May 2021 Kansas Mason Pulse

THE KANSAS MASON An electronic publication for Kansas Freemasons published by the Grand Lodge of Kansas A.F. & A.M. May 2021

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KansasMason.org

Using the Past to Reboot the Future.

By Mikel Stoops, Grand Master

This year's installation of the Grand Lodge officers

installations or not, the act of the Past Grand Master

was unlike any that we have seen in our lifetimes.

giving guidance to the Grand Master Elect in a

In resurrecting the first published Grand Lodge

semi-formalized manner is something that we

installation of Kansas, which dates back to the

should continue. Their counsel was timely and

second half of the 1860s, I was hoping to take us all

good. I thank all who were present for allowing me

back to the roots of our Craft and to push that

the opportunity to experience this part of our

reboot button that I have been writing about over

installation. I especially would like to thank the Past

the last twelve months. I think we did that.

Grand Masters for indulging me in this request.

First, it was a tyled installation. Non-Masons were

Third, we all learned that three means one when in

not allowed to view this year's installation. My

Ample Form. The Procession Of Recognition was a

wife, children, and non-Mason relatives and friends

timed honored part of our Grand Lodge installation,

were not in the room to witness when I became a

which is still performed in various forms in other

Mason. Instead, it was my Brothers by my side, just

Jurisdictions. That said, after just the first of the

as it was when I took the obligation to serve our

three trips about the altar, it was clear why we no

Craft as Grand Master. No pictures were taken

longer perform this in its original form. So, my first

during the installation, just as there are no pictures

official act as Grand Master was to declare that one

of me taking my obligations in the three degrees,

trip about the altar was enough. (Please note the

but those memories are vivid and clear. They are

lighthearted tone of that last statement.)

held and cherished in my heart and mind, more valuable than any photograph I could hang on my

The fourth significant distinction was that all the

wall.

appointed Grand Lodge officers took an obligation to perform their respective offices' duties. Doing

The second variation was when the Past Grand

this as a group only added a few minutes to the

Masters lead me out of the room to give the Grand

installation. I am not sure when we lost this part of

Master Elect instruction. I know that those left

our traditional ways, but I think it adds to the

behind in the room most likely found this time

realization that there are duties required along with

boring. I hope that you were able to reflect on the

the privileges afforded our Grand Lodge officers.

past year and think about the year ahead. If not, maybe you took a much-deserved ten-minute nap. I

Lastly, there was music and singing and three actual

can tell you that whether this is part of future

burning tapers. At the end of it all, Grand Lodge

closed using our ritual's exact words that all our

We will accomplish our Mission and Vision by

Lodges use. There were no "Grands" or "Mosts"

looking within Freemasonry and practicing

added. It was the ritual of our Jurisdiction, just as it

Freemasonry as it was intended. There is nothing

is in all of our Lodges.

wrong with Freemasonry that we cannot fix with the tools provided by Freemasonry. It is up to us to put

For the past year, I have been asking our Lodges to

in the time and effort needed. We need to pick up

take that "down-time" to reboot; to reassess and

our tools and do the work.

reestablish your lodge in the foundations and principles of our Craft; to embrace those best

Finally, I want us all to remember this:

practices that are assisting Lodges in being

YOU ARE GRAND LODGE!

successful. Now is the time to power back up. I am

The Grand Master is not Grand Lodge. The elected

committed to the same for our Grand Lodge. Going

and appointed Grand Lodge officers are not Grand

back to the roots of our traditional Grand Lodge

Lodge. Every sitting officer and Past Master of

Installation was the first step I took in making this a

every Lodge in Kansas IS GRAND LODGE. We

reality.

must all come together to support our mission and vision and ensure Masonry's successful future in

The mission and vision of our Grand Lodge are

Kansas.

clear:

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!

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Lay Them Down Just Once.

By Mark Reeder, Master of Lake Lodge No. 50

of Lake Lodge No. 50 and that WE are the Craft In March, I was presented with an opportunity that

and makeup "Grand Lodge." Brother Jim would

allowed my lodge and I to serve the Craft and honor

have been so excited and proud that his handy work

a Brother who laid down his working tools in 2020.

was being used at Grand Lodge.

Late on the Tuesday evening, three days before the Annual Communication, I received a call from a

experience changed the route of my Masonic

phone call from the Grand Secretary who sounded a

journey. The lessons I learned about serving the

bit stressed. An expedited search was underway to

Craft from Jim push me to do my part in serving the

find a Lodge that could provide the furniture for the

Craft daily. Having been allowed this space, I

tyled session. Could my Lodge help?

wanted to further share some history about Lake

As current Master of Lake Lodge No. 50 in Silver Lake, I knew we had everything to fulfill the request of Grand Lodge. I made a few calls to the

Lodge and my mentor. I am sure many of you could do similarly.

Signed by William Cowgill, our thirteenth Grand

other officers of Lake Lodge and then called the

Master, Lake Lodge No. 50 received its' Charter in

Grand Secretary back to let him know we could

1882. The lodge purchased the property where our

accommodate the request and have everything

current Masonic Building resides in the early 1900s.

moved up to the Capital Plaza before the start of the

Although the original building had to be torn down

Annual Communication on Friday. There was a

and replaced a century later, we have been fortunate

great sense of relief in his voice as we worked out

to have a permanent place to call home for many

the details.

years. For many of his years, Brother Jim spent

When we were loading everything, I remembered all our Lodge furnishings had been hand-made or refurbished by our late Brother and my mentor, Jim Pokorney. I reminisced about the first time I ever attended "Grand Lodge" (Annual Communication).

Brother Jim had been the one who invited me to attend Grand Lodge with him that year (2013); I had recently been installed as Junior Warden. I remember him explaining to me how it "all works" and the importance of attending. It was our responsibility, he said, to represent the brothers

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That first Annual Communication and its

many hours in our lodge keeping everything

everyone at Annual Communication. The eleventh-

looking good.

hour opportunity to serve our Grand Lodge and

Brother Jim Pokorney was initiated in

provide the furnishings to be used made it all just a

November 1967 and became a Master Mason in

bit more special for this Kansas Mason and a lodge

January 1968. He worked his way through the

with "only" thirty-two members.

chairs and served as Master for the first time in

Brothers, please heed the words of Grand Master

1975. Brother Jim spent many years serving the

Stoops. Let us pick up our working tools and get to

Craft using his working tools daily.

work. I don't know if Brother Jim, or any Master

This year's Annual Communication brought back

Mason for that matter, realized the impact he had on

fond memories of my departed brother and his

younger Mason. As I look back at all the lessons

dedication to the Craft. After the past year's

my mentor taught me, I know one thing for certain.

challenges, I was looking forward to seeing

Although his working tools were well worn, he only laid them down once. Alas, my Brother!

August 2009

The Grand Master’s Tour Scotland

Edinburgh and Western Scotland September 24 - October 4, 2021

Itinerary

$4,475.00 From JFK* September 24- October 4, 2021 Tour Code: 222127 On September 24th, you will depart New York’s JFK Airport to begin your Scotland adventure, traveling through iconic, historic, and stunningly beautiful natural landscapes!

Fantastic excursions, cultural encounters, preserved historical sites, delicious food, and wonderful shopping make this trip exciting and rewarding. Bring these memories home with you as the tour concludes on October 4th.

SPACE ON YOUR TOUR IS LIMITED, SO DON’T DELAY! Submit Your Application And Payment By July 1, 2021 To Ensure Your Space On This Tour!

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EDINBURGH

September 25th - 28th, 2021 On September 25th, you will arrive in Edinburgh and begin your Scotland adventure. Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, has a violent and romantic history. This city ranges from medieval Old Town to Georgian New Town, giving the city a unique architectural character. You will begin your visit with a guided city tour* of Edinburgh as you travel to your hotel. Some points of interest you will see are the Royal Mile, Arthur’s Seat and inside visit to Edinburgh Castle*. Visits to Cannongate-Kilwinning Lodge* and The Grand Lodge of Scotland* are your focus on September 26th• Visits to Melrose Abbey*, lunch at The Original Roslyn Inn*, Roslyn Lodge* and Roslyn Chapel* are all planned for September 27th• The Rosslyn Chapel, built by Sir William St. Clair, was to be the world’s High Temple of Masonry.

The St. Clairs have been Grand Master Masons since Sir William’s time. Tours of Bannockburn Battlefield* and Sterling Castle* are scheduled as you travel to your Inveraray hotel on September 28th.

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BOTHWELL AND UDDINGSTONS AREA September 30th - October 2nd, 2021

INVERARAY AREA September 28th - 30th, 2021 You arrive at your Inveraray hotel in the late afternoon of September 28th after a full day of touring. On September 29th, you visit Kilmartin Museum*, Church* and Graveyard* a fascinating area in Scotland that holds 800 historic monuments, many of which appear to be the gravesites of Knights Templar who found refuge following their persecution. The afternoon includes an enjoyable visit to Ohan Distillery*. Plans for September 30th include a visit to Inveraray Castle* and a boat trip on Loch Lomond* before you arrive at the Bothwell Hotel.

Following your overnight in Bothwell, Tunnock’s Bakery will be your first stop on October 1st, where you may wish to try one of their famous Caramel Wafers or teacakes. You then continue to David Livingston Center, Bothwell Church, and Castle* and tentative plans are being made for a social at St. Bryde Lodge.* Mother Kilwinning* and Castle Barr Lodge* are your planned stops on October 2nd before you arrive at your Ayr hotel.

AYR October 2nd - 4th, 2021 Touring in Ayr on October 3rd will include Robert Burns Museum, Old Kirk*, and Brig-ODoon Bridge. In the evening, you will enjoy a wonderful Gala farewell dinner* before returning to your hotel. On October 4th, you will transfer to Edinburgh Airport where you board your flight home.

SPECIAL TOUR CONDITIONS: **The tour price, if payments are made by cash or check, is $4,475.00; otherwise, if paying by credit card, the standard nondiscounted price is $4,575.00. If you wish to use a credit card for your initial deposit, you will be allowed to pay the remaining payments by check and still receive the discounted tour price. Trip price is based on twin occupancy and includes point-topoint transportation between cities while in Scotland, all breakfasts, one lunch and four dinners, including a special Gala Farewell Dinner in Ayr. Additionally, *Entrance fees and/or transportation marked with an asterisk as well as a city tour in Edinburgh are included in the tour price (Edinburgh Castle, Melrose Abbey, Roslyn Chapel, Bannockburn Battlefield, Stirling Castle, Kilmartin Museum, Oban Distillery, Loch Lomand Cruise, David Livingston Museum, Bothwell Castle, Mother Kilwinning, Robert Burns Museum and Auld Kirk as well as all mentioned Lodge visits pending availability). In the unlikely event that EA Tours cancels the tour and is unable to

operate a substitute itinerary, the tour cost, including the initial deposit, is fully refundable. Additional items may be offered optionally, are subject to availability and are not included in the tour price. A guaranteed single room may be available for a supplemental charge of $725.00. A minimum number of paying participants may be required to operate the tour. A $100.00 non-refundable initial deposit is required to reserve your space on this tour. All tour participants must submit an online application. Please go to “Student/Traveler Sign Up” on the home page at www.EAtours.com. Your tour number is 222127. A second payment of $1000.00 will be due no later than 30 days after your initial payment. Final payments are due no later than seventy (70) days before departure. Updated tour details (hotels, day-by-day itinerary, etc.) are scheduled to be released approximately four weeks before departure.

Please note: Additional tour conditions apply and are listed in the Tour Conditions Section on the Online Application.

Please Submit Your Online Application And $100.00 Deposit To www.eatours.com By July 1, 2021, To Guarantee Your Reservation.

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9

How will I know you?

By Duane Marshall, Master, Active Lodge No. 158

of Masonry into a darkened world, for I Oh, Yes, we are all Craftsmen and very proud to be. honestly believe it is the only thing that will We wear our pins and rings for everyone to see.

But let me pose a question, even though the thought may sting – save it.” In the deepest part of my soul, I Would you know me for a Mason, if you did not see the ring? genuinely believe that.

I will be the first to admit that there are some laws on our I was recently on the phone with a man I have a I know we have programs from Grand Lodge, the (Masonic) books that should be changed. lot of love and respect for, and he asked me to write KMF, and our local Lodges, but what are we doing a bit as a favor. At first, I thought he was crazy (I

as individuals? How do we, as Craftsmen, build our

still do, really), but maybe I do have something to

communities and neighborhoods? I am not trying to

share. I will say if you are looking for a scholar, this

put anyone on the spot; it is just me asking a

is not the article for you. I will write to you like I

question. I do not want my Masonry to be

am talking to you. Some of the best discussions I

something I wear one or two days a month for a

have ever had were held at the Tyler’s station and

couple of hours. It either means something, or it

were very informal.

doesn’t. For me, it is that simple.

I was brought to the Craft eight years ago. I was raised at Overland Park Lodge No. 436, and my

mean EVERYONE. A few years ago, I read a

travels briefly took me to the Scottish Rite and the

statement that stuck with me, “The way you treat

Shrine. Currently, my travels have me as Master of

the person you like the least is the way you honor

Active Lodge No. 158 in Atchison and very focused

your Deity the most.” Let that sink in for a moment

on my Blue Lodge. I am a very firm believer that if

and put that up against our obligations. Do we

we do not focus on the lessons in our Lodges, we

honestly practice what we have obligated to? Or do

have missed the point of all of this. But it begs the

we just wear an apron once or twice a month?

question,…why do we do what we do?

When I held the chair of Chaplin, there were

8

Everyone has claim to our kind offices, and I do

I had the opportunity to talk to a young DeMolay a short time ago, and we had a talk about “Masonic

specific things I would do and say. First, I would

Wages.” I told him that the concepts of DeMolay

call everyone up to the altar at closing prayer. This,

and Masonry had to be taken out of a Tyled Lodge,

of course, threw some folks for a loop. Are we not

or they would die. Everyone deserves a second

building a common mass? If so, then where better to

chance, and it had to be more than a ring, a logo on

do that than the very place we took our obligations,

a shirt, or a tattoo. We had to live what we were

and where the Master gets his insight and

taught; if not, it means nothing. By the way,

inspiration? The second, and honestly the most

wouldn’t it be awesome to have a Masonic Youth

important to me, is part of the prayer that I gave:

Month in Kansas to honor our young men and

“Glorious Grand Architect of the Universe, I ask of

women that may become Masons and Eastern Stars

you to show us where we can shine the light of

one day (hint-hint-wink-wink-nudge-nudge).

To finish the original poem:

There is one thing to remember, if I’ve learned my lesson well.

My deeds do more convincing then my finger or lapel.

May we forever live what we have professed, and may we forever change our world, one community at a time.

Responsibilities of a Topline Signer

By Lincoln Wilson, DSM, Goodland Lodge No. 321

10

Advisor, Guide, Confidant, Comrade, Counselor,

end in “that undiscovered country, from whose

Consultant, Master, Brother, and yes, even

bourne no traveler returns.”

Therapist; these names and titles have a common or

In the last five years, our Lodge has initiated or

shared theme. They are someone to turn to for help,

raised approximately sixteen new Masons. Seventy-

guidance, and support. These roles are exactly what

five percent of them are not active in this or any

we promise a candidate that he can rely on and

other Masonic Lodge. WE wanted to know the

receive from Masonry. If a person is found Worthy,

“WHY” that most new Masons were not

these are the roles and responsibilities of a

participating in Lodge. We had personal

Petitioner’s Topline Signer and the duties of the

conversations with every Brother, including those

Craft.

who demitted, those who were suspended for

Our Masonic practice for many years has been

nonpayment of dues, those who are financially

waiting to talk with that one person who we think

supportive in various lodge charitable programs,

might want to become a Mason. Remember all our

and those who participate in many lodge activities.

2B1ASK1 promotions. Often, we have a person

We also talked with those masons who we know as

petition a lodge because he knows someone or

simply “card-carrying Masons.”

because a family member is or was in the

It quickly became apparent, both as a Lodge and as

Fraternity. In some cases, the candidate just signs

Brothers, we were not fulfilling many of the

the petition to appease the Mason in front of him.

promises used to entice those perspective Masonic

Sometimes we will find a candidate who has a deep

Petitioners. We knew the long-standing variables of

feeling or longing within himself to be more than

lodge participation such as change of employment

what he has offered thus far. He is usually uncertain

or job description, job transfers, or advancement

how to describe it, let alone how to fulfill that

opportunities. We understood the demands placed

desire.

upon young and growing families, and certainly,

A candidate receives a great deal of encouragement,

health issues can be a factor. We know that most of

promises of commitment and support, square

these issues are beyond our control.

treatment, and a level of respect unmatched in any

We now had answers. We know the “WHY.” We

other organization or fraternity. We assure him that

could now formulate a strategic plan to address

he will receive unlimited assistance in learning the

them and set measuring markers to gauge our

work, but more importantly, we talk to him about

results. The #1 tool we are going to use is to

his Journey. We promise to assist him along that

Obligate specific duties of the Topline Signers and

Journey which we are all taking that will ultimately

immediately assign specific work to the new

Mason. Our Lodge has instituted Bylaws outlining

“Well Recommended”; and 3) Increased

specific responsibilities of the Petition Topline

proficiency of performance and a deeper

Signer. The Topliner is accepting personal

understanding of the work.

responsibility of fulfilling “his” promises made.

The average age of our Lodge Officers and Chairs

When a petition is presented to the Lodge, the

is 44-years old. Our Trustees are considerably older,

Topliner will read the petition before the Lodge and

but the role of “us old guys” is simply to provide

answer questions based on his personal knowledge

light in the form of guidance and maintaining a

of the candidate. The Topliner will arrange and

most fervent adherence to the Principles and Tenets

attend the investigative committee meeting. He is

of Masonry so that none are compromised.

not part of the committee, but his presence is

The truth is men want to be of value to themselves,

required to address the candidate, speak with the

their families, and their communities. They seek

spouse and family, and answer questions. He is to

avenues to better understand how they can measure

provide direct information to everyone of not only

up to be invited into the Club known as “Men of

what Masonry expects of him, but what Goodland

Good Character.” We, as Masons, need to recognize

Masonic Lodge expects of him. The Topline Signer

our responsibility to work toward giving our new

will explain how active participation in the Lodge is

Brothers greater defined opportunities to support

designed to help make him a Better Man.

their reasons for becoming Masons. We need to find

The Topliner will stand with the candidate during

new pathways to provide them with immediate

the Interrogatories. He will stand with him during

personal rewards targeted to help them understand

the Questions and Answers section and is expected

their new life as a Mason. These pathways must be

to return the Answers in each section of the work.

designed to help them achieve and understand that

The Topliner will stand next to the Brother as he

thing called the “Masonic Experience.” Also, we

demonstrates proficiency of each Degree.

need to help them along the pathway of recognizing

Additionally, if the new Brother expressed his

themselves as “Not Just A Man,” but “A Mason.”

desire to participate in specific charitable works, the

We believe we have a tool to help him, his family,

Topliner will conduct him to his specific seat and

his community, and his Lodge.

explain his duties on that charitable committee.

Clearly, a Mason is ultimately responsible for

It will take our Lodge some time to measure the

making a true decision to actively participate in his

results, but we absolutely expect success. We

Lodge and navigating his own personal Journey.

anticipate three specific changes in our Lodge:

Happiness and Well-being naturally come to those

1) Elimination of the practices leading to “just

who are associated together and are of like-

signing up a warm body”; 2) Demonstration of

mindedness. Commitment to accept the

continued on next page

continued from previous page Responsibilities of a Topline Signers may be a

for allowing me to offer this insight into what our

speedbump in the road leading to other tools to

Lodge is doing. And, thank you, the reader, for

begin a stabilization of the decline in our Fraternal

allowing me to provide direct insight into what we

numbers.

found to be the “WHY,” and how were are trying

I want to acknowledge our Worshipful Master

to address it, hopefully, for the betterment of

Branden Corbett, Officers, Chairs, Trustees, and

Masonry.

the Craft of Goodland Masonic Lodge No. 321

Hey Topline Hey Topline Signers!

Signers!

Do you Do you have have these these tools tools for for your your Masonic toolbox?

Masonic toolbox?

They are They are all all available available for for FREE FREE in in the the Member Area Member Area of of KansasMason.org KansasMason.org

In Time, Will You Look?

By Alex G. Powers, Director, Kansas Lodge of Research

I would like to propose an inquiry upon your mind that many will be uncomfortable with; what is your familiarity with a chamber of reflection in that of Masonic use?

Freemasonry has an unavoidable divide within the craftsmen of the Temple today separating the “esoteric masons” from the “non-esoteric masons” with sometimes strong opposing thoughts on just how this age-old and honorable system should be practiced. There are, in fact, many individual aspects that warrant deeper discussion within that; however, for the sake of this particular entry, we will stick to that of an esoteric observance and more appropriately in view of utilizing the chamber of reflection in a full or altered form to offer a contemplative period of solitude prior to a candidate’s initiatic experience.

A practice appreciated by those who have gone through it and often looked upon with confusion and even levels of anger by those who are not familiar with its roots in our workings, or simply not fans of the deeper side of the Craft.

In full form, one might know a chamber of reflection to be a dark room in which the candidate is placed alone prior to receiving their initiatic degree. This room will commonly result in the candidate being sat at a table offering minimal light provided by a burning candle. The light from that candle illuminates various items filled with symbolism strategically placed on the table and walls, which often include a mirror, skull, hourglass, several representations of important periodic elements, and more.

Within the briefness and publicness of such an article as this, it would be impossible, and even careless to a degree, to fully divulge on the deeper specifics of this practice; so here I would like to concentrate thought on a key benefit of this experience that I believe both those of an esoteric mind and those of the opposing side will

be able to agree on. That thought being the importance of a level of seriousness and separation from the outside world before entering the degree experience. I have viewed it both ways and can personally say that such a period of time is more than beneficial and sets a certain tone to the masonic journey moving forward, even well after the degree itself. I have also seen where candidates come in and the Brethren try to make him feel at home and sit with him chatting and joking until time. While I more than understand the intent there, I would suggest that setting a mood of a lighthearted experience in preparation continues and carries over effortlessly into the degree and many times beyond that.

With that said, if you are of the stance that a certain lightheartedness in the air is appropriate and the messages meant to be conveyed in our ritual are merely to be taken at face value, you can not be easily swayed in your thinking, and to be perfectly frank, I do not care to attempt. The simple fact is that the universal truths put forth there are important and are the sole purpose of what we “do” otherwise in our Masonic journey.

Life, especially today, has become such a fastpaced experience with an unwavering expectation of instant gratification that we have adapted to know the feelings of chaos and stress as a baseline normality instead of toxic as it is.

Whether you utilize a traditional approach to a chamber experience or simply place the candidate in a time of solitude to separate his buzzing mind from the hum of the outside world before embracing the elegant workings of Masonry, I hope you will consider a form of this practice, at least on a trial basis, and see for yourself how it can add to and deepen the experience all around..