The Kansas Mason. A Perspective of the Past Year. T h e V o i c e o f K a n s a s M a s o n r y. The Grand Master and His Lady

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1 T h e V o i c e o f K a n s a s M a s o n r y The Kansas Mason Volume 51 Issue 4 Spring 2014 A Publication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Kansas A Perspective of the Past Year The Grand Master and His Lady

2 From The Grand East This is What Leadership Looks Like. Accept no Substitute. By Rick Reichert, Grand Master You have got to have something in which to believe. You have got to have leaders, organization, friendships, and contacts that help you to believe that, and help you to put out your best. Dwight D. Eisenhower Leadership is one of those things that cannot be fully defined, but you know it when you see it. Although a retired member of the Army, I can still remember many classes, workshops, and field training exercises designed to teach leadership. In the end there was no magic potion, no chip implant, no sudden epiphany or any specific event after which anyone was declared a leader. Those who heeded the lessons and practiced the art of leadership quickly rose in rank and responsibility. Over the twenty years of my active military service, thirteen years in the telecommunications field, and twenty-five years as a Mason, I have had the opportunity to study many leaders up close. The ones that inspired me to perform my best, work the hardest, and aim to please the most were those who had expected that same discipline of themselves. They seemed to be the first in and last out. They were fully invested in the mission of the organization and were willing to share their authority and prestige with those in their charge. They were willing to delegate their power to subordinates so they, too, could occasionally lead the charge and reap some glory. The responsibility for any failures or risk was wholly maintained for themselves. M:. W:. Kent Needham referred to this leadership style as servant-leadership; the model I most desired to emulate and encourage from others. Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it. Dwight D. Eisenhower For many years, the interaction between our Grand Master and the Craft has been primarily as a ceremonial figurehead. He officiated at emblem presentations, dedications, and presided in the East during the Annual Communication. While this is certainly an important aspect of the role, it is only a small portion of the demands of effective Grand Lodge leadership. Emblem presentations have, over the years, become the most demanded performance of the Grand Master. Some Grand Masters have put so much time on the road that one Past Grand Master referred to Grand Master visits as, cheap entertainment for lodges. My experience prior to this year has been that few lodges had put much energy into hosting events to which they invited the Grand Master. Instead of being the most prestigious event of the lodge year, the Grand Master s party many times outnumbered the attending members of the lodge and often the emblem recipients failed to show for the event being held in their honor. To encourage and support Freemasonry by assisting its constituent lodges achieve success and prosperity as assets to their membership and communities. Grand Lodge Mission Statement This year, the number of Grand Master visits for individual lodge events were greatly limited and lodges that made plans for a Grand Lodge visit quickly realized that event planning beyond just setting a date was going to be necessary. There were two reasons for this change. First, my employment allowed me the luxury to afford to be a Grand Lodge officer but it limited my ability to travel at will. Except for office staff, we are all volunteers. Our usual 2 The Kansas Mason

3 vocations, as with family and church, come before Masonry. Second, the leadership duties as the elected head of a 20,000+ member fraternal organization are as vast as they are consequential. I simply opted to take on the more difficult challenges, spending the most time in the leadership role, and attempting to effect the changes we needed immediately. You can accomplish anything if you don t care who gets the credit. Harry S. Truman Over the past four years, both the immediate crises of our Craft and the strategic plan to implement needed solutions have been well publicized. If you missed out, pick up any of the 16 previous issues of The Kansas Mason to catch up. To accelerate the process of developing creative solutions and ensuring the staying power for implementing the solutions, we needed to develop and empower as many servant-leaders as possible. While there are many heroes that meet this criterion, I will share my observations about a few with whom I am most familiar. In Michael Halleran, Daren Kellerman, Cole Presley, Bob Talbott, and Tracy Bloom, you have elected and appointed Grand Lodge officers who have put in endless hours creating, sharing, developing, and implementing the great ideas that have advanced our objectives in the three strategic lanes: Excellence in the Esoteric Work, Excellence in Masonic Education, and Excellence in Communications. They saw what needed to be done, took a piece of it, owned it, and did what it took to see that it was done well. You ve seen their work which includes the wildly successful Leadership Academy, improvement in The Kansas Mason, the initial phases of the new Masonic Education courses which are being fine-tuned even as I write this, a badly needed revision of our awards and recognition ceremonies and practices, and the amazing following we have on Facebook, just to name a few. From awards to schools, just about every aspect of what Grand Lodge does to fulfill its mission in support of lodge success has been reviewed and enhanced. These brothers have been working collaboratively, constantly communicating with each other and among the Craft. They have carried their ideas and solutions to as many Area and District events as possible. Leadership is rallying the Craft around the problem, exciting their creativity toward possible solutions, then turning them loose to make it happen, encouraging them along the way, until the job is done. There are three other highly dedicated Grand Lodge leaders. Tony Borum, Dale Morrow and Craig Olson are incredibly effective Area Deputy Grand Masters. These brothers have hosted or traveled to all nine Area meetings to share information and help lodges with determining their own creative solutions. In addition to extremely long distance travel, they, as with the rest of the Area Deputy Grand Masters, have taken on many leadership challenges. If it happened in their area, they stayed informed, worked with lodges and District Deputies to find their way through problems, and brought the best of Grand Lodge resources to address many issues. Fortitude in Leadership is making and standing behind decisions that may be unpopular at first but will win the results that advance the cause. Another servant-leader who has done a lot of heavy-lifting is Mike Tavares, President of the Kansas Masonic Foundation. He took the lead after the Foundation struggled with its own mission and direction. The clarity of its role, the return to its chartered purpose, the acquiring of an energetic new staff, and the planning for its long-term direction by the directors and trustees of the Foundation are a clear testament to the perseverance of Mike s servant-leadership. This is what Leadership looks like. Accept no substitute. The list of budding Masonic servant-leaders is growing quickly. There are still plenty of challenges to overcome before we are once again ready to attract, receive, and retain the thousands of men of character who want what we have and will join us. I am confident we can meet these challenges, not by merely recognizing longevity of our membership, but by celebrating achievements of servantleaders who advance our Craft and make it an attractive pursuit for the next generation of members and leaders. This is what leadership looks like. Accept no substitute. Spring

4 grand secretary Our 158 th Annual Communication of the M:.W:.Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of Kansas will be here before we know it. With the change in venue to the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Topeka, I look forward to seeing all of you there, and to put some more faces to many of you I ve talked with over the phone, but haven t met in person yet. Remember, this year, the Grand Master is requiring aprons be worn in the tyled portion of the meeting, and why not? As he has said, this being the biggest Masonic event of the year, it only makes sense that we don our aprons. They are our Masonic badges, the distinguished emblems by which we set ourselves apart from the rest of the community. So, please bring yours with you, you don t want to be left standing on the wrong side of the tyled door. You will see various shapes and sizes of Aprons, different colors, some adorned with Gold and Silver, but none more important than the White Lambskin Apron, which is in fact worn by all Master Masons. Sometimes in our travels as Grand Lodge Officers we are greeted by Masters and members of Lodges who are nervous that Grand Lodges Officers are descending on their Lodge. They get tongue tied and not sure what to do, or what to say, which is a natural reaction when a bunch of guys show up at your Lodge and they all have fancy Gold Collars and embellished aprons and Gold dangly down things. Just remember, each one of those Brothers has in his possession, somewhere, that White Lambskin Apron, which is an emblem of innocence and the badge of a Mason, the distinguished badge of a Mason, just like yours! Another aspect of Lodge Members when they meet up with Grand Lodge officers is that they seem to get twisted up in titles. It s understandable, there Capitol Plaza Hotel in Topeka are plenty of them to remember, and it happens to us all. We call duties now devolve upon you as you learned someone Right Worshipful when it should and obligated yourself to preform when installed. One of those duties is to assure your- have been Most Worshipful or someone Worshipful when it should have been Right self that your Lodges Annual Return is filed Worshipful. I know we all want to do our in accordance with the by-laws of the Grand best when the Grand Master and his Officers Lodge. I m sure your secretary has the duty are in our presence, but just remember well in hand, but the responsibility ultimately this simple tip, if you ever find yourself not falls squarely upon your shoulders. The Grand knowing what title to address someone with; Master, this year, has issued an edict extending the deadline to January 31, to have annual Brother always works. returns post marked and to the Grand Lodge Office, in part because the annual returns if you ever find weren t produced and mailed until January yourself not 3rd, by design. Although the extra 21 days will knowing what be well received by the Local Lodge Secretaries, it does put a strain on the limited staff at title to address our office. So, I ask for your indulgence from someone with; now until late March, please be patient with Brother always works. us. There is an incredible amount of activity that requires our immediate attention, let As Grand Secretary, I would be remiss if alone the multitude of hours spent in preparation for the 158th Annual Communication of I didn t mention a few things that need to be addressed as we approach the Annual Communication. To the Masters of the Lodges, the Grand Lodge of Kansas. especially the newly installed Masters, being M:.W:. Tracy L. Bloom, PGM elevated to the head of your Lodge, certain Grand Secretary 4 The Kansas Mason

5 inside this issue Featured Articles From The Grand East 2 This Is What Leadership Looks Like. Accept No Substitute. Grand Lodge 7 Vision for the Future Key to Success 10 District Deputy Reports Changing for Miraculous Circles of Life 9 Thank You for accepting me as First Lady of Kansas Masons 11 Proposed By-Law Changes 14 Auction to Benefit Kansas Masons in Need Departments 4 Grand secretary 158th Annual Communication 6 Letters to the editor Changes at the Kansas Masonic Foundation 17 From the archives The Scottish Rite Fifty-year Prayer Cap 18 Member interview Brother David Barnes III 19 Around the world 300th Anniversary Of The United Grand Lodge Of England Kansas Masonic Foundation Is Organizing a Once-In-A-Lifetime Trip 20 Making a difference New Scholarships for Families of Kansas Masons First Ever Lodge Event During Annual Communication Masonic Promises Matter 22 Home Warmings Kansas Masonic Home: Building On A Legacy 23 Book review The Secret Science of Masonic Initiation 24 Out and about Hancock Lodge # 311 McKinley Lodge # Seeds of our future Kansas Demolay A Long and Wonderful History 27 Kansas Masonic notes Grand Master s Pennsylvania Travel Past Grand Master Lawrence D. Winegardner 28 Mason traveling in Kansas! Spring

6 letters to the editor I heard that the Kansas Masonic Foundation recently reduced its Board of Trustees from 25 people to 15. I wonder if the smaller number will really work as well as 25 did for so long? You are correct. A Special Board Meeting was called in early December to consider a number of governance changes for the Kansas Masonic Foundation. All changes that were approved were initiated immediately, both in order to make the Foundation run more efficiently, and to make its number of Trustees more consistent with the non-profit boards of other, similarly sized charitable institutions. Before the change, the KMF really had two functioning boards the Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees, which was sometimes confusing and cumbersome. So the Board of Directors was eliminated, leaving the Board of Trustees to do the job. As a result, all Board Members will now have an equal say and vote. The reduction of the Board s size from 25 to 15 is consistent with a current trend where non-profit boards are concerned, and the reduced size will make for a more nimble and efficient board structure. In the same meeting, the Board created a new position to be held by multiple men at once, called Associate Trustee. These positions are for Kansas Masons who want to get involved and help the Foundation on one of its several committees. The new position will also allow volunteers to take a peek into the workings of the Foundation and decide if they would like to consider becoming a Board Member in the future. The Board also decided to change the length of Board terms from 5 years to 3 years, in hopes that more volunteers would feel comfortable committing for 3 years, in preference to the previous, lengthier 5-year commitment. The Board also established maximum term limits of 4 terms, or a total of 12 years. Once the limit of 12 years of board service has been reached, a volunteer will be awarded Emeritus Status. Kansas Masonic Foundation President, Michael J. Tavares, summed up these recent changes this way: They were all greatly needed to position the KMF for the future. I understand that the Kansas Masonic Foundation is taking over responsibility for the Kansas Mason. Why the change? The Grand Lodge recently began investigating alternative ways of publishing the Kansas Mason. Over the past several years, Michael A. Halleran, DGM, has graciously donated his time and talent to ensuring that the Kansas Mason was published on-time, and that the editorial content was kept high. But with the responsibilities and time commitment required during Mike s upcoming year as Most Worshipful Grand Master, it was unrealistic to expect him to simultaneously manage the Kansas Mason publication. Mike also felt that it was time to let someone else take the helm, and this seemed like an excellent time to make the transition. During the Grand Lodge search, Robert A. Shively, CAE, Executive Director of the Kansas Masonic Foundation, offered the Foundation s support in continuing the Kansas Mason s tradition of excellence. Robert pointed out that his background included the publishing of a number of professional magazines and newsletters over the past 20 years, and he was confident that by drawing on the diverse background and experiences of his excellent staff, the KMF could handle this new responsibility very well. The Grand Lodge Council of Administration agreed. Beginning with this issue, the Kansas Masonic Foundation will be handling all aspects of the Kansas Mason, and The Grand Lodge has agreed to continue approving its editorial content, just to ensure that its past record of publishing excellence continues unbroken. If you have any questions that you would like addressed on Masonry, Grand Lodge, Kansas Masonic Foundation, Kansas Masonic Home, this publication or it s articles please send your questions to Editor@KansasMason.org or mail to Kansas Masonic Foundation, Attn. Kansas Mason Editor, 2909 SW Maupin Lane, Topeka, Kansas The Kansas Mason Established 1963 The Kansas Mason is the official publication of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Kansas, formally organized March 17, The Kansas Mason is published quarterly (2/1; 5/1; 8/1; 11/1) at the direction of the Council of Administration from the offices of: The Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Kansas 320 SW 8th Avenue Topeka, Kansas, The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Kansas, its officers or employees. SUBMIT ARTICLES: by to editor@kansasmason.org or mail to KMF Editorial 2909 SW Maupin Lane Topeka, KS, All submissions may be in electronic format or hard copy and become the property of the Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Kansas. Photos may be submitted through Flickr at No compensation is allowed or intended for any articles, photographs, or other material submitted or published. NOTE: Permission to reprint material appearing in The Kansas Mason will be granted upon written request to the Grand Secretary from recognized Master Masons. Other written requests will be considered by the Council of Administration. When reprinted, articles should note Reprinted with permission of the Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. (month and year) by the MW Grand Lodge A.F.& A.M. of Kansas. All rights reserved. The Grand Lodge seal and the logos Kansas Mason, and Kansas Freemasons/On The Level are trademarks of the MW Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Kansas, and all rights are reserved. 6 The Kansas Mason

7 Grand Lodge future Key to success vision for the by B. Cole Presley, Grand Senior Deacon 2013 came and went with a blur that surprised many people. As fast as the year went though, it was a year that saw some great success for Kansas Masonry. The Grand Lodge of Kansas refreshed plan went into to high gear and saw many great new programs and streamlined efforts related to Excellence in Esoteric Work, Excellence in Masonic Education, and Excellence in Communications. Attacking these goals with great passion, your Grand Lodge Officers have set the stage for Kansas Masonry to become a great success for many years to come. This year also saw many great things come from local lodges all across the state. Whether big or small, Lodges who executed plans for their future saw great growth and new reinvestment in their Lodge, their Membership and their Communities. With the Area Meetings held throughout the year, we have seen the excitement and passion in which Kansas Masons have taken on the challenge of continuing their legacy. Through exciting events like Outdoor Degree Work, Sponsorship of Public Programs and an increase Brothers earning their Proficiency Certificates, it is becoming clearer that we are on great path towards success and that we are focused not solely on numbers but on what really matters. With a new set of officers in place in lodges across the state, 2014 should be no different. As a new Master, each Brother should take this short time to look at their plan or develop one if your lodge doesn t have one. No greater legacy can be left by any Master of a Lodge than rising to the challenge of future focused planning that ensures your lodge is open for years to come and that it remains a prominent pillar in your community. From the opposite point of view, walking into a year in the east without a plan or a vision for the future is certainly a scary prospect and a recipe for disaster. Your Grand Lodge Leadership cannot stress enough how important it is to sit down, take that long hard look at your Lodge and address the big problems that you might be facing. Reach out to your District or Area Deputy for assistance. Our Mission Statement is so much more than words, but spells out why we are here. To help Lodges succeed. Our Mission Statement is so much more than words, but spells out why we are here. To help Lodges succeed. The Annual Communication on March 21st and 22nd at the Capital Plaza Hotel in Topeka will focus on our three main goals, just like every other event and project we have worked on. The breakout sessions held this year will be focused on those three objectives and geared towards success in your lodge. Lodges and Master Masons who have provided extraordinary service to Kansas Masons in our three lanes will be recognized for their work and efforts as well. It is also a great time to rekindle our passions for this great craft. This will not be an event that you will want to miss! Spring

8 a year as the grand master Feature Article Looking Back, Special Remembrances from the Grand Master and his Wife Miraculous Circles of Life by Rick Reichert, Grand Master Hancock Top Hat Father Brothers & Sisters As we near the climax of this Grand Lodge year and prepare for the Annual Communication, I look back in amazement at the many blessings received along the way. The greatest blessing has arrived amidst the travels. At each stop, my circle of friends and brothers has grown. Many of the bonds formed will, no doubt, be lifelong, special friendships. But in addition to associating with the greatest brothers of the Craft, I have also experienced a variety of miraculous little circles of life. Although I have been constantly blessed by what my mother would call my lucky star, I believe the Masonic journey to the Grand East began unbeknownst to me, while I was Master of Hancock Lodge in Hancock Lodge was named for Winfield Hancock Scott, a Union general in the American Civil War. In 2003, for the first time, my mother lodge in Pennsylvania had a member who had become Grand Master: R:. W:. Marvin A. Cunningham, Sr. While Grand Master, he had a commemorative medallion minted to honor Winfield Scott Hancock, who was born and interred in a town near his lodge. Grand Master Cunningham sent a copy of the medallion to me. It is currently on display at Hancock Lodge. Fast forward ten years, and I am now the first Grand Master to come from Hancock Lodge. One interesting circle. While preparing for the Grand East, I knew I needed a top hat. Several Past Grand Masters were very kind to offer their hats to try on, but none fit. Mail order wasn t successful either. About the time I was resigned to wearing a hat that was too big and simply cutting eye holes in it, a box from the Grand Master of Arkansas came to the door. The old hat box was as beat up as can be and had the appearance of having been through the mail many times. To my surprise, inside was a Stetson beaver fur top hat that looked brand new. Stamped inside the hat was the logo for Jacob Reed s Sons, Philadelphia, a menswear store that, when I was a boy, my grandmother took me to for clothes. Intriguingly, Jacob Reed s Sons were in Philadelphia from only 1903 to I had in my hands a brand new hat that was at least 30 years old. It fit perfectly. Another amazing circle. When I was first appointed Grand Senior Deacon, my father immediately reached out to his District Deputy Grand Master to get the ball rolling on my interjurisdictional visit to present his 50-year emblem in Warren Lodge meets on Saturday night, on or before the full moon. The moon will be nearly full the night of March 15, 2014, when as my last official act before the Annual Communication, I plan to present my father his fifty-year emblem in the lodge where he presided in the East for all three of my degrees, twenty-five years prior. Another glorious circle. There have been many other miraculous little circles in my life, but the best circle of all has been the band of brothers and sisters I have traveled with or repeatedly met along the way. Within this state, it has been the marvelous friendships formed with Kansas Masons. To meet so many charitable, selfless, dedicated Masons and their ladies has been very inspirational. Their kindness, paid forward, only reflects the light brighter on themselves and Kansas Masonry. Outside of Kansas, we have enjoyed the company of the Grand Lodge officers of our neighboring jurisdictions and beyond. Through them we have experienced wonderful hospitality, great friendships, an array of new ideas to apply back home, and a much greater appreciation for the universality of brotherly love. The more we traveled out of state, the more it seems we benefitted back home. These numerous, seemingly miraculous circles have added immeasurably to the joy of being a Mason and most certainly have appeared more frequently this last year. Being entrusted with the office of Grand Master by my brethren has been the greatest honor any Mason could hope to receive. And yet, I still look forward to the many new circles of miracles awaiting all of us in the years ahead. 8 The Kansas Mason

9 Feature Article Thank You All told, it was one of the most exciting times in my Masonic life with the Grand Master. for accepting me as First Lady of Kansas Masons by Janet (Jan) Reichert, Wife of the Grand Master I I have been honored to be the First Lady, an honorific title given to me as the wife of the Grand Master. I am aware that this is not an official title, but one given by the Craft out of respect. I appreciate the support of the ladies, as well as the men, who have served in the Grand Family and the fraternity at large. Everyone has touched my heart each in a much cherished way. The travels have been remarkable, including the meeting of many new Masons and their ladies, as well as the renewing of old friendships. The greeting of smiles upon arrivals and the hospitality shown everywhere in and out of Kansas has been exhilarating. I would be remiss if I didn't mention all the wonderfully delicious feasts prepared at so many events. (Ah yes, the recipes which were shared). At one stop, bedding flowers were given to me that will forever remind me of my travels. And so many other gifts were received, as well, which will likewise always remind me of all the kindness shown to us, and I thank each of you for everything. The First Lady basically rides on the tux tails of the Grand Master, but the position still has its obligations, which I took seriously. I traveled beside the Grand Master as much as I possibly could, participating in the emblem presentations by presenting the wives with a pin that I had designed to closely match the Grand Master's pin. I wanted his apron pin and my apron pin to represent our years of shared Masonic life together. As I related during my presentations it takes team work. It really does. A supporting companion makes a happy Mason; a happy Mason makes for a better supporter of the Craft, which leads to a more productive fraternity, over all. Isn't that what we all strive for...the best in Kansas Masonry? I am proud to be associated with the Masons and their appendant bodies. I enjoy sharing information with those who are not affiliated with the Masonic order, as well as sharing stories with established Masons and ladies. Each story was and is unique. One event that occurred several years ago, during M W Roy Sullivan's year, was the opportunity to open a Grand Lodge in the middle of the ocean with the traveling gavel. How exciting is that! I couldn't participate in the meeting, but I just thought it was the neatest idea, and I was delighted to be a part of it (and no, it wasn't just because of just being on a cruise). A desire of mine was to begin the tradition of a traveling First Lady's pin, which would be passed on to the incoming First Lady to wear during her year; as well as a pin for the outgoing First Lady. The Past First Lady's pin would also have an attachment, where a charm could be added and given to the Masonic Mother from her Masonic daughter. A Masonic Mother is the wife of a Grand Master, who appoints the Senior Deacon to the progressive line. The daughter is the wife of that Senior Deacon. I felt a need to involve the ladies more. I assembled a notebook for the ladies of the Grand Lodge Officers and Area Deputies, so that they would be aware of the appropriate attire, when to sit or stand, when to clap, along with helpful hints and particulars that would make them more aware and comfortable, when out with their Mason. If we ladies understand more, it results in less hesitation to join in. The more we learn, the more apt we are to cheerfully accept the time needed for our Masons to be at their Lodge functions. There have been better First Lady's before me, and there will be better ones who will come behind me and achieve much more than I did. I just hope that I have presented myself as an effective First Lady for the Craft. I have tried to fill the role with respect and pride. I am thankful for Dad Roy Sullivan, PGM, in his choice of Grand Senior Deacon five years ago. I am also grateful for Mom Becky for always being willing to help and lend an ear over these past years. Last but not least, thank you to Bob Shively, Executive Director of the Kansas Masonic Foundation, for giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts in The Kansas Mason. I think it is a wonderful idea to have a section from and for the ladies. It has been an exceptional year: the travels, the experience, the friendships, all the memories we have made. Thank you everyone for your kindness and for accepting me in my role as the First Lady of Kansas Masons. Spring

10 Grand Lodge Changing District Deputy Reports 2014 for Effective April 1, the District a cancer screening, you sure Deputy report system is changing. By-law charges the news, but ignoring any problems don t want to hear any bad District Deputy with assembling information and data from Both Halleran and Keller- is worse. lodges and districts in his area man stressed that the old in such a manner and form as reporting system was good shall be determined from time enough when the fraternity to time by the Grand Master was riding high. But as we slip or the Council of Administration, to include necessarily but not by Michael A. Halleran, Deputy Grand Master below the 20,000 mark, the need for detailed information and be limited to summary of findings for report to the Grand Master, Council of Administration or their designees. Expanding from a one page report presently in use, the new report spans four pages and asks detailed questions about lodge facilities, compliance with by-laws, financial health and accountability, and suitability of lodge premises. Old reports, submitted in the spring and fall after the District Deputies visit their lodges, didn t gather much information. The new report asks detailed having an accurate picture as to why. According to Kellerman, the new forms ask our District Deputies to actually collect information that is critical to whether a lodge is likely to survive in the immediate future. And in contrast with prior years, the District Deputies are asked to rate the lodges on a decisive action is critical. The mission of the Grand Lodge is to help our lodges be successful however they define that success consistent with the laws and landmarks of Freemasonry in Kansas. We can t help if we don t know what s wrong, Kellerman said. Beginning in the spring of 2014, District Deputies will make a spring and a fall visit, but instead of the familiar spring and fall reports which Halleran notes were exactly the same the District Deputy will only submit one report in the spring. Following the spring report, he will questions about lodge scale of Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, discuss the results of each lodge in his district facilities, compliance with Marginal or Unsatisfactory, a practice, Deputy with the Area Deputy Grand Master. If by-laws, financial health Grand Master Halleran noted, that might lodges are having problems in any one particular area, the District and Area Deputies and accountability, and cause some lodges discomfort. suitability of lodge premises No one likes to be graded, and Masons will put together feedback containing solutions. We asked whether the lodges had a Masonic road sign, or whether they participated in the essay program, but we didn t ask whether the lodge had a roof, or if they could afford their building, said Grand Senior Warden Daren Kellerman. As a result, he said, many lodges consolidated or went inactive, without Grand Lodge perhaps more than any other group go out of their way to only say positive things about other Masons and other lodges. Although that tongue of good report is a good thing, sometimes it leads to institutional blindness, and we watch a lodge fall to its knees and die, not wanting to offer advice because we are afraid we ll hurt the feelings of a dying man, Halleran said. Kellerman likened the new reports to At the fall visit, the District Deputy will give feedback to the lodge, and if necessary mobilize Grand Lodge resources to help. In the happy event that lodges are experiencing no problems at all, this report form simply eliminates having to do two reports a year, Halleran said. But if we are able to identify problems and we can mobilize Grand Lodge resources to help, we certainly have a duty to do so. 10 The Kansas Mason

11 Proposed By-Law changes, as submitted, by November 1 st 2013 to the Grand Secretary, and approved by the Jurisprudence Committee for consideration at the 158 th Annual Communication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of Kansas, March 21 st & 22 nd 2014 at Topeka KS Proposal # Grand Lodge Per Capita Tax and Special Assessment- Every Lodge Working under a Warrant of Constitution shall pay annually to the Grand Lodge a Per Capita Tax of $24.00 on the roll of membership for the preceding year, commencing January 1, 2007, $2.00 of which will be used for the Kansas Mason. only and $3.00 of which shall go to the Kansas Masonic Home, $1.50 of which shall be split evenly between Kansas Order of DeMolay, Kansas Order of Rainbow for Girls, and Kansas Jobs Daughters, and with the further provision that the portion $1.50 shall be allocated to the Kansas Masonic Home. shall never be less than $1.50 per capita. Furthermore $0.50 per year shall go to The George Washington Masonic National Memorial. Provided, That any increase in the per capita tax shall become effective on the Lodge roll of membership determined on December 31st, the following year. (Amended 1974, 1978, 1982, 1988, 1991, 1993, 1996, 2003, 2006.) The per-capita tax shall not be assessed against the members, but shall be included in the amount for annual dues, and be paid out of the General Fund to the Lodge. Any Lodge which neglects or refuses to pay all its annual per-capita tax or any special assessments on or before the 10th day of January in each year, or which shall fail or neglect to transmit to the Grand Secretary its Annual Report on or before the 10th day of January of each year shall not be entitled to representation in the Grand Lodge at the Annual Communication following such failure. The postmark on the envelope shall be accepted as evidence of the date of transmittal; and in all such cases of failure, the Grand Secretary shall notify the Lodge to that effect and shall not issue credentials to such Lodge. (Amended 1955, 1962, 1967, and 1992). Provided, That no per-capita tax shall be paid by the Masonic Home Lodge for any of its members who are also members of the Masonic Home. (Adopted 1975). Cross-Reference: Constitution, Art. IV; Art. IX, Sec. 9; By-Laws, Sec Rationale: There are two primary reasons to remove the youth order funding from the by-laws. First, this charitable endeavor is being funded from our operational budget which, due to our decline in membership, has reduced the gift to the youth, although the costs of operating the Grand Lodge continue to go up. This squeezes our discretionary funds to a point where we either need to raise per capita taxes or reduce spending in other areas. Funding charity from an operational budget neither provides tax advantage to the giver, nor does it provide a meritbased funding to the youth orders. In other words, current funding to the youth is based on our headcount and not on theirs, nor is it based on a specific set of their funding requirements. Second, one of the principle founding requirements of the Kansas Masonic Foundation was, and remains, to provide for our youth orders. By putting the youth order funding in our philanthropic lane, the youth orders would not be limited to a specific amount. There is already a means by which youth orders can appeal to the Kansas Masonic Foundation to receive a charitable bequest an extra step from what is now required. But it is the opinion of the Council that an annual request by the youth orders would be beneficial to help insure their active participation, instead of merely their passive receipt of the moneys. In turn, the youth orders would, at the next annual cycle, report back to the Foundation how the gift was used and how the results aligned with the purpose of the request. This accountability will do much to get the youth orders to set specific targets to advance and promote their orders. Respectfully submitted, Council of Administration Proposal # Certificates of Proficiency--The Grand Master may issue certificates to especially proficient Master Masons, reciting, in substance, that the Brother therein named has passed the examination to receive same. Such examinations shall be under the supervision of the Grand Master, who shall prescribe the rules and regulations therefor. The certificates shall be regarded as recognition of merit, and shall in no way authorize any such Mason to instruct a Lodge or act as a Lecturer, by reason of having received the same unless specially authorized by the Grand Master. Certificates issued shall be continued in effect until revoked or surrendered, subject to re-examination as required by the Grand Master. A Class B Certificate is issued to a Brother who passes an examination showing proficiency in the Work Lectures of the three Degrees. This will include the questions and answers, the obligations, and the working tools of the three Degrees. The examination when taken shall cover all three Degrees at the specific time. It shall not be taken in stages, days or weeks apart. This examination will be conducted by a committee of at least three proficient Brothers who hold B Certificates or higher. A Class A Certificate is issued to a Brother who possesses a B Certificate and passes an examination showing accuracy and proficiency in the ritual, floor movements, and language of all officers in opening and closing Lodge, calling off and on, and conferring the first section of all three Degrees. This will include the interrogatories as given by the Senior Deacon in the conferral of the first Degree. Spring

12 The examination, when taken, shall cover all three Degrees at the specific time. It shall not be taken in stages, days or weeks apart. This examination will be conducted by a committee of at least three proficient brothers who hold A Certificates or higher. Examinations for B and A Certificates may be taken individually or two or more at the same time. For B Certificates, if two or more Brothers take the examination, candidates will alternate in asking question and giving answers. However, each candidate shall give the obligation and the working tools, individually. For A Certificates, if two or more are taking the examination they will alternate in the work. In other words, one would be Master, one Senior Warden, and so forth. A Master s Certificate is issued to the holder of B and A Certificates who passes the required examination on the charges of all three Degrees and the second section of the Fellow Craft Degree, excluding the Stair Lecture as given by the Senior Deacon. The requirements for a Master s Certificate shall also include the second section of the third Degree, excluding the second and third section lecture but including the floor movements therein. This examination will be taken individually and conducted by a committee of at least three proficient brothers who hold Master s Certificates or higher. If the lodge is unable to provide three proficient brothers to conduct the examination, contact the DDGM, the District Lecturer, a Grand Lecturer or the Ritualistic Committee Chairman. An Unlimited Certificate is issued to a Brother who is the holder of B, A and Master s Proficiency Certificates and who passes an examination showing proficiency and accuracy in the remaining esoteric work of all three Degrees, including floor movements, and who is able to confer the monitorial work of all three degrees. The extended cipher work is as follows: 1. EA Lecturer 2, Narrative, cipher pages FC Work, cipher pages MM Lecturer 3 2, Narrative, cipher pages Secret work in: EA Lecture 3, Narrative, cipher pages MM Lecture 3, Narrative, cipher pages Brothers holdings the B, A, and Master s Certificates may request the Master or the DDGM to have the chairman of the Ritualistic Committee arrange for them an examination by an Unlimited Proficiency Committee. The chairman will appoint an examining committee and arrange a time and place. Upon completion of the examination, the committee will report to the chairman of the Ritualistic Committee, and upon his approval the Grand Secretary will prepare the Unlimited Proficiency certificate, which will be presented to those passing the examination, as ordered by the Grand Master. This examination is to be taken individually and is to be conducted by a committee of at least three proficient Brothers holding Unlimited Proficiency Certificates. In the A, Master s, and Unlimited examinations no more than six errors will be permitted in the wording and floor movements. Errors not charged for monitorial wording. (Amended 1989) Submitted by the Ritualistic Committee M W\ John Mowen, Chairman R W\ C. David Williams, III, Member Rational: To move the stair lecture into the Masters proficiency requirements and to bring the Law Book up to date as it s reference to the current version of the Extended Cipher book, adopted Proposal # Opening Lodge in Absence of Master--If the Master is absent at any Lodge communication, the Senior Warden, or in his absence, the Junior Warden, shall congregate the Lodge. In the absence of the Master and both Wardens the Lodge cannot be opened except by Dispensation of the Grand Master, or by the Deputy Grand Master, the Grand Senior Warden the Grand Junior Warden, the Area Deputy Grand Master in the area wherein the Lodge is assigned, or by the District Deputy Grand Master in the District wherein the Lodge is assigned; or by Grand Lecturer or an Assistant Grand Lecturer; Provided, That when a Lodge is to be opened for the purpose of performing a Masonic funeral ceremony, and for no other purpose, in the absence of the Master and both Wardens, the Junior Past Master may be invited to preside; and after the Lodge is opened, any Master Mason may be invited to preside. Any Brother presiding as herein provided may, for the time being, exercise all the powers of the Master. (Amended 1967, 1982) Rational: At a recent meeting of Delaware Lodge #96, the lodge could not be opened although two Lecturers (R W Vernon Clark, Grand Lecturer and myself) were present. Respectfully Submitted, R W\ Robert M. Schroeder, Grand Lecturer Emeritus R W\ Vernon Clark, Grand Lecturer W. Andrew Cassity W. Wayne K. Ozias 12 The Kansas Mason

13 Proposal #4 Repeal By-Law Sunday Ceremonies No Lodge Communication nor Masonic ceremony of any kind shall be held or conducted on Sunday, except funeral ceremonies, Lodges of Sorrow, celebration of St John s Day, and open installation of Lodge Officers; Provided, That nothing above shall be construed as preventing the Grand Master from convening a Special Communication of Grand Lodge whenever he deems it necessary for the welfare of the Fraternity. (Amended 1975, 1985). Rational: Masonry should not be construed as a respecter of any one religion over another which this Special treatment of Sundays would suggest. I myself being a Sabbatarian, or one who recognizes Saturday as a Holy period of time over and above any other day of the week find it unconscionable that while I am being constantly asked to attend Masonic functions on Saturdays, which puts me in a position of having to choose between following my religious doctrinal beliefs or those Masonic functions, cannot by current Kansas Masonic Law even suggest a Sunday meeting with my Brothers as Masons. There are literally thousands of persons in at least three major religions including several Christian denominations in the United States who do not revere Sunday, or the first day of the week, above any other day requiring special consideration. Passing this proposal will in no way prohibit the continued scheduling of meetings on Saturdays, nor the celebrations of St John s day on Sundays or any other assembly desired by any Masonic body on any day of the week. Respectively Submitted James A. Craig, Past Master Pyramid Lodge #451 Wichita Kansas Secretary, Albert Pike Lodge #303 Wichita Kansas Proposal # General Requirements for All Petitions--Every petition shall be in writing, stating the residence, business address and vocation of the petitioner or applicant, and be signed in ink, by his own hand, with his name in full. It shall also be signed by two members of the Lodge, and who shall be held as certifying to his physical, mental and moral fitness. Electronic verification, as prescribed by the Council of Administration, shall only apply to petitions for the Mysteries of Masonry, reinstatement, dual membership and transfers from without this jurisdiction. Rational: In 2011, the Council of Administration, under the rationale found in 4-103(7) Petition for the Mysteries--Requirements, updated the petition for the Mysteries and required an electronic verification for all petitioners. In 2012, the Grand Master issued an edict requiring electronic verification for all petitioners. That edict was later modified to include only out-of-state dual members and petitions for the Mysteries. Although there was considerable debate as to whether or not this proposal would, in the words of one brother, kill Masonry in Kansas, those dire predictions have not come to pass, and there has been no readily observable negative effects as a result of the Grand Master s edict in terms of any decline in membership attributable to electronic verifications, or changes in the number of petitions submitted per year. In contrast, most petitioners when surveyed assumed all brothers had been similarly screened and willingly submitted. It should be noted that since 2012, 111 persons with criminal records have applied for membership, 13 of them have felony records, as discovered by the electronic verification process. This bylaw proposal simply codifies that the Council of Administration is not permitted to require electronic verification for petitions for plural membership, transfers or reinstatement. It remains the position of the Council of Administration that it has the inherent power under 4-103(7) to require any additional information, including electronic verification of the contents of the petition. Respectfully submitted, The Council of Administration Proposal # Lodge Dues--Payable in Advance--Suspension-- Annual Lodge Dues shall be payable in advance and shall be delinquent if not paid on or before January 1, of each dues year. If same are not paid by the date of the Annual Communication in December thereafter, the member shall be suspended on that date to be effective as of December 31, thereafter September 1st of the current dues year in question, the member shall be suspended on that date. Rationale: This would require the year 2014 dues to be paid on or before January 1, 2014, with delinquency occurring at that time. { There is no need to float compassion beyond nine months of a due-date. Utility-bills, etc., are not that compassionate. There is also no need getting hung-up or intertwined with December 2014 dates of local lodges annual communications }. { Drawing a definite line-in-the-sand of a Sept 1st suspension-date, would also be helpful to all local Lodge secretaries with regard to book-keeping. } Each petitioner for the Degrees of Freemasonry should be informed by the Chairman of the Investigating Committee that annual membership dues are essential on an ongoing basis to keep Lodge Treasuries alive and solvent to pay the costs of operating the local Lodge, the state s Grand Lodge, and our other worthy charitable activities. Being too lax in collecting Lodge dues only hurts the diligent members who pay on-time. Respectfully Submitted, James A. Marples, Perpetual Life Member, Mulvane Lodge #201, Mulvane Kansas Spring

14 Mark your calendar and make plans to attend the first annual Freemasons Charity Auction! Auction to Benefiit Kansas Masons in Need The auction is being conducted by the Kansas Masonic Foundation in cooperation with the Grand Lodge of Kansas. The auction will be held on March 21, 2014 in conjunction with the Friday night dinner during the Annual Communication at the Capital Plaza Conference Centre in Topeka, KS. The event will include a live and silent auction format. Proceeds from the auction will benefit Kansas Brothers and Families in need through a newly created Freemasons Endowment. Some of the items that will be available: Antique Gold Masonic Elgin Pocket Watch, beautifully etched gold case marked Elgin National Watch Co. 7 Jewel and in great working condition. Vintage Cast Bronze/Copper Masonic Bible Paperweight. Scarce Depression Era paperweight with great copper patina over Bakelite base Elgin Masonic Gold Pocket Watch with a black Freemason dial in a tastefully engraved Hunter Case. This is a rare combination of a Masonic time piece and a Hunter case that are not often found. 17 Jewel and runs well Elgin Masonic Silver Pocket Watch with a strong 7 jewel movement housed in an attractive 14K white gold filled Elgin Giant case. 7 Jewel and runs well. Framed Vintage Postcard with a color image of the Masonic Grand Lodge, Topeka, KS. The Publisher: CT American Art # The postmark reads Kansas City & Dodge City, KS, July 5, 1927 and was sent to Mrs. Frank Koblier. 14 The Kansas Mason Encased Antique Sterling Silver Souvenir Spoon. Reads WICHITA and is decorated with architectural design of the Court House, City Hall, The Masonic Temple, and the Post Office. Item has a farming scene with the phrase AD ASTRA ED ASPER. Marked Shepard Manufacturing weighs 27 grams Historic Souvenir Booklet - The Masonic Monument to George Washington. 102 Pages in Great Condition. Rare booklet and interesting historic significance. Vintage Masonic Ribbon Badge Medal beautifully displayed for the 100th Annual Communication Grand Lodge A.F.&A.M. of Kansas. It was held on March 14-15, 1956 in Topeka, Kansas. It measures 4 3/4 long and is in great condition. Also included in the display is a Framed Early Postcard of the Topeka, Kansas Masonic Temple, circa 1930 s. Excellent unused postcard depicting Grand Lodge of Kansas. Vintage Wichita Sterling Silver Souvenir Spoon with Beautiful engraving of the local Public Library, Masonic Temple, and High School, marked sterling grams, Robbins. Vintage Sterling Silver - ANTIQUE FREEMASON MASONIC 12 grams - Souvenir Spoon. Excellent Masonic insignia, marked sterling. Encased for easy display. Very Special Masonic Trip for two (4-day/3-night) to the George Washington Masonic National Memorial located in Alexandria, Virginia. This exciting package includes airfare, luxury hotel, VIP tickets to the 2015 George Washington Birthday Celebration (Sunday, February 22, 2015), and all access to tour the Memorial. The George Washington Masonic National Memorial is a memorial and museum built and funded by the Freemasons of the United States. Situated in Alexandria, Virginia, the 333-foot neoclassical structure stands foremost as a memorial to the life and character of George Washington. The Memorial is also an active Masonic temple and research library. Length of trip can be extended. Luxurious Round Tree Yorke Sport Leather Lamb skinned jacket. The jacket is fully lined, with a handsome rich brown color, sharp and stylish, men s size large. Dinner with Grand Master and Registration for 2014 Leadership Conference. This fun package includes dinner for two with the Grand Master on Friday, October 31, one night lodging at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Topeka, Kansas, buffet breakfast for two, registration to the 2014 Leadership Conference for a Kansas Mason and his Lady for Saturday, November 1. Customized Past Master Apron, hand stitched with gold bullion on lamb skin. This gorgeous black and gold apron will be customized for the winner with the name of the Lodge of their choice. Rare apron made by Brother Master Masons in France, beautifully inscribed. An 8-Day and 7-Night unbelievable trip to Maui, Hawaii. Lodging and airfare for two are provided for a trip of a lifetime. From its heavenly beaches to its scenic natural wonders, there are plenty of reasons why Maui has been voted Best Island by readers of Conde Nast Traveler for nineteen years. Discover your own reasons to love Maui as you stroll the seaside streets of Lahaina and the lovely beaches of Kaanapali. Feel the mana (power) of Haleakala National Park or discover the arts and culture of Kahului and Upcountry Maui. From championship golf courses to the scenic road to Hana, your vacation on the Valley Isle promises to be unforgettable. It s no wonder why thousands of humpback whales migrate to Maui s warm waters year after year. One visit to Maui and you just might join them. Ninety (90) day advance notification of trip required.

15 32 Scottish Rite Masonic Apron, hand stitched with gold bullion thread on lamb skin. Rare apron made by Brother Masons in France. Beautiful flags and colors display the Scottish rite camp scene with the flags signifying different degrees. Gas Stainless Steel Barbeque Grill, cooking made simple. This barbeque gas grill offers quality and performance. It offers convenience with an easy lift handle, and an electronic push button ignition for easy start-up. Olde Brooklyn Lantern features an antique lantern style coupled with modern technology and design features. The LED on the lantern offers powerful and reliable illumination. Metal construction and a shatterproof dome make this antique lantern a durable and hardy option. This versatile battery operated lantern is made to be useful at home, on your patio, while camping and more. One of a kind Mink #207 Masonic Knife with Masonic logo personally made by Brother Marvin L. Seaman is a beauty. This handsome knife is made with red, black and yellow wood and includes a nice genuine high quality leather sheath. Enjoy a three day/three night white tail deer hunt or goose/duck hunt in the beautiful, historic Flint Hills. Three nights lodging will be provided in the Blue Stem Lodge Motel in Eureka, Kansas and dinner for two evenings at local restaurants. You may choose a white deer hunt or a goose/duck hunt. If the white tail deer hunt is chosen a blind with advance incentive for deer to appear will be provided. If goose/ duck hunt is chosen a pond location with decoys for setting out will be provided. Meals and licenses are the responsibility of the winner of the package. Two (2) Tickets to the Kansas State versus Texas Football Games for the fall of This will be a fantastic game that you will not want to miss. Time and date will be announced at a later date. Free parking one block west of College Avenue and Kimball. Are you hungry for a steak yet? A quarter prime butcher beef, excellent quality and taste. All natural, hormone free and grass/grain beef. You have the opportunity to choose how your meat is cut and packaged. We will deliver to a local butcher, or the winner s location. Please allow delivery in May or June for the meat to have time to hang and cure. Delivery in Kansas only. THE BETTER ANGELS of our NATURE: FREEMASONRY IN THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR by Michael A. Halleran. This book is a deeply researched examination of the recorded, practical effects of Freemasonry among Civil War participants on both sides. From first-person accounts culled from regimental histories, diaries, and letters, the author has constructed an overview of 19th-century American freemasonry in general and Masonry in the armies of both North and South. Bro Brother s Journal by Michael A. Halleran. A unique perspective on Freemasonry and the famous Masons of his age, Bro. Hiram Brother s diary is the most remarkable Masonic memoir since Ashmole. Golf Lovers package that includes a Tom Watson Golf Club, autographed by Tom Watson, Adams Golf baseball cap, autographed by Tom Watson, and book, the Timeless Swing by Tom Watson. Race fans you can own the Action Racing Collectables die-cast of Clint Bowyer s No hour Energy race car. With a replica paint scheme, each die-cast is incredibly detailed with over 180 individual parts and pieces. A limited edition collectible, platinum series car that is a NASCAR collectible. Two (2) Tickets to the fantastic and exciting year game of College Basketball with Kansas State University versus Kansas University. Hurry fans and bid. You can bet these tickets for the spring of 2015 will go fast! Time and date will be announced at a later date! Apple ipad Air 16GB Wi-Fi. ipad. 20 percent thinner and weighs just one pound, so it feels unbelievably light in your hand. It comes with a 9.7-inch Retina display, the A7 chip with 64-bit architecture, ultrafast wireless, powerful apps, and up to 10 hours of battery life. And over 475,000 apps in the App Store are just a tap away. Grand Master Signature Wine Collection. A great collection of superior wines that are the favorites of the Current and Past Grand Masters of Kansas. These wines are the personal favorites of each Grand Master and each bottle is personally signed. This is a once in a lifetime collection for any wine enthusiasts or for those wishing to have some of the best wines for their guests. An 8-Day and 7-Night Branson Fabulous Vacation. Located in the heart of the Ozarks, Branson, Missouri is an all-american town that boasts more theater seats than Broadway with music shows being added every year. It is known for entertainment, attractions, shopping and fun. This 8-day and 7-night lodging package is for the May/June 2014 timeframe and will need to be booked early to ensure the best accommodations. Unique 14 karat Gold Chain, 15 ½ long, including a safety lock. This beautiful necklace has round double entwined beveled locks. Gold weight dwt. Man s 10 karat Yellow Gold Ring measuring mm wide, tapering down to 5.00 mm wide at the hack, featuring a gorgeous brilliant synthetic white sapphire set on top. Gold weight 4.50 dwt. Remarkable Rose Gold Wedding Band, 10 karat. Gold weight 2.80 dwt. Distinct, Unusual, Yellow Gold Solid Back Masonic Ring, stamped 10 karat. The top of the ring has a white gold G, with the compass and square. Set in the center is one round brilliant diamond,.05 carats. Gold weight 4.60 dwt. A Man s Gorgeous Yellow Gold Ring, stamped 14 karat. Set into a square white gold plate is a round brilliant full cut diamond, approximately.09 carats and on each side of the ring there is a white gold row of four baguette designs. Gold weight 6.30 dwt. A Man s White Gold Ring, stamped 14 karat with an Eagle on top. Gold weight 4.50 dwt. A Rare Ladies Antique Yellow Gold Filigree Ring, stamped 18 karat, featuring an octagon shaped plate in the center set with one elaborate Old European cut diamond. Gold weight is 1.60 dwt. Man s Yellow Gold Gothic Open Back 32 nd Degree Striking Masonic ring, stamped 10 karat. The top of the ring has a white gold double headed Eagle with 32 in a triangle on it. One side of the ring has a white gold compass with a G in the center. The other side of the ring has a red enameled cross on it. Ladies Yellow Gold Amazing Ring stamped 18 karat with a fantastic row of nine prong set single cut diamonds. Diamond weight.18 carats. Gold weight 2.20 dwt. White Gold Ladies Remarkable Made Curved Band not stamped, test 14 karat, with a bead and graver set with seven single cut diamonds. Total diamond weight approximately.14 carats. Gold weight 1.90 dwt. Man s Yellow Gold Solid Closed Back Striking Masonic Ring, stamped 14 karat. The top is square with a white gold double headed Eagle on it. One side of the ring has a Scottish Right triangle. Gold weight 6.70 dwt. Man s Yellow Gold Solid Closed Back Masonic Ring, stamped 10 karat. It has unusual bezel set with an oval flat synthetic fantastic Ruby cabochon with a G in the center of the stone. Gold weight 5.60 dwt. Spring

16 Man s Yellow Gold Amazing Shrine Ring, stamped 10 karat featuring a gold crescent moon and star on the top of the ring, set with twelve single cut diamonds. Gold weight 6.00 dwt. Man s Solid Back Yellow Gold Superior 32 nd Degree Masonic ring, stamped 14 karat. The top is square with a white gold headed Eagle on it. The side of the ring has a Scottish Right triangle on it. Gold weight 6.70 dwt. Phenomenal White Gold Tie Tack With a Star Design and in the center a round brilliant cut diamond. Gold weight.40 dwt. Pair of Yellow Gold, Pierced Screw Back Post Dangle Earrings with an elegant rope twist hoop dangle and a white gold hexagon plate in the center set with one single cut diamond. Gold weight 2.60 dwt. White 14 karat Gold Filled Open Face 1932 Fantastic Hamilton Railroad Pocket Watch. The face has black numbers and a sunken second hand dial. The watch is in good running condition. Attached to this is a 10 karat rose gold wide S with enameled U of NA on it, with a sword. Ladies Yellow Gold 17 Jewels Elgin Wrist Watch, stamped 14 karat. The watch is in good running condition. Auction to Benefiit Kansas Masons in Need Striking Yellow Gold Ladies 17 Jewels Longines, Wrist Watch, stamped 14 karat. The dial is champagne color with gold markers and hands. Ladies Yellow Gold Swiss 17 Jewels, Striking Huguenin Wrist Watch, stamped 585, 14 karat. It features a cushion shaped case. The dial is gold brown and has gold hands and numbers. White Gold Handsome Shrine Tie Tack, stamped 14 karat. It has a Saber and Crescent moon set with 4 round brilliant full cut diamonds. Gold weight.50 dwt. A Remarkable Humidor that is #345 out of 700 made by EPC Cigar Company includes a beautiful glass engraved top and 3 drawers for cigars. Features a fabulous high glossy finish with glass top and door to make this a stand out piece for any cigar aficionado. Included is a box of Brickhouse cigars by Fuentes-Newman and a Torch Lighter and Cutter by Xikar. An Adidas Kansas University Nice Quality Polo Shirt for the Rock Chalk KU fan. Size extra small. An Adidas KU Kansas Band T-Shirt. Size extra small. Washburn Ichabod Dark Blue T-Shirt. Size large. A Buick With the Olympic Years Framed Photo and 1984 Limited Edition, in a nice gold frame. This is a great piece for the avid car collector that handsomely displays various Buick edition cars. Kansas KU Basketball Band Superior Quality Jogging Suit. This nice suit includes jacket and pants, size to XL. Gray Adidas Kansas State Bound Bowl Baseball Cap, the size of the cap can be adjusted. Kansas State University Marching Band Baseball Cap, stylish purple, black and silver colors. Kansas State University Marching Band Baseball Cap, stylish purple, black and silver colors. Two Night Stay for Two at the Historic Beautiful Orleans Trail Resort at Lake Stockton, Missouri. Breakfast and Dinner for two are included. Enjoy your choice of an afternoon, evening or moonlight sailing cruise for you and up to five guests, date to be determined, on a 2-4 hour sail aboard Laura Grace a Hunter 40 sailboat complete with food, snacks and cocktails. Your excursion will sail out of the marina and around beautiful Lake Stockton. Washburn Ichabod Baseball Cap, nice dark blue color, perfect for the Washburn Student or Alumni. Autographic Basketball Picture of Brother Shaquille O Neal. Shaquille O'Neal is regarded as one of the most dominant athletes and arguably the most gregarious personality in sports history. O'Neal graduated from Louisiana State University and is the only current NBA player with an MBA (Master of Business Administration). Shaq is also one of the few NBA players in history to reach the NBA Finals with three different teams. His charisma on and off the court helped create a worldwide reputation as "Godfather of the NBA." Authentication of signature provided. Autographic Picture of Brother Richard Dreyfus. Richard Dreyfus is a well-known American Actor and is regarded as one of the world s most popular Actors. He has starred in a number of film, television, and theater roles, including the films, American Graffiti, Jaws, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Mr. Holland s Opus, and the Goodbye Girl. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1978 for The Goodbye Girl. Personally Autographed Football by famous Kansas State University Football Coach Bill Snyder. In , Kansas State Wildcats became the second Big 12 School to win conference titles in football. Kansas Masonic Foundation is still collecting items for the auction. If you would like to contribute to this worthwhile event, please contact Diane McDermed at You may view and bid on the auction items online at KMFOnline.org. Details on how to bid online will be available soon! You can also bid at the Auction. This is the first year for the Freemason Charity Auction! Please help us reach our goal to raise $50,000 for Mason s and Families in Need, and with your help we might possibly raise even more! Mark your calendar to attend this first-time event! 16 The Kansas Mason

17 from the archives by Kansas Masonic Foundation Staff Grand Lodge Collection of Kansas History Across from the Kansas Statehouse s north doorway stands the Grand Lodge of Kansas building, and many of the holdings in the Grand Lodge give meaning to the words laid up among the archives. The archives, library, and museum are a vast and meaningful collection of the history of Kansas Masonry, both of the craft lodges, and of several of the appendant and concordant activities in our history, as well. One of the more interesting holdings is the Scottish Rite Fifty-year prayer cap (pictured) of Alfred Mossman Landon, who received some fame during his tenure as 26th Governor of Kansas by being the Republican Party candidate who sought to retire Franklin D. Roosevelt from the Presidency of the US. Landon earned the destination of Grand Old Man of the Grand Old Party by living to be more than 100 years old, have receiving his 75-year membership pin from Fortitude Lodge 107 in Independence just under three years before he passed away in That pin is in the museum holdings as well. Like most Governors of the time, Landon was a Mason, but not an especially active office-holder. One notable exception was the 23rd Governor, Ben S. Paulen, who served in that role from 1925 to 1929, but was Grand Master in the 1921 term. His papers as The archives, library, and museum are a vast and meaningful collection of the history of Kansas Masonry Grand Master are archived in the library, as are most of the similar papers of that time. The Grand Lodge library and museum hold many of the archives of Grand Lodge, of course. But, it also works for the craft as a whole. Most lodges have various articles in a vertical file that have been collected over the years, and can be accessed before anniversary celebrations or presentations being prepared. Lodges are encouraged to send clippings, correspondence, photographs and programs to the Grand Lodge for inclusion in their vertical files. Also, the library stands prepared to receive old minutes books and correspondence that lodges are unable to safely retain it already has hundreds of volumes of them. The museum is accessible during business hours of the Grand Lodge office and by appointment. Anyone who has not had a tour of the museum and Grand Lodge building should stop in and request one next time he is in Topeka. Spring

18 member interview by Kansas Masonic Foundation Staff Brother David Barnes III joined the Blue Lodge in March of 2011 as an entered apprentice, rose to Degree of Fellow Craft status in June of 2011, and was raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason in August of 2011, as a member of Topeka Lodge #17. During 2013, he was the Junior Steward of his Lodge, and for the year of 2014, he will be its Junior Deacon. Brother David is currently a first year senior, majoring in Computer Science, with a Computer Science Emphasis, at Kansas State University. He plans to graduate in either May or December of His Masonic history is an interesting one, as the brief conversation below shows, and illustrates how sometimes it can be the positive decisions and actions of the sons that lead the father to Masonic Wisdom. 1. How did you first find out about Freemasonry? I found out about Freemasonry when I joined the Order of DeMolay in June of Through the Order of DeMolay, I learned what it truly means to be in a fraternity, not just what s in advertisements and movies about crazy college fraternities. I learned, experienced, and continue to experience the true feeling of Brotherhood that comes from belonging to a real Fraternity. The feeling that no matter where you go, you can meet a fellow member, talk to him for a few minutes, and leave feeling like you ve known him forever, knowing he s someone you can always trust and count on. While in the early stages of DeMolay, I always heard how the Masonic Fraternity counts on DeMolays joining Lodges to help them stay strong, and while that had some influence on my decision to join the great Craft of Masonry, what attracted me even more was that I discovered in Masonry the same brotherhood, comradery, sound traditional values, and genuine desire to help others that I d seen in DeMolay. I wanted to continue to elevate myself morally, while meeting new friends that I knew I could trust no matter what. Masonry has not always been in my family. In fact, until my brother Greg, a Past State Master Councilor of Kansas DeMolay and a current State Senior Councilor, joined just a few months before I did, no one in my family had ever been involved. Then because my dad liked what he saw of the Masons involved in DeMolay, he became drawn to Freemasonry and joined their ranks himself. I wanted to keep experiencing the same level of brotherhood and shared knowledge I had in DeMolay. So in July of 2011, when I d turned 18 and my term in office ended, I became a Senior (inactive) member of DeMolay and followed in my dad s footsteps by becoming a Mason. 2. What do your friends think about your involvement? Most of my friends whom I m close with, though not involved with the Masonic Family themselves, know that my involvement in Masonry and DeMolay has changed who I am, making me more outgoing, a better leader, and a more upstanding gentlemen. While they do not know much about Masonry, let alone understanding the whole Masonic Family well enough to see through all the heresy and rumors that are floating around out there about our Fraternity, they can easily see that Masonry has made a very big impact on me that it s clearly something that can make even good people better. But having said that, a lot of my friends these days are part of the Masonic Family, in some way or another, whether it s through their involvement with Masonry itself, Eastern Star, DeMolay, Jobs Daughters, or Rainbow Girls. Those people who obviously know the importance of the Masonic Family and the good it brings, love the fact that I am involved in Masonry, and think very highly of it. 3. Why is Freemasonry important to you? Freemasonry is important to me because of the morals and teachings it has shared with me and made me knowledgeable about, not to mention because of the lifelong friends it has brought into my life. It has given me the courage to meet and talk to strangers and built me up to be a much better leader than I ever would have been outside the Masonic Family. Masonry continues to make me better every time I attend a Masonic event, whether it be a meeting of the Blue Lodge, DeMolay, Jobs Daughter, Rainbow Girls, or one of the other appendant bodies. And the same holds true when I m just hanging out with people I have met through our wonderful Masonic Family. 4. Why is Freemasonry important to your community? Freemasonry is important to my community because of the quality leaders and morally upright men it sends out into the world to be teachers, doctors, salesmen, politicians, continued on page The Kansas Mason

19 around the world by Kansas Masonic Foundation Staff Freemasonry is the world s oldest and largest fraternity. Membership consists of and has consisted of many famous leaders around the world George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Winston Churchill, Davy Crockett, Gerald Ford, and Robert Dole, to name a few. Famous Freemasons are found everywhere around the world. Freemasons include politicians, legendary writers, professional athletes, actors, musicians and Supreme Court justices. It is a fraternity of brotherhood that provides goodwill throughout the world. CBS Sunday Morning aired a segment on Freemasonry, December 8, 2013 that displayed an interpretation of Freemasonry. It featured members of the Grand Lodge of New York, the House of the Temple and other contributors. The segment explores some of the true and untrue facts about Freemasonry. It provides a fair and accurate view of Freemasonry. The segment explores many things you might not know about Freemasonry. It discusses the traditional tools of stonemasons and how they form the symbol of a group that has been misunderstood for centuries. It examines some of the parodies, the source of legends, and conspiracy theories of Freemasonry. Included are 9 things you may not know about Freemasonry. If you would like to watch the segment it is posted on You Tube at and on cbsnews.com. Many events have been planned for Masonic Week, February 12-16, 2014 in Alexandria, Virginia. Events are scheduled for AMD Masonic Week at the Hyatt Hotel in Reston Virginia. If you would like to view information on the activities that are available, visit Rick Searcy was voted as First Black Master in Kentucky. He was installed Saturday, December 29, 2013 at Ensor Lodge #729. He might be possibly the only First Black Master in the Southeast. Did you know that there is a website that you can connect to Masons across the United States and the world? It includes a map that encourages Masons across the United States to connect and network and is available at 300th Anniversary Of The United Grand Lodge Of England (Ugle) Kansas Masonic Foundation Is Organizing a Once-In-A-Lifetime Trip As the masonic fraternity is a single, indivisible fellowship that is neither divided nor affected by local or national boundaries within our constitution, the word united is extremely appropriate as we move forward to our three hundredth anniversary celebrations in Hence, Metropolitan Grand Lodge, the Provinces and Districts are united as part of one fellowship that of the United Grand Lodge of England. In 1813, on December 27 th, also known as Saint John the Evangelist day in Roman Catholic and Anglican churches, an extraordinary event occurred. After decades of operating autonomously from each other, the two Grand Lodges in England joined together to form the United Grand Lodge of England, or U.G.L.E. as it is often referred to. It may be important to note that there is no record of either of the Grand Lodges closing down before they merged. This may technically mean both Grand Lodges are in operation in a merged form inside the U.G.L.E., and we owe our heritage to both Grand Lodges established in 1717 and circa The grouping of Grand Lodges to which belong those in the United State are in mutual recognition with the United Grand Lodge of England, and get their charters ultimately from either the Grand Lodge of England, the Grand Lodge of the Antients or one of the preceding Grand Lodges across the Atlantic. The Grand Lodge of England was established on June 24 th, 1717, on Saint John the Baptist day, when for lodges came together to form the Grand Lodge in London. According to the Masonic Times Newsletter date Thursday, September 13, 2012, M:.W:. Pro Grand Master Peter Lowndes stated that the ExCeL London (Exhibition Centre London) will host in 2017 the 300 th anniversary of the United Grand Lodge of England. According to Brother Lowndes, This is one of the few locations in the Country that has the necessary capacity and infrastructure to properly enable us to celebrate this once in a lifetime momentous event. As we all know, time seems to go by at an ever-increasing rate and, with that in mind, the great celebrations in 2017 is not that far away. Just think, as the Mother Grand Lodge of the world, it will be the first Grand Lodge to reach three hundred years what a fantastic milestone the Greatest Masonic Event Ever the 300 th Anniversary celebration of Freemasonry. This will be held on June 14 th, 2017 at ExCeL London, which was the home of the 2012 Olympics. Capacity is 80,000 and early predictions are that Mason s from all over the world will exceed that number. As such, the Kansas Masonic Foundation is organizing a trip for Kansas Mason s wishing to attend this once in a lifetime event Day Houses of Parliament Palace of Westminster Lunch at Cholmondeley Room and Terrace Day The Tower of London The Crown Jewels Dinner at the New Armouries Day The Cabinet War Rooms Day Bakers Hall St. Paul s Cathedral Day Private evening tour of Freemasons Hall The Library The Museum Dinner at the Vestibule Spring

20 making a difference by Kansas Masonic Foundation Staff New Scholarships for Families of Kansas Masons The Kansas Masonic Foundation Board First, any Kansas Mason who has children, of Trustees recently approved a major grandchildren, or great- grandchildren who change in the workings of its Scholarship are attending college in Kansas will be eligible and Loan Program. for a Legacy Scholarship. As the name Now any Kansas student can apply Legacy Scholarship for those Masonic Family members attending college All Kansas residents attending Kansas institutions of higher learning And now, Kansas students wishing to go to an in-state trade school suggests, these scholarships will only be available to legacies of Kansas Masons. The Board voted to eliminate the loan Kansas Masonic Foundation President, Michael J. Tavares, had this to say: These legacy program, in favor of offering a more varied and appealing range of scholarship options scholarships are long overdue and demonstrate the deep commitment the Foundation to Kansas students going to Kansas institutions. Instead of providing loans that are paid has always had to the families of our Masonic back to the Foundation over time, the Board Brothers. elected to use all of the relevant funds available to target scholarships alone. tion will continue to offer scholarships to all Second, the Kansas Masonic Founda- There are three kinds of scholarships that Kansas residents attending Kansas institutions the KMF will award in the future, beginning of higher learning. In the past, nearly all KMF with the school year. scholarships were awarded on a non-solicited basis and only to students who were already enrolled in the KMF Loan Program. Now any Kansas student can apply. Finally, the Kansas Masonic Foundation recognizes that not all students wish to attend a four-year college or university. Many only wish to gain the skills necessary to succeed in today s workplace, so they often choose to attend a trade school, instead. In response to that fact, the KMF will now also be awarding scholarships to those Kansas students wishing to go to an in-state trade school. The Kansas Masonic Foundation Scholarship Committee is currently working on all the necessary guidelines and details of the new scholarship program. They will be available on the KMF website (KMFOnline.org) by early Spring, or you can call the Foundation Office, where the revised guidelines will be available as soon as they are completed. First Ever Lodge Event During Annual Communication The Kansas Masonic Foundation is pleased to announce it s first-ever meeting with all of the Lodges across Kansas. This meeting is being held just prior to the start of the Annual Communication, on Thursday, March 20, 2014, starting with lunch. Each Kansas Lodge has been asked to provide one representative to participate in the event. The purpose of this important gathering is to begin developing Foundationbased programming with the Lodges. The Kansas Masonic Foundation as both a continuation of its past history and one of its future goals wishes to enrich the lives of Kansans by supporting charitable, educational, and scientific programs. Reaching this specific goal will involve working handin-hand with Kansas Masonic Lodges in a new and more direct way. To kick things off, KMF Executive Director, Bob Shively, will lead a brainstorming session with the Lodge leadership. It will focus on plans the Foundation is already working on, besides soliciting new ideas from the Lodges for future programming. Reaching Kansans at the local level, with the indispensable help of our Lodges, will greatly enhance the reach and impact of the Foundation, Shively said. Our future starts with the Lodges, and I sincerely hope representatives of every Lodge in the state will show up ready to provide the kind of quality input that will help propel the KMF and Masonry as a Craft to a whole new level in the years ahead. 20 The Kansas Mason

21 Masonic Promises Matter The Kansas Masonic Foundation has established a new funding initiative the Freemasons Endowment. This new $1.5 million dollar endowment which includes an initial investment of $600,000, thanks to a generous Trust Gift from Edward and Bernice Seidel will pave the way to create a fund specifically designed to help Kansas Masons, widows, and orphans, in need, a very worthy cause, indeed. When the Kansas Masonic Foundation recently approved the creation of this new endowment, President Michael J. Tavares said, The KMF has been working closely with the Grand Lodge to develop this program to help out our Kansas Brothers and their families in times of need. When we became Masons, we all made a promise as part of our Obligation to help out exactly these groups of people. This program will help us live up to that promise. While program details are still being worked out, it is anticipated that a formal announcement will be made during the 2014 Annual Communication. A first-ever auction has been scheduled during the Friday night dinner to help generate additional funds for this endowment. President Tavares summed it up this way: While the $1.5 million mark has been set as the initial target for this endowment, I ll be surprised if the Foundation doesn t continue to grow this new fund, just to ensure that no Brother is ever turned away, just when he needs us most. In Partnership With: Spring

22 home warmings Construction Update by Kansas Masonic Foundation Staff Kansas Masonic Home: Building On A Legacy Phase One Complete! Phase One of the $22M remodel at Kansas Masonic Home (KMH) wrapped up in early September. This year-long phase included the sale and removal of a house, added to the southwest corner of the campus in 1961 as a Superintendent s home, and the addition of our first true household; the KMH Rapid Recovery Suites (RRS). This 14,400 square foot, Mission style household, designated for short-term rehabilitation residents, includes a full therapy center, spa, beauty shop, living and dining rooms, a den, family dining area, gourmet kitchen and twenty private suites. The RRS are already at 90% occupancy! Phase One also included a complete remodel of the Thomas C. Raum Masonic Towers apartments which eliminated the smaller suites, providing larger, assisted living apartments for couples and those individuals who prefer apartment style assisted living. The Towers, formerly an independent living residence, is now designated as an assisted living residence, although existing independent living residents still maintain independent living status. The KMH auditorium received a makeover as well. New lighting, wall coverings and ceiling work have brightened the look and feel. The five magnificent paintings, Women of the Bible by Sister Anna Mae Bradshaw, PGM, each measuring 8 feet by 4 feet, now hang in places of honor in the auditorium where curtains have been installed to help protect them when the auditorium is not in use. These paintings, generously donated by Bradshaw in the 40 s, were printed in an English Bible in 1944 and were formerly housed in KMH s Fellowship Hall. The grand lobby of the Towers has been updated and remodeled and the addition of Fellowship Lounge, an elegant dining room, three luxurious private parlors and an inhouse branch of Kanza Bank round out the updates and additions. continued on page The Kansas Mason

23 book review by Bruce Cowie The Secret Science of Masonic Initiation Robert Lomas scientist, author, Freemason has written this slim volume which is a look at some of the deeper understandings of Freemasonry. At a mere 110 pages, it is a useful book that has much to offer both the new and the experienced Freemason. He has authored alone and co-authored with Christopher Knight a number of books on the history and possible origins of freemasonry. However, recently he has written more of the symbolism of Freemasonry. I believe the later books are far superior to his earlier work which are very speculative and developed theories on shaky foundations. When he writes on philosophy and symbolism of freemasonry, particularly from the point of view of a scientist who I believe has successfully reconciled science and spiritual matters, he has produced some interesting and worthwhile work. The author in this book asks the reader to temporarily set aside science and to listen, as a child to the ancient teachings of the Craft as it shows how you might know yourself. The book focuses on the changes that we should experience as we take our first steps in Freemasonry. What the three degrees represent in the initiatory experience and shows that it is not unique but has been used throughout the ages. The book does not contain anything that is significantly new, rather it describes the adventure of initiation and provides insights that will give many pause for thought and provide a refresher in some basic understanding of the ritual and symbolism of Freemasonry. The Secret Science of Masonic Initiation is about the philosophy of freemasonry, the Science of Life, understanding who we are and are relationship with nature, each other and God. The book emphasizes the importance of the Tracing Boards to understanding each degree. It provides a short and succinct pathway through Craft Freemasonry that should prompt further study and reflection. How many of us have really studied each tracing Board and could describe each symbol. Much of the Book can be read in a short time but is a book that you will want to read again as there are a number of points that provide room for thought. Chapter one entitled, under the heading Why become a Mason refers to many reasons why men join Freemasonry and highlights that perhaps the ritual workings are what have given Freemasonry its widespread appeal and sustained the organization over a number of centuries. It is the philosophy embedded in this ritual that is the essence of freemasonry. This book is for the Master Mason who has completed the three degrees. It is useful for those who are mentoring others. This book is recommended to anyone seeking more light on Freemasonry. It is not an expose or a step by step guide to freemasonry but a series of essays that successfully illuminates the Journey. After reading the book, it prompted that common dilemma that too often when on the journey we are focused on the destination rather than the journey. It is the journey in Freemasonry that is so important. Reprinted with permission of the Freemasonry Victoria Magazine too often when on the journey we are focused on the destination rather than the journey Spring

24 out and about by Kansas Masonic Foundation Staff Hancock Lodge # 311 Greets an Honored Visitor On November 21st of last year, MW Dr. Jarrod R. Adkisson, Grand Master of Masons in Arkansas, paid a visit to the home Lodge of Kansas Grand Master, MW Rick Reichert Hancock Lodge # 311, to take part in a regular meeting. MW Rick had invited MW Jarrod to make the trip to Kansas after the two had met as part of MW Rick s activities in the Grand Line. The two Brothers hit it off almost immediately, and their friendship led directly to the invitation and this special meeting of Grand Masters. MW Jarrod was accompanied on the visit by five well-respected members of his jurisdiction, Grand Junior Warden Billy Joe Holden, Grand Senior Deacon Patrick C. Carr, Grand Junior Deacon Aaron South, Worshipful Brother G. L. Crum from Atkins Lodge 172, and Worshipful Brother Ralph Baer from Russellville Lodge 274. It s natural to wonder how MW Jarrod saw the activities of the two Lodges as comparing to each other, and Jarrod s insights on this subject were instructive. He remarked that while the Work as practiced by Lodges in Kansas and Arkansas were somewhat different, Jarrod was pleased to find that the underlying brotherhood that animates the two Lodges was very much alike, which was a heartwarming thing to discover. They say that sometimes the best surprise is no surprise, and it should be no surprise that what is best about Masonic Brotherhood, despite the many miles that sometimes separate one Lodge from another, remains the same everywhere. MW Rick Reichert Hancock Lodge # 311 and MW Dr. Jarrod R. Adkisson, Grand Master of Masons in Arkansas McKinley Lodge # 41 When It Comes to Band Camp, Lodge # 41 Takes the Cake On December 11th of last year, McKinley Lodge # 41 in Pomona, Kansas held an event that many other Lodges should consider, since it got word out about the 2014 Kansas Masonic All-Star Marching Band Camp in a fun and innovative way. Earlier that evening, the dvd of the 2013 band camp was shown to all who attended, and starting at 7:30, a joint presentation by past student attendees of band camp and their parents, local band director, Kyle Unruh, and Kansas Masonic Foundation Program Manager, Eric Eicher, was given, in which some of the high points of the band camp experience were featured. The purpose of the event was to raise public awareness about band camp, especially among students who might be attending in the future, so interested high school students from the community were invited to attend this special meeting. Despite a number of unforeseen conflicts in the local community that evening, there was a nice crowd for the event, including Larry Barber, Past Master of the Lodge, along with his two daughters, Allie and Morgan. Morgan a two time band camp attendee mentioned that another young woman named Amanda Ball, who d been unable to attend, had sent word that band camp was a ball. That seemed to be the universal consensus of all present that night, including three generations of the Carey family: Bret and Nicole Carey attended with their daughter, Miranda, as well as Miranda s grandfather, Stan Lantis, who became a Mason in 1980, four years before the first Band Camp took place. 24 The Kansas Mason

25 Stan, a past athletic director and counselor, pointed out that while participating in athletics could do those so gifted a lot Morgan Barber and Miranda Carey hold the of good, many Band Camp 2013 cake, more students while Worshipful Master could benefit Don Wolford looks on from something like band camp. Miranda had attended three times and planned to do so again, if possible. Like all involved that night, she made many positive remarks about her time at band camp, saying that being there could take you from having done essentially no marching before, to being able to march forwards, backwards, sideways, just about any way it s just a really amazing experience! With the kind help of some neighboring lodges, Lodge 41 was able to send six kids to band camp in It s hard to say no to anybody, noted the Worshipful Master of the lodge, Don Wolford. The presentations were followed by the serving of a Band Camp 2013 cake, along with other delicious refreshments, ending a very educational and enjoyable evening on a high note. Worshipful Master Don Wolford, who had planned and led the evening s proceedings, had also, over time, done much to decorate the Lodge Hall where the meeting was held in attractive ways, including by hanging up a brief humorous writing by Frank C. Laubach called Life Begins At 80 ( If Frank was right, the people attending that meeting must have found a way to hit 80 early, since they all definitely knew how to live. Home Warmings continued from page 22 While not an official part of the remodel, it is important to note that Fellowship Hall, home to three lodges Masonic Home Lodge # 450, Albert Pike Lodge # 303 and Pyramid Lodge # 451 is also in the midst of renovations that include an updated kitchen, new carpeting, window treatments, lighting, paint and the addition of traditional risers and stage for lodge proceedings. Phase Two Begins! The second phase of the KMH transformation began nearly simultaneously in the S. Allen Daugherty Medical Pavilion and the Ken Caldwell Assisted Living Manor. The remodels, respectively, will allow the addition of four unique households in the former Pavilion area, one of which will be dedicated to memory support. The four households are complete homes added within the existing structure including a Victorian style, Craftsman, Colonial and Federal style. The Manor is also being converted to households (three) and will feature a Mission style, Farmhouse and a Mid-Century Ranch. Two of the Manor households will be dedicated to memory support. The first and most complicated portion of the Manor remodel included the removal of the multientry, three-story, staircase at the lobby entrance of the building. Each of the seven new households, much like the RRS, will include gourmet kitchens (with meals prepared in house), living and dining rooms, a den and front porch as well as a more private suite arrangement. Staff in each household are cross trained to perform more as a family unit and the new continued on page 30 households will allow full implementation of the Person First philosophy of care that KMH has embraced since 2009, which allows residents to determine their own schedules and emphasizes dignity, respect and independence all within a supportive and caring environment. The projected completion date for the second phase of construction is early 2015; however, the households are being added consecutively so that by May of 2014 the first two households in the Manor and Pavilion will be ready for resident move-in. Brother Robert Roswurm, KMH director of development, encourages all Kansas Mason readers to visit Kansas Masonic Home and will provide tours to groups and individuals. To arrange a tour, contact Roswurm at For more information on KMH and the progress of the renovation at this historic campus, please visit our website at and follow us on Facebook, com/ksmasonic. Spring

26 seeds of our future by David Barnes, II & Steven Crane Kansas Demolay A Long and Wonderful History In a nation and world where all kinds of things compete for the time and interests of today s youth; the International Order of DeMolay stands proudly as an organization dedicated to providing young men a means to grow up to be responsible leaders for their communities and Masonry. DeMolay is a Masonic youth organization for young men ages that provides them a sense of comradeship, a chance to interact with their peers in a way that builds good character and morals, and an opportunity to become leaders in the Masonic community and beyond. After some ups and downs in recent years, DeMolay is on the rise. As of the writing of this letter on December 13th, 24 states in the US had already shown positive growth over Eleven additional states needed less than 10 new members to show growth in DeMolay for In just the past month, we have seen DeMolay virtually restart in two U.S. jurisdictions where it nearly had gone extinct. Internationally, DeMolay has grown extremely fast with demands coming from Grand Lodges in more than a dozen different countries around the world in the past three years. DeMolay has high demand from Grand Lodges in other countries who have recognized DeMolay as the best available Masonic membership recruitment tool available. This demand has been extremely high in eastern European countries and in South and Central America. In just the past 2 years the Grand Lodges of Peru, Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina, Colombia, Cuba, Panama, Venezuela, Croatia, Russia, Romania, Hungary, Latvia, French Guinea and Panama have requested assistance in developing and growing DeMolay Chapters within their jurisdictions. Kansas DeMolay has a long and wonderful history. It boasts THE oldest continually active chapter in the world in Round Table Chapter in Topeka. Kansas boasts several members of the International Supreme Council of DeMolay International, including a Past Grand Master of DeMolay International in Thomas Raum Jr and the current Grand Junior Councilor in Steven Crane. In the spirit of that long history and in cooperation with Masons from around the state, the Kansas Order of DeMolay can once again be a force that provides leadership opportunities and a chance to experience first-hand the wonderful fraternity of Masonry to the Kansas youth in virtually every community. Masonry and DeMolay go hand in hand. Masons provide the support and guidance for the youth of DeMolay, while DeMolay provides the opportunity to help young men grow into future Masonic leaders. We have begun the process of reinvigorating the Order in the State of Kansas. Brother David Barnes II, Sr. Warden of Topeka #17 in Topeka Kansas, has taken on the task. Bro David is currently a high school math teacher with years of experience working with Topeka Round Table Chapter of DeMolay, as well as many years of experience leading statewide initiatives for the Kansas Department of Education. David is ready to assist any Lodge or appendant body in developing, opening and running a Chapter anywhere in the state of Kansas. Give him a call and let s explore the opportunities of a DeMolay Chapter in your Lodge. David can be reached by at debarnes2@gmail. com or by phone at The Kansas Mason

27 kansas masonic notes Grand Master s Pennsylvania Travel The purpose of this trip is for Grand Master Rick Reichert to present a 50- year emblem to his father in their home lodge. The significance is that Rick s father presided in the East for all three of Rick s degrees 25 years earlier. There are many overlaps between Rick s Collegeville lodge and the Fort Leavenworth lodge where he was Master in Rick welcomes anyone who wants to join him in this adventure. Other stops are planned to make the Pennsylvania trip a fun and educational experience for those traveling with him. All events are open to both Masons and their family members. GM Travel and Dates Leaving Kansas City Thursday, March 13, 2014 returning Sunday, March 16, An early flight on Thursday will put us into Philadelphia in time for lunch and an afternoon at the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania on center city Philadelphia. Hotel Homewood Suites by Hilton Philadelphia Valley Forge Schedule of Events Tour of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania historic building Gettysburg Excursion tour to Gettysburg led by Michael A. Halleran, Deputy Grand Master Recommended Excursions: Tour Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell pavilion and other historic areas of Center City Philadelphia. Excursion tour to Valley Forge. Attend stated meeting of Warren Lodge #310 F&AM, Collegeville, PA. Open presentation of 50 Year Emblem Past Grand Master Lawrence D. Winegardner On Saturday, January 11th, Active Lodge #158 of Atchison, Kansas held funeral services for M:.W:.Lawrence D. Winegardner PGM. M:.W:.Rick Reichert, Grand Master opened the Grand Lodge of Kansas at 9:30 a.m. to attend the funeral service of Past Grand Master Winegardner, and M:.W:.Robert Tomlinson PGM conducted the Masonic Service that immediately followed. Both well-attended services. In the Masonic sphere of his life, M:.W:.Lawrence D. Winegardner s record is arguably the most impressive of all. He was a member of the Masonic Brotherhood for more than 50 years, serving Active Lodge 158 as Worshipful Master in 1971 and 1991, as well as serving as Secretary for many years. He also served the Grand Lodge of Kansas as Most Worshipful Grand Master from , was a member of the Lawrence Valley of the Scottish Rite--where he was coroneted a 33rd Degree Mason in 1999 and was likewise a member of the National Sojourners of Fort Leavenworth, KS, as well as the York Rite Bodies and the Hi-12 Club, both of Atchison, Kansas. Event Calendar February 15 Early-Bird Registration deadline for 2014 Annual Communication (available online) February 22 Easton Lodge No. 45, Easton, 150 Year Celebration February 22 Hancock Lodge No. 311, Fort Leavenworth, 125 Year Celebration March 8 Hugoton Lodge No. 406, Hugoton, 100 Year Celebration March 15 Last day for Regular Registration for 2014 Annual Communication (available online) March 19 Kansas Masonic Foundation Board Meeting, Topeka March 19 Kansas Masonic Foundation Past Board Emeritus Recognition Dinner March 20 Kansas Masonic Lodges Meeting, Topeka, Hosted by Kansas Masonic Foundation March 21 & 22 Grand Lodge Annual Communications, Topeka March 21 All-Masonic Banquet and Auction, Topeka April 19 Masonic Education Course, Wichita July Kansas Masonic All-State Marching Band Camp, Pittsburg July 26 East-West Shrine Bowl, Pittsburg For more detailed and up-to-date information, please check the Grand Lodge website calendar at KansasMason.org The Kansas Mason is now on Flickr. Upload and share your Kansas Mason photos at Spring

28 Stated COmmunications for the Mason Traveling in Kansas! Abilene Benevolent Lodge No /2 NW 3rd St Ottawa Justice Lodge No S Willow St Meet: Quarterly As Called By Master Almena Naphtali Lodge No Main St Meet: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays Alta Vista Alta Vista Lodge No Main St Altamont Altamont Lodge No S Huston Ave Meet: 3rd Tuesday, 7:30 pm Americus Americus Lodge No Broadway St Anthony Anthony Lodge No S Kansas Meet: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays Arkansas City Crescent Lodge No South B Street Arma Arma Lodge No E Washington St Meet: 2nd Monday Ashland Ashland Lodge No Chestnut Meet: 2nd Thursday In December Atchison Active Lodge No /2 N 5th St Atwood Atwood Lodge No S 5th St , Except July & August Augusta Mystic Tie Lodge No /2 State Street Meet: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays Axtell Axtell Lodge No. 234 P.O. Box 202 Meet: 3rd Monday Baldwin City Palmyra Lodge No High St Baxter Springs Baxter Lodge No Military Avenue Meet: 1st and 3rd Monday Beattie Beattie Lodge No Belle Plaine Belle Plaine Lodge No /2 N Merchant Meet: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays Belleville Belleville Lodge No L St Beloit Mt. Vernon Lodge No /2 W Court Benedict Benedict Lodge No. 403 Main St Blue Rapids Blue Rapids Lodge No State Highway , Except July & Aug Bronson Bourbon Lodge No Clay St Bronson Xenia Lodge No Wood Rd Meet: 1st Saturday Burden Clinton Lodge No N Main St Burlington Corinthian Lodge No E Fremont Ave Burlington Burlington Lodge No N 3rd St Meet: 2nd Wednesdays, Except July & August Caldwell Sumner Lodge No N Main St Meet: 1st Thursday In December Caney Caney Lodge No N McGee Carbondale Carbondale Lodge No Main St Meet: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays Cawker City Cawker City Lodge No Wisconsin St , 7:30 pm Chanute Cedar Lodge No N Highland Meet: 2nd Wednesday Chetopa Chetopa Lodge No Maple Street Meet: 1st Thursday Circleville Circleville Lodge No Lovejoy St Meet: 2nd Monday Claflin Claflin Lodge No Main St Meet: 1st Thursday Clay Center Clay Center Lodge No th St , 7:30 pm Clearwater Unity Lodge No W Ross Meet: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays Coffyville Keystone Lodge No, Woodland Ave Colby St. Thomas Lodge No N Franklin Ave Coldwater Comanche Lodge No E Main St Columbus Prudence Lodge No East Garfield Meet: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays Concordia St. Johns Lodge No W 8th St Conway Springs Mistletoe Lodge No S Church St Cottonwood Falls Zeredatha Lodge No Broadway Meet: 1st Wednesday Council Grove Council Grove Lodge No W Main St Meet: 1st Wednesday In December Courtland Courtland Lodge No Main St Meet: 1st Thursday De Soto De Soto Lodge No W 83rd St Delia Delia Lodge No Washington Ave Meet: 1st Wednesday Derby Derby Lodge No E Market St Devon Devon Lodge No. 92 Highway Meet: 2nd Thursday Dighton Barney Lodge No N Lane St Lodge Phone: Dodge City St. Bernard Lodge No W Mcartor Rd Douglass Douglas Lodge No. 916 E 3 Rd St Meet: 2nd and 4th Thursdays Dover Dover Lodge No Sw Douglas Rd Meet: 2nd Thursday Dwight Dwight Lodge No th & Main St Meet: 1st Tuesday Easton Easton Lodge No. 45 3rd & Riley St Meet: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays Edna Edna Lodge No N Delaware St Meet: 3rd Tuesdays El Dorado Patmos Lodge No S Haverhill Rd At 7:00 pm Elk City Carson Lodge No N Montgomery Ellsworth Ellsworth Lodge No N Lincoln Ave , 7:30 pm Emporia Emporia Lodge No Merchant St Ensign Ensign Lodge No Aubrey St Enterprise Enterprise Lodge No S Factory Meet: 2nd Monday Erie Erie Lodge No S Main Meet: 2nd Thursday, Except July & August Eskridge Eminence Lodge No Main Street Eudora Doric Lodge No Main St Meet: 2nd and 4th Tuesday Eureka Fidelity Lodge No N Main St Meet: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays Fall River Greenwood Lodge No Merchants Ave Florence Advance Lodge No /2 Main St Meet: 2nd Tuesday Fontana Equity Lodge No S Stevens Fort Leavenworth Hancock Lodge No Kearney Ave , 7:00 pm Fort Scott Hiattville Lodge No Dragoon Rd Meet: 4th Tuesday, 7:30 pm Fort Scott Rising Sun Lodge No S National Ave Meet: 1st Monday Frankfort Frankfort Lodge No N Kansas Fredonia Constellation Lodge No N 6th St Galena Galena Lodge No Joplin St Garden City Tyrian Lodge No Kansas Plaza Gardner Gardner Lodge No /2 Elm St Meet: 1st and 3rd Thursday Garland Memphis Lodge No. 108 Garland, Ks Meet: 1st Tuesdays Garnett Delphian Lodge No /2 E 5th Ave Meet: 3rd Thursdays, Except July & August, 7:30 Girard Girard Lodge No /2 E Prairie Ave Meet: 1st Wednesday Goodland Goodland Lodge No Center St , 7:00 Pm Mst Great Bend Great Bend Lodge No th St Meet: 2nd and 4th Thursdays Greensburg Kiowa Lodge No E Kansas Gridley Hebron Lodge No Main St Halstead Halstead Lodge No W 1St Harper Harper Lodge No W Main St , 7:00 pm Hays Hays Lodge No W 11th St Meet: 3rd Monday Haysville Haysville Lodge No S Main Hiawatha Hiawatha Lodge No Utah St Meet: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays Highland Smithton Lodge No W Main St Hill City Millbrook Lodge No A W Main St Meet: 2nd and 4th Thursdays Hoisington Hoisington Lodge No W 2nd St Meet: 3rd Thursday Holton Holton Lodge No E 5th St Horton Horton Lodge No Central Meet: 2nd Thursday Howard Hope Lodge No W Washington Meet: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays Hoxie Hoxie Lodge No th St , 7:30 Pm Hugoton Hugoton Lodge No E 6th St Hutchinson Hutchinson-Reno Lodge No E 23Rd. Ave Independence Fortitude Lodge No W Laurel St Iola Iola Lodge No W Madison Ave Meet: 1st Tue, 5:30 Pm, Except June, July, & Aug Jewell Jewell Lodge No /2 Delaware Johnson Johnson Lodge No S Main St Junction City Union Lodge No /2 N Washington Kansas City Ben Hur Lodge No S 30th St Meet: 2nd and 4th Thursdays Kansas City Delaware Lodge No Parallel Parkway Meet: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays Kansas City Roger E. Sherman Lodge No N 67th St Kansas City West Gate Lodge No N 67th St Kansas City Heritage Lodge No S 30th St Meet: 1st Wedensdays Kansas City Wyandotte Lodge No N 103rd Ter Meet: 1st and 3rd Fridays Kincaid Kincaid Lodge No st Ave Meet: 1st Monday; Dark In July & August Kingman Ninnescah Lodge No N Main St Kiowa Cosmos Lodge No S 9th St Meet: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays Lacygne Lacygne Lodge No Locust St , 7:30 Pm Lakin Emerald Lodge No N Main St Meet: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays

29 Lane Lane Lodge No. 339 Lane Methodist Church Meet: 4th Thursday Latham Latham Lodge No W Blaine Lawrence Acacia Lodge No E 25th St Meet: 2nd Thursday Lawrence Lawrence Lodge No E 25th St Meet: 2nd Monday Leavenworth King Solomon Lodge No /2 Delaware St Meet: 2nd and 4th Thursdays Lebo Lebo Lodge No W Broadway Lecompton Lecompton Lodge No Hwy Meet: 1st Thursday Lenexa Lenexa Lodge No W 94th St Leon Joppa Lodge No W Mechanic St Leroy Neosho Lodge No Main St Meet: 1st and 3rd Wed, Except July & Aug Lewis Lewis Lodge No Main St Liberal Fargo Lodge No E 4th Street Meet: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays Lincoln Lincoln Lodge No. 154 No Lodge Building Meet: 2nd Thursday In December Lindsborg Lindsborg Lodge No S Main St Meet: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays Linwood Linwood Lodge No Main St Meet: 2nd Thursday In December Little River Corner Stone Lodge No E Greenwood Av Louisburg Peace Lodge No S 2nd St Lucas Blue Hill Lodge No S Russell Ave Lyndon Euclid Lodge No E 7th St Lyons Royal Lodge No W Main St Madison Madison Lodge No W Main Meet: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays Manhattan Lafayette Lodge No A Houston St Mankato Mankato Lodge No N Commercial Meet: 2nd Monday Marion Centre Lodge No S 4th St Meet: 1st Tuesday Marysville Marysville Lodge No Center St Meet: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays Mayetta Mayetta Lodge No E Main St Meet: 2nd and 4th Thursdays Mc Pherson Mcpherson Lodge No S Main St Meet: 1st Wednesday, Except July & August Meade Webb Lodge No E West Plains St Meet: 1st Tuesday In December Medicine Lodge Delta Lodge No N Main Meet: 1st Thursday Melvern Melvern Lodge No Ne Mays Meet: 2nd Thursday 7:00 Pm Meriden Meriden Lodge No Main Meet:1st and 3rd Thursdays Merriam Rosedale Lodge No Slater St Meet: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, 7:30 Pm Minneapolis Minneapolis Lodge No W 2nd St Meet: 2nd and 4th Thursdays Minneola Minneola Lodge No Main Meet: 2nd & 4th Mon5days Moran Marmaton Lodge No N Spruce St Meet: 2nd and 4th Thursdays, Except July & Aug Mound City Mound City Lodge No Walnut St Mount Hope Mount Hope Lodge No /2 S Ohio St Meet: 2nd and 4th Thursdays Mulvane Mulvane Lodge No /2 W Main Meet: 1st and 3rd Wed, Except July & Aug Neodesha Harmony Lodge No /2 Main St Meet: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays Newton Newton Lodge No E Broadway Meet: 2nd Wednesday Nickerson Nickerson Lodge No N Nickerson St Meet: 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 7:30 Pm Oakley Oakley Lodge No E. 3rd St Meet: 1st Wednesday Oberlin Mountain Slope Lodge No W Commercial Meet: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays Oketo Oketo Lodge No Main Street Olathe Olathe Lodge No W Park S Meet: 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 7:30 Pm, Except Nov, Dec, Only 2nd Onaga Onaga Lodge No /2 Leonard St Meet: 1st and 3rd Wednesday Osawatomie Osage Valley Lodge No th St Osborne Saqui Lodge No. 160 Meet: 2nd Thursday In December Oskaloosa Oskaloosa Lodge No Liberty Meet: 1st Thursday Oswego Adams Lodge No /2 Commercial St Meet: 2nd and 4th Thursdays Ottawa Ottawa Lodge No S Main St Meet: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays Overbrook Ridgeway Lodge No. 62 4th & Maple Meet: 2nd Tuesday, Except July & August Overland Park Overland Park Lodge No Overland Park Dr , 7:30 Pm Oxford Oxford Lodge No N Sumner Paola Paola Lodge No E Miami St Parker Parker Lodge No W 2100 Road Parsons Parsons Lodge No N 17th Street , Except July & Aug Phillipsburg Phillipsburg Lodge No Meet: 1st Thursday In December, 8:00 Pm Pittsburg Pittsburg Lodge No N Joplin St Plains Plains Lodge No Ohio St Plainville Paradise Lodge No S Main , Except July & August Pomona Mckinley Lodge No E Franklin, (Hwy 68) Prairie Village Old Mission Lodge No W 75th St Pratt Kilwinning Lodge No /2 S Main Quinter Quinter Lodge 319 1/2 Main Randolph Farmers Lodge No E Randolph Meet:1st and 3rd Thursdays Rush Center Walnut City Lodge No S Elm Meet: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays Russell Russell Lodge No E Wisconsin St Meet: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays Sabetha Sabetha Lodge No Virginia St Saint Francis St. Francis Lodge No N Quincy , Except July & August Salina Salina Lodge No S Santa Fe Savonburg Virginia Lodge No W Main Scott City Anthem Lodge No Cedar Dr Severy Climax Lodge No th St Sharon Springs Sharon Springs Lodge No N Main St Meet: 1st Thursday Shawnee Arthur H. Strickland Daylight Lodge No Johnson Dr Meet: 2nd Monday, 10:00 Am, Except Janu & Feb Shawnee Shawnee Lodge No Johnson Dr Shawnee Inner Quest Lodge No Johnson Dr Meet: 2nd Thursday Silver Lake Lake Lodge No Beaubein Smith Center Western Star Lodge No W 1st Meet: 1st Tuesday In December Solomon Solomon City Lodge No E 4th Street Spring Hill Spring Hill Lodge No W South St Stanley Stanley Lodge No W 151st St Meet: 2nd and 4th Thursdays Sterling Sterling Lodge No S Broadway Meet: 1st Tuesday Syracuse Syracuse Lodge No N Gates St , 7:00 Pm Tecumseh Albert Neese Lodge No Se 45th St Thayer Thayer Lodge No N Okmulgee St Tonganoxie Henri Lodge No S Delaware Topeka Golden Rule Lodge No Nw Lyman Rd Meet: 2nd and 4th Thursdays Topeka Siloam Lodge No Sw 14th St Meet: 2nd Thursday Topeka Topeka Lodge No Sw 8th Ave Topeka Auburn Lodge 320 SW 8th Ave Meet: 1st Tuesday in December Topeka Orient Lodge No Sw 8th Ave , Except August Topeka Mount Zion Lodge No Sw 8th Ave Meet: 2nd Saturday In December Topeka Capital City Daylight Lodge No S Kansas Ave Meet: 1st Wednesday In December Toronto Woodson Lodge No W Main St Meet: 1st Monday, Except July & August Troy Troy Lodge No S Main St Ulysses Ulysses Lodge No N Joyce Dr Meet: 2nd and 4th Thursdays Wakarusa Wakarusa Lodge No Sw Jordan Rd Meet: 1st Wednesdays Wakeeney Wakeeney Lodge No /2 Russell Ave Meet: 4th Tuesdays Walnut Vulcan Lodge No N Main Street Meet: 2nd Tuesdays Wamego Wamego Lodge No Lincoln Ave Waterville Sutton Lodge No E Commercial Wathena Wathena Lodge No N 4th Street Meet: 2nd & 4th Tuesdays At 7:00 Pm Weir Black Diamond Lodge No W Main St Meet: 2nd and 4th Thursdays Wellington Wellington Lodge No North A St Wellsville Wellsville Lodge No Main St Meet: 1st Wednesday In December Westmoreland Westmoreland Lodge No Main St Wichita Wichita Lodge No E 1st St , 7:00 Pm Wichita Bestor G. Brown Lodge No E 1st St Wichita North Star Lodge No N West St Meet: 2nd and 4th Thursdays Wichita Sunflower Lodge No W Pawnee Ave Wichita Community Daylight Lodge No E 1St , 10:00 Am Wichita Albert Pike Lodge No S Seneca St Meet: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays Wichita Masonic Home Lodge No S Seneca St Wichita Pyramid Lodge No S Seneca St Williamsburg Anchor Lodge No /2 W William St Winfield Winfield Lodge No E 8th Ave Winona Wallace Lodge No Bellview St Yates Center Gilead Lodge No E Butler St

30 member interview continued from page 18 engineers, and just about anything else under the sky. It is also important to the community, due to the philanthropic activities Masons take part in and otherwise support, such as the Shriners Hospitals for Children, the Shrine Bowl (where many Lodges sponsor high school band members to give them experience playing, and those who do especially well are singled out for recognition), and Relay for Life (my local Lodge sponsors this, and DeMolay is a national youth sponsor for Relay For Life). Even though most of what matters most about Freemasonry is hidden from the rest of the world, and there are a number of rumors out there about it that are far from true, Freemasonry takes the men of the world and makes them better people, better friends, better husbands and better leaders--men who can change the world for the better, while simultaneously helping other national and local philanthropic groups to accomplish their own important and varied missions. 5. How has Freemasonry inspired you, or how has it made you a better person? Free Masonry has made me a better person through the values, virtues, and teaching I have received in the two degrees of DeMolay and the three degrees of Blue Lodge. It will continue to help me improve in the years ahead, as I start joining appendant bodies. Taking what I learned from the lessons in the Masonic Ritual, together with what I ve been taught by my many Brethren in Free Masonry, and putting that combined wisdom into practice in my everyday life has made me a significantly better person, overall. 6. What do you look forward to when you attend Lodge Meetings? I look forward to talking and learning with my brothers, seeing people I haven t seen in a while, laughing, joking, and having a good time. 7. What do you see as the future of Freemasonry? I think that if Freemasonry sticks to its roots and values, and focuses on making good men better, while being sure to be in the public eye doing good and charitable things for the community on a regular basis, that it may well be able to grow, and that some of the rumors and conspiracy theories about it may decrease. It will not happen overnight, and we will definitely need to work together as a fraternity and as brothers to make our best goals for the Order a reality, whether we re talking about increasing membership, raising community awareness, improving ritualistic proficiency, or simply upping the overall effectiveness of all of our activities and events. In short, if all of us are just willing to join together and work hard on what we all know needs to be done, we can make the future of Freemasonry as bright as we all know it should be. 30 The Kansas Mason

31 2013 STATE MASONIC PUBLIC SCHOOL ESSAY CONTEST Winners of the 2013 State Masonic Public School Essay Contest Essay Topic Would you vote to maintain the current Electoral College system or reform it? Explain your position. First Place Ashley Medlock Fortitude Lodge #107 Independence $2000 Third Place MaKayla Reed *Paradise Lodge #290 Plainville $1000 WINNER Second Place Sarah Lann St. Thomas Lodge #306 Colby $1500 Fourth Place Alexis Brown Altamont Lodge #69 Altamont $500 Honorable Mention Emily Frank Kincaid Lodge #338 Kincaid $250 Honorable Mention Heather McDonald Harmony Lodge #94 Neodesha $250 Honorable Mention Madison McClennan *Paradise Lodge #290 Plainville $250 Honorable Mention Laura Rankin Ellsworth Lodge #146 Ellsworth $250 **Per contest rules, lodges serving more than one high school can submit one essay per high school. MaKayla is a student at Palco High School and Madison is a student at Stockton High School.

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33 Capital Plaza Hotel & Conven on Center 1717 SW Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS (800) Friday, March 21, a.m. Prelude [Assembly to be seated no later than 8:15 a.m.] 8.30 a.m. Public Grand Opening a.m. Break Out 1 [Ladies/Non-Masonic Guests welcome to select sessions] Saturday, March 22, a.m. Annual Masonic Family Gathering Luncheon [Men & Ladies together] 6.30 am Incoming ADGM/DDGM Breakfast a.m. Kansas Past Grand Master s Lunch 8.00 a.m. Necrology Service p.m. Break Out 2 [Masons Only] / Ladies Program 8.30 a.m. Resume Labor 1.30 p.m. Formal Opening of Tyled Grand Lodge Session 9.30 a.m. Conclude 158 th Annual Communica on 5.00 p.m. Labor to Refreshment a.m. Installa on of Grand Lodge O cers 6.00 p.m. All-Masonic Banquet and Special Program [KMF] a.m. Incoming Grand Lodge O cer s Luncheon LAST NAME: STREET ADDRESS: Home Phone: REGISTRATION INFORMATION FIRST NAME: CITY, STATE, ZIP: Address: Lodge O cer: Yes No Title: Past Master : Yes No Lodge Name & Number: Lady s Name, If A ending: Member Number: REGISTRATION OPTIONS OPTION 1 COUPLE S REGISTRATION (FREE LADIES PROGRAM) LUNCH & BANQUET Annual Communica on registra on for one Kansas Master Mason, Ladies Program registra on at no charge, two ckets for Masonic Family Gathering Luncheon, and two ckets for All-Masonic Banquet; all conference breakouts. Early-Bird Postmarked by Regular Postmarked By On-Site or February 15 March 15 A er March 15 $105 $115 $125 OPTION 2 COUPLE S CONFERENCE REGISTRATION ONLY Annual Communica on registra on for one Kansas Master Mason and one Ladies Program registra on. Early-Bird Postmarked by Regular Postmarked By On-Site or February 15 March 15 A er March 15 $30 $35 $45 OPTION 3 MASON S REGISTRATION WITH LUNCH & BANQUET Annual Communica on registra on for one Kansas Master Mason, one lunch, and one cket for All-Masonic Banquet. Early-Bird Postmarked by Regular Postmarked By On-Site or February 15 March 15 A er March 15 $65 $70 $80 OPTION 4 SOLO REGISTRATION ONLY Annual Communica on registra on for one Kansas Master Mason. Early-Bird Postmarked by Regular Postmarked By On-Site or February 15 March 15 A er March 15 $25 $30 $40 À LA CARTE MEAL PRICING Masonic Family Gathering Luncheon - $20 All-Masonic Banquet - $38 add to total above if desired. MEAL DETAILS & PREFERENCES Masonic Family Gathering Luncheon All-Masonic Banquet Deli Wrap. Deli Meats with Le uce, Tomato, Cheddar Cheese, Angus Beef Medallions Served with a Balsamic Au Jus. and Garlic Mayonnaise. Wrapped in a Flour Tor lla, with Potato Chips, Includes Salad and Dessert, Roll & Bu er, Chef s Choice of Starch and Pasta Salad, Cookies & Brownies, Water/Iced Tea Service. Vegetable. Iced Tea/Water/Co ee Service. No Dietary Restric ons 1 meal 2 meals * No Dietary Restric ons 1 meal 2 meals * Kosher Wrap 1 meal 2 meals * Kosher 1 meal 2 meals * Vegetarian Wrap 1 meal 2 meals * Vegetarian 1 meal 2 meals * *all meal prices the same ALL-MASONIC BANQUET SPECIAL PROGRAM Kansas Masonic Founda on will conduct its First Annual Charity Au on to bene t the Kansas Freemason s Endowment during the All-Masonic Banquet. In addi on, the Grand Master will present the Grand Master s Order of Merit, Dis nguished Service Medals, and other awards. HOTEL INFORMATION PAYMENT INFORMATION Reserv ons may be made at the number listed above. Make Check Payable to The Grand Lodge of Kansas Men on Grand Lodge of Kansas Rate and reserve your room Grand Lodge of Kansas, 320 SW 8th Ave., Topeka, KS for $59, or $64 including one breakfast, or $69 for two breakfasts (+ tax). Or register Online at Rooms subject to availability on rst come/ rst served basis. Meals may be sold out and cannot be guaranteed, rst registered will take priority. IMPORTANT NOTICE Kansas Masonic Law states that each Con tuent Lodge of this Grand Jurisdic on which has not been o cially represented in the Annual Communica on of the Grand Lodge for three consecu ve years may be cited to show just cause why appropriate disciplinary ac on should not be invoked. (By-Law 3-621). Lodges behind in their reports, per capita, or other obliga ons are permi ed to a end but will not be permi ed to vote. For lodges in good standing, all lodge o cers have a vote; please make every e ort to a end (Const. Art V, 1). 3