Kansas Mason - WINTER 2022

The Voice of Kansas Masonry

THE KANSAS MASON

Volume 60, Issue 1

A publication for Kansas Masons in partnership with the Grand Lodge of Kansas.

Winter 2022

That Name...That One Name Mikel J Stoops, Grand Master of Masons in Kansas 2021-2022

Use on your computer: OurLodgePage.com

Stay informed in real time.

See upcoming events and RSVP in the app.

Add the event to your calendar and map it.

Communicate in real time.

Individual and group chat participation.

Favorite members you contact frequently.

The Kansas Mason is published by the The Grand Lodge of Kansas, A.F. & A.M. The views and opinions expressed in the Kansas Mason are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of the Grand Lodge of Kansas or its' officers.

All inquires or submissions should be sent to Editor@KansasMason.org

Dates to Remember March 17:

1963 Ford Thunderbird Drawing - Topeka

March 18-19:

Anuual Communication - Topeka

June 24:

St. John the Baptist's Day

Sept 9:

Grand Table Lodge - Topeka

Sept 10:

Leadership Academy - Topeka

Oct 1:

Lodge Awards nominations open

Nov. 1:

By-Law proposals due

Dec 27:

St. John the Evangelist's Day

Check the online calendar for the most up to date information and details.

KansasMason.org 2

Grand Master:

Mikel J. Stoops De Soto Lodge No. 40

Deputy Grand Master:

Mikel D. Johnson, II Peace Lodge No. 243, Louisburg

Grand Senior Warden:

Robert D. McClarty Lindsborg Lodge No. 397

Grand Junior Warden: Douglas L. Wilkinson Belleville Lodge No. 129 Grand Secretary:

Tracy L. Bloom, PGM Salina Lodge No. 60, Salina

Grand Treasurer:

B. Cole Presley, PGM Millbrook Lodge 281, Hill City

Before you read this article, I ask you to do one thing.

Write down a name; That Name, That One Name, of the person who most influenced you to become a Mason.

Before you read the rest of this article, I ask you to do one thing. Write down a name; That Name, That One Name, of the person who most influenced you to become a Mason. This was precisely what was asked of the attendees of this year’s Grand Table Lodge in Topeka on September 10th.

The name I wrote was that of my maternal Grandfather, Bill Johnson. Grandpa lived in Ohio when I was growing up in Indiana. I did not see a lot of him, but he made a great impression on me when I was able to visit. I knew him to be hardworking, strong in his faith, and dedicated to his church, his community, and to Masonry. As I reached an age where I could join Freemasonry, he told me that he would cover any costs associated with joining the Fraternity that he loved.

When I finally decided to petition a Lodge, Grandpa’s health had begun to fail him, but he thought he might still be able to travel and attend my degrees. He also remembered his promise to pay my initiation fees. Once everything was set for my degree work, I let Grandpa know that my degrees would each be about a week apart and that the fees were around $50. I don’t remember his exact response, but it was something like this, “$50?

That seems awfully cheap. And I know you are smart, but how are you planning to memorize your proficiency for each degree in just a week?” When I told him that I was not required to learn or memorize anything, he asked me a question that I did not understand. He asked, “Are you sure you are not joining a Clandestine Lodge?” Clandestine? I had to ask him what that meant.

Looking back, I have come to understand his concern.

Freemasonry, by definition, is an initiatic fraternity based on a system of self-knowledge, with lessons in

philosophy, spirituality, and morality. It is a proven system that dates back more than five centuries. That system is based on the apprenticeship structure of the operative stonemason’s guilds. It is a fraternity where the tools of those operative stonemasons take on symbolic meanings for us as speculative masons. When we fail to follow this proven system, when we fail to teach our initiates, and when we shortcut the process, we fail ourselves, we fail our Craft, and we especially fail the new Masons.

As Masons, we make promises. We promise to always follow the Ancient Laws, Rules, Regulations, and Usages of our Fraternity. We promise to make good men better.

Every one of us who has been on the sidelines while a new Brother takes his obligation has promised that we will personally assist in his enlightenment. When we break these promises, when we fail to follow the Ancient Laws, Rules, Regulations, and Usages of our Fraternity, when we do not put forth the effort to make good men better, and when we do nothing to assist in the enlightenment of our newly obligated Brothers, have we not become something other than Regular Masons?

Have we not become Irregular and Clandestine?

So now, knowing what Masonry is, look at the name you wrote down. How would you feel if that person asked you, “Are you sure you are not joining a Clandestine Lodge?” No, Grandpa; no, I didn’t. And I am working hard to make sure no one joining a Kansas Lodge is ever asked that question again.

Written in Memory of Brother William L. Johnson (12/3/1923 – 6/17/2013)

3

That Name...That One Name Mikel J Stoops, Grand Master of Masons in Kansas 2021-2022

Use on your computer: OurLodgePage.com

Stay informed in real time.

See upcoming events and RSVP in the app.

Add the event to your calendar and map it.

Communicate in real time.

Individual and group chat participation.

Favorite members you contact frequently.

The Kansas Mason is published by the The Grand Lodge of Kansas, A.F. & A.M. The views and opinions expressed in the Kansas Mason are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of the Grand Lodge of Kansas or its' officers.

All inquires or submissions should be sent to Editor@KansasMason.org

Dates to Remember March 17:

1963 Ford Thunderbird Drawing - Topeka

March 18-19:

Anuual Communication - Topeka

June 24:

St. John the Baptist's Day

Sept 9:

Grand Table Lodge - Topeka

Sept 10:

Leadership Academy - Topeka

Oct 1:

Lodge Awards nominations open

Nov. 1:

By-Law proposals due

Dec 27:

St. John the Evangelist's Day

Check the online calendar for the most up to date information and details.

KansasMason.org 2

Grand Master:

Mikel J. Stoops De Soto Lodge No. 40

Deputy Grand Master:

Mikel D. Johnson, II Peace Lodge No. 243, Louisburg

Grand Senior Warden:

Robert D. McClarty Lindsborg Lodge No. 397

Grand Junior Warden: Douglas L. Wilkinson Belleville Lodge No. 129 Grand Secretary:

Tracy L. Bloom, PGM Salina Lodge No. 60, Salina

Grand Treasurer:

B. Cole Presley, PGM Millbrook Lodge 281, Hill City

Before you read this article, I ask you to do one thing.

Write down a name; That Name, That One Name, of the person who most influenced you to become a Mason.

Before you read the rest of this article, I ask you to do one thing. Write down a name; That Name, That One Name, of the person who most influenced you to become a Mason. This was precisely what was asked of the attendees of this year’s Grand Table Lodge in Topeka on September 10th.

The name I wrote was that of my maternal Grandfather, Bill Johnson. Grandpa lived in Ohio when I was growing up in Indiana. I did not see a lot of him, but he made a great impression on me when I was able to visit. I knew him to be hardworking, strong in his faith, and dedicated to his church, his community, and to Masonry. As I reached an age where I could join Freemasonry, he told me that he would cover any costs associated with joining the Fraternity that he loved.

When I finally decided to petition a Lodge, Grandpa’s health had begun to fail him, but he thought he might still be able to travel and attend my degrees. He also remembered his promise to pay my initiation fees. Once everything was set for my degree work, I let Grandpa know that my degrees would each be about a week apart and that the fees were around $50. I don’t remember his exact response, but it was something like this, “$50?

That seems awfully cheap. And I know you are smart, but how are you planning to memorize your proficiency for each degree in just a week?” When I told him that I was not required to learn or memorize anything, he asked me a question that I did not understand. He asked, “Are you sure you are not joining a Clandestine Lodge?” Clandestine? I had to ask him what that meant.

Looking back, I have come to understand his concern.

Freemasonry, by definition, is an initiatic fraternity based on a system of self-knowledge, with lessons in

philosophy, spirituality, and morality. It is a proven system that dates back more than five centuries. That system is based on the apprenticeship structure of the operative stonemason’s guilds. It is a fraternity where the tools of those operative stonemasons take on symbolic meanings for us as speculative masons. When we fail to follow this proven system, when we fail to teach our initiates, and when we shortcut the process, we fail ourselves, we fail our Craft, and we especially fail the new Masons.

As Masons, we make promises. We promise to always follow the Ancient Laws, Rules, Regulations, and Usages of our Fraternity. We promise to make good men better.

Every one of us who has been on the sidelines while a new Brother takes his obligation has promised that we will personally assist in his enlightenment. When we break these promises, when we fail to follow the Ancient Laws, Rules, Regulations, and Usages of our Fraternity, when we do not put forth the effort to make good men better, and when we do nothing to assist in the enlightenment of our newly obligated Brothers, have we not become something other than Regular Masons?

Have we not become Irregular and Clandestine?

So now, knowing what Masonry is, look at the name you wrote down. How would you feel if that person asked you, “Are you sure you are not joining a Clandestine Lodge?” No, Grandpa; no, I didn’t. And I am working hard to make sure no one joining a Kansas Lodge is ever asked that question again.

Written in Memory of Brother William L. Johnson (12/3/1923 – 6/17/2013)

3

2021 Leadership Academy Recap

Hendricks appointed as Senior Deacon

By Kansas Mason Staff

Michael D. Johnson II, Deputy Grand Master

4

As we move forward into the new year, I want to look back at the 2021 Leadership Academy briefly. If you were there, I hope you remember how great it was. If you were not in attendance, you missed a great event.

The 2021 Leadership Academy was a resounding success due to the great fellowship that we Kansas Masons always seem to have when we get together and the prevalent Strategic Plan theme in every presentation. The goal of the Grand Lodge leadership team was to provide the very best masonic experience we could offer, and that happened.

On Friday night, over one hundred Brothers came together for what has become an annual tradition, a Grand Table Lodge event. We partook in a fine meal and toasting (traditional and non-traditional), and we had a fun and relaxing time. As the last toasts approached, the evening took a moving, inspirational and emotional turn. As the Grand Master describes in the lead article of this issue, we were challenged by our guest speaker to write down "that one name" of the person who influenced us to get into or that keeps us in Freemasonry. Picking one name was difficult for some, but we did. We were further challenged to think about how that person might view our actions as Masons today. As the speaker closed, he suggested that our name might be on someone's paper (now or in the future), or it might not be; this was something I had never thought about before, and I could see that I was not alone.

The Grand Master always has the last remarks and toast as our custom dictates. Generally, the comments are brief with a touch of humor. On this night, the Grand Master left his prepared remarks at the podium and walked to the center of the floor with only a tiny piece of paper in his hand; on it was the name he had written down. Grand Master Stoops proceeded to walk about the large lodge room and told us about the name he had written down and how that person from so long ago still had an effect on his actions today. His remarks were emotional, inspirational, and effectively demonstrated what a positive masonic experience can do for a person. A spontaneous lasting ovation occurred at the conclusion of the Grand Master's remarks, and I will

not comment further on seeing pocket-squares dabbing at eyes afterward.

Saturday was the actual Leadership Academy and kicked off with a town hall style discussion on the newly refreshed strategic plan. This was a vital discussion as many misunderstandings about the strategic plan were clarified so that all understood. The crux of the strategic plan is simply identifying Lodges' strengths and weaknesses and offering assistance to those willing to build in a successful manner. The breakout session presentations focused on how successful "building" can be accomplished by discussing the three lanes of the strategic plan: esoteric, membership, and communication. These lanes are not new and have been part of previous versions of the strategic plan in one form or another. The evolution with this Leadership Academy, though, was several presentations that offered the opportunity for the attendees to be more involved.

The town hall format was used in the initial presentation and was used in others as well. The Brothers who attended these sessions seemed to appreciate that they had a voice and cleared up misconceptions or misunderstandings.

The new KMF strategic plan was discussed in depth after lunch, and they unveiled the mobile cancer screening clinic van that will soon be traveling across our state. All Lodges should look forward to the many great opportunities presented by KMF, including these programs in their everyday business.

The other topic that I created a buzz that day, and I still hear about all these months later, is the funeral lecture presentation by Dale Morrow. Dale actually constructed a full-size coffin for his presentation, and it was very well received.

The 2021 Leadership Academy was an inspirational event. The new vision statement of the strategic plan is focused solely on providing the best possible masonic experience at each opportunity. Whether at Lodge, a dinner, a fundraiser, or any other number of events that occur throughout the masonic spectrum, the key is to make it a memorable experience. This is what keeps Brother coming back and brings new members in.

On October 18, 2021, at Emporia Lodge No. 12’s stated meeting, Deputy Grand Master Michael Johnson announced Brother Dave Hendricks as the 2022-23 Grand Senior Deacon appointment.

Hendricks, the current Grand Tyler, was Raised in Emporia Lodge in 1994, served as Master in 1998, and has been Secretary there since 2006. He is also a Past Master and the current Secretary of Tuscan Lodge No. 460 and holds memberships in Anchor Lodge No. 224 (Williamsburg) and the Kansas Lodge of Research. Hendricks also serves as secretary of Miriam Chapter No. 14, OES, and is the OES Grand Sentinel. If elected, he will serve as the Worthy Grand Patron in 2023-24. He is a member of the Scottish and York Rites as well.

Hendricks has served the Grand Lodge in many capacities over the years: District Deputy Grand Master in 1999, 2000, and 2018; Area Deputy Grand Master in 2003; Grand Junior Steward in 2002; Grand Sword Bearer in 2004; Grand Standard Bearer in 2007; Grand Pursuivant in 2014; Grand Senior Steward in 2020. In 2019

he was presented the Distinguished Service Medal, one of the highest awards in Kansas Freemasonry.

In 2008, Hendricks joined St. John Lodge No. 14 of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Kansas and served as the Worshipful Master from 2010 to 2013, becoming the first Kansas AF&AM mason to serve as the Worshipful Master of a Prince Hall Lodge.

Hendricks served on the Kansas Masonic Foundation as a board member from 2011 to 2015 and as Director of Development from 2015 to 2020.

Dave and his wife of 28 years,

Hendricks & Deputy Grand Master Johnson

Shanda, have two grown children.

Son Danny lives in Lenexa and is a member of Emporia Lodge No. 12 and Justice Lodge No. 457.

He works as a dispatcher for KU Medical Center and part-time for the Kansas City Chiefs. Daughter Kelsey lives in Gardner and works at Tomahawk Elementary School in Olathe. Dave works for TFI Family Services as Director of Resource Management and is responsible for overseeing 43 facilities in four states and the company’s motor pool of 162 vehicles. He is currently the project manager for two renovation projects totaling $3 million.

“I was completely shocked when R∴W∴ Johnson asked me to serve the Craft in this position, so much so that two weeks later, I sent him an email to confirm that I hadn’t dreamt our conversation. I am completely humbled and incredibly honored to be selected to serve the Grand Lodge of Kansas and, most importantly, the constituent lodges in this role. I hope that I can live up to the many kind remarks I have received over the past few months.”

If elected, Hendricks would serve as Grand Master of Masons in Kansas in 2026-27.

Hendricks with Emporia 12 members

5

2021 Leadership Academy Recap

Hendricks appointed as Senior Deacon

By Kansas Mason Staff

Michael D. Johnson II, Deputy Grand Master

4

As we move forward into the new year, I want to look back at the 2021 Leadership Academy briefly. If you were there, I hope you remember how great it was. If you were not in attendance, you missed a great event.

The 2021 Leadership Academy was a resounding success due to the great fellowship that we Kansas Masons always seem to have when we get together and the prevalent Strategic Plan theme in every presentation. The goal of the Grand Lodge leadership team was to provide the very best masonic experience we could offer, and that happened.

On Friday night, over one hundred Brothers came together for what has become an annual tradition, a Grand Table Lodge event. We partook in a fine meal and toasting (traditional and non-traditional), and we had a fun and relaxing time. As the last toasts approached, the evening took a moving, inspirational and emotional turn. As the Grand Master describes in the lead article of this issue, we were challenged by our guest speaker to write down "that one name" of the person who influenced us to get into or that keeps us in Freemasonry. Picking one name was difficult for some, but we did. We were further challenged to think about how that person might view our actions as Masons today. As the speaker closed, he suggested that our name might be on someone's paper (now or in the future), or it might not be; this was something I had never thought about before, and I could see that I was not alone.

The Grand Master always has the last remarks and toast as our custom dictates. Generally, the comments are brief with a touch of humor. On this night, the Grand Master left his prepared remarks at the podium and walked to the center of the floor with only a tiny piece of paper in his hand; on it was the name he had written down. Grand Master Stoops proceeded to walk about the large lodge room and told us about the name he had written down and how that person from so long ago still had an effect on his actions today. His remarks were emotional, inspirational, and effectively demonstrated what a positive masonic experience can do for a person. A spontaneous lasting ovation occurred at the conclusion of the Grand Master's remarks, and I will

not comment further on seeing pocket-squares dabbing at eyes afterward.

Saturday was the actual Leadership Academy and kicked off with a town hall style discussion on the newly refreshed strategic plan. This was a vital discussion as many misunderstandings about the strategic plan were clarified so that all understood. The crux of the strategic plan is simply identifying Lodges' strengths and weaknesses and offering assistance to those willing to build in a successful manner. The breakout session presentations focused on how successful "building" can be accomplished by discussing the three lanes of the strategic plan: esoteric, membership, and communication. These lanes are not new and have been part of previous versions of the strategic plan in one form or another. The evolution with this Leadership Academy, though, was several presentations that offered the opportunity for the attendees to be more involved.

The town hall format was used in the initial presentation and was used in others as well. The Brothers who attended these sessions seemed to appreciate that they had a voice and cleared up misconceptions or misunderstandings.

The new KMF strategic plan was discussed in depth after lunch, and they unveiled the mobile cancer screening clinic van that will soon be traveling across our state. All Lodges should look forward to the many great opportunities presented by KMF, including these programs in their everyday business.

The other topic that I created a buzz that day, and I still hear about all these months later, is the funeral lecture presentation by Dale Morrow. Dale actually constructed a full-size coffin for his presentation, and it was very well received.

The 2021 Leadership Academy was an inspirational event. The new vision statement of the strategic plan is focused solely on providing the best possible masonic experience at each opportunity. Whether at Lodge, a dinner, a fundraiser, or any other number of events that occur throughout the masonic spectrum, the key is to make it a memorable experience. This is what keeps Brother coming back and brings new members in.

On October 18, 2021, at Emporia Lodge No. 12’s stated meeting, Deputy Grand Master Michael Johnson announced Brother Dave Hendricks as the 2022-23 Grand Senior Deacon appointment.

Hendricks, the current Grand Tyler, was Raised in Emporia Lodge in 1994, served as Master in 1998, and has been Secretary there since 2006. He is also a Past Master and the current Secretary of Tuscan Lodge No. 460 and holds memberships in Anchor Lodge No. 224 (Williamsburg) and the Kansas Lodge of Research. Hendricks also serves as secretary of Miriam Chapter No. 14, OES, and is the OES Grand Sentinel. If elected, he will serve as the Worthy Grand Patron in 2023-24. He is a member of the Scottish and York Rites as well.

Hendricks has served the Grand Lodge in many capacities over the years: District Deputy Grand Master in 1999, 2000, and 2018; Area Deputy Grand Master in 2003; Grand Junior Steward in 2002; Grand Sword Bearer in 2004; Grand Standard Bearer in 2007; Grand Pursuivant in 2014; Grand Senior Steward in 2020. In 2019

he was presented the Distinguished Service Medal, one of the highest awards in Kansas Freemasonry.

In 2008, Hendricks joined St. John Lodge No. 14 of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Kansas and served as the Worshipful Master from 2010 to 2013, becoming the first Kansas AF&AM mason to serve as the Worshipful Master of a Prince Hall Lodge.

Hendricks served on the Kansas Masonic Foundation as a board member from 2011 to 2015 and as Director of Development from 2015 to 2020.

Dave and his wife of 28 years,

Hendricks & Deputy Grand Master Johnson

Shanda, have two grown children.

Son Danny lives in Lenexa and is a member of Emporia Lodge No. 12 and Justice Lodge No. 457.

He works as a dispatcher for KU Medical Center and part-time for the Kansas City Chiefs. Daughter Kelsey lives in Gardner and works at Tomahawk Elementary School in Olathe. Dave works for TFI Family Services as Director of Resource Management and is responsible for overseeing 43 facilities in four states and the company’s motor pool of 162 vehicles. He is currently the project manager for two renovation projects totaling $3 million.

“I was completely shocked when R∴W∴ Johnson asked me to serve the Craft in this position, so much so that two weeks later, I sent him an email to confirm that I hadn’t dreamt our conversation. I am completely humbled and incredibly honored to be selected to serve the Grand Lodge of Kansas and, most importantly, the constituent lodges in this role. I hope that I can live up to the many kind remarks I have received over the past few months.”

If elected, Hendricks would serve as Grand Master of Masons in Kansas in 2026-27.

Hendricks with Emporia 12 members

5

Simplicity Is In Your Hands Tracy Bloom, Grand Secretary

6

6

7

Sorry Brothers, I think my last article was on OLP, and the next few will most likely be on OLP too. I'm continuing my crusade to ensure we are all taking advantage of tools made readily available to us through the Groupable|M2 Online Database system and its numerous features.

OK, I get it; overkill! However, if you're not using Our Lodge Page, you are missing out! I can't stress that enough! At the last Strategic Planning session a few years ago in McPherson, the committee determined that the Grand Lodge of Kansas needed a communications tool, like an online app or phone app. When the committee talked to me about this need, I told them, problem solved, we've had the OLP integration with our Groupable|M2 Online Database account since we switched over to it. We need to start using it, each of us, each lodge; it's a tool there for your use; use it. Oh, by the way, I didn't tell you what it costs you or your lodge. Per member $199.00 Annually, Per Lodge $300.00 Annually, NOT! It's free, or as free as anything can get! There is no cost; use it!

Our Lodge Page provides three levels for individual members to connect with their lodge and for lodges to communicate with its members. The OLP Web portal (which can be seen by non-members), the OLP Member Portal, and the OLP Phone App. Members can also contact other members of the lodge direct via phone calls, emails, or text messaging, all built into the functionality of the OLP platform.

I have previously discussed some of the communications functions, but there are many other features. An integrated Calendar function can send a reminder of events; the calendar already has a built-in Stated Meeting reminder notification which many with a valid email address in the system have already seen.

You, as a member, or your lodge, or the Grand Lodge can post local Area or Statewide news articles; OLP also notifies you if you still owe your lodge dues. If your

lodge has the credit or debit card payment function turned on, you can pay your dues via a credit or debit card; you can also set it up to make automatic card payments annually, quarterly, or ten monthly payments annually. Lodges also can distribute their meeting minutes through OLP, notifying all their members using the system if they have an email address. Lodges can archive important electronic documents on OLP. However, (Yes, here it comes, the sales pitch), the key to making this work as effectively as is humanly possible is having good member information in the M2 database. How is that accomplished, you ask?

Well, we rely heavily on our Lodge Secretaries to input that information, but they can't input the info if you don't communicate it to them. So, what's one way you can help? Create your OLP account today if you haven't already. A simple method is to use your electronic device and scan the QR code in this article.

If you already have an OLP account, please log in and ensure your member information is updated. While you could still go through your lodge secretary, you can now check and edit your data through the OLP member portal. If for no other reasons, please check your information for accuracy.

While using the website definitely works, everything can also be done from the Our Lodge Page Phone app, compatible with Android and Apple Products. After downloading, navigate to the OLP app, log in, or create your account if you don't already have one set up. You will need your member number (MXXXXXX), cell phone number, and your birthdate. If any of that information does not match, don't hesitate to get in touch with your lodge secretary to ensure that information is correct and updated in M2.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the Grand Lodge Office at 785-234-5518, send me an email at Bloom@KansasMason.org, or message me from your OLP app!

Simplicity Is In Your Hands Tracy Bloom, Grand Secretary

6

6

7

Sorry Brothers, I think my last article was on OLP, and the next few will most likely be on OLP too. I'm continuing my crusade to ensure we are all taking advantage of tools made readily available to us through the Groupable|M2 Online Database system and its numerous features.

OK, I get it; overkill! However, if you're not using Our Lodge Page, you are missing out! I can't stress that enough! At the last Strategic Planning session a few years ago in McPherson, the committee determined that the Grand Lodge of Kansas needed a communications tool, like an online app or phone app. When the committee talked to me about this need, I told them, problem solved, we've had the OLP integration with our Groupable|M2 Online Database account since we switched over to it. We need to start using it, each of us, each lodge; it's a tool there for your use; use it. Oh, by the way, I didn't tell you what it costs you or your lodge. Per member $199.00 Annually, Per Lodge $300.00 Annually, NOT! It's free, or as free as anything can get! There is no cost; use it!

Our Lodge Page provides three levels for individual members to connect with their lodge and for lodges to communicate with its members. The OLP Web portal (which can be seen by non-members), the OLP Member Portal, and the OLP Phone App. Members can also contact other members of the lodge direct via phone calls, emails, or text messaging, all built into the functionality of the OLP platform.

I have previously discussed some of the communications functions, but there are many other features. An integrated Calendar function can send a reminder of events; the calendar already has a built-in Stated Meeting reminder notification which many with a valid email address in the system have already seen.

You, as a member, or your lodge, or the Grand Lodge can post local Area or Statewide news articles; OLP also notifies you if you still owe your lodge dues. If your

lodge has the credit or debit card payment function turned on, you can pay your dues via a credit or debit card; you can also set it up to make automatic card payments annually, quarterly, or ten monthly payments annually. Lodges also can distribute their meeting minutes through OLP, notifying all their members using the system if they have an email address. Lodges can archive important electronic documents on OLP. However, (Yes, here it comes, the sales pitch), the key to making this work as effectively as is humanly possible is having good member information in the M2 database. How is that accomplished, you ask?

Well, we rely heavily on our Lodge Secretaries to input that information, but they can't input the info if you don't communicate it to them. So, what's one way you can help? Create your OLP account today if you haven't already. A simple method is to use your electronic device and scan the QR code in this article.

If you already have an OLP account, please log in and ensure your member information is updated. While you could still go through your lodge secretary, you can now check and edit your data through the OLP member portal. If for no other reasons, please check your information for accuracy.

While using the website definitely works, everything can also be done from the Our Lodge Page Phone app, compatible with Android and Apple Products. After downloading, navigate to the OLP app, log in, or create your account if you don't already have one set up. You will need your member number (MXXXXXX), cell phone number, and your birthdate. If any of that information does not match, don't hesitate to get in touch with your lodge secretary to ensure that information is correct and updated in M2.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the Grand Lodge Office at 785-234-5518, send me an email at Bloom@KansasMason.org, or message me from your OLP app!

2021 ESSAY TOPIC Masonic lodges are places where people meet “on the level” regardless of political preference, socioeconomic status, and religious affiliation.

Our country’s motto is e pluribus unum - out of many, one - and the familiar phrase “united we stand, divided we fall” dates back over 2,500 years.

For this essay, begin by finding someone who holds a different perspective than you on a divisive issue social, religious, political - someone who fundamentally disagrees with a perspective you hold dear. For your issue, think locally, nationally, or even internationally. After taking the time to have a sincere, substantive conversation with the person you select about your chosen issue, explain what you learned from the dialogue.

In 300-500 words, how did this civil discussion impact your perspective on the issue? On the person?

How will this experience influence your future actions? How can you exhibit one or more of these traits in your school or community and how will this prepare you for your future?

CLARE HAWKINS from Scott Community High School, sponsoring Lodge Anthem Lodge No. 284.

Many topics, including feminism, are difficult to discuss because of opposing viewpoints, mainly due to differing political alignment. Although “about six-in-ten U.S. women today say “feminist” describes them,” many Americans debate that this term causes polarization (Barroso). My opinions on women’s equality and feminism have guided most of my political and personal views. I believe that women and men are fundamentally equal, which means that they should have equal economic, political, and social opportunities. In fact, “Feminism works towards equality, not female superiority,” (dosomething. org). Many years of identifying myself as a “feminist” and fiercely arguing my viewpoints as a woman have not warranted many conversations with those who oppose the feminist movement. Regarding the overall support of feminism in America, “45% say it is polarizing and 30% say it’s outdated,” (Barroso). I have been guilty of making the generalization that all who were opposed to the modern feminist movement “hated women.” This is simply untrue, as I have learned after my civil conversation with someone that is opposed to the modern feminist movement.

Although the conversation with someone of a different viewpoint did not change my current views about feminism and women’s rights, I glimpsed into the minds of the other side of the spectrum. The person that I discussed this issue with articulated his view in a unique way that I did not expect.

He stated his religious convictions as being the reason for not

WINNER LIST

8

First Place ($4,000)

Honorable Mention ($500)

CLARE HAWKINS

JACENDA SCHNACKER

Scott Community High School Anthem Lodge No. 284

Jefferson West High School Perry Lodge No. 415

Second Place ($3,000)

Honorable Mention ($500)

ADDISON EMMOT

ANNAKA HAYNES

Beloit High School Mount Vernon Lodge No. 145

Doniphan West High School Smithton Lodge No. 1

Third Place ($2,000)

Honorable Mention ($500)

HELEN WINTERS

MICKELLY SOYEZ

Bennington High School Minneapolis Lodge No. 143

Marion High School Advance Lodge No. 114

Fourth Place ($1,000)

Honorable Mention ($500)

LIBERTY FRANKLIN

EMMA ATHERTON

Garden Plain High School Unity Lodge No. 273

Chanute High School Cedar Lodge No. 103

agreeing with the feminist movement. Specifically, he believes that the Bible tasks men with the responsibility of being the “head of the household.” This person did not hate women but viewed the roles and strengths of men and women as simply – different. For him, the feminist movement encroached on his religious beliefs. He did not think the feminist view of complete equality was correct, because men and women were destined for different purposes that were set out by a religious text. After having a thorough discussion with him, I did not agree with his viewpoint, but I understood why he disagreed with me.

This conversation made me realize that one can never make assumptions about people based on their views concerning “hot topics,” because these assumptions are often proven wrong after civil conversations. After talking with someone that disagreed with me, I began to see and understand his viewpoint better. I replaced the previously negative feelings about this person with understanding. Moving forward, I will make assumptions about people due to their disagreements with my stance. I will begin talking with others about their perspective before immediately arguing with them and fiercely defending my outlook. One can never know the reasons behind other’s opinions on political, social, and religious issues until they pursue civil discussions. In a culture saturated with disagreement and proving others wrong, I will seek to find common ground with others and understand the perspectives of others, rathe than arguing my own point.

Works Cited Barroso, Amanda. “61% of U.S. women say “feminist” describes them well; many see Feminism as empowering, polarizing.” Pew Research Center, 7 July 2020. https://pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/07/07/61-of-u-s-women-say-feminist-describes-them-well-many-see-feminism-as-empowering-polarizing/. Accessed 18 Oct. 2021.

“11 Facts About Feminism.” Do Something.org https://www.dosmoething.org/us/facts/11-facts-about-feminism. Accessed 18 Oct. 2021.

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2021 ESSAY TOPIC Masonic lodges are places where people meet “on the level” regardless of political preference, socioeconomic status, and religious affiliation.

Our country’s motto is e pluribus unum - out of many, one - and the familiar phrase “united we stand, divided we fall” dates back over 2,500 years.

For this essay, begin by finding someone who holds a different perspective than you on a divisive issue social, religious, political - someone who fundamentally disagrees with a perspective you hold dear. For your issue, think locally, nationally, or even internationally. After taking the time to have a sincere, substantive conversation with the person you select about your chosen issue, explain what you learned from the dialogue.

In 300-500 words, how did this civil discussion impact your perspective on the issue? On the person?

How will this experience influence your future actions? How can you exhibit one or more of these traits in your school or community and how will this prepare you for your future?

CLARE HAWKINS from Scott Community High School, sponsoring Lodge Anthem Lodge No. 284.

Many topics, including feminism, are difficult to discuss because of opposing viewpoints, mainly due to differing political alignment. Although “about six-in-ten U.S. women today say “feminist” describes them,” many Americans debate that this term causes polarization (Barroso). My opinions on women’s equality and feminism have guided most of my political and personal views. I believe that women and men are fundamentally equal, which means that they should have equal economic, political, and social opportunities. In fact, “Feminism works towards equality, not female superiority,” (dosomething. org). Many years of identifying myself as a “feminist” and fiercely arguing my viewpoints as a woman have not warranted many conversations with those who oppose the feminist movement. Regarding the overall support of feminism in America, “45% say it is polarizing and 30% say it’s outdated,” (Barroso). I have been guilty of making the generalization that all who were opposed to the modern feminist movement “hated women.” This is simply untrue, as I have learned after my civil conversation with someone that is opposed to the modern feminist movement.

Although the conversation with someone of a different viewpoint did not change my current views about feminism and women’s rights, I glimpsed into the minds of the other side of the spectrum. The person that I discussed this issue with articulated his view in a unique way that I did not expect.

He stated his religious convictions as being the reason for not

WINNER LIST

8

First Place ($4,000)

Honorable Mention ($500)

CLARE HAWKINS

JACENDA SCHNACKER

Scott Community High School Anthem Lodge No. 284

Jefferson West High School Perry Lodge No. 415

Second Place ($3,000)

Honorable Mention ($500)

ADDISON EMMOT

ANNAKA HAYNES

Beloit High School Mount Vernon Lodge No. 145

Doniphan West High School Smithton Lodge No. 1

Third Place ($2,000)

Honorable Mention ($500)

HELEN WINTERS

MICKELLY SOYEZ

Bennington High School Minneapolis Lodge No. 143

Marion High School Advance Lodge No. 114

Fourth Place ($1,000)

Honorable Mention ($500)

LIBERTY FRANKLIN

EMMA ATHERTON

Garden Plain High School Unity Lodge No. 273

Chanute High School Cedar Lodge No. 103

agreeing with the feminist movement. Specifically, he believes that the Bible tasks men with the responsibility of being the “head of the household.” This person did not hate women but viewed the roles and strengths of men and women as simply – different. For him, the feminist movement encroached on his religious beliefs. He did not think the feminist view of complete equality was correct, because men and women were destined for different purposes that were set out by a religious text. After having a thorough discussion with him, I did not agree with his viewpoint, but I understood why he disagreed with me.

This conversation made me realize that one can never make assumptions about people based on their views concerning “hot topics,” because these assumptions are often proven wrong after civil conversations. After talking with someone that disagreed with me, I began to see and understand his viewpoint better. I replaced the previously negative feelings about this person with understanding. Moving forward, I will make assumptions about people due to their disagreements with my stance. I will begin talking with others about their perspective before immediately arguing with them and fiercely defending my outlook. One can never know the reasons behind other’s opinions on political, social, and religious issues until they pursue civil discussions. In a culture saturated with disagreement and proving others wrong, I will seek to find common ground with others and understand the perspectives of others, rathe than arguing my own point.

Works Cited Barroso, Amanda. “61% of U.S. women say “feminist” describes them well; many see Feminism as empowering, polarizing.” Pew Research Center, 7 July 2020. https://pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/07/07/61-of-u-s-women-say-feminist-describes-them-well-many-see-feminism-as-empowering-polarizing/. Accessed 18 Oct. 2021.

“11 Facts About Feminism.” Do Something.org https://www.dosmoething.org/us/facts/11-facts-about-feminism. Accessed 18 Oct. 2021.

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9

Membership Retention: A Matter of Value

FIGURE 2 represents the retention rates of the three categories. Only 33% of those made a member through a oneday class are still members of our Fraternity. This is compared to 51% of those taking the standard path. These are far from the same. While 33% is abysmal, 51% is nothing to be proud of.

I was shocked that the numbers were so low. We lose half of the men that we make Masons. 50% of the people who became Master Masons in Kansas in the last 25 years have left what we consider the greatest Fraternity the world has ever known. 50% or 17,000 men have left Masonry in Kansas. We only have about 13,000 members.

13,000 are still here, and 17,000 chose to go; we are doing something wrong.

Mikel J Stoops, Grand Master of Masons in Kansas 2021-2022

Let us consider the initiatic process by which we become a Mason. We are an initiatic fraternity based on a system of self-knowledge, with lessons in philosophy, spirituality, and morality. Our approach is based on the apprenticeship structure of the operative stonemason’s guilds. It is a proven system that dates back more than five centuries. Still, there are many proponents of shortening our initiation process through One-Day classes or Chance To Advance events. Those who believe this tout that the retention rates of members brought in through these methods are the same as those brought in through the standard means. (Standard being one degree at a time with proficiency requirements between degrees.) Those proponents provide this insight with only anecdotal stories to back it up. I wanted to see the actual data to make an informed decision about such “short-cuts.” To that end, I pulled the membership records of all Master Masons raised in Kansas since January 1st, 1996. Why 1996? It is roughly 25 years of data, and 1997 was the first year we had one-day classes in Kansas.

We have just over 35,000 records from Master Masons during those 25 years. Two-thirds of them did not contain the information I needed for the study. They were missing the dates for the initiating, passing, or raising. This left a sample of just a few under 11,000 raised during the last 25 years. For clarity of the information, “One-Day Classes” (One-Day) are those candidates who receive all three of their degrees in one day, and “Chance to Advance” (C2A) are those who received two of their degrees in one day. Both oneday and chance to advance are usually performed in a group setting. “Standard Path” (Standard) are those candidates who receive their three degrees on separate days. Looking at FIGURE 1, the blue lines represent the total number raised, and the orange lines are those who are no longer affiliated through either dimit, suspension for non-payment of dues, or suspension for un-masonic conduct. When we study the numbers raise versus the numbers that are now unaffiliated, it is clear that all things are not equal.

FIGURE 3 illustrates the dropout percentage based on years of service. Studying this curve, we see a significant spike at year three through year four. So, based on this, it is imperative that we engage new members within the first thirty-six months. If we do not, there is a high likelihood they will be gone. This is independent of whether they went through the standard path or the one-day courses. That being said, the one-day class still has a higher dropout rate than the standard path.

10

11

Membership Retention: A Matter of Value

FIGURE 2 represents the retention rates of the three categories. Only 33% of those made a member through a oneday class are still members of our Fraternity. This is compared to 51% of those taking the standard path. These are far from the same. While 33% is abysmal, 51% is nothing to be proud of.

I was shocked that the numbers were so low. We lose half of the men that we make Masons. 50% of the people who became Master Masons in Kansas in the last 25 years have left what we consider the greatest Fraternity the world has ever known. 50% or 17,000 men have left Masonry in Kansas. We only have about 13,000 members.

13,000 are still here, and 17,000 chose to go; we are doing something wrong.

Mikel J Stoops, Grand Master of Masons in Kansas 2021-2022

Let us consider the initiatic process by which we become a Mason. We are an initiatic fraternity based on a system of self-knowledge, with lessons in philosophy, spirituality, and morality. Our approach is based on the apprenticeship structure of the operative stonemason’s guilds. It is a proven system that dates back more than five centuries. Still, there are many proponents of shortening our initiation process through One-Day classes or Chance To Advance events. Those who believe this tout that the retention rates of members brought in through these methods are the same as those brought in through the standard means. (Standard being one degree at a time with proficiency requirements between degrees.) Those proponents provide this insight with only anecdotal stories to back it up. I wanted to see the actual data to make an informed decision about such “short-cuts.” To that end, I pulled the membership records of all Master Masons raised in Kansas since January 1st, 1996. Why 1996? It is roughly 25 years of data, and 1997 was the first year we had one-day classes in Kansas.

We have just over 35,000 records from Master Masons during those 25 years. Two-thirds of them did not contain the information I needed for the study. They were missing the dates for the initiating, passing, or raising. This left a sample of just a few under 11,000 raised during the last 25 years. For clarity of the information, “One-Day Classes” (One-Day) are those candidates who receive all three of their degrees in one day, and “Chance to Advance” (C2A) are those who received two of their degrees in one day. Both oneday and chance to advance are usually performed in a group setting. “Standard Path” (Standard) are those candidates who receive their three degrees on separate days. Looking at FIGURE 1, the blue lines represent the total number raised, and the orange lines are those who are no longer affiliated through either dimit, suspension for non-payment of dues, or suspension for un-masonic conduct. When we study the numbers raise versus the numbers that are now unaffiliated, it is clear that all things are not equal.

FIGURE 3 illustrates the dropout percentage based on years of service. Studying this curve, we see a significant spike at year three through year four. So, based on this, it is imperative that we engage new members within the first thirty-six months. If we do not, there is a high likelihood they will be gone. This is independent of whether they went through the standard path or the one-day courses. That being said, the one-day class still has a higher dropout rate than the standard path.

10

11

To summarize Figures 1, 2 & 3: • • • • •

66% of One‐Day class participants dropped out of Masonry.

60% of C2A participants dropped out of Masonry.

49% of Standard Path participants dropped out of Masonry.

It is 2.5X more likely for C2A or One‐Day participants to drop out within the first 12 months.

It is 13% more likely within the first 5 years for One-Day or C2A participants to drop out.

• Even after 22 years as a Master Mason, it is 2X more likely for C2A or One‐Day participants to drop out.

An argument I hear time and time again is, “We have to put him through the one-day class or short-cut the process because these people are too busy to follow the standard path and learn their proficiency.” Why do we allow people to join our organization if they don’t have time to participate? If they are so busy that they cannot take two hours out of their schedule on three separate nights and do a bit of studying to learn the small amount of memorization required, how do they have time to be a Mason? The simple answer is, “They don’t.”

The retention numbers also seem to support this.

FIGURE 4 illustrates the retention rate of members during their first five years of service. (e.g., Those raised in 1996 that maintained their membership through 2001.) There are some interesting numbers in this graph. I see two significant years in FIGURE 4.

1997 was the lowest point for retention rates during the first five years at 45%, and it was the first year for one‐day classes in Kansas. 2010 was the beginning of a steady increase in retention rate during the first five years of affiliation from 52% in 2010 to 69% in 2015, and it was the first year of the Grand Lodge of Kansas Strategic Plan (Vision 2020) Our Strategic Plan is a consistent long-term roadmap for the Grand Lodge of Kansas. Our Mission and Vision given to the leaders of our Craft by the rank-and-file members are: “The Mission of the Grand Lodge of Kansas is to Encourage and Support Freemasonry by Assisting its Brothers and Constituent Lodges to Achieve Success and Prosperity, as Assets to Their Communities.”

“The Vision of the Grand Lodge of Kansas is an Ideal Masonic Experience in Every Lodge!”

Finally, allow me to talk about value. Everything is a matter of value. It does not matter what you are doing; you either make a conscious or an unconscious decision whether you are going to do it or not based on the value you perceive in it. Whether going to a restaurant, buying a car or home, taking a vacation, or joining and participating in an organization such as Freemasonry, we all make those value decisions. Last year, I judged an Entrepreneurship Challenge for high school age students here in Kansas. One of the participants, a young lady who made earrings, only sold her jewelry at specific boutiques. When asked by one of the judges, “Why don’t you sell your earrings at craft shows where you could sell more of your products?” she responded, “It is a matter of perceived value. If I sell my earrings at the boutiques, people think they’re worth more than if I have them at craft shows.” She hit the nail on the head.

Everything has a perceived value. What is the perceived value of an organization whose initiation fees are $40?

You don’t have to learn anything or study anything to become a member. We rush you through, get you to the top in one day, and you are then a Master Mason?

12

What is the perceived value when we have a lodge whose annual dues are $35? What is the perceived value of an organization that rushes you in, charges you $40, and then only charges you $30 a year to be a member?

Unfortunately, the perceived value is very low.

For too long, we focused on cheaper, easier, and bigger.

We did so to the point that we started losing our value.

Cheaper, easier, and bigger did not work, and in 2010 we made the conscious decision to focus on excellence and value. We focused on excellence to regain the value that our Craft deserves. We focused on excellence in engaging our Members, especially during the critical first three years. I believe the proof is in the numbers.

Cheap, easy, and big equals a 33% retention rate.

Focusing on excellence and the true value of Masonry equals a 69% retention rate. I pray that we continue on this path.

13

To summarize Figures 1, 2 & 3: • • • • •

66% of One‐Day class participants dropped out of Masonry.

60% of C2A participants dropped out of Masonry.

49% of Standard Path participants dropped out of Masonry.

It is 2.5X more likely for C2A or One‐Day participants to drop out within the first 12 months.

It is 13% more likely within the first 5 years for One-Day or C2A participants to drop out.

• Even after 22 years as a Master Mason, it is 2X more likely for C2A or One‐Day participants to drop out.

An argument I hear time and time again is, “We have to put him through the one-day class or short-cut the process because these people are too busy to follow the standard path and learn their proficiency.” Why do we allow people to join our organization if they don’t have time to participate? If they are so busy that they cannot take two hours out of their schedule on three separate nights and do a bit of studying to learn the small amount of memorization required, how do they have time to be a Mason? The simple answer is, “They don’t.”

The retention numbers also seem to support this.

FIGURE 4 illustrates the retention rate of members during their first five years of service. (e.g., Those raised in 1996 that maintained their membership through 2001.) There are some interesting numbers in this graph. I see two significant years in FIGURE 4.

1997 was the lowest point for retention rates during the first five years at 45%, and it was the first year for one‐day classes in Kansas. 2010 was the beginning of a steady increase in retention rate during the first five years of affiliation from 52% in 2010 to 69% in 2015, and it was the first year of the Grand Lodge of Kansas Strategic Plan (Vision 2020) Our Strategic Plan is a consistent long-term roadmap for the Grand Lodge of Kansas. Our Mission and Vision given to the leaders of our Craft by the rank-and-file members are: “The Mission of the Grand Lodge of Kansas is to Encourage and Support Freemasonry by Assisting its Brothers and Constituent Lodges to Achieve Success and Prosperity, as Assets to Their Communities.”

“The Vision of the Grand Lodge of Kansas is an Ideal Masonic Experience in Every Lodge!”

Finally, allow me to talk about value. Everything is a matter of value. It does not matter what you are doing; you either make a conscious or an unconscious decision whether you are going to do it or not based on the value you perceive in it. Whether going to a restaurant, buying a car or home, taking a vacation, or joining and participating in an organization such as Freemasonry, we all make those value decisions. Last year, I judged an Entrepreneurship Challenge for high school age students here in Kansas. One of the participants, a young lady who made earrings, only sold her jewelry at specific boutiques. When asked by one of the judges, “Why don’t you sell your earrings at craft shows where you could sell more of your products?” she responded, “It is a matter of perceived value. If I sell my earrings at the boutiques, people think they’re worth more than if I have them at craft shows.” She hit the nail on the head.

Everything has a perceived value. What is the perceived value of an organization whose initiation fees are $40?

You don’t have to learn anything or study anything to become a member. We rush you through, get you to the top in one day, and you are then a Master Mason?

12

What is the perceived value when we have a lodge whose annual dues are $35? What is the perceived value of an organization that rushes you in, charges you $40, and then only charges you $30 a year to be a member?

Unfortunately, the perceived value is very low.

For too long, we focused on cheaper, easier, and bigger.

We did so to the point that we started losing our value.

Cheaper, easier, and bigger did not work, and in 2010 we made the conscious decision to focus on excellence and value. We focused on excellence to regain the value that our Craft deserves. We focused on excellence in engaging our Members, especially during the critical first three years. I believe the proof is in the numbers.

Cheap, easy, and big equals a 33% retention rate.

Focusing on excellence and the true value of Masonry equals a 69% retention rate. I pray that we continue on this path.

13

What was in the box?

Submitted by Patrick Carr, Master of McPherson Lodge 172 I love history. There, I said it. I am glad I was able to make that public finally. I love to save history from being tossed casually into landfills whenever and wherever I can. I am even more resolute to save the items when it comes to Masonic history. One thing I have come to understand about our Craft is the brethren are willing to throw out their old books and mementos.

We rarely give them much thought and discard them for the sake of newer items. This is how I have gained many pieces for my personal masonic library. Lodges cast out things they no longer need, and they end up in my collection.

Sometimes this happens through an auction website such as eBay. There is the occasional individual who purchases items from an antique store or pawn shop and decides the item has more value than what they had initially paid. When this occurs, the item ends up on one of the many retail sale sites on the web. I was fortunate to purchase one such item many years ago. This item bridged my love for masonic history with United States history. These types of items have been rare for me to find. While many masonic antiquities are for sale, few genuine American history pieces come up for sale.

I was fortunate to discover a piece on eBay several years ago. It was advertised as a masonic gavel made from wood taken from the United States House of Representatives. I must admit, I was quite skeptical of the supposed provenance of the gavel. I examined the photographs of the gavel and the items which accompanied it with great scrutiny. The gavel appeared 14

to be genuine, but I was still not sure. The price of the gavel and the other included items ended up at $400 and both I, along with another masonic brother, decided to split the cost and gamble on the piece. We had no idea what we had purchased until it was delivered.

The gavel was delivered in a wooden box constructed to house the gavel and the other items. The other items included were a Holy Bible, a newspaper article, three programs from a masonic gathering in Pennsylvania in 1928, a metal one-piece square and compasses, and the artwork used to create the square and compasses. The Holy Bible was inscribed to the Fellowship Club of Master Masons and presented by Bro Samuel A. Mooers in December 1928. The newspaper article was from the Thursday, October 31, 1997, edition of The Washington Times and was entitled "The Mystique of the Masons" and chronicled the Scottish Rite House of the Temple in Washington, D.C. One program was from the 75th anniversary of Juniata Lodge No. 282 in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, on December 8, 1928. The second program was entitled "History of Juniata Lodge No. 282," which told the history of that lodge. The third program was dated December 29, 1930, and included the officers from the several Blair County masonic lodges who met jointly for the Feast of St. John the Evangelist.

None of these programs had any reference to Brother Mooers who had donated the Bible to the Fellowship Club of Master Masons.

The included artwork was for the various sizes for the Fellowship Club of Master Masons logo design.

The chrome emblem had a small hole in the middle for hanging the logo device on a door or other location. It listed the number of the club as being No. 182. None of these items were much help in understanding what the Fellowship Club of Master Masons was and where it existed.

The gavel was by far the most important piece in the box, and which is what had caught my attention in the original offer for its purchase. The gavel appeared to be made of mahogany and had a round brass piece inlaid in the bottom of the head of the gavel. A silver plate on the front of the gavel details the gavel's provenance. The plate is heavily engraved, and the square and compasses are engraved behind the inscription. The inscription reads, "The mahogany from which this gavel is made was brought from Honduras in 1804 and made into doors for the U.S. Capitol, when the British set fire to the Capitol in 1814, doors partially destroyed – piece of metal in end of gavel is from bronze doors, east front, House of Representatives Presented to Fellowship Club, M.M. by Brother Arthur E. Cook."

At approximately 8:00 p.m., on the evening of August 14, 1814, British troops under the command of Vice-Admiral Sir Alexander Cockburn and Major General Robert Ross defeated the American Forces at Bladensburg, Maryland, and marched into Washington, D.C. (AOC Curator, 2012). British troops set fire to most of the city, and on August 24, 2012, they set fire to several significant rooms in the Capitol building. The White House and other distinctly American buildings in the city were burned by the British as well. In the Capitol's south wing, the British used gunpowder to ignite the Hall of the House of Representatives, which is now known as National Statuary Hall (AOC Curator, 2012). Some parts of the building survived the fire and parts of the doors from the House of Representatives were ultimately salvaged from the ruins.

Brother Arthur E. "Gus" Cook was an assistant to the Architect of the Capitol. He started his career at the U.S. Capitol in 1896 as a laborer and worked for

several different Architects of the Capitol throughout his tenure in Washington (Bytes of History, 2015).

Brother Cook was the assistant to David Lynn from 1897 until 1954 and for J. George Stewart from 1954 until he died in 1959. Brother Cook had served the administration of President Coolidge and President Eisenhower during his time as the Assistant Architect of the Capitol. It was during these years Brother Cook was tasked with supplying gavels for various individuals in the United States government. We can only assume Brother Benjamin Henry Latrobe, the second person to hold the position of Architect of the Capitol, was able to save portions of the wood after the Capitol suffered its devastating fire due to his directive to conduct repairs on the building (Nichols, 2010).

This gavel is a magnificent piece of United States history. There have been three such gavels produced from the Honduran Mahogany doors.

One is in the collection of the library of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, FAAM. Another made its way to a private collection. Neither of those gavels had been constructed with the care which had gone into the making of the Fellowship Club of Master Masons' gavel. This is not only a piece of American history but one of masonic provenance as well. The Fellowship Club of Master Masons was one of several affinity organizations formed under the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia starting in 1908. These clubs afforded Master Masons a place to gather during work and to practice their craft in these government buildings away from the prying eyes of the public. The Fellowship Club of Master Masons was founded in 1911 and was confined to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. The chrome logo was hung on the door leading into the rented room, which would signify to all the club was operating in the room during the time the logo was on the door.

Little is known about the production of the gavel other than what has been engraved upon the silver plate on the head of the gavel. Brother Master Masons have been affiliated with the United States government 15

What was in the box?

Submitted by Patrick Carr, Master of McPherson Lodge 172 I love history. There, I said it. I am glad I was able to make that public finally. I love to save history from being tossed casually into landfills whenever and wherever I can. I am even more resolute to save the items when it comes to Masonic history. One thing I have come to understand about our Craft is the brethren are willing to throw out their old books and mementos.

We rarely give them much thought and discard them for the sake of newer items. This is how I have gained many pieces for my personal masonic library. Lodges cast out things they no longer need, and they end up in my collection.

Sometimes this happens through an auction website such as eBay. There is the occasional individual who purchases items from an antique store or pawn shop and decides the item has more value than what they had initially paid. When this occurs, the item ends up on one of the many retail sale sites on the web. I was fortunate to purchase one such item many years ago. This item bridged my love for masonic history with United States history. These types of items have been rare for me to find. While many masonic antiquities are for sale, few genuine American history pieces come up for sale.

I was fortunate to discover a piece on eBay several years ago. It was advertised as a masonic gavel made from wood taken from the United States House of Representatives. I must admit, I was quite skeptical of the supposed provenance of the gavel. I examined the photographs of the gavel and the items which accompanied it with great scrutiny. The gavel appeared 14

to be genuine, but I was still not sure. The price of the gavel and the other included items ended up at $400 and both I, along with another masonic brother, decided to split the cost and gamble on the piece. We had no idea what we had purchased until it was delivered.

The gavel was delivered in a wooden box constructed to house the gavel and the other items. The other items included were a Holy Bible, a newspaper article, three programs from a masonic gathering in Pennsylvania in 1928, a metal one-piece square and compasses, and the artwork used to create the square and compasses. The Holy Bible was inscribed to the Fellowship Club of Master Masons and presented by Bro Samuel A. Mooers in December 1928. The newspaper article was from the Thursday, October 31, 1997, edition of The Washington Times and was entitled "The Mystique of the Masons" and chronicled the Scottish Rite House of the Temple in Washington, D.C. One program was from the 75th anniversary of Juniata Lodge No. 282 in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, on December 8, 1928. The second program was entitled "History of Juniata Lodge No. 282," which told the history of that lodge. The third program was dated December 29, 1930, and included the officers from the several Blair County masonic lodges who met jointly for the Feast of St. John the Evangelist.

None of these programs had any reference to Brother Mooers who had donated the Bible to the Fellowship Club of Master Masons.

The included artwork was for the various sizes for the Fellowship Club of Master Masons logo design.

The chrome emblem had a small hole in the middle for hanging the logo device on a door or other location. It listed the number of the club as being No. 182. None of these items were much help in understanding what the Fellowship Club of Master Masons was and where it existed.

The gavel was by far the most important piece in the box, and which is what had caught my attention in the original offer for its purchase. The gavel appeared to be made of mahogany and had a round brass piece inlaid in the bottom of the head of the gavel. A silver plate on the front of the gavel details the gavel's provenance. The plate is heavily engraved, and the square and compasses are engraved behind the inscription. The inscription reads, "The mahogany from which this gavel is made was brought from Honduras in 1804 and made into doors for the U.S. Capitol, when the British set fire to the Capitol in 1814, doors partially destroyed – piece of metal in end of gavel is from bronze doors, east front, House of Representatives Presented to Fellowship Club, M.M. by Brother Arthur E. Cook."

At approximately 8:00 p.m., on the evening of August 14, 1814, British troops under the command of Vice-Admiral Sir Alexander Cockburn and Major General Robert Ross defeated the American Forces at Bladensburg, Maryland, and marched into Washington, D.C. (AOC Curator, 2012). British troops set fire to most of the city, and on August 24, 2012, they set fire to several significant rooms in the Capitol building. The White House and other distinctly American buildings in the city were burned by the British as well. In the Capitol's south wing, the British used gunpowder to ignite the Hall of the House of Representatives, which is now known as National Statuary Hall (AOC Curator, 2012). Some parts of the building survived the fire and parts of the doors from the House of Representatives were ultimately salvaged from the ruins.

Brother Arthur E. "Gus" Cook was an assistant to the Architect of the Capitol. He started his career at the U.S. Capitol in 1896 as a laborer and worked for

several different Architects of the Capitol throughout his tenure in Washington (Bytes of History, 2015).

Brother Cook was the assistant to David Lynn from 1897 until 1954 and for J. George Stewart from 1954 until he died in 1959. Brother Cook had served the administration of President Coolidge and President Eisenhower during his time as the Assistant Architect of the Capitol. It was during these years Brother Cook was tasked with supplying gavels for various individuals in the United States government. We can only assume Brother Benjamin Henry Latrobe, the second person to hold the position of Architect of the Capitol, was able to save portions of the wood after the Capitol suffered its devastating fire due to his directive to conduct repairs on the building (Nichols, 2010).

This gavel is a magnificent piece of United States history. There have been three such gavels produced from the Honduran Mahogany doors.

One is in the collection of the library of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, FAAM. Another made its way to a private collection. Neither of those gavels had been constructed with the care which had gone into the making of the Fellowship Club of Master Masons' gavel. This is not only a piece of American history but one of masonic provenance as well. The Fellowship Club of Master Masons was one of several affinity organizations formed under the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia starting in 1908. These clubs afforded Master Masons a place to gather during work and to practice their craft in these government buildings away from the prying eyes of the public. The Fellowship Club of Master Masons was founded in 1911 and was confined to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. The chrome logo was hung on the door leading into the rented room, which would signify to all the club was operating in the room during the time the logo was on the door.

Little is known about the production of the gavel other than what has been engraved upon the silver plate on the head of the gavel. Brother Master Masons have been affiliated with the United States government 15

for many years. Many of the founding fathers were members of our ancient art. These men have strived to continue democracy at all costs. It is not unusual for an important piece of history to be crafted and donated to the brethren for their use. How fitting it must have been for Brother Cook to present the gavel to a club of Master Masons who met in one of the most important buildings in the Capital. The Bureau of Engraving Printing is tasked with printing security documents and currency (U.S. Treasury Department, 2010). This same security of currency continues to guarantee both the government and the economy.

The gavel has been used twice since it was purchased ten years ago. When Brother Jarrod Adkisson, the brother who split the purchase cost with me, was installed in Little Rock as Grand Master of Arkansas, F&AM, in 2015, the gavel was presented to him to preside. The gavel was again used when I was installed as 2022 Master of McPherson Lodge No. 172 here in Kansas. I will not only use the gavel to preside but to teach more about the history of our beloved Craft to those who see the gavel in use in the Lodge during the coming year as we focus on masonic education and masonic history.

We do not know why the Fellowship Club of Master Masons inevitably ceased to operate as an affinity club within the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia.

Likewise, we do not understand how such a beautiful and important part of American history was ultimately made available for purchase. What we do know is Masonic and American memorabilia from our history is important and should continue to be protected and saved from being destroyed or forgotten by the Craft. These items continue to tie all masons back to the formation of our government and to those men who bled and died to protect our freedom to assemble and our freedom to associate with organizations such as Freemasonry. This is the ultimate lesson learned from the collection of masonic history. We must continue to study our history as it relates to our nation and understand how our nation's history relates to our fraternity. If you have the opportunity to visit McPherson Lodge No, 172 in 2022, you will see the gavel still being used to preside over a lodge meeting.

You will also witness masonic education being offered 16

Every year, the District Deputy Grand Masters visit and submit their Lodge reports.

Included in those reports are the Lodges' comments, questions, and concerns.

Grand Lodge Leadership tries to address all of those.

from learned brothers from across the region. Come and visit when you have the chance and take the time to learn a little bit more about our history. I hope by doing this, we can encourage as many brothers as possible to learn to love our masonic history and save it from the many eBay auctions, antique shops, and dumpsters our items end up being consigned to.

For the benefit of all Masons in Kansas, we are publishing those questions, concerns, and responses to them.

Related to the Reporting and Accreditation Process The process and criteria are not fair to rural, suburban. urban, small, large, old, new, (insert your own adjective), etc.

• When asked to specify unfair criteria or parts of the process, there were no responses. A review of the process and criteria found nothing seemingly unfair to any specific designation of a Lodge. There are equal opportunities for success in all Lodges.

There were concerns about the members not knowing the grading criteria for the annual evaluation.

• The entire process was the subject of one of the presentations at the 2020 Leadership Academy. That video is still available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avkWZW16C8A&list=PLF0IKwPTWYfVy4lwVqh8h6‐ vcX7Di0uZK&index=6&t=10s • Additionally, every member who has an email on file with the Grand Lodge was sent the Lodge Best Practice Guide. The Lodge Best Practice Guide is the set of criteria, and it contains an introductory letter that explains this. It is available in the Membership Area of the Grand Lodge website on the References, Manuals, and Forms page. Finally, the DDGM report has contained almost identical information for at least eight years. No one should be surprised by the criteria.

Because of COVID, some Lodges felt it was unfair to be scored on items they had been unable to do in the previous year.

• 2020 was a difficult year for everyone. Please note that no punitive actions were taken based on scoring of the 2021 reports. 2021 continued to be challenging, but lodges were given greater opportunity to return to normal and to quickly increase their success over that of 2020s It was expressed that some do not like all Lodges being fitted into the same set of standards and feel that they should be able to decide themselves on what constitutes an excellent Lodge.

• Since 1717 and the formation of the first Grand Lodge, it has been the responsibility of the Grand Lodges to set standards for the operation of Lodges. This duty of establishing and upholding standards is one of the primary reasons Grand Lodges exist. In 2019, our Strategic Planning Committee, which no sitting Grand Lodge leader was a member of, expressed to the leadership team that one of the highest priorities we needed to address was setting standards for Lodges and upholding those standards. These standards are vital in achieving our Mission and Vision of the Grand Lodge of Kansas.

REFERENCES AOC Curator. (2012, August 22). The burning of the U.S. capitol during the War of 1812 | AOC. Retrieved from https://www.aoc.gov/explore-capitol-campus/blog/ most-magnificent-ruin-burning-capitol-during-war-1812 Bytes of History. (2015). Arthur E. (Gus) Cook.

Retrieved from http://bytesofhistory.com/Cemeteries/ DC_Congressional/Obits/C/C_PDF/Cook_ArthurE.pdf Nichols, K. (2010, May 3). Hawke's Bay research lodge No.305. Retrieved from https://www. mastermason.com/hbresearch/pages/lecture28.htm U.S. Treasury Department. (2010, December 1).

Bureau of Engraving & Printing (BEP) overview.

Retrieved from https://www.treasury.gov/about/ organizational-structure/offices/Treasurer-US/Pages/ bepoverview.aspx

Some members find Grand Lodge questions outlined by the DDGM report to be intrusive and, frankly, "None of their business."

• There is nothing on the report used for nefarious purposes. The questions asked are to assist Grand Lodge Leadership in understanding the Lodges' health. For example, year after year, we saw Lodges with little to no revenue while still seeing large expenditures for building maintenance and taxes. This was a factor in pursuing the Car Raffle for the Lodges across the state. Everything a Lodge does is the business of Grand Lodge and its Leadership. The Lodges work under Charters issued by Grand Lodge, they are subordinate to Grand Lodge, and they cannot operate independently of that relationship.

17

you asked

17

for many years. Many of the founding fathers were members of our ancient art. These men have strived to continue democracy at all costs. It is not unusual for an important piece of history to be crafted and donated to the brethren for their use. How fitting it must have been for Brother Cook to present the gavel to a club of Master Masons who met in one of the most important buildings in the Capital. The Bureau of Engraving Printing is tasked with printing security documents and currency (U.S. Treasury Department, 2010). This same security of currency continues to guarantee both the government and the economy.

The gavel has been used twice since it was purchased ten years ago. When Brother Jarrod Adkisson, the brother who split the purchase cost with me, was installed in Little Rock as Grand Master of Arkansas, F&AM, in 2015, the gavel was presented to him to preside. The gavel was again used when I was installed as 2022 Master of McPherson Lodge No. 172 here in Kansas. I will not only use the gavel to preside but to teach more about the history of our beloved Craft to those who see the gavel in use in the Lodge during the coming year as we focus on masonic education and masonic history.

We do not know why the Fellowship Club of Master Masons inevitably ceased to operate as an affinity club within the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia.

Likewise, we do not understand how such a beautiful and important part of American history was ultimately made available for purchase. What we do know is Masonic and American memorabilia from our history is important and should continue to be protected and saved from being destroyed or forgotten by the Craft. These items continue to tie all masons back to the formation of our government and to those men who bled and died to protect our freedom to assemble and our freedom to associate with organizations such as Freemasonry. This is the ultimate lesson learned from the collection of masonic history. We must continue to study our history as it relates to our nation and understand how our nation's history relates to our fraternity. If you have the opportunity to visit McPherson Lodge No, 172 in 2022, you will see the gavel still being used to preside over a lodge meeting.

You will also witness masonic education being offered 16

Every year, the District Deputy Grand Masters visit and submit their Lodge reports.

Included in those reports are the Lodges' comments, questions, and concerns.

Grand Lodge Leadership tries to address all of those.

from learned brothers from across the region. Come and visit when you have the chance and take the time to learn a little bit more about our history. I hope by doing this, we can encourage as many brothers as possible to learn to love our masonic history and save it from the many eBay auctions, antique shops, and dumpsters our items end up being consigned to.

For the benefit of all Masons in Kansas, we are publishing those questions, concerns, and responses to them.

Related to the Reporting and Accreditation Process The process and criteria are not fair to rural, suburban. urban, small, large, old, new, (insert your own adjective), etc.

• When asked to specify unfair criteria or parts of the process, there were no responses. A review of the process and criteria found nothing seemingly unfair to any specific designation of a Lodge. There are equal opportunities for success in all Lodges.

There were concerns about the members not knowing the grading criteria for the annual evaluation.

• The entire process was the subject of one of the presentations at the 2020 Leadership Academy. That video is still available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avkWZW16C8A&list=PLF0IKwPTWYfVy4lwVqh8h6‐ vcX7Di0uZK&index=6&t=10s • Additionally, every member who has an email on file with the Grand Lodge was sent the Lodge Best Practice Guide. The Lodge Best Practice Guide is the set of criteria, and it contains an introductory letter that explains this. It is available in the Membership Area of the Grand Lodge website on the References, Manuals, and Forms page. Finally, the DDGM report has contained almost identical information for at least eight years. No one should be surprised by the criteria.

Because of COVID, some Lodges felt it was unfair to be scored on items they had been unable to do in the previous year.

• 2020 was a difficult year for everyone. Please note that no punitive actions were taken based on scoring of the 2021 reports. 2021 continued to be challenging, but lodges were given greater opportunity to return to normal and to quickly increase their success over that of 2020s It was expressed that some do not like all Lodges being fitted into the same set of standards and feel that they should be able to decide themselves on what constitutes an excellent Lodge.

• Since 1717 and the formation of the first Grand Lodge, it has been the responsibility of the Grand Lodges to set standards for the operation of Lodges. This duty of establishing and upholding standards is one of the primary reasons Grand Lodges exist. In 2019, our Strategic Planning Committee, which no sitting Grand Lodge leader was a member of, expressed to the leadership team that one of the highest priorities we needed to address was setting standards for Lodges and upholding those standards. These standards are vital in achieving our Mission and Vision of the Grand Lodge of Kansas.

REFERENCES AOC Curator. (2012, August 22). The burning of the U.S. capitol during the War of 1812 | AOC. Retrieved from https://www.aoc.gov/explore-capitol-campus/blog/ most-magnificent-ruin-burning-capitol-during-war-1812 Bytes of History. (2015). Arthur E. (Gus) Cook.

Retrieved from http://bytesofhistory.com/Cemeteries/ DC_Congressional/Obits/C/C_PDF/Cook_ArthurE.pdf Nichols, K. (2010, May 3). Hawke's Bay research lodge No.305. Retrieved from https://www. mastermason.com/hbresearch/pages/lecture28.htm U.S. Treasury Department. (2010, December 1).

Bureau of Engraving & Printing (BEP) overview.

Retrieved from https://www.treasury.gov/about/ organizational-structure/offices/Treasurer-US/Pages/ bepoverview.aspx

Some members find Grand Lodge questions outlined by the DDGM report to be intrusive and, frankly, "None of their business."

• There is nothing on the report used for nefarious purposes. The questions asked are to assist Grand Lodge Leadership in understanding the Lodges' health. For example, year after year, we saw Lodges with little to no revenue while still seeing large expenditures for building maintenance and taxes. This was a factor in pursuing the Car Raffle for the Lodges across the state. Everything a Lodge does is the business of Grand Lodge and its Leadership. The Lodges work under Charters issued by Grand Lodge, they are subordinate to Grand Lodge, and they cannot operate independently of that relationship.

17

you asked

17

Not Related to the Reporting and Accreditation Process

Items Not Related to the Reporting and Accreditation Process Continued

What is the Grand Lodge's position on Transgender?

• The Grand Lodge takes no stance on this issue. Individual Lodges decide who they bring in as Masons. Each Mason is encouraged to study his obligation, charges, the Masonic laws and act accordingly.

There are still lingering concerns over electronic background verification.

• No one should object to using every tool possible to ensure we are doing everything we can to Guard the West Gate. The background verification, used properly, assists the Investigation Committee in performing its required duties.

Is the Grand Lodge office going to remain permanently in Emporia, and, if so, what is being done with the proceeds of the sale of the building in Topeka?

• We have a 5‐year lease agreement in Emporia.

• Money from the building sale is in the endowment fund to build for the continued operation of the Grand Lodge in the future.

There was a request that Past District Deputy Grand Masters have an annual meeting to ask questions of the new Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master.

• We have ample opportunity for anyone within the Craft to ask questions and receive answers. DDGMs are the representative of the Grand Master and, just as is being done here, questions are asked and answered based on their reports. There are Area Meetings at which questions and concerns can be addressed. Anyone is free to call, write, or email any Grand Lodge officer if they have something they would like to discuss. There were open discussions with all the Grand Lodge Leaders during the last two Leadership Academies. Additionally, the Grand Lodge of Kansas does not recognize the position of "Past District Deputy Grand Master." Having a special meeting with a such a select group does not promote the open and honest dialog that already exists.

Concerns were raised over the use of digital communications by the Grand Lodge to the Lodges.

• All required communications to the Lodges are sent both electronically and via hard copy. Email was invented 43 years ago. If it joined Masonry when it was 18, it would be receiving its 25‐year service emblem this year. For those lodges that haven't, it might be time to adopt this "new" form of communication.

Where did the money go that was meant to repair the roof of the Topeka Grand Lodge building? Since the roof was not repaired, why is it not being given back to the Brothers?

• No money was collected explicitly to repair the roof of the Grand Lodge building. The roof was repaired. The last section was completed in 2017 at the cost of approximately $35,000.

Several Lodges in one Area felt slighted by their lack of representation in Grand Lodge Leadership positions.

• The Area in question has struggled to provide consistent leadership at the DDGM and ADGM levels. These are vital steppingstones for further leadership opportunities. It has had consistently lower rates of completion of critical items such as the submission of DDGM reports and some of the lowest attendance at the District School of Instruction. For example, only 27 Brothers, in total, attended the Schools of Instruction for that entire Area in 2019. The hope is that the current leaders in that Area are turning this around.

With the change in the bylaws to no longer give fifty cents to each of the three youth organizations, is Grand lodge going to tell us what that money is now being used for, or is it going to be taken out and our dues reduced?

• The bylaw regarding part of our per-capita given to the youth orders was changed several years ago. At the last Annual Communication, an amendment to increase per-capita by $1.50 and give that money to the youth orders failed. All per-capita goes into the general fund and is distributed as required by the bylaws. Additional expenditures are per the annual budget. The budget is published and approved by the Grand Lodge members every year. Additionally, the end-of-year financial reports and the audit are published and available to all members.

There were overwhelming concerns from one Lodge that the leadership of Grand Lodge keeps getting recycled from the same areas with the same voice. It was even suggested to the DDGM that if he ever hoped to become Grand Master, he would have to become a member of a "High Profile" Lodge.

• The thought that a member must be from a particular area or join a specific Lodge if they want to be an active leader seems absurd to many and can be quickly put to rest. A list of all our Past Grand Masters and their home lodges are listed in the member area of our website as are all our current Grand Lodge elected and appointed officers. Examining those records, any concerns of "bias" are quickly put to rest. In this masonic year, the current Grand Master is the first Grand Master in the history of his Lodge. The Grand Senior Warden is from Lindsborg, the Junior Warden is from Belleville, and the Senior Deacon is from Ulysses. To believe that you must be from a particular area or from a specific Lodge is clearly not true.

• Second, of course, Grand Lodge Leadership has the same or a similar voice every year. It has nothing to do with the area where those Brothers are from as we can see from the above explanation. We hear a common theme from the leaders at the Grand Lodge level because they all working off the same "script." That script is the Mission, Vision, and Strategic Plan given to us by the Craft and which was last updated in 2019 to lead us into 2030. The leadership of Grand Lodge did not develop any of these, but we are all committed to working toward those common goals.

How are we going to strengthen DeMolay and assist them in growing since we are looking to them to become our future Masons? But yet, we are relying on the lodges to fund this with the assistance of the Kansas Masonic Foundations.

• Membership and membership growth are functions of the Lodges, not the Grand Lodge. Even still, Grand Lodge leadership and the KMF provide multiple tools to assist the lodges in this effort. If DeMolay is one avenue that the Lodges wish to support for membership growth, they are certainly within their rights to do so.

The support of our youth orders is about educating young people and giving them a safe environment in which to learn and grow.

Some were upset and did not understand what was behind the Notice on Masonic Organizations needing to have the Grand Master's permission to operate in the State of Kansas.

• The objective of this was to reestablish the authority of the Grand Master and the Grand Lodge that 2019 Grand Master Morrow claimed did not exist. He stated as much in his Grand Master's address. Unfortunately, he only looked at the written laws and did not consider the usages of our Fraternity. We can think of usages as common law. This is the policy of most Jurisdictions, and it was vital that we recognize that we have had and should still have similar safeguards in place in Kansas. As you can see from the ruling, this is not a new concept as our history clearly points out this is an established usage of our Fraternity.

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We hope that this has given transparency and understanding about these questions and concerns.

WE ANSWERED

19

Not Related to the Reporting and Accreditation Process

Items Not Related to the Reporting and Accreditation Process Continued

What is the Grand Lodge's position on Transgender?

• The Grand Lodge takes no stance on this issue. Individual Lodges decide who they bring in as Masons. Each Mason is encouraged to study his obligation, charges, the Masonic laws and act accordingly.

There are still lingering concerns over electronic background verification.

• No one should object to using every tool possible to ensure we are doing everything we can to Guard the West Gate. The background verification, used properly, assists the Investigation Committee in performing its required duties.

Is the Grand Lodge office going to remain permanently in Emporia, and, if so, what is being done with the proceeds of the sale of the building in Topeka?

• We have a 5‐year lease agreement in Emporia.

• Money from the building sale is in the endowment fund to build for the continued operation of the Grand Lodge in the future.

There was a request that Past District Deputy Grand Masters have an annual meeting to ask questions of the new Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master.

• We have ample opportunity for anyone within the Craft to ask questions and receive answers. DDGMs are the representative of the Grand Master and, just as is being done here, questions are asked and answered based on their reports. There are Area Meetings at which questions and concerns can be addressed. Anyone is free to call, write, or email any Grand Lodge officer if they have something they would like to discuss. There were open discussions with all the Grand Lodge Leaders during the last two Leadership Academies. Additionally, the Grand Lodge of Kansas does not recognize the position of "Past District Deputy Grand Master." Having a special meeting with a such a select group does not promote the open and honest dialog that already exists.

Concerns were raised over the use of digital communications by the Grand Lodge to the Lodges.

• All required communications to the Lodges are sent both electronically and via hard copy. Email was invented 43 years ago. If it joined Masonry when it was 18, it would be receiving its 25‐year service emblem this year. For those lodges that haven't, it might be time to adopt this "new" form of communication.

Where did the money go that was meant to repair the roof of the Topeka Grand Lodge building? Since the roof was not repaired, why is it not being given back to the Brothers?

• No money was collected explicitly to repair the roof of the Grand Lodge building. The roof was repaired. The last section was completed in 2017 at the cost of approximately $35,000.

Several Lodges in one Area felt slighted by their lack of representation in Grand Lodge Leadership positions.

• The Area in question has struggled to provide consistent leadership at the DDGM and ADGM levels. These are vital steppingstones for further leadership opportunities. It has had consistently lower rates of completion of critical items such as the submission of DDGM reports and some of the lowest attendance at the District School of Instruction. For example, only 27 Brothers, in total, attended the Schools of Instruction for that entire Area in 2019. The hope is that the current leaders in that Area are turning this around.

With the change in the bylaws to no longer give fifty cents to each of the three youth organizations, is Grand lodge going to tell us what that money is now being used for, or is it going to be taken out and our dues reduced?

• The bylaw regarding part of our per-capita given to the youth orders was changed several years ago. At the last Annual Communication, an amendment to increase per-capita by $1.50 and give that money to the youth orders failed. All per-capita goes into the general fund and is distributed as required by the bylaws. Additional expenditures are per the annual budget. The budget is published and approved by the Grand Lodge members every year. Additionally, the end-of-year financial reports and the audit are published and available to all members.

There were overwhelming concerns from one Lodge that the leadership of Grand Lodge keeps getting recycled from the same areas with the same voice. It was even suggested to the DDGM that if he ever hoped to become Grand Master, he would have to become a member of a "High Profile" Lodge.

• The thought that a member must be from a particular area or join a specific Lodge if they want to be an active leader seems absurd to many and can be quickly put to rest. A list of all our Past Grand Masters and their home lodges are listed in the member area of our website as are all our current Grand Lodge elected and appointed officers. Examining those records, any concerns of "bias" are quickly put to rest. In this masonic year, the current Grand Master is the first Grand Master in the history of his Lodge. The Grand Senior Warden is from Lindsborg, the Junior Warden is from Belleville, and the Senior Deacon is from Ulysses. To believe that you must be from a particular area or from a specific Lodge is clearly not true.

• Second, of course, Grand Lodge Leadership has the same or a similar voice every year. It has nothing to do with the area where those Brothers are from as we can see from the above explanation. We hear a common theme from the leaders at the Grand Lodge level because they all working off the same "script." That script is the Mission, Vision, and Strategic Plan given to us by the Craft and which was last updated in 2019 to lead us into 2030. The leadership of Grand Lodge did not develop any of these, but we are all committed to working toward those common goals.

How are we going to strengthen DeMolay and assist them in growing since we are looking to them to become our future Masons? But yet, we are relying on the lodges to fund this with the assistance of the Kansas Masonic Foundations.

• Membership and membership growth are functions of the Lodges, not the Grand Lodge. Even still, Grand Lodge leadership and the KMF provide multiple tools to assist the lodges in this effort. If DeMolay is one avenue that the Lodges wish to support for membership growth, they are certainly within their rights to do so.

The support of our youth orders is about educating young people and giving them a safe environment in which to learn and grow.

Some were upset and did not understand what was behind the Notice on Masonic Organizations needing to have the Grand Master's permission to operate in the State of Kansas.

• The objective of this was to reestablish the authority of the Grand Master and the Grand Lodge that 2019 Grand Master Morrow claimed did not exist. He stated as much in his Grand Master's address. Unfortunately, he only looked at the written laws and did not consider the usages of our Fraternity. We can think of usages as common law. This is the policy of most Jurisdictions, and it was vital that we recognize that we have had and should still have similar safeguards in place in Kansas. As you can see from the ruling, this is not a new concept as our history clearly points out this is an established usage of our Fraternity.

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We hope that this has given transparency and understanding about these questions and concerns.

WE ANSWERED

19

GRAND LODGE OF KANSAS 25 W 5TH AVENUE EMPORIA, KANSAS 66801-4035

This issue, previous issues, and special digital-only issues are always available online at KansasMason.org