Topeka Scottish Rite Bulletin

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Topeka Scottish Rite Bulletin"

Randolf Ross
6 years ago
Views:

Topeka Scottish Rite Bulletin V a l l e y o f T o p e k a O r i e n t o f K a n s a s Topeka Volume 84 Topeka, Kansas September 2009 Number 3 Southern Jurisdiction of the

After Jerry Hutley, Paul Oldham & Adam Tucker remove old paint from the barn on the Topeka Masonic Center grounds. July 2009.

The barn project started when our new insurance company, State Farm, suggested we improve our property before the city forced us.

He quickly acquired 2 gallons of primer and 14 gallons of paint at no charge.

We gathered a group of volunteers consisting of Jerry Hutley, Adam Tucker, Don Mahrle, Max Menges, Paul Oldham, Jason Oldham, Sandy Bass, Bob Whitehead, Drew Torkelson, Conrad

1 Topeka Scottish Rite Bulletin V a l l e y o f T o p e k a O r i e n t o f K a n s a s Topeka Volume 84 Topeka, Kansas September 2009 Number 3 Southern Jurisdiction of the United States of America The Topeka Valley of the Scottish Rite Proudly Supports the Schiefelbusch Speech Language Hearing RiteCare Clinic The Barn Restoration Project Before After Jerry Hutley, Paul Oldham & Adam Tucker remove old paint from the barn on the Topeka Masonic Center grounds. July Fourteen gallons of paint and much effort equals one beautiful old barn. Before and After Photos courtesy of Marvin Stovall. The barn project started when our new insurance company, State Farm, suggested we improve our property before the city forced us. Our newest Board Member, Jerry Hutley, took on this challenge. Jerry, by trade is a very good painter and has connections along the painting line. He quickly acquired 2 gallons of primer and 14 gallons of paint at no charge. The next step was to prepare the barn for painting that was last accomplished somewhere around 1998 by one of the kids of Marvin Stovall when he was Secretary. We gathered a group of volunteers consisting of Jerry Hutley, Adam Tucker, Don Mahrle, Max Menges, Paul Oldham, Jason Oldham, Sandy Bass, Bob Whitehead, Drew Torkelson, Conrad Fisher, and Marvin Stovall to scrape and power wash the barn on Saturday, July 18th. Bob Whitehead and Bob Swafford volunteered to haul off old fencing that had surrounded our A/C units and the tree trash that Roger Farthing had cut earlier. The next day Jerry Hutley returned to spray paint the barn. Roger Farthing and Lonnie Spiker helped keep the paint can full. Jerry Hutley completed the task in about 2 1/2 hours. The barn has never looked so good. A great job well done.

Orient of Kansas Ill. Hugh W. Gill, III, 33 Sovereign Grand Inspector General in Kansas Ill. Donald A. Mahrle, 33 Personal Representative of the S.G.I.G. in Kansas Topeka Valley Advisory Council Ill.

2 Orient of Kansas Ill. Hugh W. Gill, III, 33 Sovereign Grand Inspector General in Kansas Ill. Donald A. Mahrle, 33 Personal Representative of the S.G.I.G. in Kansas Topeka Valley Advisory Council Ill. Donald A. Mahrle, 33 Personal Representative to the S.G.I.G. in Kansas Ill. Martin L. Donaldson, 33 Almoner Ill. John C. Dicus, 33 Treasurer Paul R. Oldham, 32 KCCH Executive Secretary Ill. Robert L. Aymx, 33 Venerable Master Topeka Lodge of Perfection Morris K. Imthurn, 32 Wise Master Topeka Chapter of Rose Croix Max M. Menges, 32 KCCH Commander Topeka Council of Kadosh K. Tyler Curtis, 32 KCCH Master of Kadosh Topeka Consistory Scottish Rite Creed Human progress is our cause, liberty of thought our supreme wish, freedom of conscience our mission, and the guarantee of equal rights to all people everywhere our ultimate goal. Our Departed Brethren Passed away since our last bulletin James Martin Harvey 07/08/ Lee Wallace Kaff 11/19/ Beryl McCullough 04/19/ Edward Joe Mead 07/28/ Wayne Pearson Smith 12/20/ Edwin Bud Stambaugh 07/22/ Claude Tyson Vickers 07/09/ Norman Lee Wilson 07/22/ Don t Forget The 2009 Fall Reunion The 2009 Fall Reunion will be held on Saturday, October 24th, at the Topeka Masonic Center at 2300 SW 30th ST in Topeka, KS. We ll start the day at 7:00 am with coffee and donuts. Work begins promptly at 8:00 am. If you are planning to attend, please bring another Scottish Rite Mason with you. We look forward to seeing you there! Come One, Come All We are requesting help to fill our reunion cast and supporting cast roles. If you would be so kind as to answer our need, we would be eternally grateful. Please contact the following: Jeffery L. Hurst, 32 KCCH Director of Work (785) jmlrhurst@cox.net Audio/Video Booth Kelly D. Kraemer, 32 KCCH (785) kelly@kraemerpc.com Prop Area Jerry Hutley, 32 (785) jerhutley@cox.net Stage Area Lonnie Spiker, 32 (785) lspiker1@cox.net ALLEGIANCE The Bodies of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, sitting in the Valley of Topeka, Orient of Kansas, acknowledge the authority of and yield allegiance to the Supreme Council (Mother Council of the World) of the Inspectors General, Knights Commander of the House of the Temple of Solomon of the Thirty Third Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States of America. The Topeka Scottish Rite Bulletin is the Official Publication of the Topeka Valley of the Scottish Rite, 2300 SW 30th Street Topeka, KS , (785) ,Orient of Kansas, Southern Jurisdiction of the United States of America, and is published 4 times a year in March, June, September and December, at Topeka Kansas. Periodical postage paid at Topeka, Kansas USPS POSTMASTER: Please Send change of address to: 2300 SW 30th Street, Topeka, KS Paul R. Oldham, 32 KCCH Editor, secretary@scottishritetopeka.com, 2

Grand Master s Itinerary Fall 2009 9/5/2009 Independence #107, Dedication, 2:00 pm, Meal 9/10 12/09 Colorado Springs, CO, CSSA 9/13/2009 Colorado Springs, CO, Pikes Peak Inspection 9/17/2009 Corner

KUMC, Kansas City, Mason's Day at the KUMC, 8:30 am 09/26/2009 Silverdale Lodge, Ark.

3 Grand Master s Itinerary Fall /5/2009 Independence #107, Dedication, 2:00 pm, Meal 9/10 12/09 Colorado Springs, CO, CSSA 9/13/2009 Colorado Springs, CO, Pikes Peak Inspection 9/17/2009 Corner Stone #219, Oak Tree Degree, Closed 9/19/2009 Neosho #27, LeRoy, 150th, 11:30 am, Open/Meal 9/20 22/09 Grand Lodge of Missouri 9/25/2009 KMCRI, KUMC, KMF Board Meeting, 10:00 am 9/26/2009 KMCRI, KUMC, Kansas City, Mason's Day at the KUMC, 8:30 am 09/26/2009 Silverdale Lodge, Ark. City, Quarry Degree and Steak Feed 09/27/2009 Wyandotte #3, Kansas City, Dedication, Open 09/27/2009 Legion of Honor, Closed 09/29/2009 KC Past Master, 6:00 am 10/01/2009 Overland Park #436, Overland Park, Awards Night, Closed 10/02 6/09 Washington, DC, Scottish Rite Biennial, Open G.L in GWMM 10/08/2009 Wichita, Amaranth 10/09/2009 Topeka, Scottish Rite Golf Tournament 10/10/2009 Hugoton #406, Hugoton, Dedication 10/11/2009 Anthem #284, Scott City, Dedication TENTATIVE 10/12/2009 Active #158, Atchison, Emblems 10/15/2009 Anchor #224, Williamsburg, 125th Celebration TENTATIVE 10/17/2009 Olathe #19, Olathe, 150th, 10:00 am 10/17/2009 Topeka #17, Topeka, 150th, 1:00 pm 10/17/2009 Siloam #225, Topeka, One Day Class 10/18/2009 Manhattan, 150th, 1:00 pm 10/20/2009 Topeka, Scottish Rite Dinner 10/24/2009 Kansas City, Grotto Dinner, 6:00 pm 10/24/2009 Topeka, Scottish Rite Reunion 10/25/2009 Acacia #9, Lawrence, District wide Emblems, 3:00 pm, Open/Meal 10/31/2009 McKinley #44, Pomona, Dedication Flag Pole 11/06 07/09 Guthrie, OK, Grand Lodge of Oklahoma Assistant Secretary s Desk by Sherry G. Ward Dues from 2009 are still coming in and I have been busy processing those along with sending out 2010 Life Member cards. Remember that your 2010 dues notices will begin arriving in September and I look forward to helping with any questions you may have regarding dues amounts, philanthropy donations and to update any of your personal information. Please feel free to contact me at the office anytime you need to. Members Corner We would really enjoy hearing from anyone who would like to use this space to express themselves to the Membership. Please submit your expressions in words using Word or Word Perfect, and to secretary@scottishritetopeka.com We will include your expressions in the next Bulletin. This will allow us to have as much input into the new format as possible. Important Dates 09/15/2009 Stated Meeting Social Hour: 5:30pm Dinner: 6:30pm Meeting: 7:30pm Program: Robert Roswurn New Dir. Of Dev. KS Masonic Home 10/9/2009 RiteCare Golf Tournament Western Hills Golf Course 10/20/2009 Open Meeting Ladies Invited Social Hour: 5:30pm Dinner: 6:30pm Meeting: 7:30pm Program: James McHenry Masonry in Turkey 10/24/2009 Fall Reunion 11/17/2009 Stated Meeting Social Hour: 5:30pm Dinner: 6:30pm Meeting: 7:30pm Program: Tyler Curtis Masonic Education As always, the second Saturday of each month the Scottish Rite will host a free breakfast beginning at 7am, followed by a program on Masonic education at 8am. The discussion usually lasts about an hour. Family, wives, children, Non Masons and prospective candidates are welcome to attend to learn more about Freemasonry, not only locally, but how it is practiced through out the world. Please plan on attending a discussion in the near future and get a free breakfast to boot! 3

Secretary s Corner By Paul R. Oldham, 32 KCCH I am pleased to announce we have been making improvements in our office procedures throughout July and August.

com The format of our Bulletin for September, 2009 has also changed, to include articles from the Personal Representative, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Director of Work, and the Masters of each of

This allows us to compare previous years performance to the current year and to bring accuracy into our book keeping.

We are now installing battery back up for our office computers and are backing up our information on a memory stick on a weekly basis. Director of Work By Jeffrey L.

The Golden Rule was quoted in Brahmanism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Christianity, and Islam by The World s Great Scripture by Lewis Browne.

4 Secretary s Corner By Paul R. Oldham, 32 KCCH I am pleased to announce we have been making improvements in our office procedures throughout July and August. So far we have changed the entire look, feel, and format of our website, The format of our Bulletin for September, 2009 has also changed, to include articles from the Personal Representative, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Director of Work, and the Masters of each of the Four Scottish Rite Lodges. Now we want to add an additional article from any Member who would like to express themselves in the Bulletin. We have completed the Quick Books Project. This allows us to compare previous years performance to the current year and to bring accuracy into our book keeping. One additional advantage to this system is it allows us to produce our outgoing checks by computer. This means we will no longer be doing double labor. We are now installing battery back up for our office computers and are backing up our information on a memory stick on a weekly basis. Director of Work By Jeffrey L. Hurst, 32 KCCH Our Topeka Valley Times Past 25 & 50 Years Ago In September, 1984 guess what the main concern was in the Bulletin? You probably guessed it Membership! The Golden Rule was quoted in Brahmanism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Christianity, and Islam by The World s Great Scripture by Lewis Browne. If you would like to read the Golden Rule we have it in our Scottish Rite Bulletin, September, 1984 Vol. 59 Number 7 (old library). Greetings! Overwhelmed that s me. A lot of you will be hearing from me as I ask for advice and help. Without being asked, please let me know of any suggestions or wishes you may have. With Paul Oldham s promotion (Congratulations, Paul) to Valley Secretary, I was asked to become Director of the Work so here I am. Paul left some big shoes to fill as each Reunion under his leadership has gotten better even the May critique was awesome. With all of the Valley s new technology we are planning some changes. The Topeka Valley hosted a workshop for the communicated degrees and we came away with some good ideas. Look to the future! I am currently arranging with the 09 Spring Class to attend the Knights of St. Andrew s Initiation in Wichita on Aug. 30 th. In my contacts with the Class I am experiencing some real enthusiasm and willingness to help. Please be working on petitions for the 09 Fall Reunion on Oct. 24 th. Personal Representative s Column By Ill. Donald A. Mahrle, 33 Notes of Interest In October, 1959, Albert Pike was the honoree of the Fall Reunion. More than a few Masons had died and been honored in this edition of the SR Bulletin. Topeka Lodge #17 was having their 100th Anniversary on October 21, There was an article, Why Join the Scottish Rite and the Grand Lodge was supporting a program that offered $1500 in college scholarships. Our September meeting should be very interesting and will be presented by The Council of Kadosh. Commander Max Menges will be in the East. The program will be presented by Robert Roswurn, Director of Development for The Kansas Masonic Home. You ll be informed about some vital ideas that are forthcoming for the Masonic Home, all improvements for its residents, present and future. Our current health care system is about to undergo some major changes that will affect the Masonic Home, as well as the general population. Remember that part of your dues helps the Masonic Home and its operation. It should be of interest to all Kansas Masons. Congratulations to Bro. Michael Halloran of Emporia for being appointed as the Assistant Editor of the Scottish Rite Research Society s The Plumbline. Mike is also the current Senior Warden of Emporia Lodge # 12. He is planning some interesting Masonic programs for 2010 during his year as Master. The programs will include some Nationally known Masonic speakers/educators. The Biennial Session of The Supreme Council will take place in Washington DC October5 6, During that Session some of our brothers are being recognized for outstanding service to the Scottish Rite and their communities. The Investiture for KCCH and Coronation will be at Wichita, KS on Saturday, November 21, Details will be available in the Secretary s office. 4

Lodge Information & News Topeka Lodge of Perfection By Ill. Robert L. Amyx, 33 Venerable Master I would like to welcome my brothers back from the darkness and into the light.

The form is the way the lodges are set up. Too often I think we do not take part in that form by filling the chairs that make up the lodges.

Topeka Chapter of Rose Croix By Kelly D.

we can do our Chapter opening with a full Officer corp. This is the first time in many years that the Chapter has been asked to open and conduct a stated meeting.

5 Lodge Information & News Topeka Lodge of Perfection By Ill. Robert L. Amyx, 33 Venerable Master I would like to welcome my brothers back from the darkness and into the light. We will be starting our meetings again, with more of a rotation of the four houses chairing the meetings. A portion of our meetings comes from a historical form of the lodges. The form is the way the lodges are set up. Too often I think we do not take part in that form by filling the chairs that make up the lodges. It would add to the tradition we ascribe to if we could find officers for the chairs on the floor. If there is a brother who could help by sitting in these chairs, please contact me. Topeka Chapter of Rose Croix By Kelly D. Kraemer, 32 KCCH Senior Warden Topeka Chapter of Rose Croix will be the opening Body for the November 17, 2009 Stated Meeting, so we re asking for all Rose Croix Officers to please try and attend so we can do our Chapter opening with a full Officer corp. This is the first time in many years that the Chapter has been asked to open and conduct a stated meeting. Remember, we will also be assisting the Valley Secretary with the Ceremony of Remembrance & Renewal this year. This is a duty of our Chapter that we need to start performing again. Please feel free to contact the Office if you have any questions. Topeka Council of Kadosh By Max M. Menges, 32 KCCH Commander Topeka Council of Kadosh welcomes all the Brethren back to lodge following our summer Darkness. We will have the honor of opening and closing the September 15 th Stated Meeting. It would pleasure me that as many of the Council of Kadosh Officers will be there to assist with those duties. I will make calls to remind you to attend and support our body that evening. Please join with me in congratulating Bro. Paul Oldham in his new duties as Secretary of The Valley of Topeka. Kadosh Officers, please assist with the Scottish Rite Bulletin by gathering Articles from your Masonic organization s activities for inclusion in our quarterly publication. It has come to my attention that it is a duty of us as officers in the Council of Kadosh, as well as the duty of supplying decorations for the banquets of the Consistory. Topeka Consistory By K. Tyler Curtis, 32 KCCH Master of Kadosh Welcome back to a new year with the Scottish Rite Bodies of Topeka Valley. Topeka Consistory will be the opening Chapter for the January 19, 2010 Stated Meeting, so we re asking for all Topeka Consistory Officers to please try and attend so we can do our Chapter opening with a full Officer corp. This is the first time in many years that the Consistory has been asked to open a Stated Meeting. As always we are asking for volunteers to fill the vacancies we have in the Topeka Consistory. We are looking forward to a year in which we have new members who are anxious to participate and be active in our organization. The Topeka Consistory is also responsible for speakers for the reunion dinners, and other banquets or programs as needed. We also share the responsibility with Council of Kadosh for decorations at our banquets. 5

A look back at the construction of the Scottish Rite Temple at

This was the 2nd Scottish Rite building and was in use from 1922

toward State Capital Building Fig 2: Corner Stone Ceremony Early

entrance Fig 4: Corner Stone Class June 1922 Gathered at N.E.

techniques have come a long way Fig 5: N.W.

6 A look back at the construction of the Scottish Rite Temple at 10th & Van Buren St in Topeka. This was the 2nd Scottish Rite building and was in use from 1922 until 1970, when the our current Masonic/Scottish Rite building was constructed. Fig 1: Excavation of basement and foundation 1921 Looking north toward State Capital Building Fig 2: Corner Stone Ceremony Early 1922 This Corner Stone now rests at the 30th St. entrance Fig 4: Corner Stone Class June 1922 Gathered at N.E. Corner Fig 3: Arrival of facing stones July 4, 1922 Construction techniques have come a long way Fig 5: N.W. Corner, first floor facing stones installed. Steel framework in place, ready to continue upward. Fig 6: Completed Scottish Rite Builidng 10th St. Entrance Picture circa Spring

Fig 7: Preparing to pour the foundation of the building. Notice the deep trenches needed to accomplish this. Fig 8: A section of pillar arrives at the job site Via horse drawn carriage.

Since we have finished the remodeling of our Masonic Center I have had a chance to sit back and ponder the project.

7 Fig 7: Preparing to pour the foundation of the building. Notice the deep trenches needed to accomplish this. Fig 8: A section of pillar arrives at the job site Via horse drawn carriage. Appreciating Our Present By Remembering Our Past Are we a product of our present time or are we a continuation of our ancestry? Since we have finished the remodeling of our Masonic Center I have had a chance to sit back and ponder the project. Many hours of labor from dedicated workers really helped us accomplish a lot more on the remodeling project than we ever imagined. We had gone from the 20 th Century to the 21 st Century in style. My thoughts began to wander back to when Masons took on the daunting task of building the Masonic Temple at 10 th & Van Buren here in Topeka. The cornerstone that is on our property at 30 th & Mac Vicar came from that building. The date that is inscribed on it is June 1, We have a photograph, which is shown in this article that allows us to observe it being placed in the 1922 building. I saw how we did our remodeling and what tools we used to accomplish our goal and again thought back on the construction of the 1922 building. Another photograph in our article shows the building after the first floor had its limestone applied over the steel girders. Next to it is a photograph that shows the finished five story building. What a beautiful sight it must have been on June 1, How did our earlier Masons construct such a building? Two photographs in this article reveal how they accomplished their goal. Horses brought the limestone and a REO truck brought the steel from the Santa Fe Railway to the building. Then the men took over and built the building by hand with the use of a crane to hoist the girders into place. I bet it was quite a thrill to walk the girders four stories above ground level. What an accomplishment it must have been for our earlier fellow Masons to create a beautiful structure in which to attend lodge. Sadly, the building was torn down in 1970 to make way for the Kansas Judicial Center to be built. Ironically, the State Printers Building and Van Buren street from 10 th to 12 th with its beautiful bricks plus several old homes were also removed. The end of an era was at hand. Our new Masonic Temple (Masonic Center) was constructed at 30 th & Mac Vicar was completed in the summer of The Masonic Temple stood from , a total of 48 years. Our present Masonic Center has stood for 39 years, so far. The remodeling should allow for another years of active use. 7

Schiefelbusch Speech Language Hearing Clinic Support Your $25 donation pays for one therapy session for one child or adult Your $100 donation purchases teaching materials for children or adults.

8 Schiefelbusch Speech Language Hearing Clinic Support Your $25 donation pays for one therapy session for one child or adult Your $100 donation purchases teaching materials for children or adults. Your $250 donation pays for special equipment for children or adults. To support this Topeka Valley Philanthropic Program Send Check Payable To: Kansas Scottish Rite Foundation to Topeka Scottish Rite Bodies Tax Deductible Clinic Donation 2300 SW 3oth St Topeka, KS Please include your name, address, and a brief note stating your desire to support this program. You will receive a return letter confirming your tax deductible contribution Thanks for caring!!! Topeka Scottish Rite Bulletin 2300 SW 30th St Topeka, KS PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT TOPEKA, KANSAS Would you rather continue to receive YOUR Scottish Rite Bulletin in this printed format, or would you prefer to obtain via the Topeka Scottish Rite Web Site? the Secretary at secretary@scottishritetopeka.com with your choice. Electronic saves $1.50 per issue. Are you moving, or have you already moved? We would like to know your new mailing address Please call us at (785) or toll free at (877) Or, please us at secretary@scottishritetopeka.com Thank you for helping us keep track of our valued member you!!!

Views from Ventura Valley

Ventura County Scottish Rite Bodies Views from Ventura Valley VOL. XL November - December 2017 Issue 1 Our Newest Honor Men 2017 November - December Page 2 Views from Ventura Valley, the Ventura County