiated, passed and ultimately raised to-

6, Naismith actively served on investigat-

by good feelings, by little courtesies ex-

gether on April 25, 1938.

ing committees, and sat in officer chairs

tended to and received from other lodges

when appointed officers were not present.

and brethren.” For a lodge to confer 36

installed Chaplain of the lodge for 1939. In

In December of 1924 he was appointed

degrees in a single year, and consider it to

June that year he married the housemother

Senior Steward for the 1925 year, elevated

be “not a big year”, would be unthinkable

of a local fraternity, Florence May Kincaid.

to Junior Deacon in mid-February, and ap-

for modern-day Masons.

Not long after, Dr. Naismith suffered a

After becoming a member of Number

pointed as Senior Deacon in September of

5

After being elected as the Master of the

Naismith was again appointed and

cerebral hemorrhage and passed several

the same year. During the year he attended

Lodge 6, Naismith petitioned for member-

days later on November 28, and buried with

9 stated meetings and helped confer 49

ship in both the Lawrence Scottish Rite

full Masonic honors on December 1, 1939.7

separate degrees, taking a significant ritual

Valley and the York Rite Bodies. He was

Not only did Lawrence lose its original con-

role in each. At the December stated meet-

elected to membership in each and over

nection to the founding of what has become

ing he was elected Senior Warden for the

the following twelve years found time to

the national obsession with college basket-

year 1926, during which he demonstrated

serve in various appointed and elective

ball, but Kansas Masonry lost a brother who

the same attention to his duties as an of-

offices in both organizations. He rose to

was acknowledged as being cast in the spirit

ficer and ritualist, conferring as many as 7

the position of Commander of Kadosh in

of being a good man who was made better

degrees during a single day. On September

the Lawrence Scottish Rite in 1930. He also

by his membership in the fraternity.

1 Naismith is one of several persons credited with the invention of the football helmet. Others include Navy Midshipman Joseph M. Reeves (later known as “the father of carrier aviation” in 1893 and Lafayette College halfback George Barclay in 1896. Because Naismith’s tenure at McGill preceded these dates by at least five years, there is a better argument for his invention of the helmet.

2 3 4 5 7

James Naismith, Wikipedia, July 13, 2013 The Basketball Man, by Bernice Lawson Webb, 1994 The Centennial Yearbook for Lawrence Lodge Number 6, 1956 Minutes of Lawrence Lodge Number 6, January 9, 1928.

Newspaper articles recounting the obituary and funeral of James Naismith, Lawrence Journal World, 1939

WINTER 2015 19

LODGE OF RESEARCH

By Jon M. Woodward, Past Master Lawrence Lodge No. 6, Member of Mt. Zion Lodge No. 244 & Secretary Kansas Masonic Lodge of Research

Enabling The Masonic Explorer In All Of Us. Kansas Lodge of Research was established in 1982 to conduct research, gather and preserve Masonic information, supply speakers, and enhance Grand Lodge endeavors to promote Masonic Education. In this article Bro. Herb Merrick explores the background of the first master of his lodge and reveals the high ‘caliber’ of an Army artillery officer who received the military’s most prestigious combat decoration. Perhaps your lodge has had brothers with extraordinary accomplishments.

Submit your findings to klor@kansasmason.org or see our web page at kansasmason.org.

The Congruence of Color in Craft Masonry and Alchemy

A compelling component of modern ad-

with various colors, all of which may have

color must have been adopted for its sacred

vertising practice is the recognition of the

symbolic intent. The Mason who studies the

references. Through the Old Testament,

emotional impact various colors have on the

work soon realizes that nearly everything

blue is referred to as a priestly color, and

subconscious of the consumer. Consequent-

in Masonry has a rational explanation. It is

until the extinction of the snail from which

ly designers use color to generate feelings

unknown whether there is a grand design for

the dye was extracted, was incorporated

about the products they represent. We have

all the symbolism that presents itself within

into the tassels of every Jewish prayer shawl

all seen Facebook's blue logo and viewed

the Craft, because every Mason is urged to

in the world. It is quite possible that early

IBM blue; we have drunk Coca-Cola from

consider the meaning of each symbol within

Masons adopted the color because it was

red labeled bottles or watched You-Tube

his own frame of reference. When consider-

the emblem of the Virgin Mary's divine love,

with its dominant red background theme;

ing color as a symbol (or category of symbol)

humility, fidelity and especially faith - virtu-

we can imagine driving yellow-labeled Hertz

I set myself upon on an investigation that has

ally every painting of her shows her robed

rental cars into green-labeled BP gas stations

not been extensively studied and published,

in a blue cloak. Blue was also used by the

where we buy an orange crush, all while

or if so, only to superficial levels.

Druids to represent truth, by the Babylo-

checking our e-mail on our gray or black

Further, the assignment of blue, and to

nians and ancient Chinese as a symbol of

labeled Apple smart phones- all this while

a lesser extent white, as colors represent-

Deity, by Hindus to represent the wisdom

driving to a Blue Lodge where we wear black

ing the first three degrees of craft masonry

of the God Vishnu. The Egyptians painted

tuxedos and don white gloves and aprons to

is grounded in the history of the fraternity.

the God Amun blue to represent his exalted

participate in our ritual.

Just as the origin of freemasonry is divided

and heavenly nature. Ancient man could

into romantic and authentic genres, so also

easily have adopted blue as representative

They evoke sentiments of fear, excitement,

may be the origin of using colors as symbols

of Heaven, or of natural purity. In medieval

comfort, trust,peace, wisdom, balance and

within the craft.

heraldry, blue signifies chastity, loyalty, and

Colors are pervasive in our world.

just about any other emotion in the human

There are two schools of thought

fidelity. Each of these uses alludes to the

psyche. Sometimes these impressions are

regarding the origin of blue as the color of

divine or to virtues with which Masons want

intended by the presenter, other times they

the order. The first believes that the color is

to be identified.

are not. Freemasonry has been associated

drawn from "time immemorial" and that the

20 THE KANSAS MASON

Regardless of how much we may want

our forefathers to have adopted blue from ancient usage, the authentic school generally challenges evidence that cannot be documented. J. Heron Lepper and Philip Crossle opined that the blue and gold colors used within Masonry derived from the earliest days of the Grand Lodge of Ireland where the Grand Master was clothed in a gold waistcoat and blue breeches, symbolizing the brass body and steel points of the compasses1.

Two early extractions from the minutes of the Grand Lodge of England are explicit about the use of color within the lodge: esolved, that in private lodges and Quarterly Communications and General Meetings, the Masters and Wardens do wear Jewells of Masonry hanging to a white ribbon" (minutes lesser lights, all surrounded by darkness.

logical effects of color on the Freemasonic

Gold and yellow are essentially the same

experience. When the candidate enters

again addressed the use of color in the

color and have the same emotional associa-

the lodge for the first time, he is likely to

Lodge.

tions of evoking self-confidence and creativ-

be anxious about what is going to happen

“Proposed that none but the Grand Master,

ity, while white evokes feelings of purity and

to him. He will have been reassured by the

his Deputy and Wardens shall wear their

innocence. Darkness or blackness evokes

members of the lodge that he will enjoy

Jewels in Gold or Gilt pendant to blue ribbons

subconscious feelings of coldness, oppres-

the experience, but he will also likely have

about their necks and white leather Aprons

sion and menace.

heard tales about fraternal hazing which

of June 24, 1727).

Shortly thereafter, the Grand Lodge

lined with blue silk," and further, "that all

Interestingly however, blue plays little

have endured within the mythology of the

Masters and Wardens of Lodges may wear

role in the ritual traditions of the craft.

lodge for as long as they have been initiating

their aprons lined with white silk and their

However, in traditionally furnished lodges,

new members. He will have heard about

respective jewels with plain white ribbons, but

on being brought to light, the new Mason

blood oaths and perhaps about the use of

of no other color whatsoever�

will observe the blue wall trappings and

cable tows or hoodwinks during the cer-

(minutes of March 17, 1731).

upholstered furniture, as well as a blue

emony, but without clarity about how they

American lodges have adopted the ap-

ceiling bedecked with yellow stars. Within

are applied, he often thinks only the worst.

parel specified for the grand officers of the

the lodge, we may say that the blue ceiling

Grand Lodge of England.

may represent the starry canopy of the

has been shown to induce calm, serenity,

sky or that the color represents friend-

and trust, while promoting intelligence, logic

Ritual Use of Color Within the Craft

ship and benevolence, reminding every

and duty3 all which are descriptive qualities

Lodge The first colors a candidate encoun-

brother to strive to hold these virtues

of brotherhood. White connotes purity and

ters within a darkened lodge are not blue,

within his breast2.

innocence, and induces a feeling of a moral

but rather white and yellow -the white of

Delving more deeply into the effects of

The psychological effect of blue colors

barrier not to be broached. Yellow has

the open sacred volume, the golden yellow

these colors on the emotions of the can-

been proven to be the strongest emotional

of square and compasses and the three

didate lends understanding to the psycho-

color; the right yellow will lift our spirits

WINTER 2015 21

LODGE OF RESEARCH The Congruence of Color and our self-esteem - it is the color of con-

ship or discuss a congruency between the

of the process of individuation is a subjec-

fidence and optimism.

two systems.

tively experienced process brought about by the subject's growing awareness of his

As a man advances through the three primary degrees, he constantly encounters

Color in the Alchemical Process

darker aspects5 that is a prerequisite to

black, white, and yellow in his journey. Un-

Alchemists have assigned the four colors to

personal development.6

der the British system, the craft lodge de-

the process of first divesting ourselves of

gree work is not complete until the Mason

the dark vices and superfluities of life and

a stage of the alchemical process resulting

has achieved the degree of Royal Arch of

beginning anew to purify ourselves through

in salt. Its meaning, drawn from the Latin, is

Solomon. The color assigned to that degree

increasing enlightenment.

whiteness and serves as a symbol of purity.

in both the British and York Rite systems

Nigredo or black or charcoal color is

Albedo is the second color representing

As we view a new snowfall as purely driven,

is red. It admonishes us to be fervent in

the alchemical color of the profane world,

or a virgin bride as innocent, white has been

the exercise of our devotions to God, and

with its putrefaction or decomposition of

adopted for centuries as a symbol of fresh-

zealous in our endeavors to promote the

vices and jealousies. The alchemists believed

ness, purity and innocence. Thus we invest

happiness of men. It is further symbolic of

that as a first step in the pathway to find-

our newly obligated brethren with a white

the regeneration and purification of souls,

ing the philosopher's stone all alchemical

apron, which we are told is an emblem

while the nine vaults of Enoch represent a

ingredients had to be cleansed and cooked

of innocence and the honorable badge

continuous delving deeper and deeper into

extensively to uniform black matter. Within

of a Mason that we should keep forever

understanding our own relationship with

Masonry, the periods of darkness within the

unblemished from worldly sins.

God and ourselves.

lodge may be said to represent the chaos or

The alchemist undertakes the purifica-

futility of the world outside the lodge from

tion process from albedo, the stage of the

another philosophical system that predates

which the candidate makes his first steps

Great Work which washes away impurities,

the speculative craft, and may in fact be the

toward finding his own philosopher's stone

similar to the act of initiation in which we

source of the ritual colors most prominent

or ultimate enlightenment.

invest the Entered Apprentice in white to

These same colors are foundational to

in Freemasonry. The Masonic journey

Jungians have interpreted nigredo in two

prepare him to seek the light.

seems to follow the Magnum Opus,” or

main psychological senses. The first sense

alchemical process - from chaos to

represented a candidate's initial state where

yellowness, the color of sulphur. It is associ-

purification to enlightenment to perfection.

he is unconscious of his inner thoughts and

ated with the transmutation of silver into

I have yet to see anyone draw a relation-

feelings. In the second sense, “the nigredo”

gold in operative alchemy, but in philosophi-

The third alchemical color is citrinitas, or

1. Lepper, J Heron and Crossle, Phillip. "Masonic Blue" Ars Quattor Coronatorum , Volume 36, ( 1923) pages 284-286). Quator Corronati Lodge, London.

2. Falconer, Don. The Square and Compasses. In Search of Freemasonry. 2001. http://www.themasonictrowel.com/Articles/Symbolism/lodcfiles/ redandbluelodes.htm) 3. Wright, Angela. A Beginners Guide to Color Psychology, K. Kathie, 1999. http://www.colour-affects.co.uk/psvchological­properties-of-colours 4. The Magnum Opus, or Great Work, describes the alchemical process of striving to convert base metal into gold. It is also used to describe the process of personal spiritual growth through the Hermetic process. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnum opus %28alchemv%29 5. Paul W Ashton. from the Brink (London 2007) p. 231 6. Jung. C. G. Psvchologv and A l chemv 2nd. ed. (Trans!. by R. F. C. Hulll) 7. Nicolas Flamel was a fifteenthcentury French scribe who developed a port-mortem reputation as a great alchemist who successfully discovered the philosopher's stone, or secret of immortality.

8. Heindel, Max. Freemasomy and Catholicism. Rosicrucian Fellowship, Oceanside, CA (1919). http://www.rosicrucian.com/frc/frcengOl.htm 9. ibid., http://www.rosierueian.com/frc/Freeng02.htm 10. https:/royalsociety.org/about-us/history/

22 THE KANSAS MASON

cal alchemy, it represented the dawning of

for redness, represented by mercury. It

never anticipated would be encountered.

"solar light" as one moves from the darkness

indicated the successful completion of the

That has been true of this work. I began

of ignorance to the awakening of enlight-

search for gold and the philosopher's stone.

by planning to assess if the reason aprons

ened thought.

Like modern references in the Harry Potter

were white meant anything more than the

series, the philosopher's stone of Nicolas

admonishment to the newly made Mason to

yellow is reflective of the presentation of

Flamel7 is more than the basic element that

ever remain a moral man of pure thought

the candidate with enlightened knowledge

can turn lead into stone or an "elixir vitae"

and deed. However, as I began to research

drawn from the lessons of the square and

that can endow immortality. The occult-

more deeply into the topic, I found much

compasses, aided by the light of the three

ist and Rosicrucian Max Heindel opined

more extensive previous work on the color

lesser lights. He moves from the innocence

that, allegorically, the philosopher's stone

blue and its symbolic meanings. Most of the

represented by his white apron, through

represents the perfection of man through

early treatises on symbolic colors mentioned

the growing knowledge of self, begun in

the enlightenment of his spirit8. Heindel

only black, white, yellow and red in passing,

the northeast corner and represented

believed Hiram Abiff represented mankind

without seeking whether those colors had a

by the changing greater lights during his

in its process of transition from chaos to a

deeper than superficial symbolic meaning.

advancing degree process, until reaching

fully enlightened state.9

Within the initiation into Masonry,

history of Masonry led me to investigate the

the fulfillment of the Hiramic legend in the Royal Arch degree.

The final alchemical stages are represented by the color rubedo, a Latin word

My own previous readings on the early

Conclusion

relationship between the alchemical process

When one begins to investigate a topic, it sometimes leads one down paths he had

continued on page 50

WINTER 2015 23

MEMBER INTERVIEW

By Kansas Masonic Foundation Staff

Most of the people I would refer to as friends are members of the Fraternity. petition. Sadly, Bill isn't with us anymore, but

tomorrow than the person I am today.

I owe both he and his family a great debt of

Ultimately, the only things in life that we can

gratitude for passing along to me this great

control are our own choices and it has been

Fraternity.

my Brothers that have brought me to that

People are always searching to find others Michael Holeman Michael Holeman and his wonderful wife of

light. Someday, I should hope to be as good

that are like-minded, and through involve-

a man as any of the Brothers I have met in

ment as a Mason, I have been blessed to

my travels and especially my Lodge.

meet some of the most wonderful people.

On a side note, I have enjoyed the privilege that comes with my appointment of

fifteen years, Jessica are the proud parents of a twelve year old daughter, Raven. He was

2. What do your friends think of your

DDGM this year and I am looking forward to

born in Portalnd, Oregon but raised in Caney,

involvement?

the opportunity to continue next year.

Kansas where he currently resides. After high

Most of the people I would refer to as

I have found it very fulfilling, fun and exciting.

school, he began his career at Acme Foundry

friends are members of the Fraternity.

I would strongly encourage any who are in-

in Coffeyville, and has spent the last 22 years

Those who do not know or understand

terested or are curious about being a District

making hydraulic control valves for that

Masonry, I guess I feel a little sorry for,

Deputy to contact a past or current DDGM

company. He enjoys spending time with his

because I think that they are missing out

or Grand Lodge for more information.

family, playing drums, reading and watching

on something special.

5. What do you look forward to when you

both his beloved San Francisco 49ers and St. Louis Cardinals. Michael is a Past Master

3. Why is Freemasonry important to your

attend Lodge meetings?

of Caney Lodge No. 324 and District Deputy

community?

Where to start? The most important part

Grand Master for District 12.

Freemasonry provides the tools and cre-

to me is fellowship. I really enjoy the op-

ates the opportunities to enrich the lives

portunity to learn from my fellow Brothers

1. How did you find out about

of both the few and the many, depend-

before, during and after our Lodge meet-

Freemasonry?

ing on how active a Lodge chooses to be

ings. A close second is Masonic education.

First off, it should be noted that I am a first

within their community. Since joining, I

A well-crafted education presentation that

generation Mason. Several years ago, I read

have seen our little lodge give out numer-

engages members and is thought-provoking

in our local newspaper that there was going

ous scholarships, improved our park by

is something that is an essential part of a

to be a cornerstone dedication here in my

purchasing benches, building a gazebo and

successful meeting.

hometown of Caney. I was interested in

purchasing an eagle carving. We also have

learning about Freemasonry, so I decided

sent students to band camp, raised money

6. What do you see as the future of

to attend. While watching the ceremony, I

for those in need and contributed to sev-

Freemasonry?

discovered that Bill Ritter and his son, Shawn

eral local causes and charities.

I believe that the results of our recent survey points toward a positive future for

were both Masons. These men along with Bill's wife Donna are people that I looked

4. How has Freemasonry inspired you, or

our Fraternity. It will be up to all of us as

up to as a young man as they were active in

how has it made you a better person.

Masons to plant the seeds now to reap the

scouting. I asked Bill about the Fraternity and

Freemasonry inspires me to continually

benefits in the future. All we need to do is

he was the first line signer on my

strive to be an improved version of myself

choose to do it.

24 THE KANSAS MASON

FROM THE ARCHIVES

By Dylan Kuhlman, Archivist, Kansas Masonic Library & Museum

The Masonic Governors of Kansas The Masons have been well represented

pro-slavery movement in Kan-

throughout the history of Kansas, in person

sas and Missouri. In 1855, Unit-

and in deed. No place is this fact more evi-

ed States President Franklin Peirce appointed degrees.

dent than in the position of the Kansas Gov-

Shannon to the position of Governor for the

ernor. Since its statehood, Kansas has seen

Kansas Territory. Shannon’s 11-month term

of interest is Arthur

twenty-three Governors that are Masons,

as Governor was one of the most difficult

Capper. Capper was born in 1865 in Garnett,

based on membership records*at the Kansas

times for Kansas, as it included the sacking

Kansas, and served as the twentieth Kansas

Masonic Library and

of Lawrence on May 21, 1856. Shannon

Governor. Capper spent his early career in

Museum. That means

retired from his position in August 1856,

the newspaper business, working in Kansas,

that half the Gover-

and took up his law practice in Lawrence

New York, and Washington D. C. In 1892

nors since statehood

and the rest of the territory. Below, you will

he married Florence Crawford, daughter of

have been Masons.

find Wilson Shannon’s membership card. He

former Governor Samuel Crawford, who was

Prior to statehood,

received his degrees in Belmont Lodge No.

also a Mason. Capper’s first foray into politics

Kansas also had one

16 in Ohio. He demitted from that lodge and

wasn’t met with success. As a Republican can-

Territorial Governor

was affiliated with Lecompton Lodge No. 13. didate for Governor he was defeated in 1912,

who was a Mason,

The front is missing the majority of tradi-

Dylan Kuhlman

Scanned from the Kansas Masonic Library and Museum’s Membership Collection

bringing the total number of Masonic Gover- tional dates and information associated with

The next Governor Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

but was elected as the twentieth Governor in the next election. His election victory in 1915

nors to twenty-four. Later in this article I will

membership card, but the back provides

made him the first Kansas native to become

provide the complete list of Governors, but

a wealth of information about Shannon’s

Governor. He served two terms as governor,

first I wanted to provide a brief sketch of

political career and where he received his

1915-1919, and afterward served five terms as a United Sates Senator

three Governors in particular.

for Kansas. The interest-

First is the Territorial Governor, Wilson Shannon. Shannon was born in 1802

ing detail about Arthur

in Belmont County, Ohio, and served

Capper being initiated

as the second Territorial Governor of

into the Masonic Frater-

Kansas from 1855 to 1856. Shannon

nity is the timing. Capper

had a respectful career in law as well as

became a Mason in 1913,

politics. Before serving as the Territorial

right after losing his first bid for Kansas

Governor for Kansas he served as the

Governor in 1912 and before he won in

Governor of Ohio, served as a Minister to

1915. It seems that becoming a Mason

Mexico, and was elected to Congress in

helped Capper’s political career take

Ohio. An interesting fact to note was that

off. Above you will see Arthur Capper’s membership card. He obtained all three

during his time in Congress, he voted for the Kansas-Nebraska Bill, an act that aided the

Scanned from the Kansas Masonic Library and Museum’s Membership Collection Photo courtesy of www.legendsofkansas.com

of his degrees in 1913 at Orient Lodge

Dylan Kuhlman has been working in archives and libraries for the last six years. Originally from Dighton, a small western Kansas town, he attended Baker University where he received a Bachelor of Arts in History. He followed with a Masters in Library Science and an Archives Certificate from Emporia State University.

His work experience includes positions at the University and Kansas Methodist Archives for Baker University, the National Archives and Records Administration in Kansas City and the Kansas Historical Society in Topeka. He has also done volunteer and graduate work at the Grinter Place Historic Site, The National WWI Museum, The Kansas City Public Library and the University Archives at Johnson County Community College.

WINTER 2015 25

FROM THE ARCHIVES

The Masonic Governors of Kansas continued from page 25

No. 51 in Topeka, Kansas.

Territorial Governor Wilson Shannon – 1855-1856

The last Governor to be mentioned is Arthur Capper’s successor, Henry J. Allen. Allen was born in 1868 in Pennsylvania. Like his predecessor, Capper, Allen was a newspaper man. He worked in the newspaper business in Wichita, at Baker University, in Salina, and in Manhattan. Allen Scanned from the Kansas Masonic Library and Museum’s Membership Collection

also spent time overseas during World War I. He served as

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Head of Communications for the American Red Cross. Upon returning, Allen was elected as the twenty-first Kansas Governor. During his time in office, the national prohibition and women’s suffrage amendments were ratified by the Kansas

Greece during World War I, Allen’s dedica-

Legislature. He called for the ousting of the

tion to welfare work earned him an Honorary

Ku Klux Klan, which was eventually successful

33° by the Supreme Council of Greece.

These three brief descriptions serve as

in 1925 when the Klan was recognized as a foreign corporation. From Allen’s member-

just the tip of the iceberg of what can be re-

ship records, it appears he was a long term

searched and discovered about famous Kan-

Mason, having joined in 1895 and serving until

sas Masons. The list below names all of the

his death in 1950. This means that during his

Kansas Governors that have been discovered

working and political career, he was balancing

to be Masons so far. The Kansas Masonic

his job and living the ideals of Masonry, tasks

Library and Museum would like to hear about

he excelled at evidenced by the information

any research or records you have pertaining

in his membership records. During his time in

to famous Masons from Kansas.

State Governor Samuel J. Crawford – 1865-1868 George W. Glick – 1883-1885 John A. Martin – 1885-1889 Lyman U. Humphrey – 1889-1893 Lorenzo D. Lewelling – 1893-1895 Edmund N. Morrill – 1895-1897 Walter R. Stubbs – 1909-1913 George H. Hodges – 1913-1915 Arthur Capper – 1915-1919 Henry J. Allen – 1919-1923 Jonathan M. Davis – 1923-1925 Ben S. Paulen – 1925-1929 Harry H. Woodring – 1931-1933 Alfred M. Landon – 1933-1937 Payne Ratner – 1939-1943 Andrew F. Schoeppel – 1943-1947 Frank L. Hagman – 1950-1951 Edward F. Arn – 1951-1955 John McCuish – 1957-1957 William H. Avery – 1965-1967 Robert Docking – 1967-1975 Robert F. Bennett – 1975-1979 Bill Graves – 1995-2003 *- Research for this article is based off of membership records that are incomplete. The total number of 24 Masonic Governors does not include Governors that may have membership outside of the state or who had membership cards with insufficient context data.

References Allen, Henry J. (2009) Kansas Historical Society; Capper, Arthur (2003) Kansas Historical Society; Shannon, Wilson (2012) Kansas Historical Society

Did You Know?

Did you know that our current President, Barack Obama, has a connection to Kansas Masonry?

Barack Obama, born in 1961, has ancestors from multiple nationalities making him a one-man melting pot. Among his ancestors, going back five generations, are the Wolfley Family from Kansas. Robert Wolfley, the great-great-great-grandfather of Barack Obama, was a Mason. Not only was he a Mason, but he held offices in both Lenexa Lodge No. 135 and Palestine Lodge No. 127, and was even a charter member of Palestine Lodge No. 127. Reference: American Thinker by Jeannie

26 THE KANSAS MASON

Scanned from the Kansas

Masonic Library and Muse

um’s Membership Collection

FROM THE ARCHIVES

The George Washington Inaugural Bible Will Be Displayed At 160th Annual Communication

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

At next year’s Annual Communication, the

when it was discovered that a Bible had not

The Bible was printed by Mark Baskett in

Grand Lodge of Kansas has acquired the

been provided for the occasion. Nearby, Ja-

London in 1767. It has gold lettering on both

famous George Washington Bible to be on

cob Morton, who was the Marshal of the pa- covers that displays the inscription:

display. In honor of that momentous occa-

rade and current Master of St. Johns Lodge,

sion, it is necessary to explain the history

saw the dilemma and offered the Bible used

constituted 5757; Burnt down 8th March,

behind one of the most valuable Masonic

by St. Johns Lodge. St. John’s Lodge was just

5770; Rebuilt and opened November 28th,

artifacts on United States soil.

around the corner so the Bible was brought,

5770. Officers then presiding: Jonathan

and the ceremony proceeded. George

Hampton, Master: William Butler, Senior

at St. Johns Lodge No. 1 located at Scotch

Washington took his oath with his right hand

Warden: Isaac Heron, Junior Warden.”

Street in New York City suffered a fire.

resting on the Bible which had been opened

Along with records and furniture, their

to Genesis XLIX and L. He bowed his head

plete Apocrypha. It also is supplemented

Lodge Bible was destroyed. In November

in a reverential manner and added, “I swear,

with a plethora of historical, astronomical,

of that same year, their Master, Jonathan

so help me God!” to his oath, then bowing

and legal data from that time period. The

Hampton, presented them with a replace-

over the Bible, he reverently kissed it.

Bible also has unique artwork, with designs

On March 8th, 1770, the Lodge room

ment King James Bible. It was this bible that

Since that historic event the Bible has

“God shall establish; St. John’s Lodge

It is a King James Version with the com-

and paintings of the Biblical narratives re-

would later become the famous George

been used in four other inaugurations; Presi-

done as steel engravings by the English artist

Washington Bible. At the end of the Revo-

dent Harding in 1921; President Eisenhower

John Stuart. With its rich history and beauti-

lutionary War on April 30th, 1789, George

in 1953; President Jimmy Carter in 1977 and

ful aesthetics, the Grand Lodge of Kansas is

Washington was to be sworn in as United

President George Bush Sr. in 1989. The Bible

honored to be able to display the George

States President. On a platform in front of

was also used in George Washington’s funeral Washington Inaugural Bible. It will make the

City Hall, now Federal Hall, in the Constitu-

procession in 1799, the dedication of the

Annual Communication next March quite an

tional capital of New York, George Wash-

Masonic Temple in Boston in 1867, the dedi-

exciting event.

ington along with Chancellor Livingston,

cation of the Philadelphia Masonic Temple in

the Grand Master of Masons in the State

1869, and the dedication and rededication of

of New York, were preparing for the event

References George Washington Inaugural Bible (2014) the Washington Monument in 1885 and 1998. Retrieved from http://www.stjohns1.org/portal/gwib

WINTER 2015 27

AROUND THE WORLD

By Robert G. Davis, 33*, Grand Cross

Mediocrity in Masonry . . .

Shame on us!

One of the questions that occasionally

dare to be different by following someone

eats at me when I am driving home from

else’s expectations. When a lodge does the

a Masonic event, degree, or function that

same thing year after year, it is accepting by

has been woefully mediocre is how our

default someone else’s expectations. There

members can sit through such Masonic

is nothing creative, inspiring, or different

happenings month after month and still

about parroting ritual, paying bills, and

believe our fraternity is relevant and mean-

going home. That’s doing only what many

ingful to men’s lives? How honest are we in

others have done before us.

claiming we make good men better while

To distinguish ourselves among men and

persistently repeating practices and behav-

in our lodge practices is the same as living a

organizations, we first have to perceive in

iors which are so distinctively average, or

mediocre life. By making un-extraordinary

our own minds that we have something to

worse? Self improvement involves some

acts and behaviors our ordinary practice,

do which will ultimately set us above the

form of positive change. It requires some

we entrap ourselves from knowing how

average. We start by thinking about the

level of progress; entails some elevated

precious life really is. We don’t use op-

choices before us.

sense of being. Explain to me how a lodge

portunities that come our way as a means

Do we choose what is safe rather than

facilitates self improvement by offering its

of expressing how special we really are.

what is right? Do we only do things right,

members a venue that doesn’t “feel” any

Instead, we walk the walk with the rest of

or do we do the right things? Do we set

different when they are inside the lodge

the herd and soon find ourselves in such

out on a new path, or take the same old,

than outside of it.

a deep rut of limitations we lose sight of

comfortable way? Do we bring credit to

Perhaps many of us come into Masonry

our own value. We become trapped in

our teachings, or debit them as ideals of

looking for nothing more than fraternal as-

mediocrity.

the past? Do we become the examples

sociation. But, if that’s the case, it ought to

Regrettably, this too often seems the con-

that young men want to emulate, or do we

be the best fraternal association we have

dition in which lodges, Scottish Rite Valleys,

seem to them as just another group of ho

ever had!

York Rite Chapters, Councils and Com-

hum guys?

Once we encounter the preparation room,

manderies find themselves. When nothing

You see, the choice always controls the

or make our progress through the degrees,

extraordinary, educational, insightful, com-

chooser. To be exemplary men, or an

it is hard to dismiss the awareness that we

pelling, intellectual, contemplative, spiritual,

exemplary organization, we have to be

are engaged in something wholly different

or fraternal occurs in our private, sacred,

exceptional in our awareness of who we

from our other community experiences.

fraternal spaces, then we become only

are, what we are here to be doing, what

We quickly learn that Masonry has a higher

another ordinary, average, run of the mill,

we know, and how we practice what we

calling which requires that we make an

dime-a-dozen organization. It is hard to see

know. We have to have the courage to be

ascent into the very center of our being.

how this kind of Masonry takes good men

different from the rest of the crowd—no-

An endeavor of such high importance and

and makes them better.

bler in our expectations and more refined

due solemnity is not a run of the mill un-

It is not the kind of Masonry we should

in our state of mind.

dertaking. It becomes clear there is nothing

want to share with our friends.

Because that’s just the way Masonry is.

mediocre about Masonry. So why do we

I believe that if we truly want to move

He who wants milk should not sit himself

make it that way?

“from the square to the compasses,” we

in the middle of a pasture and wait for a

Here’s the problem. Accepting mediocrity

have to dare to be different. And we can’t

cow to back up to him.

28 THE KANSAS MASON

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

By Kansas Masonic Foundation Staff

Kansas Mason Hired For Foundation Position Dave Hendricks joined the staff of the Kan-

Grand Junior Steward, 2003 as Area Deputy

managing the construction process and as-

sas Masonic Foundation on August 3 as the

Grand Master, 2004 as Grand Sword Bearer,

sisting the ESU Foundation with fundraising

Director of Development and Programs.

2007 as Grand Standard Bearer, and 2014 as

for the project. The project lasted two and

Dave was raised to the

Grand Pursivant. He is currently a member

a half years, was on budget and raised over

Sublime Degree of a

of the Grand Lodge Public Schools Com-

$500,000 in room-naming rights.

Master Mason in Empo-

mittee. Dave is a Past Parton of Miriam

ria Lodge No. 12 on

Chapter No. 14, OES, and served as Grand

nificant accomplishment of my professional

April 4, 1994, and was

Chaplain in 2004.

career. What an awesome way to leave my

the Master in 1998.

He currently serves as

Dave joins the staff after spending the last 25 years at Emporia State University,

“This project was the single most sig-

legacy at my alma mater,” Dave said.

Dave brings 21 years of Masonic involve-

Emporia Lodge secretary, a position he has

most recently as the Director of the Memo-

ment with 10 years as a Lodge secretary and

held since 2006. He has had the opportunity

rial Union and Director of Campus Planning.

25 years of management and administration

to serve the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge

As the union director, he had the opportu-

to the KMF.

of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons

nity to serve as the project manager for a

of Kansas seven times: 1999 and 2000 as

$23.5 million renovation. His duties included

team,” said Bob Shively, Executive Director

District Deputy Grand Master, 2002 as

working with the architects on design,

of the Kansas Masonic Foundation.

“We are excited to have Dave on the

Shriners Hospital—Helping Children As the Kansas Masonic Foundation celebrat-

Foundation Trustee, I can

ed the successful hosting of its 32nd Annual

tell you that this donation

Kansas Masonic All-State Marching Band

signifies a new direction

Camp, the Kansas Masonic Foundation Board

and milestone of all of

of Trustees felt it was time to step up our

our Masonic Bodies work-

giving to Shriners Hospitals for Children.

ing together to support

So during the East-West Shrine Bowl Friday Night Gala Celebration and Recognition

each other.”

While the Kansas

Ceremony, the Grand Master of Masons

Masonic Foundation makes

in Kansas, Daren L. Kellerman, and KMF

a significant investment annually through its

pitals for Children to visit the band camp

President Michael J. Tavares, called upon

sponsorship and involvement of the Kansas

and share their stories. The reality of how

the five Statewide Shrine Temple Potentates

Masonic All-State Marching Band Camp

their lives were changed by the treatment

to join them onstage to present a check for

supporting the overall East-West Shrine

they received at the hospital reaffirmed our

$25,000 to Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Bowl program, this outright donation is the

commitment to making a difference in the

This unexpected and welcome surprise left

first-ever of its kind.

lives of children. Masons and band camp

the Potentates speechless.

“It is with great pride that I present this check on behalf of the Foundation to a very worthwhile cause that we all support,” President Tavares said.

The Grand Master added, “As a proud

The presentation of the $25,000 check was also repeated during half-time of the East-West Shrine Bowl Game.

attendees were moved by the children and their heroic attitudes.

It was an honor for the Foundation to

The donation came as the Kansas

be able to support the work of the Kansas

Masonic Foundation welcomed children

Shrine Temples, and to do our part in creat-

who have been treated at Shriners Hos-

ing success for children.

WINTER 2015 29

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

By Hugh W. Gill, Attorney, Hinkle Law Firm LLC

Preparing For The First Meeting In prior columns, I discussed the importance

this may be their immediate family. However, this is also the time

and benefits of creating your own estate

to be thinking of gifts to friends, extended family members or

plan and addressed some common questions

charities. Additionally, it is important for the clients to inform the

my clients have during the estate planning

estate planning attorney of any beneficiary who has certain needs

process. However, this column’s topic is

which may require special attention.

inspired by the most common of all questions I receive from clients: how to prepare

Careful consideration should go into who is going to be named as fiduciaries. These include who would be guardian and conser-

for, and what to bring to, the first meeting with an estate planning

vator of any minor children, trustee of any trusts, executor of the

attorney? This is certainly an excellent question to ask any estate

wills, and agent for health care decisions.

planning attorney with whom you’re going to meet for the first

For the personal financial statement, exact values of assets

time. Generally, when I meet with clients for the first time (or

and liabilities are not necessary. However, knowing a clients’

if I haven’t meet with the clients for a while and we are meeting

estimated net worth is important to ensure the clients are in the

to update an existing plan) I will go over who the clients want to

right plan for gift and estate tax purposes. It is also helpful for the

name as beneficiaries and fiduciaries, as well as the clients’ per-

estate planning attorney to know how the assets are currently

sonal financial statement.

titled and the designated beneficiaries on any assets that have

For the beneficiaries, it is helpful to provide the full legal names and dates of birth of the beneficiaries. For many clients,

beneficiary designations.

Finally, remember that the first step is the most difficult.

As a member of Hinkle Law Firm LLC’s trusts and estates practice group, Mr. Gill uses his extensive experience in business and tax matters to lead the probate and trust administration needs of the group. He is primarily responsible for guardianships and conservatorships, disability planning, post-mortem tax planning, and marital agreements. He also assists clients with estate planning, asset protection, business entity formation, and business succession planning.

While a student at the University of Kansas and the University of Kansas School of Law, Hugh was the recipient of a number of awards, including the Payne & Jones Award and the Wall Street Journal Award for the top M.B.A. student in finance. Today, he frequently lectures on estate planning and estate administration topics. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America and Kansas/Missouri Super Lawyers.

2015 STATE MASONIC PUBLIC SCHOOL ESSAY CONTEST ESSAY CONTEST FOR JUNIORS AND SENIORS

ESSAY CONTEST

QUESTION:

2015 STATE MASONIC PUBLIC SCHOOL ESSAY CONTEST FOR JUNIORS AND SENIORS

ESSAY CONTEST 12,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED

$

Foundational values of Freemasonry include charity, relief, and service to mankind.

How does your personal involvement in serving others make a positive impact, whether in your community, your nation, or your world?

$12,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS

ESSAY CONTEST QUESTION: Foundational values of Freemasonry include charity, relief, and service to mankind.

How does your personal involvement in serving others make a positive impact, whether in your community, your nation, or your world?

Essays shall be limited to a minimum of 300 and a maximum of 500 words and must be submitted to the Local Lodge on or before November 1, 2015.

2014 WINNER OF

4,000

$

Grace Reilly, Tonganoxie High School

Contact any Kansas Masonic Lodge, Kansas Mason, or your counselor for information.

Essays shall be limited to a minimum of 300 and a maximum of 500 words and must be submitted to the Local Lodge on or before November 1, 2015.

MW GRAND LODGE OF AF & AM OF KANSAS ESSAY CONTEST IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE KANSAS MASONIC FOUNDATION

The winning essay(s) from a Local Lodge (one per high school in the Lodge’s area) will be sent to the Grand Lodge and must be postmarked no later than December 1, 2015.

30 THE KANSAS MASON

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

By Kansas Masonic Foundation Staff

The Kansas Mason: Available On Talking Books The Kansas Mason is teaming with Kansas Talking Books, operated by the Kansas State Library, to give members access to an audio version of the magazine.

The office for Talking Books is located at Emporia State University, and Brother Blaine Warkentine, Emporia Lodge No. 12, has agreed to read the magazine each quarter for the recording. He will spend three to four hours at ESU, and once the book is on audio, it will become available online to be downloaded.

“One of the nicest things about technology is the ability to make communications easier,” said Robert Shively, Executive Director of the Kansas Masonic Foundation. “We are pleased to be able to offer The Kansas Mason in an audio format and hope that it will be easier for some members, such as those who have issues with their eyesight, to keep up on what is happening statewide with our organization.”

The November 2015 issue of the magazine will be available in the early part of November. Future editions are planned to be available at the same time The Kansas Mason is mailed to the Craft.

According to the Talking Books website, “Any Kansas resident with a visual impairment, physical impairment or reading disability is eligible for Kansas Talking Books.” There is an application to complete and, once approved, you’ll be able to access the audio copies of The Kansas Mason.

In addition, you might want to check out other publications and books that are available through this important Kansas program.

For more information, visit www.kslib.info/153/Talking-Books or call (800) 362-0699 to discuss how the program works with someone at Kansas Talking Books.

The November 2015 issue of the magazine will be available in the early part of November.

WINTER 2015 31

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Kansans Bring

The Magic of Music, Teamwork, and Giving:

E

By Kansas Masonic Foundation Staff

By Kansas Masonic Foundation Staff

Students Flourish at the 32nd Annual Band Camp Music boomed across the football fields at

have that experience in their own home

Fort Hays State University in July as band

school district,” said camp band director

students from across Kansas gathered for

Lane Weaver, DMA, Director of Athletic

the 32nd Annual Kansas Masonic All-State

Bands at FHSU. Weaver said he grew up in a small Idaho

Band Camp.

In an awe-inspiring demonstration of

town and never had the chance to experi-

musical ability and skillful marching that

ence such an event when he was young.

delights audiences, more than 225 teenag-

“This is one camp where students meet

ers showed their band dedication with long

people from all over the state, experience

hours, hard work, and lots of laughter.

different directors, different staff, and all in

For some students, it was the first

a way that’s very accessible to them. I ap-

opportunity they had to be part of such a

preciate how the Kansas Masonic Founda-

marching band.

tion puts this together.”

“It provides a certain demographic of students the chance to experience a large marching band,

Elliott Huels, 15, is a freshman at a Kansas City-area high school, and even though he is in marching band this year, it is much

and they maybe wouldn’t

32 THE KANSAS MASON

continued on page 34

very year, Kansas Masons unite through their Lodges and the Foundation to support students from across the state for the Kansas Masonic All State Marching Band, but even more importantly, to offer monetary support to Shriners Hospitals for Children.

These hospitals offer hope and care for children and their families, oftentimes when they are in despair and facing life-changing crises.

Elliott Huels, 15, marched for his first year with the Kansas Masonic All-State Band, playing the trumpet, making friends and supporting a cause dear to his heart.

Shriners Hospitals are important to Huels because he has been a patient there for many years. The teenager was born with a deformed left hand, which stopped growing – he said he calls it his “little hand” because it is basically a wrist with little fingers on it.

“Shriners Hospital – they treat me as one of their own,” he said. “I walk in there and they smile at you. I usually just feel really welcome and I go to my OT (occupational therapy) department and they care about you.”

The warmth and love at the hospitals is, of course, an important part of the healing process for all the children served by Shriners Hospitals. But even more important are the ways in which the hospital specialists have changed Huels’ life.

“I play hockey, and they helped me build my glove,” he said. “It’s a specially made glove that wraps around the stick.

They also give me prosthetics for working out and lifting dumbbells.”

Huels said he works hard to learn from the Shriners.

“It makes such a big difference. I don’t only model the support of the Shriners, I also model the care of Shriners,” he explained. “How much they care for me, how much they help me. The Shrine Bowl

Personal Experience to Camp is a big deal, because it helps them make money to cover care. All the prosthetics they make, it’s all free. If you have insurance, that covers it. If insurance doesn’t cover it, they pay for it for themselves.”

Cierra Brumback, 15, also attended camp for the first time, and like Huels, she has a history with Shriners Hospitals. Her father, James Brumback, said Cierra had a bad accident when she was around 10 years old; she was shot in the leg and she was lifeflighted to St. Louis from southeast Kansas. Her leg became infected, and physicians there were talking about amputating.

“A doctor, we didn’t realize he was a Shrine doctor, came in on the case about 3 or 4 in the morning, and said he was going to save her leg,” James said. “It’s been about a four-year process right now, and we don’t have to go back to the hospital for about a year now. She’s probably had five or six major surgeries.

“She stood up in front of the Shrine Bowl this year and told what happened to her,” he added. “If it wasn’t for the Shrine doctors, she probably would be missing a leg.”

Shriners Hospitals has been spreading their healing for generations, and Lynn Streit, a nurse who volunteered as a band camp adviser for the first time this year, also is a witness to their powerful impact.

Today, as the First Lady of Isis Shrine, she travels around the country to share her story as part of the Angels and Heroes presentations.

“I was burned in a house fire when I was five years old, over 89 percent of my body and 85 percent were second- and third-degree burns,” she said. “I went to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Denver, initially, and they told my parents I had 48

hours to live, and at one point, they said we don’t think she’s going to make it through the night. Shriners came to us. We didn’t go to them; we didn’t seek their help.”

The Shriners worked with Streit’s parents to get her transferred to Galveston, which, in her precarious state, was dangerous. A government official in Oberlin, Kansas, contacted Sen. Bob Dole for help.

Dole called President Richard Nixon – and a message came to Streit’s parents: “There will be a military cargo plane at the airport to pick them up in 15 minutes.”

Streit said her mother, who was injured in the house fire and had both hands bandaged, raced in the ambulance with her to the hospital; her dad remained hospitalized. “Her hands were bandaged because she put me out – I came off of the porch on fire. She couldn’t even undo her pants, but she still got on that plane to go to Galveston with me,” she said.

“I’ve been very blessed my whole life, from birth,” Streit said, showing an example of the spirit of Shriners patients that impresses everyone they meet. “There’s a lot of parents, who, even today, they see

it as charity and they say no. My parents knew it was bigger than them and they needed help. If I would have been left in Denver, I’m sure they would have started comfort care.”

Instead, today, Streit tells her story and encourages support of the amazing work that Shriners do nationwide. Her husband became a Shriner and this year is his potentate year. Streit raises money for the organization, selling – of course – fire extinguishers, a fundraiser that has raised more than $5,000.

So much good came out of what happened to her, Streit can say today, though the memory of months of painful treatments stays with her. “The (Shrine) doctor that I had invented pressure garments with his partner. When I was in the hospital, they wrapped my arms and my legs and my chest in Ace wraps, and when the Ace would slip, the scar tissue would thicken. My doctor figured out that pressure helped keep the scars from thickening and helped kids scar less, so he invented pressure garments.”

Her goal now: “To help other people in that situation, just to let them know, you can be a survivor. You don’t have to give in to the bad things that happen. You can find blessings in the bad things.”

WINTER 2015 33

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Band Camp continued from page 32

and she was in the final performance.”

smaller than what he experienced during

from all different areas. Some of them have

his first year at the KMF camp. He may have

never been a part of the marching band,

been nervous when he first got to the camp,

and within four days, they turn out a pro-

memories that they’ll hold onto for the

but those nerves went away quickly.

duction that is just wonderful. That is the

rest of their lives. In that sense, it is a life-

“I had a lot of fun there,” he said. “We

teachers, the band instructors – that’s their

changing experience. It may not be a huge

practiced at 6 a.m. in the morning, we’d go

work. If anybody was more dedicated than

epiphany, but if everybody does their jobs

eat breakfast, go play for four hours and

the kids, it was the band camp instructors.

right, it’s something that’s going to change

march, and go eat lunch, go back outside

They worked and worked and worked. And

people,” Weaver said.

and march some more, and then go eat din-

they were just awesome with those kids. “

ner and march some more. The thing that

Streit said volunteers walked around

“I guarantee these kids are making

In the last few years, the band camp has become centered around the message “For

makes it fun is they make the practices fun,

during the hot hours of the day when

The Kids,” reminding everyone involved

they give us breaks, and they joke around.”

the band practiced, using a (clean) weed

that the camp’s purpose is to help children

sprayer to mist the kids with water to cool

to go to the Shriner’s hospitals. But it’s

during the camp impressed camp adviser

them down. “The tuba players – those

not a little thing to also change the lives of

and nurse Lynn Streit, who volunteered

things are heavy,” she said. “We had one

more than 200 band members – more than

for the first time this year. (See the sidebar

little girl who said she didn’t normally play

the Masonic camp has ever hosted before

for her personal experience with Shriners

the sousaphone, and because it was so

– who give up four days to push themselves

hospitals.)

heavy and she had to practice with it, her

and their skills to perform in the East-West

muscles would spasm. But that little girl

Shrine Bowl.

The dedication to working long hours

“I had no idea how hard they worked,” she said in admiration. “They bring in kids

34 THE KANSAS MASON

stuck in there, and she continued to play

“When I got the staff together that we

who had been treated at Shriners hospitals

for, and it just makes you push through the

May, I stressed that my primary goal was to

spoke to the band about their experiences.

rest of the week, to the banquet on Friday

give the students in the band, those young

Some of them were actually participating

night, the parade, and then the game.”

adults – they’re making their transition into

in the band camp, as well.

used here, for the first time back in

a more mature mindset –the band the best experience possible,” Weaver said. “I very specifically said, ‘I didn’t say the best show possible, the best performance possible, but the best experience possible.’ It’s important for these students to be able to see what it’s like to work with these college directors, who are used to working on the next level. All of this just helps us all

Fritz, who turned 18 recently and on

“I like the fact that anywhere you go in the country, you can always find help if you see the square and compass.”

“The first day, when you’re out in the

that day was presented with a petition to

take the next step forward, the next step

heat, you’re really not sure what you’re

become a Mason, said going to the Shrine

forward, the next step forward.”

doing it for, and you kind of start second-

Bowl fueled his long-held drive to become

guessing yourself,” said Brady Fritz, of

a Mason. His father, Brother Dale is the

in summer 2015 didn’t stop with music,

Eureka, who has attended the band camp

Grand Standard Bearer for Kansas, and

marching and ultimately the Shrine Bowl

for four years. “When you finally meet the

Fritz has admired the brotherhood since

performances. This year, young people

kids, you truly realize what you’re doing it

The experience for the band members

continued on page 49

WINTER 2015 35

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

By Kansas Masonic Foundation Staff

Charity Auction Provides Fun and Philanthropy

The Annual Freemason’s Endowment Charity Auction, held on Friday night following the Banquet of Annual Communication, has become one event Brothers look forward to every year.

Started in 2014, it was established to benefit a fund administered by the Grand Lodge and Kansas Masonic Foundation, which helps Masons and their families when they need it most. A wide array of stand-out items are showcased and sold as part of the auction.

Since the Freemason’s Endowment was established, almost fifty Brothers and their families have been given assistance through

this fund. The fund has been established to endow at $1.5 million. Today, the fund has reached almost $1.0 million and the push is on to reach the $1.5 million endowment.

With your help, we can do just that!

This year’s goal for the March 18, 2016, Auction is to raise $100,000. The auction will actually have three components—the online auction that will begin on March 1, 2016, at

auction item descriptions John Deere Model “B Series” Tractor One of John Deere’s most sought after collectable/restorable tractors from the early years. This tractor has been recently gone over from front to back by a certified John Deere Dealer and is in excellent running condition. Great to use for everyday use or in parades.

Nothing runs like a Deere! Anonymous Donor Amazing 9-piece Pewter Cowboy Collection Rick Bartlett designed figurines feature six cowboys in various poses and has three accessory pieces— rifle, dog, cactus. Each piece signed RB. Anonymous Donor Pewter Clown Music Box Beautifully designed by Michael Ricker, this limited edition pewter piece rests on a walnut base.

Anonymous Donor Charming Vintage Childhood Pewter Set Eight pieces designed

by Michael Ricker feature boy fishing, choirboy, preacher, golfer, dog and toy car. Anonymous Donor Rare Edison Victrola Stunning floor model, oak enchased Victrola is in nice working condition and features beautiful cabinetry. Set on caster, easily moves for your listening pleasure. Comes with several vintage 1920’s records. Donated by Topeka Lodge No. 17

36 THE KANSAS MASON

OLD MASTERS “FREEMASONS” Blended Scotch Whisky Old Masters, a rich blend originally created for the Freemasons, has been carefully chosen from selected grain whiskies and specific Highland and Speyside malts. Like whisky, Freemasonry has been established for centuries and offers a recognizable brand to complement the Craft’s age-old traditions. Donated by Bob Shively History of Kansas Masonry Volume 1 & II of the “History of Kansas Masonry” provides the sharing of the past with the present.

These publications provide further aid in search of “From Whence We Came” and in doing so; each who participates will surely become a wiser and a better Mason. Each member of our Craft plays an important part in our future and each of us must be continually reminded of this so that we may not be found wanting in the performance of our duties. Donated by Grand Lodge of Kansas Handmade Wooden Square and Compasses Handmade, by Brother Darren Hadl, using exotic woods and Tung oil and is 12 inches at the base. Donated by Bob Shively Limited Edition Print This limited edition print of “Frank’s Place Green Wing Teal” is No. 1217 of 2000 that noted wildlife artist David Hagerbaumer created for the Ducks Unlimited in 1980. Donated by Larry Brown, Realtor

8 a.m. Central time and ends on March 16, 2016, at 5 p.m. Central time.

This new feature was added last year and was well received, allowing ALL Masons across the state to participate and support this worthwhile endeavor by allowing an onlineonly component.

The other two components of the auction are the on-site silent auction that begins

Antique Framed Shriner Collectable Beautiful 1908 Postcard “ A Little Shriner Wearing His First Pin” incased in a striking 4” x 10” oak 1900’s frame with The Scimitar, Crescent and Star of the Mystic Shrine. Donated by Bob Shively Grand Master’s of Kansas Tie Collection Beautiful hand crafted ties made By Brother Craddick specifically for MW Rick Reichert, GM 2013, MW Michael Halleran, GM 2014, MW Daren Kellerman, GM 2015 and MW Lyn Beyer GM 2016.

Donated by Daren Kellerman, GM Set of Lodge Officer Aprons A complete set of custom designed Lodge Officer aprons along with 15 Past Master and 10 Master Mason aprons. Each apron will be custom designed with Lodge Name and number. Donated by Tim Fowler & Solomon City Regalia Masonic Quilt and Matching Pillows This handmade quilt by Vera Wheeler of Walnut, KS a 61 year member of the Eastern Star and is a Past Matron of three chapters (Walnut, Erie and Weir) took over one month to make. All of the star points were sewn and embroidered by hand. Donated by Don Wheeler

An 8-Day and 7-Night Unbelievable Trip to Maui, Hawaii Lodging and airfare for two are provided for a trip of a lifetime. From its heavenly beaches to its scenic natural wonders, there are plenty of reasons why Maui has been voted “Best Island” by readers of Conde Nast Traveler for nineteen years.

Donated by Mike Tavares Stunning rare 14k yellow gold Masonic Pendant This antique pendant represents a one-of-a-kind designed Masonic piece, weight 16.3 grams. It features square and compass with elaborately carved moon-faced moonstone. Superior quality. Donated by Frank G. Freudenthal Family Brilliant 14k Past Master Masonic Ring Sides beautifully detailed with trowel and gavel, while face bears square and compass.

Weighing 13.5 grams, a 10 point diamond and blue enameling add emphasis to this gorgeous ring.

Donated by Frank G. Freudenthal Family Striking Vintage Gold Filled Eastern Star Pendant with Chain This lovely necklace features an enameled eastern star set on black onyx. Donated by Frank G. Freudenthal Family

on Thursday, March 17, at 8 a.m. Central time and closes on Friday, March 18, at 6 p.m. just prior to the start of the Annual Communication Banquet. The final component of the auction is the live auction.

This takes place following the dinner and awards ceremony and is truly a fun part of the evening. All told, every Mason in Exquisite 10k Yellow Gold Masonic Ring This highly defined ring, 6.2 grams, bears nice gemstones on the square and compass.

There is six .01 point round diamonds, one .02 point diamond, and two 2 mm rubies. Donated by Frank G. Freudenthal Family Quality 10k Yellow Gold Scottish Rite Ring Band, weighing 4.6 grams, features black enameling.

Donated by Frank G. Freudenthal Family Lovely 50th Anniversary 14k Yellow Gold Pendant/Charm Perfect for that special occasion, pendant has 3 set stones and weighs 2.3 grams. Donated by Frank G. Freudenthal Family 14k Yellow Gold Collar Pins or Tie Tacs These unique pins feature the Masonic square design. Donated

by Frank G. Freudenthal Family Pair of Scottish Rite Tie Tacs One is sterling with marcasite settings. The other is a nicely plated and enameled pin. Donated by Frank G. Freudenthal Family Pairing of Three Masonic Tie Tacs/Pins These pieces include a yellow gold plated Past Masters tie tac, a yellow gold plated Keys tie tac, and fancy Kansas AF&AM gold plated and enameled pin. Donated

by Frank G. Freudenthal Family Sterling Silver Tie Tacs and Charm This selection includes a Masonic sterling silver tie tac with man-made stones, a NJ enameled 25-year pin, and sterling marked .925 charm. Donated by Frank G. Freudenthal Family

Kansas will have at least one way to get involved and participate, via donation, bidding or both.

As bidders, of course, you are strongly encourage to bid generously, since your willingness to do so will make this event helpful to the deserving Masons who benefit from the auction. But how can suitable

Assortment of Four Yellow Gold Plated Tie Tacs These nice Tacs include a York Rite pin, a Scottish Rite piece, Senior De Molay pin, and a Futures Pin Beautiful 10K Masonic Ring This unique man’s gold ring features a red jewel with the square and compass inlaid. Beautiful ring with dazzling color. Donated by Bob Shively Old Vintage Magic Lantern Masonic Glass Slides 20 Vintage Magic Lantern Glass Slides with beautiful color Masonic subject.

There are no cracks in glass and all are in great condition. Donated by Bob Shively Two tickets and one parking pass for a (TBD) University of Kansas football game Experience the excitement of a KU Football Game at KU’s Memorial Stadium. Donated by Kansas University Foundation Two Tickets and one parking pass for one, University of Kansas Men’s Basketball game in Allen Fieldhouse.Be part of an electric season when the Jayhawks kick-off their fall season. Bearer will select a mutually agreed upon game in 2016. Donated by Kansas University Foundation Bill Self Autographed Basketball One of the winningest coaches, Self has led KU to ten straight Big 12 Conference Season Championships. A Personally autographed basketball is the perfect gift for any enthusiast. Donated by Kansas University Foundation

donation items be chosen? The best brief answer is that they should be things that you yourself find meaningful and valuable.

Perhaps some piece of memorabilia, or something of larger significance that represent your status or career—it’s really up to you. One-hundred percent of all proceeds raised go to the Freemason’s Endowment.

So why not begin planning to support the next Annual Freemason’s Endowment Charity Auction right now—through your donations, your bids, and, if at all possible, your presence. Enclosed with this issue of your Kansas Mason is a donation form that can be easily completed and sent to the Kansas Masonic Foundation. All donations are tax-deductible and will receive “C” club credit.

Embroidered set of Masonic Officer Customized Hoodies Hooded sweatshirt with large Square and Compass and Lodge name and position embroidered on the back and person’s name and small masonic emblem embroidered on the front. Set will include choice of pullover or full zip.

Donated by Clay Thomas of “Clay’s Customs” Embroidered Long Sleeve Oxford Shirts for Lodge Officers. Long sleeve 100% Cotton shirt for all Lodge Officers. The shirt is available in multiple colors to choose from. Each will be embroidered with the Lodge identification information. Donated by McCoy Four Royals Tickets 2016 Royals tickets (good seats few rows behind visiting dugout) and a parking pass for the auction. Donated by Don Wheeler Autographed Bob Dole Framed Picture Brother and Senator Bob Dole graciously autographed the front cover of the Fall 2015 “Kansas Mason” in which he was featured. Beautifully framed, this piece bears a certificate of authenticity from Brother Dole on his Washington letterhead. Donated

by Bob Dole Autographed football from the 32nd Annual Kansas Masonic All-State Band Camp Personally signed by more than 200 band camp students and their advisors, this piece commemorates the dedication of our brotherhood to the advancement and fulfillment of youth related activities. Donated by KMF

Grand Lodge “ Officers Protecting Our Fraternity” signed and framed print The 2015-2016 Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Senior Warden, Grand Junior Warden, Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretary, Grand Senior Deacon and Grand Junior Deacon have each signed this unique artwork as a testament to their loyalty and leadership of our fraternal organization. Donated by Grand Lodge “American Remembered” Pewter Sculpture Park City designer Michael Ricker has created a nostalgic piece of Americana featuring a grandfather reading to is grandchildren. Piece is attached to walnut base. Anonymous Donor Pewter Pheasant Bookends These Metzke designed bookends make a bold & weighty statement.

Perfect for the outdoorsman’s man cave. Anonymous Donor Set of Pewter Carousel Figures Delightful sculptures by Michael Ricker evokes a nostalgic feel. Each is a limited edition, signed and number piece. Set includes, swan, girl on horse and hours figurines.

Anonymous Donor

WINTER 2015 37

HOME WARMINGS

By Hervey Wright III, Director of Development and Fraternal Relations, KMH

A Rich Tradition Kansas Masonic Home (KMH), has roots that run deep. Beginning as a home for orphans and widows in 1895, the community will celebrate 120 years of service in October. Newly renovated, while maintaining Masonic traditions, KMH is a true and shining example of the Kansas Mason spirit- proud,

Masonic Home West Side, 1956

loyal, and focused on

loving care in the midst of loss is a testa-

women who honored the same traditions

the important things;

ment to the hearty spirit and faith of the

and shared the same values as herself. She

caring for residents and

Kansas Masonic community. Ruth’s smile

had a built-in community wherever she went.

each other.

was evident as she recalled the time spent

It is evident how much joy living at KMH

with her sister watching baseball games and

has brought to both women, especially

of the Order of the Eastern Star, Rose

college basketball on television at KMH,

with the community’s ties to the tradi-

Douglas Chapter No. 475, and a long-time

“any game, but we’re Royals fans,” she

tions that have been so special to them

resident of KMH, moved with her family

stated joyfully.

throughout their lives. They both gushed

Ruth Loudenslager, a Lifetime member

from Tonkawa, OK to Wichita when she

Twyla Mosman, another KMH resident,

genuinely about the caring staff and the

was just 5 years old and remembers hearing

eats breakfast with Ruth daily and is a

fellowship at KMH, Ruth saying there are

tales of the kindness and care of Kansas

“proud 61 year member of the Order of the

“no friends, just family” and also stated that

Masonic Home as a little girl. Her father

Eastern Star”, currently a Golden Rod

it has been “a great relief to her kids that

worked in the oil fields, a life-time Mason,

No. 173. Like Ruth, Twyla moved from

she gets the care she needs.” Both women

her mother a member of the Order of the

Oklahoma to Kansas when she was a young

have a slew of children, grandchildren,

Eastern Star, allowing her up-bringing to be

girl and heard the same stories about Kansas

great-grandchildren/”great-grand-girlies”,

steeped in Masonic values. Sunday drives

Masonic Home from her Mason father.

and great-great grandchildren who enjoy

would take her family past Kansas Masonic

“I always knew I would end up here, 78

visiting the beautiful campus and attend-

Home, her father pointing to it and show-

years later,” she laughed. Twyla remembers

ing the fun and interesting events. Both of

ing the children where the community was

when it was time to make a decision about

Twyla’s children were involved with Masons,

located. 90 years later she has made her

moving into a community she didn’t look

her daughter was a member of the Order

home at KMH, along with her sister, Yvonne

anywhere else. KMH was always going to be

of Rainbow Girls and son was a member of

Hartke. Yvonna was also proud to be a life

home. Being a member of the Order of the

the Order of DeMolay International. Ruth

member Eastern Star, Rose Douglas

Eastern Star has made a huge difference to

and Twyla feel very fortunate to live at KMH

No. 475, and the two sisters made the deci-

her throughout her life. Moving from place to

and the words “proud” and “pride” came up

sion to make their home together at KMH

place as a young wife with her husband-

many times when discussing their involve-

in the summer of 2009 after witnessing the

a government employee- the couple would

ment with the Order of the Eastern Star and

excellent care received by their parents

often not know anyone in their new town

the wonderful work and women that have

and brother as residents of the community.

or state. In every “strange new town” Twyla

been a part of their lives through it.

Yvonna, 99 years old, passed away the night

would pick up the phonebook, search the

before Ruth recalled these happy memories,

directory and dial the number of the local

Loudenslager’s sister (December 29, 1915-

but sharing her story of modest pride and

chapter, giving her an instant connection to

September 2, 2015)

38 THE KANSAS MASON

*Article dedicated to Yvonna Hartke, Ruth

BOOK REVIEW

By George O. Braatz, Past Grand Master and Past Grand Secretary of Grand Lodge of Ohio, and currently Executive Secretary of Masonic Service Association of North America

The Craft Driven Lodge The Craft Driven Lodge by Daniel D. Hrinko

Often, such discussions about Lodge

tells the story of the creation of a new Ma-

operations and philosophy run directly into

sonic Lodge in central Ohio. More impor-

roadblocks from a Grand Lodge or “tradi-

tantly, it details the specific principles and

tionalists.” The charter members of Arts &

practices molded into the fabric of this new

Sciences Lodge were very prudent and kept

Lodge – a direction which, the founders

strict compliance with the Grand Lodge

believe, is missing from most other Lodges.

rules and regulations and were adept at

If successful, its leaders say, the new Lodge

winning favor of state officers, including the

will chart a slightly different course from the

Grand Master.

avenue Freemasonry has been traveling in recent years.

In The Craft Driven Lodge, Brother Hrinko begins his discussion of numerous

Brother Hrinko describes the process

issues – such as leadership, decision-making,

followed by a group of brothers, who began

ritual, education, and so on – in the broad-

meeting for refreshment and discussion in

est possible way. How do the practices

what they called the Goose and Gridiron

impact individuals in society, in general?

Social Club, named for the famous tavern

Then each issue is narrowed in focus to its

where the Grand Lodge of England was

impact on the Masonic Fraternity, then on

founded in 1717. Their discussions eventually

an individual Lodge, and finally on Arts &

led to a charter for Arts & Sciences Lodge,

Sciences Lodge. This process demonstrates

under the Grand Lodge, A.F.&A.M., of Ohio.

how each issue emerged as a factor in the

The author and the other founders established a group of principles “essential

new Lodge’s creation.

This book is, indeed, a guideline for

to the long-term health and well being of an

Masons in creating a brand-new Lodge or

organization,” especially a Masonic Lodge.

for brothers looking for ways to bring a

These approaches included meeting agen-

new direction to an existing Lodge.

das, education, new member orientation,

Arts & Sciences Lodge is operating

overall Lodge size, and decision-making,

successfully, adhering to its set of principles,

among others.

with the hope that it will remain pure to

I was Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Ohio during the initial efforts of

IT DETAILS THE SPECIFIC PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES MOLDED INTO THE FABRIC OF THIS NEW LODGE

those tenets, even after several generations of members.

the group and witnessed closely the cohesion that was built among a diverse group of brothers. Not all the early participants continued in the group, but those who did achieved some remarkable results.

Available from McCoy Publishing & Masonic Supply Co., Inc. at the Grand Lodge of Kansas Masonic Shop.

WINTER 2015 39

OUT AND ABOUT Brethren, truth in Masonry is often what you have observed to be true. I do not attempt to write articles such as this with an attitude that THIS IS THE TRUTH! But rather, to offer an explanation of MY interpretation of such subjects, which may arise out of my conscience in my personal studies of the many nuances our Craft has to offer. Masonry, I believe, is to be experienced and then, from your personal perspective, you may better determine that which is true for you in articles such as this. So….read, enjoy, and if you desire, I would appreciate feedback!

Pyramid Lodge No. 451& Current Secretary Albert Pike Lodge No. 303

By James Alexander Craig, Past Master

Becoming A Master Mason: New Or Experienced, We’re “On the Level”

Interestingly, it does NOT put him “on the level.” That petitioner, as a candidate is now the MOST important person in our Lodge regardless of his past stature in the community. The accolades he may have gained previously have nothing to do with this new state of importance any more than the perhaps “mundane” existence his life may have been. Nothing lessens his new state of high importance to the lodge. (Those in the

I take great pride in the Masonic slogan that

of our Craft, so be it. You are still A Master

first example, we hope, have not reached

has come into regular usage in the past few

Mason “On the Level” with all your brothers!

this stage.) The Lodge assembles just for him

years – “On the Level.” I take pride in it

Now let’s look at:

to confer the several degrees on him. The

because it is true. Every time my lodge raises

Journey to Level

Lodge will do anything and everything it can

another Master Mason, after the lectures I en- Recently I have been examining the change

to assist him in completing his journey. And

joy articulating to these new Master Masons

from being a “man on the street” to becom-

when all is said and done after his raising,

that as of right now, he is JUST AS MUCH

ing “On the Level” with Masons. I have come

whether or not we recognize or believe it to

A MASON AS I AM! Just as much a Mason

up with what I believe to be an interesting

be so, I believe there is a collective sigh of

as our current Master or any of the Past

transformation that takes place in the Craft’s

relief among the Brethren. “It is finished…

Masters. Just as much a Mason as our Grand

perception of a prospective candidate on

he is now one with us.” Sorry, brother, you

Master…and even just as much a Mason as

that journey. First of all, the “man on the

are no longer the most important . . . you are

W. George Washington!

street” is nowhere near being “On the Level”

“On the Level.” Congratulations!

The only difference between him and me is

with us, Masonically speaking. As Masons, of

CAUTION: While the last statement I

the fact that he is a brand-new Master Mason

course, we respect him as a human being, a

made above I believe to be true, and it is

while I have more than 45 years under my

child of God. However, we may look down

meant to be a compliment to the new Master

belt. What I have done during those 45 years

on him if he has chosen to take advantage

Mason, we as the “older brothers,” however,

earned me some titles and honors…and some

of society to get a “free ride” or if he has

must be cognizant of the possibility that to

criticism, as well. The praise and the criticism

chosen to lead a life outside the morals of

the new Master Mason, his transition from

have not changed, however, the love I have for

society. We may look up to him as is men-

“most important” to “on the level” might be

the Craft and the love returned to me from

tioned in one of our lectures… “that they

seen as abandonment. We cannot let that

the craft…including from those who criticize

(fellow-men) will elevate you to the highest

happen to our newest Master Masons. It is

me. We remain united and equal in Masonry.

position of honor, trust and emolument, and

our continual duty to help lead ALL Masons

What you choose to do with Masonry will

cause your name to be inscribed high on the

into brighter light daily as they may allow us,

determine what praise, honors, titles, and yes,

Pillar of Worldly fame.” Another group is

regardless of how “old” or “new” they may

criticisms will become a part of your legacy.

those who, for lack of a better description,

be. Mentoring must continue.

But all of this will not change who you are, a

are just “Normal Folks.” Good men but with

Master Mason! Just like me, just like Worship-

no outstanding traits to cause one to either

acquaintances among the craft? Acquaintanc-

ful, just like Right Worshipful , just like Most

despise or elevate . . . perhaps “mundane”

es are not your Brothers and your Brothers

Worshipful, you are in charge of creating

is an accurate description. In any case, we

are not acquaintances. Having an “acquain-

your own legacy, and if you are content with

are NOT on the level with these examples

tance” is nice . . . make him your Brother

relaxing in the comfort of the Fraternal Bonds

because an accepted petition changes all that. and witness the change!

40 THE KANSAS MASON

Finally, have you noticed that we have no

By Anthony W. “Tony” Borum, OM, Grand Junior Deacon

Not Your Grand Papp’s Grand Lodge — Don’t Take Offense My 8-year-old son Jim walked through the machine shop 28 years ago.

His grandpa, the best manual machinist I’ve ever known, was cranking handles on a rotary table.

“You need a motor on that thing,” my son said as he walked by.

Grandpa just dropped his hands by his side, looked at the floor and said, “You’re right, Jimmy.”

Even Grandpa understood that every machine shop needs a young person to walk through and see what you’re doing and how you’re doing it and view it through new eyes.

Young people tend to see things as they are now, putting them in the language and knowledge of today.

They are: • Not encumbered by ancient tradition or common practices • Don’t know what has been tried before, and aren’t blinded by what can or can’t be done • Not afraid to fail, to come up short, to push a restart button and try again • Don’t know the bad things that might happen (because most of the time they don’t) • Not afraid of change • Masonry. . .

New and younger Masons in our lodges are fresh, with fresh ideas and the courage to change things up a bit.

They are: • Not encumbered by ancient tradition or common practices • Don’t know what has been tried before, and aren’t blinded by what can or can’t be done • Not afraid to fail, to come up short, to push a restart button and try again • Don’t know the bad things that might happen (because most of the time they don’t) • Not afraid of change • The future of Masonry They know that just because it didn’t work then doesn’t mean it won’t work now.

Today, more than ever, we need our new and younger Masons to walk around our lodges and question why we do things the way we always have done.

I’m not talking about our sacred ritual. We all have a duty – especially us “old guys” – to protect our landmarks and our ritual.

Our Grand Lodge officers today are young and full of new ideas. But we still must be willing to listen, to change how we reach out to our brothers . . .young and old.

Change how we reach out to our community.

Change how we reach out to our potential members Technology has changed. Times have changed. People have changed.

We must change.

We need a motor on this thing.

Corner Stone Lodge No. 219

By Benjamin A. Lambert, Junior Warden

edge and wisdom. Others find solace in

Freemasonry To Me and A New Generation

and trust. Born to a generation forged in

(This oration was given to the Brothers that

of technology, and sharpened on the grind

attended the annual Oak Tree Lodge meeting

stone of mistrust, we struggle to shake off

on September 12, 2015)

the blinders; our hands are bound in rope

We all come to Freemasonry for dif-

the Brotherhood, a bond forged by passion the fires of war, tempered in the waters

carried by a media controlled by politics and

ferent reasons: some to learn the secrets,

greed. We struggle to find something right

those hidden mysteries that are the hallmark

in the world. A place where new ideas are

of the Fraternity. Some have a better

celebrated and the good of man is placed

every idea without fear of being mocked, or

understanding of what we are about and

at the top. Where finding God is a jour-

persecuted. I’ve learned that there are many

see a group of like-minded men sharing

ney shared by all faiths. Where a man can

paths to God, and though each path takes a

their experiences and passing on knowl-

search for the answers of life, and explore

different route, each is paved with the same

WINTER 2015 41

OUT AND ABOUT bricks. I learned that there is sometimes more than one answer to life’s questions, and that sometimes there are none. We all come from different backgrounds, religiously,

Ninnescah No. 230 & Dwight Lodge No. 374

By Ezra Olson, Past Master

Volunteers Flying After Kingman Air Show On June 20, Masons from Ninnescah Lodge No. 230 in Kingman devoted their time and en-

culturally, generationally, each with their

ergies to supporting the Kingman Fly-In and Air Show. This community event allowed more

own struggles, battles, and demons. Here in

than 60 young people to explore aviation and understand the all of blue skies.

this place we join together, here with these

Masonic volunteers immersed themselves in the sights and sounds of the fly, the smell

men we make good men better. Outside of

of exhaust, and the circling of props, doing everything from being a “ramp boss” to direct

Freemasonry, our generation has learned a

aircraft and turning on runway lights. Pilots flew into Kingman from across the state as

lot. We were betrayed by our religious lead-

part of the community event.

ers. We learned that things we were taught

“We as aviators may never see the long-lasting effects this fly-in on that hot June

in school aren’t true. We watched on as

weekend had on young people,” said Brother Ezra Olson of the Masons who worked to

tragedy rocked the nation in Columbine. We

make the fly-in a success. “Truly, though, you have made a lasting impression. You may

watched the towers fall. We fought in the wars of our fathers and bled on foreign soil.

We lost our faith. And like Hermes we look

have been the one to inspire a child to go to college, a child that becomes an aviation manager, engineer, pilot, aircraft mechanic, or aircraft assembler and thus provides and raises a good family within this community or around the world.”

for God in the Alchemist’s fire. We smash atoms and peruse the stars. For surely there we will find God. But unlike Hermes, we fail to include ourselves, our search stops at the doors of our souls. Our minds are closed to God, for we don’t know that the Alchemists fire burns within us. That the mana of life is the essence of our souls, our faith and the world around us. Freemasonry in the New Generation becomes a missed step, the next step, the lost step.

Belleville Lodge No. 129

By Doug Wilkinson, Master

Making Old Ideas New: Reinvigorating Belleville Lodge No. 129 At Belleville Lodge No. 129, we have seen a growing interest in Masonry and have expanded our brotherhood by 25, including restorations, in the last couple of years.

“The Official Ramp Crew” in front of a 1945 T6 Texan. Left to right Jimmy Prouty, Jake Rakestraw, Dewey Simons, Worshipful Master Tony Perkins, Ezra Olson and Russell Walker. Not in photo Shane Bales. All of Ninnescah Lodge 230 of Kingman, Ks. All worked the ramp which included directing aircraft movement, parking aircraft, and most of all insured the safety of kids getting to and from the airplanes for free flights.

enough people in lodge to open?”

The answer is pretty simple and, believe

about a year and a half ago. Here are a few old ideas we put into action to accomplish

Ten of these were fairly recently. In a time

it or not, it is not magic either. It is a handful

this and some thoughts on what has worked

when many lodges are struggling, we are

of guys who want the same thing, and that is

in Belleville:

asked frequently, “How are you doing this?

for our fraternity to prosper and brotherly

Get organized and establish achievable

How are you getting this much interest in

love to prevail. I am very blessed because

goals. (Masters, pay close attention.) Select

Masonry while others are struggling to get

I was the Master while all of this fun began

officers who will participate in achieving your

42 THE KANSAS MASON

goals as well as coming to the regular meetings, and then commit to attending the annual District School of instruction/meeting. Build your committees around your goals. A good Secretary is important. Ours is Brother Don Waddington, and he does an excellent job!

The last two district meetings we were one officer short of perfect attendance, once because an officer was unable to miss work and once because an officer who is a pastor had a church call. I want to clarify that this is not

Wieland. They are helped by RW Matthew

about perfect attendance, but about mak-

Mutz, our current District Deputy. I might

ing sure the officers attend the meeting to

add that Brother Daniel proved up on the 3rd

hour. We also have Brothers who may have

receive a wonderful training experience. This

degree work lecture and was presented his

previous commitments who try to at least

also holds true for all Brothers, but especially

grandfather’s Masonic Bible on September

get to our fellowship hour to catch up and

the newly raised Brothers.

17 after the fellowship hour and meal. The

then head out to their commitments.

Belleville Lodge No. 129

whole idea behind the social media comGet creative with your committees. Do

mittee is to get the word out about our

Reach out to Brothers who no longer at-

not just establish the status quo commit-

activities and stated communication times.

tend. Consolidation of lodges seems to have

tees. Think about other ideas, such as a meal

This is especially important for our traveling

become something that happens more fre-

committee or activities committee and then

Brothers who are looking for area lodges

quently for various reasons. I personally wish

select people who have an interest in those

to attend while on business trips or just on

we could help get a struggling lodge back on

types of activities. You cannot accomplish any-

vacation. How many times have you had a

its feet as opposed to closing it. If a lodge

thing without the right people in the right places.

Brother tell you, “Man, I must have missed

closes and merges with another lodge, how

your sign or I had no idea there was a lodge

many members will attend the new lodge?

have a fellowship hour from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at

in town or if there was, where and when

I can answer this from experience: a couple

every communication/meeting. The Chair-

does it meet?” The last visitor I spoke to said

to none. Heavy on the none! Ultimately,

man of this committee, Brother Ray Clark,

he called Grand Lodge to find out if Belleville

several of the members end up dropping

texts or calls everyone the day before the

had a lodge. That is a big problem we wanted

out altogether. One of the things we are

meeting to remind them the meeting is taking

to address, so very soon, with the click of

doing this fall in Belleville is reaching out to

place and to tell them the menu for the meal.

a button, they will be able to see not only

our Brothers who no longer attend because

He also communicates events taking place,

that important information but will see our

their new lodge is in another town, assuring

such as degree work or special presentations.

scheduled activities as well.

them we need them and we need their ideas

We have a meal committee because we

and help. I hope this will help get them back

Additionally, we encourage all Brothers to bring a friend or two to the meal and enjoy

Establishing fellowship hour. One of the peti-

to see us. I know that if they come for one

the fellowship hour with us. Brother Clark

tions we have for this fall is from a guy who

fellowship hour, they will continue to come

is aided by one of our newer Brothers and

was a server at a couple of our meals last

back as often as they can.

Current Chaplin Brother Brian Young.

spring, and he was so impressed by what he

We also have a newly established social

observed he asked, “How can I get involved

(Masters, pay attention.) I want to mention

media committee co-chaired by two of our

in this?” We seem to get quite a bit of inter-

something I think all Masters need to think

newest Brothers, Daniel Seip and Shane

est in guys just stopping in for the fellowship

about, although in fact all Brothers need to

WINTER 2015 43

OUT AND ABOUT continued from page 43 think about it as well. Why do our Brothers

are there to help out in any way they can.

matching funds program, to aid nonprofit

quit our fraternity? Have you ever taken the

Brothers Waddington and Karl Fry help to

organizations and the Foundation scholar-

time to ask them why they quit? I have and

coach our new Brothers and aid with main-

ship programs have given us a boost as

what I learned was very interesting. There

taining proficiency. Also, we could not have

well. For example, part of the matching

were two-three reasons that stood out to

done it without the help of a couple of our

funds were used to help the local food

me and they were, “I don’t know. I just quit

surrounding lodges. Brothers Brian Free-

pantry, which provided great community

paying my dues because I lost interest. No

man, Jim Hudson, Brad Peterson, and Don

awareness. Additionally, our $1,000 schol-

communication. I got into it with another

Lieb from the Courtland Lodge and Brother

arship winner from a year ago is also now

Brother.” It is easy for us to let them quit

Gary Benteman and MW Don Robinett

one of our new Brothers. His letter was

and then say to someone else, “I wonder

from the Lodge in Concordia all took time

published in The Kansas Mason as one of

why so and so quit coming to lodge?” You

to help us accomplish our success.

the scholarship winners. He is now Brother Trent Fry. For the first time, in recent

know what else I learned from talking to

We have to help each other in order

them? Almost every one of them said “I

for everyone to succeed. The good news is

memory at least, in Belleville Lodge we had

wish I had never quit and I am sure now I

we have enough work lined up to get us all

a senior in high school who wanted to be

could never get back in.”

the way through 2016. Success also brings

a part of our fraternity before he left for

challenges and recently MW Don Robinett

college. What a wonderful success story.

Fellow Brothers, it is OUR Responsibility to

reminded me of the following: Now we

One of the two $1,000 scholarship winners

make sure every one of our Brothers who

have to keep them interested and feeling as

from this past year also said he wants to

demonstrated enough interest to join our

if they are part of the future, such as hav-

be a part of our fraternity soon. The other

fraternity to begin with knows if he made a

ing them take an office and participate on

winner was a nice young lady whose father,

mistake in quitting, it is not too late to come

committees and help with our community

grandfather, and great-grandfathers are/

back. It is our job/responsibility to show

evolvement activities, etc. Good council

were all Masons. You have to use all of your

them the way. What is important here is

MW Don!

resources to accomplish your goals and we are trying to do that at Belleville Lodge No.

that we have a very balanced success story

129, and I think it is paying off.

going at Lodge No. 129, with not only new

Get creative in the community! One of our

guys becoming Masons, but we are also

Brothers we raised this past spring, Brother

bringing once-committed Brothers back who

James Cluver, came up with a wonder-

are doing. However, I truly hope you can

wished they had never left to start with. The

ful idea during this last year’s county fair.

take some of our OLD ideas and mix in

great part is those guys are coming back

He developed trivia questions about local

some new, and begin to recharge your

and they’re participating because we simply

interests and then the people with the

lodges, your Brothers, and your com-

contacted them. MW Tracy Bloom helped

correct answers would call the local radio

munities so our Fraternity Prospers and

me get the list of suspended members and

station and receive free ride tickets to the

Brotherly Love Prevails.

the rest is history.

carnival. Boy, did that get attention! I had

I couldn’t possibly list everything we

people stopping me on the street to tell

By James A. Marples, Perpetual life member

We have held degree work at most of

me how much they appreciated the Masons

Mulvane Lodge No. 201

our meetings for the last year and a half,

doing something like that which, of course,

and none of that could have been accom-

ended up in further discussion about Ma-

Masonic Lodge Highway Road Signs Really Welcome Visitors

plished without the help of our own guys

sonry and it’s great charitable approach to

As a native Kansan, born in Wichita, Raised

like Brother Waddington, who holds an

the community.

in Sunflower Lodge No. 86 and now a

unlimited card, and Roger Walls our former

Following that same type of idea we

Perpetual Life Member of Mulvane Lodge

Grand Chaplin along with our former

are involved in the community by using the

No. 201 at Mulvane, KS....I have made

District Deputy RW Lonnie Craig. They

Masonic Foundations programs, such as the

countless trips for decades now to south-

44 THE KANSAS MASON

eastern Kansas, each time passing through Caney, Kansas. I have marveled at the nice and notably LARGE handcrafted metal grid highway road signs denoting one community organization: the Masonic Lodge which welcomes visitors to Caney Kansas; and even alerts/welcomes those visitors who are members of the Masons that the Caney Masonic Lodge meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month at 7:30 P.M. Being a 4th generation Mason myself, the signs are LARGER than most other community signs of civic and fraternal organizations such as the Lions Club, Kiwanis, Moose, Eagles, Knights of Columbus (yes, I am Catholic too) or Elks Lodge signs, What “stands out” about the Caney Masonic highway signs is that they literally “stand out” and are easily visible to the eye of a person driving a car, without undue gawking while driving. Being an attentive car-driver, I generally want to keep my eyes-on-theroad. Thankfully, the road signs installed by the Masons at Caney, Kansas are largeenough to “inform” without distracting the driver with “fine print” often seen with signs of other civic groups telling time/place/ location of the other groups’ meetings.

For years, I have promised myself I would attend a Stated Meeting of Caney Masonic Lodge No. 324. I made good on my promise on September 22, 2015 when I attended a meeting. The Lodge’s presiding officer, its Worshipful Master, W. Bro.

By Carl A. Otto DDGM (14); PPLM Neosho No. 27, Hebron No. 314 & Black Diamond No. 274

Living By Our Tenants As conscientious Masons, every one of us probably has on the tips of our tongues the names of Famous Masons; George Washington, Ben Franklin, Harry Truman, or John Wayne. We know these names because of what they have done or are doing and because we are proud to be a member of the same organization in which their name is prominent. However, we are also aware that our Fraternity does have detractors.

How many conscientious Masons are able to name individuals who have written or said “things” against us? If someone tries to tell you how evil or terrible Masons are, are you able to name any of the men who are responsible for so many lies told about us. Men like Leo Taxil, whose original publications against Masonry are still used today by individuals who do not know, or chose to ignore the fact that Mr. Taxil has admitted, in publications, that all the stories he had previously written against Masons were totally false. A Reverend Shaw, a former Mason, has made considerable money in selling tapes and writings to Church Organizations, defaming almost every aspect of “this Satanic secret organization.” He is believed by many because he is a Minister and he says he was a Mason, so what he says “must be true.” This man is the worst of the worst because he profits from his lies.

We have all been charged to not “suffer your zeal for the institution to lead you into argument with those who, through ignorance may ridicule it.” That does not mean we should sit idly by and allow the greatest faith based organization in the history of the world to be defamed. We should read about our detractors and remember their names and be able and willing to put up a defense.

It is long past time for all of us to recognize the only “real secret” things about Masonry are our visual, oral and tactile means of recognizing one another. What about our rituals? I think most of us are aware that the esoteric and ritualistic “stuff” that we do and say exhibits a variety of interpretations from one State Grand Lodge to the next State Grand Lodge. Imagine the differences when we begin switching languages and go from one Foreign Grand Lodge to a different Foreign Grand Lodge half way around the globe. I once knew a Mason who was a world traveler and attended lodges in many foreign countries. He told of enormous differences – except in those “real secrets.”

Are our rituals and the esoteric endeavors important? You bet they are. They are what make us united as one; they put us on the level; they contain our tenants that

Michael Holeman greeted me warmly and

guide us in the paths of being better men. I hope every Mason is actually aware that

conducted the meeting with the utmost in

Kansas Masonry is in the early stages of a GREAT BEGINNING; much greater than

dignity, decorum, and his knowledge and

this old Mason has ever witnessed. If I am still alive and kicking on November 11,

Ritualistic memory are first-rate. I also

2015, I will have been a Mason a full sixty-eight years. I am only beginning to “toot my

greeted his lovely wife. The Caney Masonic

horn.” And I intend to keep on tooting as long as the old tooter toots.

Lodge was chartered over a century ago in the 1890’s. Its presence was vital to the community’s growth. While there at Caney

Every Kansan should be aware of what we do and represent and who we are.

Every man may not be a Mason, but every man should be living by our tenants.

WINTER 2015 45

OUT AND ABOUT on Sept 22nd, I saw friends from the past

Palmyra Lodge No. 23

and made new friends. I still hold a life

By Mikel J. Stoops and Forrest Waltman

membership in Mulvane Masonic Lodge No. 201 in Mulvane, Kansas (just outside of my birthplace of Wichita). A World War II veteran told me there once were two railroads which ran through Caney, Kansas; but now there are none. If I recall correctly, the Lodge Secretary told me he once worked for the old Missouri Pacific Railroad. I saw a lot of history inside their fairly modern Lodge Hall, including a list of “Our Masonic U.S. Presidents” that had portraits which was obviously quite old, since it didn’t include Brothers F.D.R., M.W. Bro. Harry Truman or Brother Gerald Ford. Quite old, indeed....and rare to see.

My late dad was a Mason 52 years

Palmya Sculpture Celebrates Masonic Symbolism “Many times, those things claimed to be Masonic secrets are hidden in plain sight of the profane, and this sculpture by Brother Forrest Waltman is a beautiful example of this.” – Grand Master Kellerman at the dedication of the Palmyra sculpture on the Feast of St. John the Baptist in 2015.

A rough stone taken from a quarry north of

Architect of the Universe when he created

Eureka Springs, Arkansas, has been trans-

all things and thus alludes to God’s founda-

formed by the tools and skill of Brother

tion for the universe.

Forrest Waltman, of Palmyra Lodge No.

Upon this foundation rests the sculpture

23. Now a beautiful sculpture, it is filled

and in its center is the letter “G,” explained

with Masonic symbolism.

in the lecture of the Fellowcraft degree and

Forrest was drawn to the stone

important to the design to remind Masons

because he knew rock from this region

that we should keep God and His plans

was good stock, smooth and hard, with

central to all we do. Forrest cut the “G”

internal qualities that were pure and free

from blue stained glass in one piece and

from shell and fossil inclusions. So it was

inserted it into the stone.

the inside and not necessarily the outside

“Many ancient deities were believed by

of his 87 years of life. He had a say-

that drew him. The outer edges of the

their religious followers to have measured

ing: “Where you find Masons: You find

stone were left as they were found in the

and divided the earth,” he said. “These

friends”. How true. I am thankful to all the

quarry, rough and jagged. This showed

deities were depicted holding instruments

members of Caney Masonic Lodge.....and

effects of the elements on the stone over

used for that task. So it is only God who

I sure hope they retain those magnificent

the centuries, just as the effects of turmoil

can determine the true measurements of

highway road signs. Those signs prompted

and strife in society keep us from achieving

the Earth and all it contains.”

me to stop, refuel with gasoline, patron-

perfection in our human endeavors.

ize the local convenience stores in Caney

Once completed, the sculpture was

Spanning the “G” are the compasses, which open to 23.5 degrees, the tilt of the

— and most of all, have an enjoyable

placed on a base of blue tiles represent-

Earth on its axis and the latitudinal mea-

evening. My thanks, again. And, “visible”

ing the Blue Lodge, which is the basis and

surements of the Tropic of Cancer and the

road signs DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

foundation of all Freemasonry. Without

Tropic of Capricorn. These tropics mark

in any town, especially small towns. I am

a proper base, no stone will remain true

the most northerly and southerly advance

living proof. The highway sign was my sole

and upright. The dimensions of the base

of the Sun as it makes its seasonal migration

reason for stopping in Caney....and for

are 36 inches by 22.25 inches, representing

through the sky. The Sun is directly over the

returning to attend a meeting there. So,

the Fibonacci Sequence. This sequence of

Tropic of Cancer on the Summer Solstice

I encourage all other Masonic Lodges to

numbers – 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 24 … – is

and over the Tropic of Capricorn on the

make their presence even more widely

believed by many to be derived from the

Winter Solstice. Historically, the feast of St.

known by VISIBLE ROAD SIGNAGE.

mathematical equation used by the Grand

John the Baptist was held on the Summer

46 THE KANSAS MASON

Solstice and the feast of St. John the Evan-

zodiac of 12 constellations in their perfect

gelist was held on the Winter Solstice. The

circle around the Earth.” He also referenced

Saints John were patron saints of ancient

an ancient Egyptian quote, “On Earth as it is

operative masonry and both feast days

in the heavens.” So, as the Grand Architect

are observed and

places perfections

celebrated as special

in the heavens, Ma-

days in Freemasonry.

sons should strive

It is fitting then that

for perfection on

the Grand Lodge of

Earth. This 360-de-

Kansas dedicated

gree band is divided

this sculpture on the

into 12 30-degree

Feast of St. John the

sections or houses.

Baptist.

Each house contains the symbol for a

Around the compass is a circle with

constellation. Four

an area of 555 square

symbols are black

inches, the height

to represent the

of the Washington

seasons of the

Monument in Wash-

Great Year. Scorpio

ington, D.C. This

the eagle is winter.

numeric reference

Leo the lion is fall.

links this sculpture to one of the Masonic

Taurus the bull is summer, and Aquarius the

founding fathers of our country and the Ma-

man is spring.

sonic influences of that time. Delving further

A Great Year is 25,920 Earth years. This

into the numbers, 555 feet is equal to 6,660

is due to the perceived movement of the

inches and some would speculate that it is

constellations in the heavens. The wobble of

not a coincidence that the Earth travels at

the Earth moves the constellations coun-

66,600 miles per hours around the Sun. To

terclockwise by 1 degree every 72 years.

represent this, an area of 111 square inches

So 360 degrees × 72 years per degree is

was circumscribed by a second circle around

25,920 years to complete one Great Year.

the first. That is the height of the Statue of

Forrest believes that for the next 144 years,

Liberty. In numerology, 111 is the number

the sun will rise in constellation Pisces, after

of the Sun.

which time it will rise in Aquarius thus issu-

Within the band between the two circles is represented what Forrest terms “God’s

ing in the spring or beginning of a new Great Year. He used this as a way of dating his

WINTER 2015 47

OUT AND ABOUT continued from page 47 by its simple appear-

grees. Many believe that this “God’s perfect

ance. The symbolism

square” with the equal cross is the first reli-

of the Square has

gious symbol used by humans. Our opera-

much to teach.

tive brothers knew that a true and upright

“With a square, I squared the circle, by

stones were not square. A perfect ashlar can

making a square the

only be made with a square that is true.

exact same size as

compasses point to a location two degrees

Two triangles totaling 360 degree are

the circle, 555 square

made from rays of light that radiate from

inches. Pythagoras

the letter “G.” This alludes to Freema-

would have been

sonry’s belief that all light and knowledge

required to know

radiate from God. One triangle points

how to do this and

up toward heaven and the other points

most likely used the

down toward Earth. Again – “As above, so

proportions of the

below.” Each light ray is three degrees wide

Great Pyramids to

and symbolizes Forrest’s belief in God’s

understand how it is

trinity.

done,” Forrest said. “I sculpture. An arrow above the apex of the

structure could not be raised if the building

used the same method.”

In addition, Forrest used the 3, 4, 5

Finally, maple branches surround the stone, and they, with the help of a moth, caterpillars, and a cocoon, show the circle

from Aquarius or 144 years before the

Pythagorean method to show the Moon’s

of life and the progression of Earthly

dawning of the Age of Aquarius.

relation to the earth in exact proportions.

seasons. By this we are reminded of the

The Square also contains 360 degrees and is

seasons of man and the belief that our spirit

resting on the Moon. Forrest points out that

represented floating invisibly in the heaven

will live on after we fall to the Earth like the

mathematically, 360 degrees × 1000 × the

alongside the zodiac. Forrest said, “This is

maple leaf in the fall.

days in a year (365.242) ÷ the number of

to show a reference to the ancient Bible as

feet in a mile (5280) equals 24,902 and that

the Four Corners of the Earth. To see the

sculpture, but Forrest wants to leave their

24,902 miles is the circumference of the

corners, one must mark the location that

interpretation up to each individual.

Earth at the equator. Because of this, it can

the Sun rises and sets on the summer and

be said that encoded in 1 degree is the ex-

winter solstices or the first days of summer,

in 2015, the sculpture is the first work of

act number of days in a year (365.242) and

and winter.”

art to be dedicated and consecrated by the

The outer circle is a symbol of the Earth

the distance for each degree at the equator

He call this “God’s perfect square.”

There are other symbols on the

Dedicated on St. John the Baptist’s day

Grand Lodge of Kansas. For generations to

Again, the solstices or Saints John’s feast

come, this sculpture will live as a beautiful

days are referenced in the work. If lines are

reminder of the skill and dedication of For-

It is marked off in inches and looks less or-

drawn from corner to corner of the perfect

rest Waltman and hide, in plain sight, some

nate than the compasses. Do not be fooled

square, they make an equal cross at 90 de-

of the many secrets of our Craft.

(69.17 miles).

Along with the compasses is a Square.

48 THE KANSAS MASON

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Band Camp continued from page 35 are on hand if needed, and, of course, the band leaders like Weaver and others who push the kids to excel. In addition, Hays Lodge No. 195 organized a hamburger feed on Tuesday that served as a welcome to camp. During a special award ceremony Friday evening, Grand Master Daren L. Kellerman handed out special awards to musicians, with the assistance of Weaver.

It was a challenging task to choose the recipients, given how much talent was shone during the camp.

Nathan Nelsen, of Fredonia High School, received the $500 Masonic Pride Award, which honored a student distin-

he was younger.

guished by “random acts of kindness and

“I’ve been waiting almost eight years to become a Mason,” he said, and added that

several years and is a freshman at Pittsburg

service to all bandkind.” The $1,000 Jeff

he sees the Masonic organization’s focus as

State University this year. Like Fritz, he was

Atherly Inspiration Award, given to a multi-

“just doing something for somebody else

impacted by the young people who have

year camp attendee, went to Eric Tinkler,

and not getting recognition for it, and having

been through so much.

who attends Rose Hill High School, for

honor in yourself.”

“Frontenac doesn’t have that much

instilling spirit and camaraderie throughout

diversity, everyone’s pretty much all the

the band. And finally, the $1,500 Outstand-

the country, you can always find help if you

same. So even going to any camp or club,

ing Musician Award was given to Zack

see the square and compass,” he said.

and people coming from all different

Stone, of Pratt High School. This award has

backgrounds is kind of a shock, in the first

traditionally been given to students who

the Shriners hospitals was emphasized

place,” he said. “Once you throw in what all

have gone on to major in band or otherwise

by meeting young people who had been

these kids have gone through and all their

participate in college band.

through challenges Fritz said that he can’t

struggles and how they overcame them, it’s

imagine: “What struck me was how okay

inspiring. It makes me feel like I should be

pleased to repeat this life-changing experi-

they are with their conditions, which may

a better person because I take things for

ence for students across the state in 2016,

mean a missing leg or an arm, or even

granted, like being able to type on a com-

and the 138 Lodges that sponsored one

having no legs. It’s the struggles they go

puter to do my assignments. I take that for

or more students should be honored to

through and how happy they are with life.

granted when it’s hard for them to put in a

be doing the important work of financially

Being able to play for them really gives

ponytail, things like that. It was an awesome

supporting Shriners Hospitals for Children.

me honor in myself, and gives me respect

culture shock.”

Every year, the Kansas Masonic All-State

“I like the fact that anywhere you go in

The value of what the Masons do for

for myself and others that will play in 115 degree weather for a halftime show.”

Brad Southard, from the Pittsburg-Frontenac area, has also attended the camp for

Pulling off the band camp requires dedi-

The Kansas Masonic Foundation will be

Band Camp has a stronger, more beautiful

cation on the part of everyone involved,

impact on the lives of both attendees and

from volunteers who stay in the dorms with

children at Shriners Hospitals. We’re look-

the band members, medical personnel who

ing forward to doing the same in 2016.

WINTER 2015 49

GRAND LODGE Kansas Cornerstone and Beyond continued from page 15 tals and other public buildings in Kansas.

In each of these events in which a Grand Lodge publicly conducts, those who participate, as well as those to assist and observe, are later able to remember when history was being made at that special dedication. A chronical of some of the buildings and dates for Kansas Cornerstone

Masonic Presidents participated.

ONE OF THE LARGEST MEMORABLE DEDICATIONS IN AMERICA INVOLVED THE MASONIC BUILDING IN DETROIT, WHERE IT IS BELIEVED MORE THAN 40,000 MASONS WERE IN ATTENDANCE.

The second occasion when Masons frequently are observed in public are during funerals for fellow Masons. Probably the largest Masonic funeral for a Mason was for Brother Buffalo Bill Cody in Denver, Colorado, with several thousand in attendance, including hundreds of Masonic law enforcement officers. We should cherish the opportunity to stroll around public

ceremonies can be found in the History of than 40,000 Masons were in attendance.

buildings and public cemeteries searching

Another memorable dedication was for the

for the familiar Square and Compass and in

tions in America involved the Masonic Build-

George Washington National Memorial,

doing so, know that we are seeing symbols

ing in Detroit, where it is believed more

located at Alexandria, VA., where several

of freedom in our nation's history.

Kansas Masonry.

One of the largest memorable dedica-

LODGE OF RESEARCH The Congruence of Color continued from page 23 and the formation of speculative lodges.

The earliest known speculative Masons (the circle of Robert Moray and Elias Ashmole) were scientists and engineers.

In the seventeenth century, physical science was often considered to be magic, especially chemistry and physics, and was closely intertwined with attempts to develop a chemical process that would lead to the creation of gold. In response to the fundamental Church view of science as magic, and magic as heresy, groups

tific/alchemical work. All were familiar with

properly clothing him in white. Then, of

of scientist/ alchemists formed societ-

the Magnum Opus and its three alchemical

course, it is left to the man himself to reach

ies for investigation of scientific subjects.

stages leading to rubedo: nigredo (black-

his own "philosopher's stone" through a

For example, the Royal Society in London

ness), representing putrefaction and spiri-

lifetime of continued study.

began as an "invisible college" of natural

tual death; albedo (whiteness), represent-

philosophers who, starting in the 1640s,

ing purification; and citrinitas (yellowness),

WB Jon Woodward is Past Master of Law-

met to discuss their knowledge of the

representing the awakening of enlightened

rence Lodge 6, Lawrence, Kansas and Senior

natural world gained through observation

thought. Rubedo, of course, represented

Deacon of Mt. Zion Lodge 266, a European

and experiment.10

the completion of the process of becoming

Concept lodge in Topeka. He is a 33rd degree

the fully-enlightened man.

Mason in the Lawrence Valley who has been

It is not too great a stretch to believe that those natural philosophers of our

Within Freemasonry, each of these steps

Master of all four Scottish Rite Bodies. He

centuries ago brought into their private

is symbolized by our process of bringing

currently serves as Secretary of the Kansas

conclaves the philosophy of their scien-

a man from darkness into the light, while

Lodge of Research.

50 THE KANSAS MASON

GRAND SECRETARY

continued from page 3

Many of the charters were issued before Kansas was even a state, thus read that they were chartered in the Territory of Kansas, and of course are irreplaceable.

you may save.

The Grand Lodge Library/Museum: Our resident archivist, Dylan Kuhlman, is making dust fly at the library and museum. He has

printed newsletter from your lodge, and

to only Lodge Secretaries. We decided early

catalogued more than 6,000 items, and

I’m not talking about The Kansas Mason put

on that the forms and other information

we have made another significant stride

out by Grand Lodge, but from your lodge,

pertinent to the duties of a lodge secre-

in digital archiving critical and historical

then you need to pick up the phone and call

tary should be restricted because of the

documents held within our archives. We

the master and secretary of your lodge and

sensitivity of a few of the documents, which

have all of our lodge charters now digitally

find out why they aren’t taking advantage of

only the secretary can execute. We have

preserved on high definition digital files that

this excellent communication tool. There is

rethought that policy and have now granted

are backed up several ways to assure they

absolutely no cost to your lodge; it is pre-

access to all Lodge Masters as well. They

won’t be lost. The significance being that

filled with relevant Masonic articles about

each received notification and information

many of the charters were issued before

today’s masonry. If the leaders of your

on how to access the portal recently, and

Kansas was even a state, thus read that they were chartered in of course are irreplaceable.

He has also removed them from their old wood flat file cabinet, and we have purchased a new metal flat file

NAME AND

letter with the minimum amount of

with their secretaries to get all reporting

input by them, all they would need

done in an efficient and timely manner.

Trestle Board

NO.

ADDRESS LODGE ADDRESS LODGE

STATED

MEETINGS

Fill Form Optional Fill Form Optional

LODGE OF F. Merrick,

Jr., Grand

H

RESEARC

Marshal, Past

Master Hancoc

k Lodge No.

311 & KMF

Trustee

ly heard recent s, we have Chris In Kansa Cliff Porter, Hammer, , from Andrew Brent Morris Robert Davis, Masons, confi Hodapp, two basic observant a path of , who as needs only this opens r. erant Mason among others It’s for his mento Their discov The observ sharp eyes. the Craft. d well and co-discovery ve ears and Not many Maquestioned ion, prepare the ic educat tools: Attenti newly made elling books. ignites our Mason e best-s s and to observ in the lodge, ies filled givers to to be author regularly interesting especially their degree delivered destined had perceive but more of us are e that they us who have sons. They in all of us, of y dgeabl should all but curiosit knowle Mason journey of cient, so speakers, . Each new abyss and our be so profi assumed not only ty ignited a newer Mason d that it is ated by the e our curiosi experience dly informe seem intimid he observ obtained encourbe repeate aged that their freshly discovery more but encour ing between dge of their question become permissible ic knowle He is decid lodge and aged have does little gs of the and the Mason y. it is the workin The old guard his curiosit intertwined brothers. whether awe. ns. so that excites informed misplaced ry that everything great questio the veil of with Mason worth his Masons ask to pull aside when honest t it Observant do well to of our tenure, to be withou work would are all future time Regardless ers of the s that we use them seem and Overse confes ns we would es, ure. ess in obtion. now these questio with ourselv and treas ic Educa pick up on that is boundl our next Mason of a Craft unthinkable. for their students the of puffing topics within around Instead as dge. been There is tice, d Appren us who have tainable knowle intimir an st Entere Those of reason, feel slightly the younge each brothe on joining that very r or a while may chests at tulating him Mason. For Craft for a quick answe es us to be congra observant don’t have has engag should be we should question of whom dated if we Education around to ask the of men, all Masonic bothered and the world the circle light. have not ourselves ts are, howev your seeking more improve nceF. in new

By Herb Merrick, Jr., Grand Marshal, Past Master Hancock Lodge No. 311 & KMF Trustee These momen constantly ges. ty of the nal assista ourselves.

Grand than challen the curiosi For additio Deputy us. cing t rather it Embra unities ages. First, t your Distric and seaer, opport or the two advant quest, contac about by new Mason Lodge Library Mason has r to learn for both Co-discovery are good r, the Grand a new brothe together rch.

This is a their Maste encourages of Resea just joined. soned veteran lodge when ion he has Kansas Lodge lizing for the whole and question everything that excites his curiosity. the institut The observant Mason needs only two basic tools: Attenmeeting. is still rationa men: Good g when he at a stated LODGE NAME & is decidin Observant Masons ask great questions. Overseers critical time are shared tive ears and sharp eyes. It’s interesting to observe our taken. He findings he has just NO. time and of the work would do well to pick up on these questhe steps newly made Masons.

They perceive their degree givers future his it is worth tions and use them as topics for their next Masonic whether

By Herb

The

to do is click a couple of buttons

that t Mason re. The second advantage isbuildin g Observan treasu dence-

LODGE OF RESEARCH

The Observant Mason

— —————— —————— ——————

to be so proficient,ation, so knowledgeable that they seem ic inform Of Us. intimidated by the assumed abyss between their freshly rer In All and preserve Mason tion. nic Exploresear ch, gather STATED MEETINGS Masonic Educa ct obtained experience and the Masonic knowledge of The Maso promote Enablingished in 1982 to condu vors to Optional Fill Form their more informed brothers. The old guard does little to Lodge endea was establ ce Grand Optional Fill Form of Research and enhan pull aside the veil of misplaced awe. Regardless of our Kansas Lodge supply speakers,

UPCOMING EVENTS Optional Fill Form

cabinet system allowing much

we are encouraging the Masters to work

the LODGE

the Territory of Kansas, and

lodge wanted to produce the news-

more

Optional Fill Form Optional Fill Form

room for not only all of the charters, but all of the copies and surrendered charters

don’t have a quick answer or have not bothered to ask the question ourselves. These moments are, however, opportunities rather than challenges. Co-discovery by new Mason and seasoned veteran together are

knowledge. Instead of puffing our chests at the youngest

good for both men: Good for the whole lodge when

Entered Apprentice, we should be congratulating him on

their findings are shared at a stated meeting.

vis, Brent Morris, among others, who as observant

advantages. First, it encourages a new brother to learn

Masons, questioned the Craft. Their discoveries filled

about the institution he has just joined. This is a critical

best-selling books. Not many of us are destined to be

time when he is still rationalizing the steps he has just

authors and speakers, but all of us who have had our

taken. He is deciding whether it is worth his future

curiosity ignited and our journey of discovery encour-

time and treasure. The second advantage is that this

aged have become so intertwined with Masonry that

opens a path of confidence-building co-discovery for

to be without it now would seem unthinkable.

There is within each brother an observant Mason.

Masonic education, prepared well and delivered regularly in the lodge, ignites the curiosity in all of us, but

a push from this office to move all secretar-

With that little

ies to the online database, which is a much

effort, each mem-

more efficient method of reporting, collect-

ber of your lodge

ing, collating, storing and saving lodge mem-

receives a good-

bership information than previous methods.

looking newsletter,

Yes, I’m talking about the paper reports or

printed, and mailed

calling in of information. The online report-

In Kansas, we have heard recently from Andrew Hammer, Cliff Porter, Chris Hodapp, Robert Da-

Embracing the curiosity of the new Mason has two

his mentor.

Lodge phone number

Craft for a while may feel slightly intimidated if we

tenure, when honest with ourselves, we confess that we

ly seeking more light.

on the internet.

Education. Those of us who have been around the

are all students of a Craft that is boundless in obtainable

joining the circle of men, all of whom should be constant-

Likewise, in the coming months you will see

For that very reason, Masonic Education has engages us to improve ourselves and the world around us. For

more especially a newer Mason. Each new Mason should

additional assistance in your quest, contact your Dis-

be repeatedly informed that it is not only permissible but

trict Deputy Grand Master, the Grand Lodge Library

encouraged that he observe the workings of the lodge

or the Kansas Lodge of Research.

Enabling The Masonic Explorer In All Of Us.

Kansas Lodge of Research was established in 1982 to conduct research, gather and preserve Masonic information, supply speakers, and enhance Grand Lodge endeavors to promote Masonic Education.

that had been stacked outside of the filing

to all the members of your lodge. It takes

ing is by far the most effective and efficient

cabinet, still in their frames. Plus, there is

just a small amount of time to prepare it

way of reporting member information. It’s

room for storage of some of our larger

for distribution. One very nice feature is its

quick, easy and, most importantly, it is very

photographs, lithographs, patents and

ability to customize the newsletter; if Lodge

time efficient, not only in the reporting itself,

other assorted documents that Kuhlman

leadership desires, there are two articles

but in the accuracy of the data recorded in

is still weeding through. Undoubtedly, we

that can be swapped out by your lodge for

the database. With the move toward 100

will have to make room for more flat file

a personal message. It’s a wonderful way

percent Lodge participation in the online

cabinets, which we will address when the

to connect with your Brothers, other than

reporting, it will open up more efficiency for

time comes.

when it’s time to ask them to pay their an-

our lodge secretaries. Some of the informa-

nual dues.

tion will be managed by the Grand Lodge

The newly developed lodge newsletter:

Lastly, I would like to mention a couple

staff, thus taking further burdens from the

This free – read that again, no cost to your

of administrative items that need to be

local lodge secretary. There are other time

lodge – newsletter will keep Brothers con-

addressed. There have been questions

saving moves coming on line, but I’ll leave

nected with your lodge and what’s going

about the access to the Secretaries Portal at

those for another day.

on there. If you haven’t received a nicely

kansasmason.org, and it is indeed restricted

WINTER 2015 51

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MIDWEST HUNT FEST

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Dec. 27

October 31

January 1

Nov. 1

Submission Deadline for Essays to Lodges

Nov. 14

Kansas Masonic Foundation 2015-16 Scholarship Submission Opens Online

Feb. 1

Announcement of Essay Contest Winners

Feb. 6

Nov. 19

February 29

Dec. 1

2015 State Masonic Public School Essay Contest Submission Deadline to Grand Lodge

(316) 617-7575 burns@SFCinc.net

2016 A/DDGM Orientation Early-Bird Registration Deadline for 2016 Annual Communication

February 29

Submission Deadline for Lodges Interested in 2015-16 Cancer Screening Clinics

March 16

March 18 & 19

March 17

March 18

Kansas Masonic Foundation Board of Trustees Annual Meeting – Topeka Kansas Masonic Foundation Lodge Luncheon & Seminar – Topeka

March 17

Lodge of Research Annual Communication – Topeka

March 17

Grand Lodge Annual Communication Welcome Reception – Topeka

March 18

Kansas Masons Day

March 18

Rededication of 150th Anniversary of State Capital Cornerstone

For more detailed and up-to-date information, please check the Grand Lodge website calendar at KansasMason.org

52 THE KANSAS MASON

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Grand Lodge Annual Communication – Topeka All Masonic Gala & 3rd Annual Freemason’s Endowment Charity Auction – Topeka

March 19

Installation of 2016-2017 Grand Lodge Officers – Topeka

March 31

Kansas Masonic Foundation 2016-17 Scholarship Submission Deadline

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