The Kansas Mason. Grand Lecturers of Kansas. T h e V o i c e o f K a n s a s M a s o n r y

Transcription

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 53 Issue 1 Spring 2015 A Publication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Kansas Grand Lecturers of Kansas

2 Kansas Masonic Foundation: Supporting the Success of Local Lodges As our 50th Anniversary in 2016 nears, the KMF wishes to work with Kansas Masonic Lodges to impact even more Kansans with our charitable, educational, and scientific programs. Our collaboration will make it possible to reach more people in need, enhance the profile of Masonry, and share more of our traditions at the local level: Kansas Masonic Lodge Programs Fulfilling Our Obligation Program. KMF has developed a Freemasons Endowment fund, designed to help Kansas Masons, wives, widows, mothers and orphans in need. Scholarships. Almost $250,000 goes to annual scholarship awards, including a legacy scholarship for the legacies of Kansas Masons. Since 1970, the KMF has provided nearly $4 million in scholarships to students attending Kansas universities, colleges, and trade schools. Kansas Masonic All-State Marching Band. Each year, 180 to 250 of Kansas best high school musicians attend this band camp in July and then perform at the Bowl game and other festivities. Camp-fee proceeds support the Shriners Hospitals for Children. KMF Charities. Every year, this charitable matching funds program provides $1,000 to each of the state s 230 Masonic Lodges to help local Kansas community charities. Kansas Masonic Lodge Community Outreach Programs Outreach Cancer-Screening Clinics. KMF sponsors free statewide prostate and skin cancer screenings and bone density scans, performed by University of Kansas Medical Center staff. Teacher/Student of the Day Recognition. Each year, KMF honors exemplary teachers and students in every Kansas public school. Essay Contest. This annual essay contest offers eight cash awards, totaling $12,000, for compelling entries written by high school seniors in Kansas public schools. KU Cancer Research. In the last four decades, Kansas Masons have given the University of Kansas Cancer Center nearly $25 million in the fight for a cure. Because of our significant financial commitment, the name of the Center was officially changed to the Kansas Masonic Cancer Research Institute in KMF is here to help your Lodge succeed. Let us know how we can help you by contacting us at (785) , Bob@KansasMasonic.Foundation, or visit KansasMasonic.Foundation. KANSAS MASONIC FOUNDATION Dedicated to Serving Humanity

3 FROM THE GRAND EAST Michael A. Halleran, Grand Master of Masons Our Masonic year is drawing to a close and I am pleased to report to you that it has been one of vigorous activity. Before long, however, I will return to you the emblems of authority that you have so graciously granted me and take my place again as a Past Master of two lodges, and a craftsman in another, and to assist so far as I am able in this great and glorious work. Since 2010, I have been part of a team that has sought to modernize and encourage lodges, and indeed the Grand Lodge, and to motivate individual Masons, helping them to move forward into the twenty-first century. The sheer number of projects this team has undertaken is unprecedented. They include: GL Strategic Plan Master s Achievement Award Updated Grand Lodge Manuals/Forms Leadership Academy New and Improved Petition Electronic verifications Affinity Lodges Improved ADGM/DDGM Orientation Grand Lodge Website Order of Merit Distinguished Service Medal Improved DDGM Reports Area Meetings Improved Kansas Mason GL Social Media Library Improvements Digitized Annual Proceedings GL Mobile App Fulfilling our Obligation Updated Awards Ceremony Bylaw Enforcement To my peers who serve on the Council of Administration, and to those appointed officers that I have had the privilege of working with during the last five years, please accept my profound thanks. I am very proud to have been associated with such dedicated and hardworking brethren. And while I may look forward to retirement as all Grand Masters inevitably do as their terms of office expire, I know that going forward, the team that is leading Masonry in Kansas is poised to continue the progress that had already been achieved. Great things, Brethren, are in store. Stay tuned. Looking back on the year, I cannot help but to be surprised at how things developed. By nature, I am an administrator, and I am generally more at home with books and research than in social settings. It was therefore not without some misgivings that I approached the social responsibilities that are incumbent upon the office of Grand Master not knowing if I could adequately perform those duties that were required of me. Whether or not I have performed those tasks to the satisfaction of the Craft is not for me to say, but I can disclose that what I thought I would not be any good at meeting and spending time with my brethren became, by far, my favorite part of the job. A century ago, Grand Master Charles H. Chandler addressed the Craft at the Fifty-ninth Annual Communication held in Wichita on February 17-18, Perhaps the greatest pleasure, and I am sure the choicest memories, that are the portion of the Grand Master, the things that will remain longest with him, he wrote are the recollections of his official visitations to the Craft. To my delight I found that M W Bro. Chandler was right, and the welcome that I received in all of the lodges I visited was very warm, with many hours of fine fellowship, good cheer, and a lot of laughs. As of this writing, I have made thirty-six visits to lodges in this Grand Jurisdiction, including sitting in lodge, presiding over awards, or other ceremonies. In addition, I attended continued on page 4 Kansas Masonic Foundation, 2909 SW Maupin Lane, Topeka, Kansas SPRING

4 FROM THE GRAND EAST continued from page 3 lodge meetings, conferences, or annual communications in eight foreign jurisdictions, sharing the advances we have made in Kansas over the last five years. I was also honored to preside over eight Area meetings, two Masonic education seminars in Kansas, and the Chance to Advance class in Wichita. Finally, just last month, I attended the Fourth Annual Leadership Academy, which was the best yet, spending time with nearly two hundred GRAND KANSA KANSAS The Grand Master Requests The brethren and a slate of interesting and enjoyable presenters. In 1915, Grand Master Chandler observed that it was his goal to visit officially a large number of lodges during the year, and especially to visit those that were off the beaten path of travel those that seldom are favored with a visitation from a Grand Officer. This I also tried to emulate, embarking on a series of surprise visits to lodges. Of the LODGE Honor of Your Presence on 4 April 2015, 4:30 p.m. at the Grand Master s Reception Topeka Masonic Center, 2300 Southwest 30th Street, Topeka, KS The Grand Master s Banquet 6:00 p.m. Business or Formal Attire $25 per person kindly rsvp at kansasmason.org, events you may also rsvp in person after grand lodge installation on march 21 thirty-six official visits to Kansas lodges, often with a full suite of Grand Lodge officers accompanying me, fourteen of those were surprise visits to lodges across the state: Americus Lodge No. 109, OIathe Lodge No. 19, Lafayette Lodge No. 16 in Manhattan, Emporia Lodge No. 12, Golden Rule No. 90 in Topeka, Wyandotte Lodge No. 3, Mayetta Lodge No. 393, Ulysses Lodge No. 435, Prudence Lodge No. 100 in Columbus, Peace Lodge No. 243 in Louisburg, Acacia Lodge No. 9 in Lawrence, Sunflower Lodge No. 86 in Wichita, Derby Lodge No. 365, and Ottawa Lodge No. 18. And while my officers and I received every kindness and consideration in these visits, I regret that twelve short months are completely insufficient to visit all of the lodges I hoped to. Still, some time yet remains in my tenure (I write this the week before Christmas), and I have plans to visit a few more lodges before my office expires. If time or distance prevents me from visiting your lodge, I trust you will not feel slighted, and I hope that we might see one another at the Annual Communication in Topeka in March, where we have great things in store for you. Finally, I must remark that I have been honored to serve the Craft from the Grand East during this Masonic year. I look forward to resuming my place as just another in a long line of Past Grand Masters, but I must confide that of all the duties, perquisites, and responsibilities that accompany the rank of Grand Master the ability to make a surprise visit to a lodge as Grand Master is something that I will miss very much. Until our paths cross again by surprise or with prior planning I look forward, as always, to meeting you on the level. 4 THE KANSAS MASON

5 GRAND SECRETARY by M.W. Tracy L. Bloom, PGM, Grand Secretary Voting Eligibility During Annual Communication Surviving another holiday season and the tradition of closing out one year and starting another, we find ourselves, and more especially here in the Grand Lodge Office, at our busiest time of the year. The production and reconciling of Lodge Annual Reports, preparing for our 159 th Annual Communication takes an enormous amount of time and coordination. We find ourselves, at times, overwhelmed with the amount of tasks that need to be completed with those two items alone, let alone the other daily duties that must be completed as well. Typically we power through the process but as you can imagine, we must maximize our time during this particular 90 day period from January through March. Please be cognizant of our situation, and please understand, if we don t spend as much time on the phones with you as normal, because we must maximize our time to get everything completed. In no way am I saying to not contact us for help or support, but just be aware we may tend to be more direct and to the point during this particular time. I d like to address a situation that occurs at, or during, every Annual Communication of this Grand Jurisdiction, and it causes some contention and perhaps some hard feelings, but is completely avoidable. I m talking about the embarrassing fact that some voting delegates are barred from any voting on the floor of the Annual Communication, simply because your Lodge has not turned in their Annual Report or paid their Per Capita Tax from the previous year by the deadline, nor has made any arrangements with the Grand Secretary to rectify the matter. From By-Law 2-301, Paragraph 2 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 As a matter of clarification, once we have submitted all annual reports reconciled, our office starts on a regular campaign to contact each Lodge secretary and Master of those that remain delinquent, notifying them they are in jeopardy of not being represented at the Annual Communication, if the Annual Report is not submitted or other arrangements made PLEASE CHECK WITH THE MASTER OR SECRETARY OF YOUR LODGE AND ASSURE YOURSELF THAT WHEN YOU DO ARRIVE AT THE 159TH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION OF THE GRAND LODGE OF KANSAS, YOU WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A VOTING DELEGATE CARD if an extenuating circumstance has arisen. We usually have a very narrow list, but as you can imagine, if you have registered to attend the Annual Communication and are expecting to vote on perhaps a controversial jurisprudence issue, you might become highly upset to learn that you are unable to do so because of the neglect of others. So, I urge you, please check with the Master or Secretary of your Lodge and assure yourself that when you do arrive at the 159 th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Kansas, you will be eligible to receive a voting delegate card, if entitled to one. Remember also, not every Master Mason is entitled to vote, only Past Masters, Masters, Wardens, Treasurers and Secretaries of the Lodges within this jurisdiction. Other Voting members shall be the appointive subordinate Lodge officers, and the present subordinate Grand Lodge officers of this Grand Jurisdiction. I look forward to seeing each of you at the Annual Communication. SPRING

6 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR I noticed in the schedule for the 2015 Annual Communication that the Kansas Masonic Foundation is hosting a luncheon and meeting for Lodge representatives on the Thursday prior to the start of the event again this year should our Lodge send a representative? Absolutely. The Kansas Masonic Foundation has developed a number of programs that are Lodge-Based Initiatives, and it is essential that each Kansas Masonic Lodge understand how to take advantage of them. The presentation at the upcoming luncheon will be an open forum with the KMF, providing an overview of all of the current and new programs for It is anticipated that the KMF will also be discussing the results of the recent statewide survey that was conducted and what it means to Lodges all across the state. I read with great interest the results of the recent survey conducted by the Kansas Masonic Foundation and Grand Lodge. I am sure there is a lot more information available now than was included in the article in the Winter edition of The Kansas Mason. What would you say are the top five findings from the study? The article was simply designed to provide a broad overview and summary of the results. Both the Grand Lodge Council of Administration and the KMF Board of Trustees are spending considerable time evaluating the new-found data and information to develop an action plan. Additional depth was provided at the November Leadership Academy and will be provided during the KMF Lodge Seminar on Thursday, prior to the beginning of Annual Communication. While everyone might have their own take on what the top five aha moments were, there is no doubt that these five are very enlightening: 6 THE KANSAS MASON 43% of the Engaged Masons (defined as attending a Grand Lodge function within the past 3 years) have also been a Top- Line signer in the last 2-years and have visited with an average of 10 candidates about the Fraternity; in contrast, only 8% of the Non-Engaged Masons have been a Top-Line signer in the last 2-years and have only visited with an average of 3 candidates about the Fraternity. The public says that the most important characteristic of an organization they would consider joining is Community Service 83%! 91% of the public is not aware of programs funded by Kansas Masons. 45% of dues-lapsed Masons indicate they are likely to rejoin. 14% of the male public would consider becoming a Mason, while 32% don t know because they feel they don t know enough about the Fraternity. Pretty powerful information! And there s a lot more where that came from! I would like to compliment all who are involved in publishing The Kansas Mason. The variety of articles Grand Lodge information, Feature Stories, Education, KMF Updates, Lodge Happenings, just to name a few, are OUTSTAND- ING. I actually now share my copies of The Kansas Mason with a number of friends and use it as an excellent informational tool about our Fraternity. It is also helping me find interested friends, some of whom are now considering becoming Masons. Thanks so much for creating such a professional publication for our Craft! Thank you for your kind words. And never fear we will, indeed, keep striving to improve The Kansas Mason. If you have any questions that you would like addressed on Masonry, Grand Lodge, Kansas Masonic Foundation, Kansas Masonic Home, this publication or its articles, please send your questions to Editor@KansasMason.org or mail to Kansas Masonic Foundation, Attn. Kansas Mason Editor, 2909 SW Maupin Lane, Topeka, Kansas 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 Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Kansas 320 SW 8th Avenue Topeka, Kansas, The Kansas Mason is published quarterly (Feb, May, Aug, Nov) by Kansas Masonic Foundation, 2909 SW Maupin Ln, Topeka, KS Application to Mail at the Periodical Postage Prices is Pending at Topeka, KS and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Kansas Mason, 2909 SW Maupin Ln, Topeka, KS 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. Advertising Guidelines for The Kansas Mason can be found on the Grand Lodge website. NOTE: Permission to reprint material appearing in The Kansas Mason will be granted upon written request to the Grand Secretary from recognized Master Masons. Other written requests will be considered by the Council of Administration. When reprinted, articles should note Reprinted with permission of the Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. (month and year). The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Kansas, its officers or employees 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.

7 INSIDE THIS ISSUE FEATURED ARTICLES FROM THE GRAND EAST 3 Drawing to a Close GRAND LODGE 8 An Experience You Don't Want To Miss 10 Proposed By-Law Changes 14 The Lodge Secretary 16 Leadership Academy IV 20 New Grand Senior Deacon Announced 21 Our Future is Change FEATURE ARTICLE 22 A Brief History of the Grand Lecturers... DEPARTMENTS 5 GRAND SECRETARY Voting Eligibility During Annual Communication 6 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 30 MEMBER INTERVIEW Perry A. Cross Jr. 33 FROM THE ARCHIVES Noted Library Expert Suggests Essential Steps to Preserve Important Masonic Collections 34 AROUND THE WORLD The Authority Of The Old Charges 35 MAKING A DIFFERENCE Lincoln Wilson, Jr. was appointed to the Board of Trustees Building on Success Two Great Receptions, One Great Reason Second Annual Lodge Event During Annual Communication Charitable Giving Making the Sequel Outshine the Original SOLD on Helping Brothers 48 LODGE OF RESEARCH The Unyielding Carle Woodruff, Founding Master 52 HOME WARMINGS Caring for Masons at KMH 53 BOOK REVIEW Masonic Etiquette Today: A Modern Guide to Masonic Protocol and Practice 54 OUT AND ABOUT Albert Pike Lodge No. 303 Mulvane Lodge No. 201 De Soto Lodge No KANSAS MASONIC NOTES Past Grand Master, Sterling P. Hornbuckle III 58 EVENTS CALENDAR 59 ASKED AND ANSWERED 60 MASON TRAVELING IN KANSAS The Kansas Mason is published quarterly (Feb, May, Aug, Nov) by Kansas Masonic Foundation, 2909 SW Maupin Ln, Topeka, KS Application to Mail at the Periodical Postage Prices is Pending at Topeka, KS and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Kansas Mason (2909 SW Maupin Ln, Topeka, KS 66614). SPRING

8 GRAND LODGE By Brandon C. (Cole) Presley, Grand Junior Warden An Experience You Don't Want To Miss BE INSPIRED AT THE 159 TH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION I ve listened to degree work for 32 years, and I m finding meaning I didn t know. I use the Grand Lodge session as a springboard to launch me into the rest of the year. LODGE KANSAS A.F. & A.M. TH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION This, he said, MARCH 2015 is not your grandpa s CAPITOL PLAZA HOTEL Grand Lodge anymore. 159GRAND TOPEKA, KANSAS SCHEDULE SPEAKERS AND EVENTS THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015 FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2015 SATURDAY, MARCH 21, a.m.-3 p.m. Grand Lodge Tours Open 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Exhibits Open 6:30 a.m. Incoming ADGM/DDGM Breakfast (Invitation Only) 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Kansas Masonic Foundation 7 a.m.-5:45 p.m. Silent Auction Bidding Open Lodge Luncheon (Open to all (Final Bidding Closes at 5:45 p.m.) 8 a.m. Necrology Service Kansas Masons RSVP required) 8 a.m. Prelude (Assembly to be seated not later than 8:15 a.m.) 8:30 a.m. Resume Labor 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Kansas Masonic Foundation Seminar Kansas Masonic Lodge 8:30 a.m. Opening Session Keynote Speaker, Andrew Hammer 9:30 a.m. Conclude 159th Annual Relevancy in the Community Communication 11:30 a.m. Annual Masonic Family Gathering 2-5 p.m. Exhibits and Silent Auction Luncheon & Speaker, Dr. David James Cameron 10 a.m. Installation of Bidding Open Grand Lodge Officers 1:30 p.m. John Bizzack, Ph. D., Special Guest Speaker for the 4-6 p.m. Welcome Reception Formal Opening of the Tyled Grand Lodge Session 11:30 a.m. Incoming Grand Lodge Officer s (All Kansas Masons and Spouses) Luncheon (Invitation Only) 5 p.m. Labor to Refreshment 6 p.m. Grand Masters Banquet (Invitation Only) 6 p.m. All Masonic Gala 2nd Annual Freemason s Endowment Charity Auction Entertainment, Project Trio The 159th Annual Communication for our Grand Lodge is fast approaching, offering the opportunity for Kansas Masons to be educated and inspired by their brothers from across the state. Last year s Annual Communication drew record numbers of Masons and highlighted the renewal and sense of renewal that is building in Kansas lodges. We expect that commitment and excitement to continue for this year s event. As Dale Fritz, District Deputy Grand Master from Fredonia, Kansas, said last year, the Grand Lodge is a springboard that will launch you and your lodge into the next year. Already, you re probably seeing the hustle of preparation from your Grand Lodge Officers. The Grand Master is putting his final plans together to ensure each banquet and guest speaker, along with every possible necessary agenda item, is covered. The Deputy Grand Master is putting the final touches on his line of officers, the next year s calendar and preparing the orientation courses for District and Area Deputies. The Grand Secretary and his office are lining up logistics and working on Annual Reports at the same time. The remaining Grand Lodge Officers are divided between the three officers to provide what help and support that they can. Even with the work and time commitment, there is not a single Grand Lodge Officer who isn t excited about the Annual Communication. There is simply no larger gathering in Kansas of Brother Masons during the year, and there is no better way to re-charge batteries or re-ignite the passions in all of our hearts about our great Order. The past several sessions have seen us shift the focus of the Annual Communication from simply conducting business to making sure we fulfill our duties of providing for the Craft. The feedback from Masons attending the 2014 event underscored the importance of the education and motivation received 8 THE KANSAS MASON

9 during the Grand Lodge. Last year, Fritz talked enthusiastically about the break-out sessions that he called the true meat of the matter. It s in those sessions that Masons connect with each other, sharing insight into what lodges across the state are doing and becoming grounded in the true meaning of Masonry. The 159th Annual Communication will be no different. While there is still business to be conducted, important business, the session will also be crammed with plenty of other events and the best lineup of guest speakers ever planned. The session begins on Thursday, March 19, with tours of the Grand Lodge Building at 9 a.m. The Kansas Masonic Foundation will host a lunch and provide a seminar. In years past, we did not start until Friday morning. The formal session begins bright and early at 8 a.m. on the 20th, and the Grand Master has arranged for Andrew Hammer, David James Cameron and John Bizzack to speak at different times during the day. (See the schedule for more details.) We don t normally see this kind of a speaking lineup except at a Conference of Grand Masters. Several Lodges this past year received a warning letter about their failure to attend the Annual Communication once every three years, as explained in bylaw Yes, we have a duty as the Grand Lodge to uphold and enforce the bylaws. However, one look at the schedule should prove to any Master Mason that we are not simply checking the box. Rather, we are building the Annual Communication into an experience no Master Mason wants to miss. As George Read, a Mason of 32 years said last year, This is not your grandpa s Grand Lodge anymore. We ll see you in March. SPRING

10 Proposed By-Law changes, as submitted, by November 1 st 2014 to the Grand Secretary, and approved by the Jurisprudence Committee for consideration at the 159 th Annual Communication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of Kansas, March 20 th & 21 st 2015 at Topeka KS CONSTITUTION ARTICLE V Grand Lodge Membership Section 1. Members The Members of Grand Lodge shall be: Past Masters, Masters, Wardens, Treasurers and Secretaries of the Lodges within this jurisdiction. Other Voting members shall be the appointive subordinate Lodge officers, and the present subordinate Grand Lodge officers of this Grand Jurisdiction any Master Mason in this Grand Jurisdiction who has paid the required registration fee for attending Grand Lodge. (Amended 1980, 1994,1995). Rational: There have been complaints from Master Masons of this Grand Jurisdiction that were not Past Masters, or any officer of a lodge, that they should be entitled to vote if they have paid the registration fee. The present system discourages Master Masons to attend Grand Lodge if they do not meet the present qualifications for voting. Respectively Submitted Leland G. Salts, Past Master Mayetta Lodge No. 393, Mayetta, Kansas CONSTITUTION ARTICLE VI Grand Lodge Officers and Committees Cross-Reference: By-Laws, Ch. 2, Art. I. Section 5. Duties and Powers of Grand Master The duties, powers and prerogatives of the Grand Master shall be those which are required of, exercised by, and accorded to this high office by the Ancient Constitution, General Regulation and Landmarks of Freemasonry and the Constitution and Laws of this Grand Lodge. It shall be his duty to preside over the Grand Lodge, to conduct in person or by a Past Master appointed by him, all public ceremonies of the Grand Lodge, to require strict conformity to Masonic law and usage in this Grand Jurisdiction, and to perform such other duties as may be provided by law. He shall have power: (a) To preside over every assembly of the Craft; (b) To arrest the Warrant of any Lodge; (c) To authorize the installation of a Master elect who is not a Past Warden, if there be no Warden or Past Warden willing to serve as Master; (d) To abridge the time within which one can petition for and receive the three symbolic Degrees; (e) To authorize or ratify the performance of acts, the doing of work and the transaction of business in an irregular manner or at irregular times, which by the laws and regulations, may be done in regular order; (f) To create additional offices in the Grand Lodge; (g) To require the attendance of and information from, any Grand Officer, Grand Lodge Committee of Lodge officer, respecting his or their duties: (h) To preside as Chairman, ex-officio, in all Committees he chooses to attend; (i) To interpret the laws, and require their observance; (j) To exercise all the executive powers of the Grand Lodge during the interim between Communications thereof; (k) To require all Masons who are members of any organization which predicates its membership upon Masonic affiliation to conform to all rules of conduct required of Masons by this Grand Lodge and by the Usages of the Fraternity; (l) To superintend the transactions of the Craft, to interfere in all congregations of Masons and prevent the commission of wrong, and to see that the Landmarks and Usages of Masonry, and the Constitution and Laws of the Grand Lodge and of every Lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction, are preserved and obeyed; (m) To temporarily suspend a member from all Masonic rights, privileges, and prerogatives, if that member be brought up on Masonic charges and/or formally charged with a crime (civil or criminal) that would be considered conduct unbecoming a Mason. But in no case shall he have the ability, power or prerogative to make such suspension permanent, or the ability to expel a member without proper Masonic trial. (m) (n) And to exercise such other powers which may be granted by law, and such other powers and prerogatives as are inherent in and pertain to the office of Grand Master. Cross-Reference: Constitution, Art. I, Sec. 1, Landmarks IV, V, VI, VII, VIII; Art. VI, Secs. 10, 13; Art. VII, Secs. 1, 4; Art. VIII, Secs. 1, 3; Art. IX, Secs. 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13; By-Laws, Secs , 2-105, 2-108, 2-118, 2-125, 2-126, 2-127, 2-128, 2-129, 2-130, 2-132, 2-201, 2-202, 2-203, 2-208, 2-209, 2-210, 2-211, 2-212, 2-303, 2-304, 2-311, 2-312, 2-402, 3-102, 3-108, 2-206, 3-207, 3-209, 3-301, 3-302, 30303, 3-314, 3-316, 3-406, 3-410, 3-411, 3-502, 3-503, 3-603, 3-616, 4-202, 4-204, 4-205, 4-402, 5-212, 5-214, 5-218, 5-227, 5-232, 5-236, 5-237, 5-306, 5-308, 5-310, Rational: there have been a few cases, as of late, where a Brother having been accused of a crime (civil or criminal) has had the luxury of continuing to purport himself as a Mason. Internally we know he is not worthy of being a brother, because of the crime he is accused of committing, we also understand the due process of the law and masonic Law, but there should be no reason that while he is awaiting trial that he should remain a full fledges brother in good standing, able to attend Lodge meetings, even officiate Masonic Funerals and otherwise promote the Craft as if there were nothing wrong. To the general public this might look like we are protecting, or trying to protect someone we would actually find unworthy of membership. Some of these crimes have been sexual in nature and with the Lodges pushing the CHIP s program; it just wouldn t look good at all, if it appeared that we, the Masons of Kansas, were harboring an accused offender. Respectfully submitted, Tracy L Bloom, PM, PGM Grand Secretary Salina Lodge No. 60 Plural member Clay Center Lodge No THE KANSAS MASON

11 CONSTITUTION ARTICLE IX Chartered Lodges Cross-Reference: By-Laws, Ch. 3, Art. II Section 5A. Quorum - When a Lodge has less than forty (40) fifty (50) Master Masons on its roll as reported on the previous years Annual Report to the Grand Lodge, it shall be allowed to transact the business of the Lodge, when there shall be at least five (5) Master Masons present who are members of that Lodge and entitled to vote. (Adopted 1996) Rationale: Any Lodge can depopulate sharply and suddenly due to die-off, transfer, moving and desertion issues, which can take some time to turn around. When a Lodge is honestly trying to meet its requirements, raise funds, maintain its facilities, circulate petitions and all the many, many unique challenges small community Lodges deal with (which most larger Lodges within larger communities do not experience, themselves), a little extra cover is beneficial; particularly, since 5 of 50 (or less) is 10% (or more) of its membership. The current formula is set at 12.5% (or more). The percentage is not that dissimilar, so as to depart from this relief. It is not infrequent for small community Lodge Brethren to serve as members and officers in other organizations (in addition to Freemasonry) and hold church office and/or elective local office, as well; whereas, in larger communities, there is, presumably, considerably more indigenous talent, to spread all the necessary work around. Further, it is not that uncommon for more than 50% (or more)of a small Lodge s membership (like ours) to reside in nursing homes and care facilities, out-of-community and/or out-of-state, which functionally translates into a significantly higher percentage of active Brothers (20-25%,or more, of local Brothers) to carry the load. Unless we actively desire to see Masonry disappear from ever-broader swatches of our state, leaving Masonic islands here and there, as a consequence, our small Lodges must be afforded some consideration and support, until Lodge numbers can be bolstered Respectfully submitted, Bro. John David Ramsey Master, Zeredatha Lodge No. 80, A.F. & A.M. of Kansas, Cottonwood Falls Past Master/Plural Member, Advance Lodge No. 114, A.F. & A.M. of Florence Kansas. CONSTITUTION ARTICLE IX Chartered Lodges Cross-Reference: By-Laws, Ch. 3, Art. II Section 9. Annual Report and Dues Every Lodge shall make an annual report in such form as the Grand Secretary may prescribe, show: First, The full names of the officers of the Lodge; Second, All the changes in membership during the year; Third, The work done since the last report, and date and place of birth of each Brother receiving the First Degree, or admitted, or restored, and giving such other information as the Grand Secretary may require. The report supplied by the Grand Secretary shall be immediately examined, corrected if need be, and returned to the Grand Secretary on or before the tenth thirty-first (31 st ) day of January of each year. No Lodge shall be represented by its Master or Wardens in the Grand Lodge at any Annual Communication until each such report is received, nor until its annual dues are paid as provided by law. (Amended 1992) Cross-Reference: By-Laws, Secs , 3-306, Rational: with the implementation of the new database system the annual reports are constructed and distributed to the Lodges in a completely different manner and time frame. The old method of constructing the reports happened almost 30 days prior to the end of the year. The new method is most efficient when the reports are produced after the last day of the year, in which secretaries would have entered all of their required information including new lodge officers and those members slated for suspension for non-payment of dues, via their Lodge Secretary Interface. All of the information entered is then preprinted on the annual report, which will drastically reducing the secretaries time commitment to complete the report and send it back to the Grand Secretary. When the AR arrives in the mail, the secretary, will basically have to sign the report, enter the lodges 990 information and write a check for per-capita tax, if necessary, and return it back to the Grand Lodge Office. All very doable within the 31 days of January. It also eliminates the need for the Grand Master to issue a special dispensation to move the due date from the 10 to the 31 st of January. Respectfully submitted, Tracy L Bloom, PM, PGM Grand Secretary Salina Lodge No. 60 Plural member Clay Center Lodge No. 134 If the proposed change to Article IX, section 9 of the constitution is rejected, the proposed by-law change can be withdrawn, because it s only purpose to be changed is because of the change to the above constitutional amendment. Also the same rational can be given for the proposal. BY-LAWS CHAPTER TWO Article III Grand Lodge Fund, Salaries and Allowances Section 2-301A. Plural Members - Per Capita Tax shall only be levied against a Masonic Brother once, per year, collected by the Lodge he shall designate as his primary Lodge. No Brother shall be charged for Per Capita Tax in any Kansas Lodge where he holds secondary or plural membership. Rationale: In our Masonic Tradition, each Masonic Brother is equal to one another, for purposes of equality. I have heard several Brothers state that they would be very happy to petition for plural membership in district and area Lodges, if the cost of Per Capita Tax payment (in multiplicity) was not as cost prohibitive as it is. Plural Membership encourages Lodges to work more closely together, within their district and area, by creating and deepening the bonds of Fraternal Brotherhood and cooperation. The Grand Lodge of Kansas is the only beneficiary of Per Capita Tax multiplicities; it certainly does not benefit the individual Brother, to pay Per Capita Tax in every Lodge in which he holds membership and it does not benefit the additional Lodges in which he holds plural membership. It serves a more legitimate Masonic purpose, for subordinate Lodges to continue and to grow, than to artificially fill unearned Per Capita Taxes into the Grand Lodge treasury. Respectfully submitted, Bro. John David Ramsey Master, Zeredatha Lodge No. 80, A.F. & A.M. of Kansas, Cottonwood Falls Past Master/Plural Member, Advance Lodge No. 114, A.F. & A.M. of Florence Kansas. Proposed By-Law Changes SPRING

12 BY-LAWS CHAPTER TWO ARTICLE III Grand Lodge Fund, Salaries and Allowances 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. $1.50 shall be allocated to the Kansas Masonic Home. 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, 2014.) 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 31 st 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 31 st 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 Rational: with the implementation of the new database system the annual reports are constructed and distributed to the Lodges in a completely different manner and time frame. The old method of constructing the reports happened almost 30 days prior to the end of the year. The new method is most efficient when the reports are produced after the last day of the year, in which secretaries would have entered all of their required information including new lodge officers and those members slated for suspension for non-payment of dues, via their Lodge Secretary Interface. All of the information entered is then pre-printed on the annual report, which will drastically reducing the secretaries time commitment to complete the report and send it back to the Grand Secretary. When the AR arrives in the mail, the secretary, will basically have to sign the report, enter the lodges 990 information and write a check for per-capita tax, if necessary, and return it back to the Grand Lodge Office. All very doable within the 31 days of January. It also eliminates the need for the Grand Master to issue a special dispensation to move the due date from the 10 to the 31 st of January. Respectfully submitted, Tracy L Bloom, PM, PGM Grand Secretary Salina Lodge No. 60 Plural member Clay Center Lodge No. 134 BY-LAWS CHAPTER TWO ARTICLE V Miscellaneous Distribution of Proceedings The Grand Secretary, at the expense of the Grand Lodge, shall send one copy of the Annual Proceedings to each of the Grand Officers, Area Deputy Grand Masters, District Deputy Grand Masters, Past Elective Grand Officers, Lecturers, Assistant Lecturers, Grand Representatives, Chairman of the Standing Committees, Kansas Masonic Home and Masonic Publications; one copy to each of the Lodges; and copies to the Grand Secretaries of such other Grand Lodges as are in correspondence with this Grand Lodge, in the exchange of a like number of Proceedings of such respective Grand Lodges; preserving all remaining copies in the Grand Lodge Building; Provided, That as long as surplus copies are available, the Grand Secretary may sell them to Master Masons of this Grand Jurisdiction who apply therefor, at a price set by the Council of Administration. Further, the Grand Secretary shall make such distributions in a current convenient format of communications widely adopted, and typically used at the time of distribution, and shall ascertain at that time, if the recipient would prefer a soft bound copy of the proceedings, which he will then send as requested, at the expense of the Grand Lodge. (Amended 1982) Rational: In today s society the ability exists to distribute the annual proceedings in electronic format, which may change over time and this by-law makes exception for that, giving lea way for future formats and methods of communication. This would in no way preclude any Grand Officers, Area Deputy Grand Masters, District Deputy Grand Masters, Past Elective Grand Officers, Lecturers, Assistant Lecturers, Grand Representatives, Chairman of the Standing Committees, Kansas Masonic Home and Masonic Publications, Kansas Lodges or other Grand Lodges from requesting a soft bound copy of the proceedings. Respectfully submitted, Tracy L Bloom, PM, PGM Grand Secretary Salina Lodge No. 60 Plural member Clay Center Lodge No. 134 BY-LAWS CHAPTER THREE CONSTITUENT LODGES ARTICLE VI Miscellaneous Use of Cipher in a Tyled Lodge Conferral of Degrees No Brother shall use the official cipher while engaged in the opening/closing ceremony of or conferring any Degree, or while participating in such ceremony. Furthermore commencing on January and from that point forward, No Brother shall use the official cipher in a Tyled Lodge, with the exception of; one Brother designated as a prompter, if needed. It could also be used for instruction or practice, but in no case for ceremonial purposes. Rational: As you should know by now, one of the focuses of the M W Grand Lodge of Kansas is committed to Excellence in Esoteric work. By virtue of that commitment I believe this by-law needs to be defined better to reflect that commitment. Although the current law does not specifically say that Ciphers are not to be used in the opening or closing of a lodge I believe it is indeed implied and therefore ciphers should not be used. And to clearly broaden the by-law, this proposed by-law would prohibit its use anytime in a tyled lodge, with the exception of one appointed prompter, if needed. Respectfully submitted, Council of Administration 12 THE KANSAS MASON

13 BY-LAWS CHAPTER FOUR ARTICLE III Fees and Dues Cross-Reference : By-Laws, Sec Initiatory Fees Every Lodge shall collect an initiatory fee of Five Ten Dollars from each candidate initiated, in addition to the regular fees for the degrees. Such initiatory fee shall be remitted to the Grand Secretary at the same time the per capita tax is transmitted, and shall be transmitted by the Grand Secretary to the Secretary of the Kansas Masonic Home Board Grand Lodge Library and Museum Foundation Board, and become part of the permanent fund of such Home Foundation, with only the interest thereof to be used. (effective January 1, 1988) (Amended 1992) Cross-Reference: By-Laws, Sec Rational: The Kansas Masonic Home has created their own foundation and has embarked upon their own capital campaign, which I believe is great and what they needed to do, I applaud them for their initiative, and for that reason, I believe it frees this fee up to make better use of. My purpose in proposing this change in where the initiatory fee goes is not to punish the KMH, but to repurpose those few dollars to aid the Library and Museum which has been largely ignored over the last 100 years. We have very rare and precious books, jewels, coins, aprons, documents, gavels, working tools, pictures and artifacts of all kinds that have been wasting away in an improper environment and because of improper care and handling over the years. Brothers, we should be ashamed of ourselves for letting this happen! We, the Masons of Kansas, have been entrusted by many people who have over the years donated their precocious artifacts and personal belongings, to our care in the Kansas Masonic Library and Museum, and we have but barely lifted a finger to assure their preservation. The Council of Administration along with the help and aid of the Kansas Masonic Foundation, and now the Kansas Masonic Home can help in making that a reality, to aid in the preservation, care and public display of these Masonic Artifacts. But we need to look at unconventional methods that might not seem the most likely place to cull money from. Respectfully Submitted: Bro. James A. Marples, Perpetual Life Member, Mulvane Lodge No. 201, Mulvane, Kansas. BY-LAWS CHAPTER FOUR ARTICLE III Fees and Dues Cross-Reference : By-Laws, Sec Lodge Dues Payable in Advance Suspension Lodge Dues shall be payable in advance and shall be delinquent if not paid on or before January 1, of each year. If same are not paid by the date of the Annual Communication in December, the member s name shall automatically be placed on a Masonic Charity list for examination by the Lodge s Master and his Committee on Masonic Charity for possible remission of dues, subject to recommendation of the Charity Committee and a majority-vote by the Lodge at the next Stated meeting of the Lodge. Cases already known to be without merit shall be declared Suspended as of December 31st of that dues year. Cases of members status which are unknown shall be contacted by the Committee either in person, by telephone, by U.S. Mail or by electronic-mail and results thence reported to the Lodge as a whole. Men whose cases are deemed to have possible merit or who cannot be located for dues remission shall remain in regular Standing as members, until a majority-vote by the Lodge can be taken at subsequent Stated Meetings of the Lodge, even if the meeting falls beyond December 31st. If a member or his family or representatives do not respond {or who cannot be contacted} within 180 days, then the Lodge can assume that it has faithfully done its duty and take a majority-vote to either remit the member s dues or to suspend him. Interaction is necessary, yet timely fiscal responsibility accompanies that goal, too. thereafter, the member shall be suspended on that date to be effective as of December 31, thereafter. Rationale: Our fraternal Society needs dues money to survive, and many men may be too proud to ask for temporary Charity in time of need. This By-Law change would allow them to not lose face nor lose faith in our genuine Bonds of Brotherhood since ALL delinquent cases would thus be automatically scrutinized for merit, after the Annual Communication of the Lodge in December. We must help worthy Brothers who are genuinely in hardship; but we must not allow procrastinators to engender sloppy book-keeping practices. The Master and his Charity Committee often wait for Brothers to notify them of their status or condition. Aged, infirm, or destitute Brother Master Masons may not be able to take this first step. Some may have had strokes, some may be in nursinghomes; and others may be out-of-state. Thus, the Lodge needs to take the initiative to INQUIRE IF A GENUINE NEED FOR CHARITY EXISTS. No Lodge would suffer by this By-Law change. Those Masons who intend to pay will pay their dues by the deadline. We won t lose them. The chronic procrastinators will be motivated to respond in a more timely way {if they indeed wish to remain members} and the indifferent members will simply choose suspension. We must have clearly-defined lanes of action to address cases of dues delinquency and keep lines of contact open between the members under Charity Review and the Lodge as a whole. Too many cases are treated like numbers instead of worthy men needing to be evaluated for Masonic Charity. In summary: Our Lodges need to be pro-active, yet compassionate. We must be a fraternity with a heart, which simultaneously conducts our monetarily business-practices with a degree of consistency. Kind responsiveness and timely fiscal accountability is at the crux of this By-Law. It is a delicate balance, but it has been refined without overcoming the shortcomings of previous By-Law changes. Too many Masters and Charity Committees have fallen down on the job of ascertaining cases of legitimate hardship. Extending worthy Masonic Charity should be a top priority; but by the same token, we need to separate and distinguish procrastinators VERSUS those who voluntarily chose to be Suspended. We must use this By-Law change to create a default automatic route for Charity Assistance for those who wish to remain members and thus deserve remission of dues. Building-up lines of communication between the individual member and the Lodge is common-sense, but in the day and age: Brotherhood is a two-way street. Interaction is necessary, yet timely fiscal responsibility EQUALLY ACCOMPANIES THAT GOAL, too. This By-Law change would allow good men to remain in Regular Standing until a review is made; and then sift-out the ones who themselves chose Suspension. Respectfully Submitted: Bro. James A. Marples, Perpetual Life Member, Mulvane Lodge No. 201, Mulvane, Kansas. SPRING Proposed By-Law Changes

14 GRAND LODGE By James Alexander Craig, Secretary, Albert Pike Lodge No. 303 The Lodge Secretary WORKING B STo Support The Masons ehind The cenes The position of Lodge Secretary is critical to a smooth and efficient operations of the Lodge. But unlike the old joke that the Secretary runs the lodge, the Secretary functions to support the Worshipful Master, Lodge officers and members. Believe me, if something goes wrong, it will be the Master who has to suffer the consequences. We secretaries are here to help make the Master and the rest of the subordinate officers look good. If a Master had a great year, he may receive accolades from his lodge, his peers, Grand Lodge and so on, and if he did, a part of that praise is due to the work of his secretary. But do not thank us because we are just doing our jobs. A good Master, knowing the amount of time and effort needed to make him and his line look good, usually allows the secretary lee-way in general lodge business to preserve the continuity of services rendered by the lodge to the Masonic family and the community at large. But it is their call, at their discretion. Most secretaries served as Master of a lodge (or lodges) and know first-hand what the Master needs to make his year successful, in addition to a good choice of officers to back him up. Keeping a good rapport with the Master of your lodge is of paramount importance. How does the secretary accomplish the above? A look at the Masonic description of the Secretary s duties according to The Laws of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of A.F.& A.M. of Kansas offers some ideas. Collect all moneys due, turn them over to the Treasurer and collect his receipt. Funds are essential to the lodge function and also to support the Grand Lodge, keeping Masonry viable. The Secretary and Treasurer both maintain records of all financial transactions, assuring a two-record system, which is an excellent safeguard for Mason s Funds. Handle the business side of the Lodge. For many, the only real income is derived from dues collection. When our brothers send us their hard-earned money, they expect to be served in a reasonable space of time. Secretaries should send out dues cards to members as soon as possible; I try to send them the same day I receive the check. I don t wait until the check clears the bank before sending the card. If there is a problem, (which will be very, very rare), then it can be handled. The database from Grand Lodge is helpful when it comes to recording donations members included as a part of their dues payment. On printing the dues report for a period of time, I print out a CVS report, which lists member s excess payments as donations and that I transfer to another Excel worksheet to track all donations. A thank-you letter is in good order to those who have contributed. Record lodge proceedings. They become the actual history of the lodge. I am, as are all secretaries, privileged to be able to look back 10, 20, even over 100 years ago and see what was happening at the lodge. More than a few times, I have been contacted by grandsons and daughters of past members wanting any information I can give them concerning their Grandpa or others. That duty is a joy. The above demands regular attendance at all scheduled meetings, both Stated and Special, as part of meeting minutes. Don t just rely on memory, but take notes so your minutes will be accurate. It has been said that one of the sweetest sounds to the human ear is to hear his name spoken. Mention brothers by name when recording and/or reading the minutes. This is especially true for newer members, as hearing their name in 14 THE KANSAS MASON

15 lodge further establishes them as bonafide members. Receiving petitions to be presented to the lodge. You will be the contact person between that petitioner and the lodge. Don t neglect the requirement that one half the initiation fee must accompany the petition. Breaking up the total can make a difference to a candidate. Keeping in communication with the petitioner is important, especially if time seems to pass too quickly before the petition has been acted upon. Sending the pre-requisite book due an elected candidate (On the Threshold) will keep his interest up and looking forward to his initiation. You will have to work closely with the Senior Warden on scheduling the degree work. We all need to be on the same page on this scheduling. Are the dates good for enough of the brethren to support a cast? Are the dates accommodating the needs of the candidates? Sometimes this can be a chore but the rewards of a good attendance are well worth the effort. Consider food provisions for Stated and Special Communications. If it is standard procedure, then it has already been approved. Otherwise, make sure the Master approves of the request. Again, work with your Junior Warden and all the officers to be able to estimate how many will be present for refreshment. Any member or officer who brings food and requires reimbursement for costs should present to you with receipts of items used for you to present to the lodge as a bill to be voted on. You should work with the Treasurer to determine which account on your budget should be charged for these expenses. If passing the hat for donations to cover a part or all of the cost associated, just follow the rules and hand over the monies to the Treasurer and get his receipt for the amount. Document and Organize When taking a call, be sure to get all the information you can concerning the reason for the call, who is calling, contact information etc. I have gone crazy in times past with the bunch of post-it notes with phone numbers for whom, I haven t the slightest idea. I am also guilty of having to call a person more times than I should because I forgot to get this or that piece of information, which of course, is an intrusion on their time. I m sure we have all heard a place for everything, and everything in its place. It won t be helpful to shout I JUST HAD THAT YESTERDAY as you search for a letter, form, or whatever it is you need. Use the Grand Lodge Database s Goodtime report feature to check and confirm certificates and service awards. Please check the report to be sure no one is left out. It is helpful to have a running record, OR when dues cards are delivered, check the years served number to ascertain who should have been on the awards list that year. These brothers, whether actively active or not, have steadfastly contributed to your lodge and to Grand Lodge year after year. Do not allow such loyalty and support to go unrewarded. It may seem unfair, but the Secretary is the go to guy for every member of the lodge when seeking information, not only about times and places of scheduled events but also everything Masonic. Of all the officers of the lodge, it seems the secretary is just the most approachable, as he is probably the first real contact a new Mason meets (other than his recommenders). He is often perceived as being knowledgeable from his post in the lodge and therefore must be ready and willing to help individuals whenever approached. And for the most part, he will do his best to accommodate; therefore a comprehensive knowledge of the Grand Lodge and local lodge bylaws is essential. I submit the following: He is indeed a poor secretary who cannot answer all questions pertaining to matters Masonic: be it on Jurisprudence, ancient history, legends, landmarks or symbolic meaning of every phrase and working tools. He should be fully competent to inform every questioner of the customs and regulations in foreign jurisdictions and be ready at all hours, day or night to coach or instruct. This he is supposed to do during intermissions in his regular work. (OUR SECRETARY By CARL KLEIN 32o and K.T. Kansas Masonic Digest December 1927 ) I strongly suggest a Secretary start and maintain a Daily log (or at least a weekly log if a smaller lodge) documenting his every task, however mundane. I keep my log for two years, which also includes copies of forms I needed to work with or fill out. This becomes an invaluable tool in the future concerning certain forms such as the IRS 990, which every Lodge must file, and which must be done every year or the purchase of certain items for installation, reserving meeting space for special events or budgeting for special events or whatever. When that time rolls around again, it is good to have a record of what you did last year. In the first paragraph of this article I mentioned making the Lodge look good. We have a huge tool to assist in making continued on page 51 SPRING

16 GRAND LODGE By Kansas Masonic Foundation Staff Leadership Academy IV Inspires, Educates Masons From Across the State The Kansas Freemasons Leadership Academy IV brought together more than 200 Brothers from across the state to be inspired, share knowledge and learn more about leading their Lodges to success. Academy attendees spent the morning Nov. 1 being inspired by keynote speaker, Cliff Porter of Enlightenment Lodge No. 198 in Colorado Springs, and then chose breakout sessions for an afternoon of education. The biggest challenge from the Grand Lodge leadership s perspective is finding capable, motivated men who are willing to be more than ceremonial heads, M. W. Michael A. Halleran, Grand Master, said when he opened the event. The leaders, the men who will take Masons forward are sitting in this room. Those leaders current and future were inspired by the words of Porter, who spoke about subconscious communication and molding Lodges to appeal to men of today. I think we spend a lot of time trying to rebuild the temples, (thinking) the temple will be as it was, Porter said, adding that instead, the Freemasons need to focus on what this glorious and wonderful temple is going to be for men of today. It is impossible to build a free-thinking man with a Craft that does not change, does not progress and does not allow free thought, he said. We cannot build a temple that stifles growth, stifles people and build a man who is courageous. Porter then spoke about some of the psychological obstacles to rebuilding and repairing the temples, including the very human tendency to spend time trying to prove ourselves right. He discussed research at the University of Chicago in which pictures were flashed at people, who then were asked to determine things about the person s personality just from that brief glimpse. Porter explained that, when given the opportunity to ask questions about the picture, people focused on questions that would prove them to be correct in their initial assumptions, instead of asking objective questions that allowed them to learn the truth about a person or situation. He talked about learning to actively listen, paying attention to what someone is saying without losing focus and concentrating on a reply. Listening is difficult, Porter said. Opening our minds, our hearts there s a certain amount of stress in it. To avoid that stress, we avoid intimate, active listening. Porter also discussed the difference between being subjective and objective and how to recognize bias, prejudice, and deception particularly how and when we deceive ourselves, which keeps us from getting to the truth of what Masonry needs. Do we have the courage to let it be what it needs to be for the man next to us, Porter asked the gathered crowd. In a talk broken up by laughter and even 16 THE KANSAS MASON

17 audience participation exercises, Porter offered a lot for academy attendees to think about as they headed out to a variety of breakout sessions for the afternoon. Many found there was an excellent opportunity for growth in the Masonry experience. Brother Clinton Terry, who will become Senior Warden in Lindsborg No. 397 in December, didn t know what to expect when he traveled to Topeka to attend his first Leadership Academy. I think it was a fantastic event, he said. Had I known everything about the Leadership Academy before I went, I would have definitely pushed really hard for other members in my Lodge to attend, because I think it was that worthwhile. The most impactful moment for Terry was when a Brother stood up in the mentoring breakout session and talked about his excitement at joining his local Lodge, only to get there and figure out there wasn t anything to do. I felt we had failed this Brother, and I took away from that, that we can never do that to another Brother, Terry said. We need to make sure that every Brother in the Lodge is satisfied with what he s getting from the Lodge. The Lodge isn t just a single person; it s everybody, which means everybody has a viewpoint of what the Lodge is going to be. We need to make sure that we are fulfilling the Lodges for every Brother. Lowell Brown, Deputy District Grand Master for District 26, had attended several of the Warden Schools that the Leadership Academy replaced four years ago. It was overall a really impressive academy, he said. I was quite impressed with it. I ve been continued on page 18 SPRING

18 LEADERSHIP ACADEMY continued from page 17 to the old Warden s School several times, and I doubt anything had changed in them in 15 years. This was quite a positive change. Like most Masonry events, the day was also an opportunity to see old friends, make new ones and exchange ideas about what is happening in lodges across the state. The Leadership Academy drew a wide variety of people, old and young, some wearing suits and other decked out in multi-pocketed fishing vests, all with wide smiles and outstretched hands as they came together. Francis Jackson has been a Brother for 42 years, currently in the Gilead Lodge No With failing eyesight and challenges with his hearing, Jackson came to the Topeka event because it was an opportunity to socialize and expand his friendships. I know a lot of people, he said, a fact proven by many who stopped at his table to visit. I know a lot by their voices. Just as Porter discussed, the Leadership Academy met the needs of members who came from different regions, with different perspectives, with different needs. I go to a lot of Lodges, and do a lot of visiting, help with a lot of degree work, but I still met quite a few people up there that I hadn t really met before, Brown said. It s always a good place to get together and exchange ideas. It was an educational experience. 18 THE KANSAS MASON

19 $ 1 a Day to Help Brothers in Need Make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of our Brothers, their wives, widows, mothers and orphans when they need us most. Imagine how you would feel facing one or more of these challenges: Dealing with overwhelming medical bills Losing your home to fire or natural disaster Becoming unemployed and facing eviction Caring for children and grandchildren on a limited income Struggling with hunger All it takes is your commitment of $1 a day to provide assistance like: Medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers and crutches Funds for funeral expenses Housing assistance Computers for adult education classes and children s homework Comfort, peace of mind and much more Nowhere are the Masons guiding principles more important or far-reaching than in taking care of each other. Through the Kansas Masonic Foundation (KMF) Fulfilling Our Obligation program, brothers are caring for brothers by giving $1 a day with 100 percent of those donations going to assist Brothers, their wives, widows, mothers and orphans through local lodges. Rallying around our Brothers in need not only benefits them, but provides you with the comfort of knowing help will be there, if you ever need it. To make your commitment, please complete the provided return envelope or visit KansasMasonic.Foundation/ FulfillingOurObligation. PROVIDED BY THE KANSAS MASONIC FOUNDATION

20 GRAND LODGE By Kansas Masonic Foundation Staff New Grand Senior Deacon Announced Dale R. Morrow Delmus R. Dale Morrow was born in Ozark, Arkansas in the waning days of the 1950 s. Having grown up on a grade A dairy farm, he embraced hard work and long hours at an early age. He was in 4-H, and held several offices including president. Dale pursued several vocational technical courses in high school, including electronics, refrigeration, machine shop, and building construction. He excelled in electronics and worked part time in several local TV shops and radio stations. Dale was employed by RCA (Radio Corporation of America) as an electronics technician in Little Rock, Arkansas, receiving training in several disciplines including telephone switching. He relocated to RCA s Wichita branch in the mid 1980 s as a PBX installer and telephone maintenance technician, and gained experience in robotics, television signal distribution in large buildings, and large scale audio public address systems. General Electric purchased RCA, eliminating 50 percent of RCA s Wichita workforce including Dale s position. Dale joined Wheat State Telephone in Udall Kansas as a two-way radio technician, repairing and maintaining their overland microwave system, cable television system, and mobile telephone system. He became their Central Office Supervisor, with responsibility over telephone switching, programming, carrier, and fiber optics operations. Active in his community, Dale was a part time police officer for the City of Udall, Ks., Brother Dale was raised a Master Mason completing the Kansas Law Enforcement in Belle Plaine Lodge No. 173 in November Training Center s Part Time Police Officer of Having served in every office in Academy in A past president of Cowley that lodge with the exception of Secretary, County Emergency Auxiliary, he was active on Tyler, and Stewards, he served as Worshipful the Cowley County Fire District IV, serving as Master in 2004, 2008, and again in Captain, and achieving Firefighter I Emergency Brother Dale served as District Deputy Medical Technician certification. He completed many fire science courses, including Inci- and was Area Deputy Grand Master of Area Grand Master of District 25 for two years, dent Command, Hazardous Materials Incident 5 in He currently serves the Grand Command, And Radiation Monitoring. Lodge of Kansas as Grand Sword Bearer Dale was president of the Midwest DCO and Chairman of the Lodges and Buildings (Digital Central Office) Users Group, a Committee. multistate telephone technical group, for five Brother Dale earned his B proficiency years. He was selected as chairman of 316- in November 2000, his A proficiency in August 2013, and his Masters and Unlimited 620 Area Code split Technical Committee by the Kansas Telephone Industry. He continued in March He was presented with the his education with many technical schools first Master Ritualist jewel at the 2014 Annual Communication. Brother Dale was also and certification classes, maintaining a 4.0 GPA for computer science classes at Cowley presented with the Distinguished Service County Community College and Wichita Medal, at the 2014 Annual Communication State University. Banquet, one of three issued in that award s He is employed by Spirit Aerosystems inaugural year. Inc. of Wichita, Kansas as a Tooling Technician in support of the Boeing 737 fuselage including astronomy, amateur radio, camping, Brother Dale enjoys many hobbies manufacture. Dale is involved in the multidisciplined Mechatronics which combines ing, and computer programming. He and fishing, hunting, computer repair and upgrad- computer controlled motion, programming, his wife of 14 years, Sherrell, reside in rural networking, hydraulics, pneumatics, mechanics, and precision measurement to automate dren, and 9 grandchildren. He is a member Cowley County near Udall. He has 4 chil- assemble processes. of Midian Shrine. Surprise Announcement at Belle Plaine Lodge No. 173 of Dale Morrows Appointment 20 THE KANSAS MASON

21 GRAND LODGE By Lyn E. Beyer, Grand Senior Warden Our Future Is CHANGE In the year 2007, a new and courageous idea was born at the Grand Lodge of Kansas by M.W. Jimmie L. Grassi Sr. and Vision 2020 was born the seed planted. Followed by three years of hard work and planning by the COA, M.W. Kent Needham introduced this change. Three years later, after countless hours of planning, the growing tree was pruned that it might become stronger. From that time to present, the COA has been watering and caring for that tree. This takes ongoing time and effort and we find the roots growing stronger. The tree is sprouting branches. Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead Why do I say these things? Weave this story? Because, as our numbers have been decreasing, it became necessary to change what we have done in the past that was no longer working. You can t expect to meet the challenges of today with yesterday s tools and expect to be in business tomorrow. Unknown The new tree will produce fruit but it will take time. The roots of our fraternity are strong and solid. The quality of what Kansas Masonry produces is our foremost goal. Our strategic plan goals of Excellence in Education, Communication and Esoteric Work are beginning to grow and the results are exciting. The fundamentals of Freemasonry have not been changed the Ancient Charges the Constitution. The path to get new brothers of quality, sufficient interest and carried along to a point of participation has changed. To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often. Winston Churchill One of the most feared words in our language is change. Yet in our personal lives we do it every day. We are forced to change in order to keep up with society. Whether it s receiving photos of your children or grandchildren on a computer, renewing your licenses, paying your bills, carrying a cell phone or any number of ordinary things that occur in your daily life. The Etymology Dictionary by Douglas Harper defines change as to make the form, nature, content, future course of something different from what it is or from what it would be if left alone. In other words, a transformation. Everyone thinks of changing the world but no one thinks of changing himself. Leo Tolstoy Change!! There can be no improvement without change. None! All of us have allowed the Craft to become stale and lifeless. The COA and the Grand Lodge of Kansas are committed to changing Kansas Masonry for the better- to improvement-- to new life. It takes commitment. I am asking all of you to recommit-- to revitalize-- to change. The key is commitment-- it s like bacon and eggs-- you tell me where you stand. The chicken was involved-- the pig was committed. The COA is not asking any brother to do anything that they do not demand of themselves. We are asking you to get on board and help with the process of growing a stronger, wiser Kansas Masonry and an improved Masonic experience for all Brothers. Am I asking too much of the Masons in our great State? I hope not. Let s find our Masonic Light together. Let me finish with one last quote. We can t be afraid of change. You may feel very secure in the pond that you are in, but if you never venture out of it, you will never know that there is such a thing as an ocean, a sea. Holding onto something that is good for you now may be the very reason why you don t have something better. C. JoyBell C. SPRING

22 FEATURE ARTICLE By Kansas Masonic Foundation Staff A Brief History of the Grand Lecturers: Derived From The History of Kansas Masonry I and II WITH SOME MODERN DETAILS ADDED Since a great many learned words have been devoted to this intriguing subject, the most I can do here is to offer some key highlights of the history of Grand Lecturers, with the hope that it will inspire readers to seek out one or more of the many longer works on this subject to learn about it in more detail. But at the same time, of course, I certainly hope that what follows will be at least somewhat educational and enjoyable, in its own right. Not long after the election of our first Grand Master in the 19 th century, he named his appointive officers, the first of whom was W. L.C. Matthews, Grand Lecturer. So a Grand Lecturer was literally the first kind of officer designated to serve a Grand Master in Kansas, which says something about how important Grand Lecturers were seen as being in the orderly and reliable perpetuation of Masonic practice. This fact remains significant in principle, despite the fact that this first such appointment appears to have been a controversial one, since a few years later in 1857, M.W. Rees, appointed W. H.C. Justice of King Solomon Lodge in Leavenworth, as the First Grand Lecturer. At that same time, a standing committee of Custodians of the Work was also appointed, consisting of Rees, Justice, Saqui (DGM), Dr. Pelot, and Columbus Hornsby. By the time of Grand Master Cowgill, he began to use the Custodians to assist in visiting Lodges, as there were now too many for the Grand Master to visit alone. Other early key developments in Kansas Masonry included these: Kansas refused to participate in the Rob Morris Conservators movement; at the Annual Communication of 1867, the Board of Custodians exemplified the Webb-Preston work, which the Grand Lodge then adopted; and Grand Master Bassett devoted over four pages of his address to the Grand Lodge, as an explanation of his efforts to improve the ritual and to establish uniformity in ritual practice in Kansas. At the Annual Communication of 1888, M.W. Cook highlighted the problems that newly arrived Masons and new Lodges faced in in learning and using the Kansas Work, adding that through diligent effort and determination, progress was being made. In 1889, the list of Assistant Grand Lecturers included W.M. Shaver, Bestor G. Brown, and A.K. Wilson. In April of 1890, a School of Instruction for Assistant Lecturers was held by the Board of Custodians. Also that same year, the Board and Lecturers visited a total of 30 Lodges and spent 101 and 1/2 days instructing Lodge Officers in the ritual, while the Monitor compiled by W.M. Shaver was examined and adopted at the Annual Communication of In 1893, Grand Master Fuller personally examined the custodians as to their proficiency to teach the ritual. He then assigned W.M. Shaver to plot all of the floor movements, to be subsequently approved by the Board of Custodians and then adopted by the Grand Lodge. At the Annual Communication of 1904, a special committee on ritual defined the Grand Honors as being three in number Private, Public, and Funeral and recommended the manner in which they should be given. These recommendations, along with a cipher that they recommended the publication of, were soon adopted. A third part of the report recommended some changes to the ritual, which were likewise adopted, only to be overturned at the next Annual Communication. 22 THE KANSAS MASON

23 By Robert F. Nelson, Treasurer, Emporia Lodge No.12, A.F. & A.M In my experience, the secret to being a successful Treasurer is Keeping paper and electronic records organized is also a must simple: work closely with your Secretary and get organized. - create a logical filing system and remember that you (and your You and the Secretary are a team financially, the Secretary is successor) will need to locate reports and filings you ve created. responsible for collecting all receipts and you are responsible for Let s get started on that calendar. The following is a list of the making deposits, writing checks and reporting the financial matters reports and returns required for our lodge, which meets on the 1st of the Lodge. If you work together and establish a good process, and 3rd Mondays of each month adjust your calendar for your you should be able to perform your routine Treasurer s duties in Lodge s meeting schedule accordingly. less than an hour a week. The first step in organization is to use a planning calendar to create reminders for the financial events for which you re responsi- employees there are several annual and quarterly filings due to the Social Note: This article does not cover those filings required for lodges with ble, back timing these reminders so you don t miss a deadline. Allow Security Administration and Department of the Treasury (the IRS) if your yourself adequate time to prepare your reports and filings, and add lodge has paid staff. See for more information. some flex time for each event so you re not always hurrying to get to the post office before it closes! continued on page 14 WINTER At the Annual Communication of 1909, the Board of Custodians was abolished, on the grounds that the One charged with preserving the ritual did not necessarily have to be a letter-perfect ritualist. Building on this development, Grand Master Sharp appointed a Grand Lecturer and four Assistant Grand Lecturers. In 1934, Mrs. William Shaver presented the copyright of the Shaver Masonic Monitor to the Grand Lodge of Kansas. At the same time, a full-time Grand Lecturer was hired at the salary of $2, a year. Five years later, at the 1939 Annual Communication, a special committee on Funeral and other ceremonies presented their work, to be sent to the COA for amendment or rewriting. Grand Master Claude Young recommended that Proficiency Certificates be presented to those who qualify by examination before a Grand Lecturer, and at the 1941 Annual Communication, the first two Unlimited Proficiency Certificates were presented, and in 1943, the B and A certificates were added. In 1949, Grand Master E. Glenn Robison recommended that a Standing Committee on Ritualist Work be added to the Laws. This proposal was adopted and proclaimed at the next Annual Communication. In 1954, the official cipher was priced at $1. Prior to this, each Lodge was assigned 10 copies for the officers, which had to be accounted for to the DDGM each year. The only other way to receive a cipher was to receive an A card proficiency. AS LYN BEYER S VERY INSTRUCTIVE ARTICLE IN THE FALL ISSUE OF THE KANSAS MASON REMINDS US, THERE ARE BASICALLY SIX THINGS THAT TODAY S GRAND LECTURERS DO GRAND LODGE Keeping paper and electronic records organized is also a must - create a logical filing system and remember that you (and your successor) will need to locate reports and filings you ve created. Lodge Treasurers Let s Get Organized! So you ve been elected to the office of Treasurer of your lodge. Congratulations! If you re like me, you re not a financial professional, so your new duties may appear daunting. Don t worry though you have a lot of Brothers in Masonry willing to help you get proficient! Bound instructions in floor rules were in the process of being developed by the Ritualist Committee by Our former Manual of Floor Movements was the work of W. Marcellus Boss, Grand Lecturer, who died shortly after completing the book. Grand Master Raum, in 1969, recommended a Masters certificate, as well as taking a look at streamlining our ritual, as several other jurisdictions had already done. Grand Master Haggard, had the funeral service revised in 1974 and had a revised Monitor and Manual of Ceremonies published. M.W. Bill McIntosh in 1978 had the Constitution amended to give the Lecturers and Assistant Lecturers the Title of Right Worshipful. In 1984, Grand Master Richard Porter ruled that every member of the Craft had a right to purchase a copy of the Manual of Floor Movements. And finally, in 1991, Grand Master Robinett recommended the new Cipher/Monitor to all Kansas Masons, and for each Lodge to compete for the J. Fred Williamson Trophy for ritual proficiency. What you have just read is a selective listing/account of the High Points (and maybe some of the Low Points) of the history of Grand Lecturers from 1856 to the present time. But what do Grand Lecturers do today? As Lyn Beyer s very instructive article in the Fall issue of The Kansas Mason reminds us, there are basically six things that today s Grand Lecturers do: 1. Maintain an Unlimited Card; 2. Teach Kansas Ritual; 3. Teach the Schools of Instruction; 4. Put on Proficiency Exams; 5. Teach Lodges to improve how they Open and Close; 6. And by order of the Grand Master, assist Lodges that need specific help. As Lyn goes on to say, Grand Lecturers make Lodges better and are most visible when they are putting on Schools of Instruction. Their specialty is helping Masons master aspects of the Craft that average Masons may not yet have had the opportunity to develop complete expertise in, and they are as close as the Grand Lodge website. Once you reach that page (again, following Lyn), let your mouse hover over Membership and click on Directory in the dropdown menu that appears; enter the password (which is available from Grand Lodge, if you do not know it) into the box on the page that you re taken to, and click Submit; finally, on the page you arrive at next, scroll down through the Grand Lodge Officers, and at the bottom, you will find the present roster of Grand Lecturers with their contact information. And whether you ever have occasion to personally contact a Grand Lecturer or not, my hope is that, whenever you think about Grand Lecturers in the future, you will have a little deeper appreciation of the role they play in Masonry, thanks to this humble article on a most important subject. SPRING

24 Earl E Bryant, Sr. Grand Lecturer Earl was born in Burbank, California on December 16, His family moved back to the Midwest when he was six years old, first to Grandma s farm in Missouri, and later to Kansas. He grew up and attended school in Coffeyville, graduating from Field Kindley High School. Not long after that, Earl was drafted into the military and chose to serve in the Marine Corp. He served in the South Pacific and saw action in the capture of the islands of Guam and Iwo Jima. He was wounded on Iwo Jima and awarded the Purple Heart. After the war was over, he was honorably discharged and returned to Coffeyville. There he met a young girl named Betty, courted her, and they were married on December 24, They raised three children: Earl, Jr., Cindy, and Becky. After 57 happy years together, Betty passed away on July 22, Earl s career was in the food industry. He went to work for Safeway Stores, Inc. in Coffeyville, was later sent to Abilene, Kansas as store manager, and was subsequently promoted to a larger store in Emporia, Kansas. One day, while still working in Abilene, he noticed a customer s lapel pin. He asked the man what the G meant. The customer explained the pin and challenged Earl with this question: Do you think you are good enough to be one of us? Earl soon signed a Petition and was Accepted, Initiated, Passed, and Raised in Benevolent Lodge No. 98 in Abilene. He went through the Chairs there and is a Past Master of that Lodge, as well as being a plural member and a Past Master of Emporia Lodge No. 12. He is always ready to help the Lodge, not to mention the smaller Lodges in the area, with coaching, conferring, lectures, and funerals. All they have to do is ask him. Earl was an avid golfer in his younger days and still likes to watch the pros play. If he is not watching golf, you may well find him on the banks of some lake or pond drowning worms. Vernon L. Butt Grand Lecturer Vernon was born and educated in Garden City, Kansas. He graduated from High School in 1974 and attended some college, taking classes in business administration. He then served in the United States Marine Corps from 1975 to 1979 and was stationed with the Ceremonial Guard Company, Marine Barracks 8th & I, the Oldest Post on the Corps, in Washington, D.C., and with the Marine Security Company at Camp David, Maryland, as a Presidential Security Guard. Vernon worked in Law Enforcement for 5 years as a Deputy Sherriff, and 20 years as a Heavy Equipment Operator in road construction. He was certified by the Supreme Court of Kansas to fulfill the duties and obligations of a District Magistrate Judge in 2005, and he is currently serving his third term. Vernon and his wife, Leilah, have been married 38 years. They have two children and five grandchildren. They have lived in Stanton County since Vernon s voluntary contributions to his community include: 15 years as a volunteer firefighter and Fire Chief of the Manter District; 15 years as a volunteer EMT with the Stanton County Ambulance Service; 14 years as a Hunter Safety Instructor for Kansas Wildlife and Parks; 12 years as a Scout Leader; 12 years as Mayor of Manter, Kansas; 10 years as an Inspirational Speaker on Patriotic and Historical Topics for Schools; and varying terms in a number of Civic Organizations and Clubs. Vernon joined Masonry in 1998 and is a Past Master and current Secretary of Johnson Lodge No.441 in Johnson, Kansas. He is a Grand Lecturer for the Grand Lodge of Kansas and a member of the Ritualistic Committee, Member of A&A Scottish Rite, and Vice-President of the Southwest Kansas Scottish Rite Club. He is also a member of Shriners International, Midian Shrine of Wichita, the Santa Fe Trail Shrine Club, the Southwest Shrine Club, and The Sword of Bunker Hill. Vernon likes to spend his spare time with people he cares about, doing things they enjoy, especially if it s in the great outdoors. 24 THE KANSAS MASON

25 Andrew Andy Cassity Assistant Grand Lecturer Andy Cassity was born in San Antonio, Texas, raised in Henderson, Texas, and attended Texas A&M University. He works as an Electrical Designer for Black & Veatch in Overland Park. Andy was raised knowing about the Masonic family, due to both his Great Grandfather and Grandfather being Masons. After moving to Olathe, he finally felt settled enough to become one himself. He Petitioned Ben Hur Lodge No. 322, located in Kansas City, was Raised in 2007, and became Master there in As Master, Andy organized an annual off-road fund raising event, Crawling for Down Syndrome, to raise money for the Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City. Andy enjoys participating in Degree Work and received his Unlimited Card in He currently serves Kansas Freemasonry as District Deputy Grand Master of District No.3 and as an Assistant Grand Lecturer. Among the blessings in Andy s life are his wife of 18 years, Kim, and his daughter Grace, who is now four. He enjoys hunting, fishing, and wheeling off-road. Vernon J. Clark Grand Lecturer Vernon Clark was born in Hernshaw, West Virginia on October 18, He graduated from East Bank High School in 1964 and moved to Kansas, where he soon started a forty-two year career with General Motors. Vernon married the love of his life, Diana, on March 13, 1965, and together, they have been blessed with two children, Deborah and Daryle, four grandchildren, and one greatgrandchild. Vernon was Raised in Delaware Lodge No. 96 in March He was Master of the Lodge in 1980, District Deputy Grand Master in 1986, and was appointed Grand Lecturer in 1990 by M.W. Don Robinett. He also served on the Ritualistic Committee. After retiring from General Motors in September 2006, Vernon moved back east for a period of time, returning to Kansas in February He was reappointed as a Grand Lecturer in April 2012 by M.W. Donald Newman and was also reappointed to the Ritualistic Committee by M.W. Rick Reichert, Jr. in April He is a member of the Northeast Valley of the Scottish Rite of the Abdallah Shrine. Vernon enjoys instructing the Ritual to the Craft, golf, and hunting. John G. Crary Assistant Grand Lecturer Born in Saranac Lake, New York, John graduated from high school in He began attending the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Arkansas that fall, and the next year, he married his high school sweetheart, Sharon. In 1975 John was Initiated, Passed and Raised in Franklin Lodge No. 9 in Clarksville, Arkansas. And in 1976, he graduated from the University of the Ozarks with a B.A. in music and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army Artillery Corps. In 1997, John retired from the Army after 21 years of service, culminating his career in Leavenworth, Kansas with Sharon and their three children. During his affiliation with Kansas Freemasonry, John has served the Craft as a Past Master and is a Perpetual Life Member of Hancock Lodge No. 311 in Leavenworth, Kansas. He has likewise served as a District Deputy Grand Master (1997), as well as being a member of the Armed Forces Scottish Rite, the York Rite, and Abdallah Shrine. Among the many blessings he has received, John treasures his wife of 42 years, Sharon, and their three children, Laura, Megan and Ben, the most. In Masonic terms, he counts his most cherished memories to date as being able to sit in Lodge with his father in 1996, before he was called home to the Grand Architect, and presiding in the East over all three of his son s degrees. In his leisure hours, he enjoys being out on the boat with Sharon, pampering his two dachshunds, fishing, hunting, and spoiling his grandchildren. SPRING

26 Ronald Ron Wayne Detwiler Grand Lecturer, Emeritus Ronald Wayne Detwiler was born in Pratt, Kansas on April 18, Ron graduated from Pratt High School in 1970 and Elkins Institute of Radio in 1971, going to work at KWNS in Pratt, Kansas as Chief Engineer. He went on to work at the Pratt Municipal Power Plant for 25 years as Chief Engineer, and is currently employed at Fabpropolymers in Kingman, Kansas as Head Plant Electronics and Electrical Technician. Ron was Raised in Kilwinning Lodge No. 265 in Pratt, Kansas on February 8, He has since been Master twice and has held an office in the Lodge every year since being Raised. He has also served the Grand Lodge twice as District Deputy Grand Master and twice as Area Deputy Grand Master and is also a KCCH, 32nd Degree Mason of the Scottish Rite of Wichita, Kansas. Ron was State Rainbow Dad in In 2000, Ron was appointed a Grand Lecturer by MW Stanley Browning, Grand Master, and appointed Grand Lecturer Emeritus by MW Don Newman, Grand Master, on March 17, 2012 at that year s Grand Lodge Annual Communication. Ron and Patty, his wife of 41 years, have a son, Christopher Wayne Detwiler. Chris has also been a member of Kilwinning Lodge since 1994, his Petition Toplined by MW Bill Brown, Grand Master, with Ron proudly signing the second line. The Detwilers also have a daughter, Lindsay Ann, who was very active in Rainbow s Hope Assembly in Wichita, Kansas, as well as at the State Rainbow level. Ron and Patty have also been blessed with four grandsons: Kile, Anthony, and the twins, Ace and Chase. In his spare time, Ron enjoys doing volunteer maintenance work at the Barron Theater in Pratt changing light bulbs, doing projector and roof repairs, you name it as he has for going on 43 years now. He also has a passion for local Pratt history, and for the last five years has been working on the history of Pratt s radio stations, KWSK and KWNS. In addition, Ron enjoys operating Ham Radio and has been an FCC licensed operator since 1966; he currently holds an Extra Class License, with a Callsign of WBØADS. Ron also enjoys reading and woodworking. Ronald Ron L. Main Grand Lecturer Ron was born in Wichita, Kansas in 1956, where he was raised and still resides. While still in high school at Wichita East, Ron started to work as a printing pressman s assistant at Service Business Forms, Inc., quickly moving into the position of pressman. After 25 years there, he took a job as lead pressman at McCormick- Armstrong printing in Wichita, where he works to this day. Ron was Initiated into Masonry on Feb. 3, 1994 at the age of 37, Passed on March 3, 1994, and Raised on March 30, 1994 in Haysville Lodge No.112 in Haysville, Kansas. He was elected as Worshipful Master of that Lodge in In 2003, Ron was appointed as a Grand Lecturer, after serving an apprenticeship with the late R.:W.: Robert K. Shklar, Grand Lecturer Emeritus. In 2011, Ron also served as DDGM for District No. 26 of The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Kansas. Ron will tell you that his greatest moment in Masonry came on May 28, 2014, when he conferred the 1st Degree for his son Ross Main, at Belle Plaine No.173, in Belle Plaine, Kansas. Ron shares his life with his wife, Dianne, daughter, Coral, son, Ross, stepson, Carlos Rodriguez, stepdaughters Sara Hallacy and Whitney Lancaster, and seven grandchildren. In his spare time, Ron enjoys NFL Football, Nascar Cup Series racing (both on TV and live when possible), working around the yard, and fixing up his 2005 Mustang. 26 THE KANSAS MASON

27 David R. Neal Grand Lecturer David Neal took his First Degree in Jan 1993, his Second in February of 1993, his Third in March of 1993, and In April of 1993, he received his B card; so to say he made rapid progress in Masonry would be an understatement, but he didn t stop there. In 1994, he received his A card, and in 1995, he received his Master s card. David then took 1996 off, but in 1997, Most Worshipful Jeff Sowder presented him with his Unlimited card. David was also very active in his Lodge, Ben Hur Lodge No. 322, helping out with all the degree work there, and was asked by many of the Lodges in surrounding areas to help out there also. In 1994, David was appointed to the Line, and in 1998, he was elected Master of the Lodge, achieving this honor again in 2005 and In 1999, he was installed by Most Worshipful John Mowen as Deputy District Grand Master. He has held an office in the Lodge continuously since 1993, serving for the last seven years as Chaplin. In 2007, David became interested in becoming a Grand Lecturer. He started going to their get-togethers in August of the same year, was appointed as an Assistant Grand Lecturer in 2010, and completed the achievement of his goal, when he was made a Grand Lecturer by the Grand Lodge at the 2014 Annual Communication. Donald D. Newman, Jr. Grand Lecturer Don became a Mason in 1997 at Gilead Lodge No. 144 in Yates Center, Kansas. He served as Master of the Lodge in He was District Deputy Grand Master of then District 21 in 2003, Area Deputy of Area No. 3 in 2004, and was asked to be Grand Junior Deacon for M.W. Larry Mersberg, PGM for That year he also became a Scottish Rite Mason in the Fort Scott Valley, as well as a Life Member and Charter Member of the Parsons Scottish Rite Club. Don was made a Shriner on sight by Imperial Potentate Gary Dunwoody at the Shrine Bowl in Manhattan for Mirza Temple. He began working on his proficiency in 2000, and received his Unlimited Card in In 2007, R.W. Sterling P. Hornbuckle III asked Don to follow him in the Grand Lodge Line as his Grand Senior Deacon. Don served as Grand Marshal for M.W. Jimmie Grassi, PGM in 2007 and became Grand Master in He became an Assistant Grand Lecturer the next year and was proclaimed by M.W. Michael A. Halleran to be a Grand Lecturer at his installation ceremony, which led to his current service on the Ritualistic Committee. Don also has an impressive array of other Masonic memberships and related memberships. He is a Member and Officer for the Jay A. Shelton Order No. 117, Sword of Bunker Hill; a Member of the York Rite Bodies Chapter, Council, and Commandery in Parsons and Independence; a Member of Red Cross of Constantine in Crispus Conclave, in Pittsburg; a Member of the Order of Eastern Star in Golden Rod Chapter No. 163 in Yates Center; a Member of the Sojourners in Omaha Chapter No. 19; and a Life Member of Ankara Grotto MOVPER. Don is also a Chips Coordinator for Chips International. Don has a Perpetual Life Membership in Gilead Lodge No. 144 and Hebron Lodge No. 314 in Gridley, and is an Honorary Member of Edna Lodge No. 345 in Edna. And last but not least, Don has a Life Membership in Fort Scott Valley Scottish Rite and is a Charter Member of the Parsons Scottish Rite Club. Few men have lived a richer or more diverse Masonic life. SPRING

28 Harold Wayne Rector Grand Lecturer Harold Wayne Rector was born on October 29, 1956 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. He was the fifth of five children of Henry Otto and Izola Mae (Barnes) Rector. He went to grade school and junior high school in southeast Missouri and northeast Arkansas. He then attended Wyandotte High School in Kansas City, Kansas, graduating in He went to work at General Motors Corporation Fairfax in 1977 (where he would work for 31 years, retiring in 2008). He graduated from Kansas City Kansas Community College in 1989, going on to attend the University of Kansas in Lawrence and the University of Missouri in Kansas City. Wayne is married to Melody Kay (Sartin) Rector, and they make their home in Kansas City, Kansas. They have four children, and their number of grandchildren will soon rise to eight. Wayne joined Arthur H. Strickland Daylight Lodge No. 452 in February of He transferred to Wyandotte Lodge No.3 in January of He went through the Line there, becoming Master in He was appointed as an Assistant Grand Lecturer in 2005 and Grand Lecturer in He served as DDGM of District No.3 in Wayne is Chaplin of Wyandotte Lodge No. 3, a member of Xenia Lodge No.47, Westgate Lodge No. 438, Arthur H. Strickland Daylight Lodge No.452, and is Treasurer of Inner Quest Lodge No Wayne is also a member of the Northeast Kansas Scottish Rite, where he is currently the Executive Secretary. He is also secretary/ recorder of the Kansas City Kansas York Rite and the Leavenworth York Rite. Wayne was Right Eminent Grand Commander of Knights Templar of Kansas in He is the Temple Photographer of the Abdallah Shrine and a member of the Ritualistic Divan Club. He is likewise a member of several of the appendant bodies of the York Rite. Wayne serves on the boards of the Kansas Masonic Foundation and the Kansas Masonic Home, besides being an Associate Guardian of Bethel No. 2 of Job s Daughters. Wayne is a part time contractor, specializing in construction and remodeling work, but a full-time Mason. David. F. Snyder Grand Lecturer David F. Snyder was born in Nebraska in 1930 and attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, where he met the love of his life, Glenna. They were married in 1950 and will celebrate 64 years together this year. He earned a bachelor s degree in electrical engineering and was recruited by Boeing. In 1952, they relocated to Wichita, which they still call home, and he worked at Boeing until his retirement in David became a member of his Mother Lodge, Bestor G. Brown Lodge No. 433, in 1953, advanced through the Line, and served as Master in He remains an active member, pleased to see generations of new Brothers come through the doors. In June 2013, David received his 60 year service award from Bestor A. Brown, a presentation also attended by Glenna and their three children. David was appointed a Grand Lecturer by Durward Danielson in 1986, on the recommendation of E. Dean Osborn, a member of the Ritualistic Committee and later Grand Master. He has conducted District Meeting Schools in nearly all districts of the state, from St. Francis to Hiawatha, and from Pittsburgh to Coldwater. He was appointed Chairman of the Ritualistic Committee by M.W. Jimmie L. Grassi, Sr., upon the death of Terry Carter, and served in that position until replaced by M.W. John Mowen. David enjoys traveling the State, visiting lodges, and meeting Masons from all over. You have likely been at meetings he attended, too. While he might not immediately remember your name, he will probably remember your face and maybe even where you met. 28 THE KANSAS MASON

29 Robert C. Bob Talbott Grand Lecturer Bob was born in western Kansas but raised along the eastern seaboard (primarily in the Carolinas and Pennsylvania). After a short stint working in the Kansas oilfield and completing his electronics degree in St. Augustine, Florida, he returned to the Wichita, Kansas area in Bob was member of the Order of DeMolay in Newberry, South Carolina, but he never became active there. His father was an active Freemason and member of Amity No. 87 AF&AM, in Newberry, South Carolina, and was the most likely single catalyst for Bob s ultimately joining the Fraternity, though that would not happen until ten years after he left home. Bob is a 23 year member of Albert Pike Lodge No. 303, where he served as lodge trustee for eight years and presided as its 105th Master in He has served on various Grand Lodge committees, is the current secretary for the Committee on Ritualistic Work, and has been an active Grand Lecturer since 2001, having received his initial commission from M.W. Mark Nelson. He has also served the Craft in a Grand Lodge capacity as Grand Orator (under M.W. Glen Kohr), Grand Marshall (under M.W. Tracy Bloom), and Grand Junior Deacon (under M.W. Rick Reichert). Bob currently serves as your Grand Senior Deacon (under M.W. Michael Halleran). Among the many joys in his Masonic experiences were attending the Raising of his Brother (Jeff Goertzen) and Cousin (Tony Talbott), going through the Degrees, and being Raised with his older brother (Merle Talbott), not to mention the many years of serving in the Officer Line at Albert Pike No. 303 with him. And last but definitely not least, having had the privilege of sitting in Lodge with his Father over the last few years will always be a treasure remembered for a lifetime. Bob is a Senior Project/Program Manager for the PepsiCo companies. In his 20 years with PepsiCo, he has worked for Field IT Support Management, Data Center Process & Provisioning, and is currently assigned as Project Manager for the Global End User Services Group. He counts Sondra, his wife of 23 years, and their daughter, Shelbi (18), as his two greatest joys in life. Their home is in northwest Wichita. C. David Williams III Grand Lecturer C. David Williams was born on April 11, 1960, in Anthony, Kansas. He was raised and attended school in Anthony, graduating from Chaparral High School in Following graduation, Brother Williams petitioned and was elected to membership in Anthony Lodge No He was Initiated in June of 1978, Passed in October of 1978 and Raised in November In December 1979 he was elected a plural member of Lawrence Lodge No. 6. In December of 1983 he was elected and Installed as Master of Lawrence No. 6. During this same time, he served in the York Rite Bodies of Lawrence, Lawrence Scottish Rite, Lawrence DeMolay, and many other organizations. In 1988 David began work to finish his Bachelor s Degree and in 1991 Graduated from Ottawa University. In 1994 received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Tulsa. Following Graduation he returned to Anthony, and began work in the local Lodge, along with several other Masonically affiliated organizations in the State. He served four years as DDGM of District 30 of the Grand Lodge, DDGHP and Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Kansas, Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Kansas, and served as officer and head of many other organizations in Kansas and International. He is currently serving as an International Officer of the Invisible Lodge International, and organization of Masonic Magicians. In 2002 David was appointed a Grand Lecturer by M.W. Glen Kohr and has served as such for the last 12 years. M.W. Don Newman appointed David to the Ritualistic Committee, on which he also currently serves. David is also a member of Kiwanis, having served as Lt. Governor twice, and President of the Kansas Kiwanis Foundation. A Life Member of both the Society of American Magicians and the International Brotherhood of Magicians, he has attended many International Conventions and served on various boards and committees. He has served on the Anthony City Commission, the Horizons Mental Health Board, and is currently serving as Chairman of the Anthony Medical Center Board of Directors. He is also a Plural Member of both Kilwinning Lodge No. 265 of Pratt, and Cosmos Lodge No. 278 of Kiowa. SPRING

30 MEMBER INTERVIEW By Kansas Masonic Foundation Staff Perry A. Cross Jr., Assistant Grand Tyler Perry A. Cross Jr. has two sons, Perry III age 17, and Pierre age 14. He is from River Rouge, an immediate suburb of Detroit, Michigan. He joined the Army at age 18 and currently has nearly 23 years of active duty service to the Nation. He currently is stationed and lives on Fort Riley here in Kansas. His Army career has taken him all over the world. His overseas assignments include, but not limited to, Germany, Korea, Egypt, Kosovo, and Puerto Rico. He has had three combat tours in Iraq, totaling 37 months. He has earned many awards and decorations, with the most recent being the Bronze Star Medal from his last combat tour to Iraq. Perry was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason in January 2012 in Clay Center Lodge No He is currently the Worshipful Master of Clay Center Lodge as well as serving on the Grand Lodge as Assistant Grand Tyler. He is also the recipient of the 2013 Bronze Master Builder s Award. 1. How did you find out about Freemasonry? I had my introduction to Freemasonry at my Grandfather s funeral in I was 20 years old while home on leave from Korea. I saw a group of men come in and everyone in the funeral home went absolutely silent. The leader of the group came and hugged my Grandmother, who is an Eastern Star, and offered his condolences to her then directed his group to take their assigned places. I noticed all had on an apron and they said some funny sounding words, placed an apron and a small evergreen branch on his casket. At the time the service they performed went above my head and beyond my comprehension. I was in awe over the absolute silence that fell over the funeral home when they entered. It was like everyone understood something special and unique was going to take place and everyone there reverenced the moment. That was something that stuck with me and left a yearning to know who and what my Grandfather had belonged to. Obviously now, I realize the depth and sincere meaning in those funny words and the symbols of the evergreen and apron. That was my first real experience with Freemasonry. 2. What do your friends think about your involvement? I am an active duty Soldier so Freemasonry is visible in the Army. The individuals that I work with all have their own impression of the Fraternity. Some are Masons mainly with Prince Hall affiliated Brothers. I was actually in conversation with a few civilians that I work with on Fort Riley base and had inquired about joining Freemasonry. They highly recommend that I join. Then a moment of silence came and one of them said if I had to do it all over again, after 20 plus years of Prince Hall masonry, I would have joined the four letter jurisdiction in Kansas. He was, and still is, proud of his Prince Hall Masonry and we are all Brothers but he said the experience would be more of what he knew I desired. My family is very proud of the decision I made to join the Fraternity, and even though my Mom has a son that has more than 22 years of active duty time and still serving as a Soldier, I think she has never been more proud of me than the day she was in attendance last year for my installation as the 114th Worshipful Master of Clay Center No 134. So, if Mom is happy, and thinks highly of my endeavors in Freemasonry, what other litmus test is there higher than Mom s stamp of approval? 3. Why is Freemasonry important to you? Freemasonry is important to me, because it is an institution that has stood the very test of time and still stands tall and proud to this day. Freemasonry has left its fingerprints on every aspect of history, not only this country, but also the world. The pure history and legacy of the craft is truly remarkable. The ability to bring men together, without reservations or prejudice, to share in one another s experiences, both successful and failed ones, is something that I challenge anyone reading to share with me another organization that brings all classes of men together that are normally separated by social, economic, race, religion, political affiliation, and educational barriers. These barriers, outside of the Lodge, have left a blemish on this country s great story. Some of the ill and most horrific events that have plagued us as a Nation outside the doors of the Lodge never found a place to rest inside. That is a powerful statement. To see tragedy and hatred just outside the tiled door, yet inside we are all initiated and all have a familiar place of understanding and tolerance for one another. Freemasonry unites men and brings them together in an atmosphere of genuine support and affection for one another. Freemasonry is important to me for many reasons, so many in fact that there is not enough space in this article for me cover them. However, I will share one major point that resulted in Freemasonry teaching me to be tolerant. I have been blessed to have such a wonderful Masonic experience so far and 30 THE KANSAS MASON

31 have been influenced by some great individuals in my lodge. My Masonic father is Worshipful Richard Blackburn, a Past Master 10 times in 3 different lodges with over 45 years of Masonic service. He encouraged me to invest in the craft and learn the ritual, not only did he encourage me he participated in my growth by giving me his undivided attention every Monday from 10 am to 12 noon in the Lodge room, relentlessly showing and teaching me how to do the floor work and assisting me in learning the ritual. After the lessons we would go to have lunch at a local restaurant nearby. That is where he was able to continue to teach and lead me, he instructed me on life and living, how to be a better man, father, and Mason. I hadn t had any type of relationship with my father for 39 years, and Worshipful Richard found a way to show me that holding that negativity in my heart was weighing me down and limiting my advancements, as a man, father, and a Mason. He instructed me to reach out and contact my father. I followed his directive and now today my father and I have a relationship. Without Freemasonry, I would have never met Worshipful Richard, and without him I would have never reached out to my father. My father was in attendance last year at my Installation. Freemasonry has done more for me in just these three years than I would have ever imagined. Freemasonry will forever hold a special place in my heart. The question begs to be answered, Where were you first prepared to be made a Mason? 4. Why is Freemasonry important to your community? Freemasonry is important to the community by having men that are upright in their efforts and sincerity to better oneself each and every day. Masons contribute to a broad number of charities and charity events, and these are truly great acts of kindness. This is just a bi-product of what we are all about as we strive to make only the best men better. By making each man better, he in turn makes his community better. We should all strive to be a brilliant beacon of light and a standard bearer in our communities. 5. How has Freemasonry inspired you or made you a better person? Freemasonry has inspired me to become a better person by allowing me to be more patient, magnanimous, appreciative, and understanding. I have been able to truly understand selfless service. While the Army has selfless service as one of its core values, Freemasonry takes that to another level. In the Army our actions are team focused as we do things without expectation of being rewarded. However, we expect a check on the first and fifteenth of each month for our efforts. In Freemasonry our payments are not valued by dollars. Our payments are in the form of seeing the sparkle in a new Brothers eyes during the degree work, or improving the lodge in small ways here and there. Often times we spend our own money to make these things happen which is truly the definition of selfless service. Knowing that your efforts are projecting your lodge, your fraternity forward and not expecting anything back for it. Learning the ritual ensuring that you prepare for the degree work, as you know that your performance may be the very thing that Left: Worshipful Richard Blackburn escorting Perry Cross to the East. Right: Perry Cross with Worshipful Clayton Coulson Past Master Clay Center No keeps a Brother energized and engaged in the lodge and the craft. Again doing for the good of the order is not just lip service but it is expressed by my actions. Without Freemasonry, I do not think I would have truly understood selfless service. Freemasonry has also allowed me to question things in life I may never have given a second thought to before. Looking for lessons in every aspect of life and never ever be afraid to ask why. Enlightenment is something that the craft gifts to each and every one of us in some capacity or another. Freemasonry is a process that allows me to know myself better. Lastly, but surely not least, Freemasonry has allowed me to have a better understanding and relationship with God. In the teachings of the craft, one constant is that when you are lost and you need assistance to any question or find yourself in any situation, the power of prayer will help provide the answers you seek. 6. What do you look forward to most when you attend Lodge meetings? As I answer this question I am smiling. Attending the lodge brings me together with my Brothers. We have fun. We laugh, joke, and learn from one another. There is never a dull moment. While the exchange of ideas and the ritual work for me is an awe-inspiring experience, my anticipation is to see Brother Warren, a Mason for over 40 years teasing us Soldiers about not being as good as a Marine as he was. I am quick to tell him it isn t your fault you joined the Marines as the Army would not take you. Worshipful Brother George Appleton patrols the building to ensure nothing is out of place. For example, the thermostat is set to continued on page 32 SPRING

32 MEMBER INTERVIEW continued from page 31 his standards just below boiling point in the summer and, right above freezing levels in the winter. He has a calibrated eye ensuring the chairs in the dining area are all perfectly aligned. He is affectionately called the Gate Keeper of our Lodge. Worshipful Brother Barney Rhodes walks down from his assisted living quarters with his rolling walker every first and third Wednesday exactly at 7:28 p.m. We stand ready to hear his stories of the Korean War. He loves to see us in uniform at the meetings. To look up at a framed newspaper article from 1973 announcing the 100th year of Masonry in Clay Center, with the officers named in the article then to look at Worshipful Brother Clayton Coulson and realizing he was the Senior Steward back in 1973 and is still active and sharing his life and Masonic experience with us. There are many more examples of what I look forward to when attending the lodge but the simple answer is my Brothers. 7. What do you see as the future of Freemasonry? Some may not agree with my answer here, and that is ok indeed. I see the future of Freemasonry being brighter than it has ever been. I dare say that the craft has yet to see its best days. I think that with the rare blend of our Senior Brothers that are eager to share in not only Masonic experience but life experiences, friendships develop and these friendships cross the generational divide. We have the world literally in the palm of our hands today with our smart phones. We have the answer to any question merely just seconds away, yet we do not have the exchange of genuine fellowship. Not just fellowship but friendship. I think that younger Brothers yearn for the fellowship more so than anything else. I read that purely by numbers we pale today in comparison to just a few decades ago. The boom of the forties, fifties, and sixties may never come to light again in a numerical sense. Today we want to belong to something special. Something our fathers did not belong to. We want to dress exceptional to attend the lodge. We always strive for perfection in our daily lives knowing the whole time we will never accomplish it, but maybe we can catch excellence. Freemasonry allows us to legitimately strive for that. As long as we do not cheapen the experience and we continue to uplift and protect the brand of Freemasonry. I see the fraternity being fruitful and prosperous for hundreds of generations after we are all gone. 32 THE KANSAS MASON

33 FROM THE ARCHIVES By Kansas Masonic Foundation Staff Noted Library Expert Suggests Essential Steps to Preserve Important Masonic Collections Continuing our series of informational articles on the Grand Lodge s impressive range of holdings in its library and related collections and the necessary steps needed to preserve them, we were recently fortunate enough to be granted an interview with Dr. Gwen Alexander, Dean and Richel Distinguished Professor of the School of Library and Information Dr. Gwen Alexander Management at Emporia State University. This is an American Library Association- Accredited institution that, as their website ably puts it, has a long-standing reputation for graduating outstanding library leaders and information professionals. Dr. Alexander was recently asked to tour the Grand Lodge Library and other collections with an eye toward recommending what she saw as the best path forward for the future care and display of those historically and monetarily valuable documents and Masonic objects. Her opinion on this subject carries considerable weight, not least because she has earned an elevated position in the respected institution where she is employed, but also because that institution is itself a unique and prestigious one. The School of Library and Information Management consistently maintains a student population of 350 students, has been graduating librarians and archivists for more than 114 years, and was the first library program west of the Mississippi to do so; it now offers such advanced educational options only to graduate students, granting both Masters and Doctoral degrees. When asked for her initial impressions of the facility, Dr. Alexander remarked that the building is beautiful, though it may be in need of a little improvement, the better to outfit it to best house the treasures it contains. She was very impressed by the tri-part nature of the Masonic collection, including, as it does, a museum, an archive, and a library, all in once place. But though she took no joy in saying so, Dr. Alexander also noted that there can be no doubt that some of the holdings definitely show evidence of deterioration, so the sooner that specific, proven preservation techniques can start being applied to the collection as a whole, the better preserved it will remain for the longest time possible, going forward. She agreed that it was not just a matter of continuing what has been done in the past and doing it better though the steps taken up to now have done as much good as they are capable of doing. Instead, it is now a matter of taking additional steps to control factors like humidity and exposure to damaging varieties and intensities of light, which taken together can go far towards creating a much friendlier environment for the kinds of items in question. Though Dr. Alexander pronounced herself unqualified to speak to the specific worth of the many books and other items in the Masonic collections currently kept in the Grand Lodge, she was, nonetheless, convinced that there are doubtless valuable items present there (as Repaying a Loan from our Children in the Fall 2014 issue of The Kansas Mason further testifies). So the next two steps that she recommended were of roughly equal importance and in her opinion both need to be taken as soon as possible: namely, having the collection as a whole professionally appraised, and seeing to it that a collection management policy is created and put in place. Appraising items to arrive at their value is a common and well-established enough practice as to require no additional attention here. But a collection management policy is a more rarified thing. In brief, what such a policy does is to help establish a plan for the future nature and growth of a given collection, thereby affecting both its global coherence and its volume, as well as spelling out how some items will be de-selected going forward, so that an optimal environment can be established and maintained for the items that have been chosen to be featured parts of the archive, the museum, and the library indefinitely. In the past, many Masons have, for instance, deeded their entire libraries to the Grand Lodge, with the result that a wide array of books currently exists in the library there, ranging from popular novels to the remarkable editions of the Bible (as discussed and depicted in the Fall issue of The Kansas Mason). While such a policy would not prevent such gifts from being given and credited for tax purposes in the future, it would stipulate which kinds of gifts would be considered to become a part of the permanent collection of the Grand Lodge of Kansas, and which would be allowed to become part of the holdings of some other private or public entity, as well as how that transfer would take place, by means such as resale (by auction or otherwise), re-donation, or other avenues, as delineated within the Grand Lodge s yet-tobe-created collection management policy. continued on page 51 SPRING

34 AROUND THE WORLD By V. M. Burrows, M.P.S., Long Beach, California The Authority Of The Old Charges The Philalethes - June, 1954 Little was known about the history of Masonry until late in the nineteenth century, for our oldest document, known as the Regius Manuscript, was not discovered until A. D. 1838, and was not published until That manuscript was probably written in A. D. 1390, and it was thought to be a copy of a document which had been compiled about 1350 but had become lost. It is true, however, that the information contained within the written record of the Regius Manuscript has existed in the form of Masonic Tradition for many years previous to A.D After that date, we have evidence to show, Lodges based their authority on written documents which we now refer to as the Old Charges. In the Masonic Edition of the Holy Bible, published by the Masonic History Company of Chicago, Brother H.L. Haywood writes about the Old Charges as follows: "A body of men in the Middle Ages could not legally exist or work unmolested unless it had a charter or some similar document of authorization given and sealed by the authorities of the borough or else by the King or one of his officers. The Freemasons claimed that they belonged to a Fraternity which had received a royal charter from Prince Edwin at York in Athelstan's time, and held that this was sufficient authorization for their holding a permanent Lodge. This claim was made in the middle of the Fourteenth Century. "In substance the Old Charges consist of three parts: FIRST, a statement of the grounds on which a charter had originally been issued; SECOND, the claim to a written charter from a Prince Edwin, said to have been a son of King Athelstan; THIRD, a set of rules and regulations, called 'points', under which Lodge members were governed. IN PARTNERSHIP WITH: 34 THE KANSAS MASON

35 MAKING A DIFFERENCE By Hugh W. Gill, Attorney, Hinkle Law Firm LLC Charitable Giving Second Nature to a Kansas Mason. In my previous article I wrote about the benefits of choosing to make a personalized estate plan. I also mentioned that by choosing to plan, you can include charities as beneficiaries of your estate. Many individuals make significant charitable gifts, either during life or at death, and charity of course is a key tenant of Masonry. Additionally, federal tax laws encourage charitable giving by granting an unlimited estate tax charitable deduction as well as a charitable deduction for income tax. There are many ways to include charities in your gift and estate plan. One way is an outright charitable contribution which generally involves an immediate transfer, without reservation, of cash or property to or for the use of a qualified charitable organization. The income tax benefits derived from charitable giving depend ultimately on the nature of the property given, the types of organizations to which donations are made, the current and future income tax levels of the donor, and other tax attributes. Another way is to name a charity or charities as beneficiary of your qualified plan assets. These kinds of assets carry a federal income tax liability with them that is borne by the recipient of the asset. It is called income in respect of a decedent, or IRD. Since IRD is not received before death, it is not included on your final income tax return, but your estate or the person who receives the right to the income will have to pay federal and state income tax on it. Therefore, IRD assets are excellent choices to fund a charitable gift at your death. Even if no federal estate tax is due, all income taxes due from the qualified plan assets are eliminated by naming a tax-exempt charity. Additionally, naming a charity as beneficiary of a qualified plan asset is very easy to do. Like with a will or revocable trust, charitable gifts can also be made through an irrevocable trust. A charitable remainder trust is an irrevocable trust that provides for a specified distribution to one or more beneficiaries, at least one of which is not a charity, with a remainder interest for the benefit of a charity. The distributions to the non-charity beneficiary must be made at least annually, and can be for a term of years or for the life of the non-charity beneficiary. In other words, you can give the property away but keep an income stream for life. A charitable lead trust is the reverse of a charitable remainder trust and where you loan the income stream to charity. With a charitable lead trust, a donor transfers property to an irrevocable trust, creating an income interest in the property in favor of a charitable organization for a period of years, or for the life or lives of an individual or individuals. The remainder interest is either retained by the donor or given to a non-charity beneficiary, usually children and grandchildren. If giving to charities is a goal of yours, be sure to talk to an estate planning attorney about these and the many other ways a charity can be incorporated into your gift and estate plan. As a member of Hinkle Law Firm LLC s trusts and estates practice group, Mr. Gill uses his extensive experience in business and tax matters to lead the probate and trust administration needs of the group. He is primarily responsible for guardianships and conservatorships, disability planning, postmortem tax planning, and marital agreements. He also assists clients with estate planning, asset protection, business entity formation, and business succession planning. While a student at the University of Kansas and the University of Kansas School of Law, Hugh was the recipient of a number of awards, including the Payne & Jones Award and the Wall Street Journal Award for the top M.B.A. student in finance. Today, he frequently lectures on estate planning and estate administration topics. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America and Kansas/Missouri Super Lawyers. SPRING

36 MAKING A DIFFERENCE By Kansas Masonic Foundation Staff Lincoln Wilson, Jr. was appointed to the Board of Trustees upon the recent resignation of Leland Salts. After many years of exemplary service to the Board of the Kansas Masonic Foundation, and with that entities full cooperation, Leland recently elected to step down. He felt he could no longer fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the position, given his many other outstanding commitments and interests, so Leland decided that the time was right for him to leave and fortunately for the Foundation, Lincoln was prepared to take his place. Lincoln Link Wilson, Jr. Born on March 11 of 1951, Lincoln makes a home with Janice, his wife of over 40 years, dividing his time between Aurora, Colorado and Goodland, Kansas, where he simultaneously serves as the Board President of the Aurora Association of Life Underwriters in Colorado, and on the Board of the Sherman County Convention and Visitors Bureau in Kansas, among his many other arenas of distinguished public service. His educational experience includes a Bachelor of Arts and Management from the University of Phoenix, as well as achieving both Life Underwriters Training Course Fellow status and qualifying as an Accredited Advisor, both in the realm of insurance, besides also qualifying as a Certified Mortgage Lender. Is Lincoln now retired? YES and NO, he says, I m still trying to figure it out. Most who know Lincoln would almost certainly say no, however, since though Lincoln worked as an entrepreneur for over 50 years and for over 20 in the insurance sales industry, not to mention his 35 years spent as both a Private Investigator and a broker of both residential and commercial mortgages, from all of which he is now retired, Lincoln continues to actively consult and teach sales, customer service, management, and diversity skills, not to mention bringing his experience in the fields of real estate, business, strategic planning, management, and operational design to bear in operating Lincoln Wilson Enterprises, Inc. Lincoln s Masonic affiliations include Goodland Lodge No. 321, as well as service as the Past President of the Northwest Kansas Shrine Club. And the things he would like to see happen, where his goals for the future of the KMF are concerned, include these: the expansion of initiatives designed to provide incentives to participate in Grand Lodge Educational Programs; the growth of programs to provide medical prevention for children (such as cancer screenings), thereby giving young parents a more positive impression of Masonry; and the development of initiatives to help Lodges provide a Widows and Orphans program that has greater visibility in the individual communities where it operates. Lincoln s personal interests and hobbies include helping people and groups achieve their goals; fishing, hunting, business development, and business management; and finding solutions to problems, while applying joint ownership of those solutions. (With interests and hobbies like those last few, is it any wonder that even Lincoln is wondering if he s really retired?) When asked if he had anything additional that he d like to add, Lincoln provided some interesting observations, which showcase at once both his sense of humor and his ongoing drive to demand excellence from himself in everything he does: I love to hear me talk, so I do that a lot. I am not a person that is content with being in the background and taking one for the team. Everyone needs to be accountable and responsible for his or her commitment to any venture. Where leadership is concerned (CEO/ President/Trustee/Secretary/Board member), we are charged with the responsibility to provide or even to be the light at the end of the tunnel, so that those around us always have the hope of obtaining their goals. And lastly, as a Mason, we have the additional responsibility (or weight) not to be a perfect person, but to be that perfect Brother when due application is made. 36 THE KANSAS MASON

37 MAKING A DIFFERENCE By Kansas Masonic Foundation Staff Building on Success NEW KMF SCHOLARSHIPS START THEIR The newly revised KMF Scholarship Program, launched just this year, is already gearing up to roll out again for The applications for this new range of online-only scholarships are once again available on the KMF website, starting January 1, Though the new deadline for applications will be May 31, 2015, the guidelines themselves can already be accessed anytime just by going here: The first year of the new Kansas Masonic Foundation Scholarship program, now available to many more students than ever before, definitely got off to a winning start with an unexpectedly high number of great applications. A total of 141 scholarships were given out, ranging from $500 to $5000, including numerous Legacy Scholarships. The scholarship money awarded in this inaugural year is already being used at 36 schools across the country, ranging from highly acclaimed technical schools to prestigious universities, both in and out of Kansas. The money to fund the scholarships went out from the KMF to Lodges all across Kansas, and local Masons personally made the awards directly to the distinguished student recipients. The General Scholarships can be used at seven Kansas universities: Emporia State, Fort Hays State, Kansas State, Kansas, Pittsburg State, Washburn, and Wichita State. And those aimed at technical schools and institutes can be used at seven such facilities in the state, located in Emporia (Flint Hills), Manhattan (Manhattan Area), Beloit (North Central Kansas), Goodland (Northwest Kansas), Salina (Salina Area), Topeka (Washburn), and Wichita (Wichita Area). But the most exciting part of this new scholarship program is definitely the Legacy Scholarships, mentioned briefly above. Far too often, Masons do a surprising amount of good for people all over Kansas, while seeming to forget the words of the wise old proverb: Charity begins at home. So it s long been high time for there to be a new Now any Kansas student can apply Legacy Scholarship for those Masonic Family members attending college All Kansas residents attending Kansas institutions of higher learning 2nd YEAR Masonic initiative, aimed squarely at the relatives of Kansas Masons. The new Kansas Masonic Foundation Legacy Scholarship was created specifically to give something back to Kansas Masons to deliver the kind of good once done by the old KMF student loan program to a far wider range and variety of students. Such scholarships are available only to Masons and their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who will be attending an accredited college, university, or technical school, along with students who have been members (for a minimum of two years) of DeMolay International, Job s Daughter s International, or the International Order of Rainbow Girls. Legacy Scholarships for $500 can be used at any of the seven different technical colleges located across the state or at any other such accredited school or institute in the country. And though our other academic scholarships can be used only in Kansas, each Legacy Scholarship for higher education offers $1000 that can be used with complete freedom at any accredited institution of higher learning anywhere in the U.S.A. Further increasing the desirability of both kinds of Legacy Scholarships is the fact that students who have the Masonic link needed to apply for them can also apply for a scholarship in the General category at the same time, thus significantly increasing their chances of winning (though no student can win both a Legacy and a General Scholarship in the same scholarship cycle). So please alert any local Brethren who may not yet know about the program, so that as many deserving students as possible can be And now, Kansas students wishing to go to an in-state trade school continued on page 52 SPRING

38 MAKING A DIFFERENCE By Kansas Masonic Foundation Staff TWO GREAT RECEPTIONS, ONE GREAT REASON: The New Range of KMF Scholarships Quickly Proves Popular On September 24th and October 6th of this year, two of Kansas s foremost institutions of higher learning held first-class receptions, celebrating the achievements of Emporia State University and Kansas State University students, respectively, who had won online Kansas Masonic Foundation Scholarships in the first year of the foundation s newly improved and expanded scholarship program. These two universities were chosen to host these receptions this year because they had the highest number of KMF Scholarship Winners attending there. The new program started with the proverbial bang by giving out 141 scholarships, thereby awarding all the money allocated for its first budget year, and totaling over $150,000 in new awards. Over fifty people attended the Emporia reception, held in the Kanza/Flint Hills Room of the Emporia State University Memorial Union, to honor the 18 students who received scholarships from Kansas Masons this year. Both Grand Master Michael A. Halleran and Kansas Masonic Foundation President Michael J. Tavares welcomed the students and their parents. Emporia State University President, Dr. Michael D. Shonrock, did likewise, and during his comments, publicly thanked all Kansas Masons for all the good they do for Kansas, Kansas Communities, and Emporia State University, in particular, going on to encourage students to remember who supported them during this crucial time in their lives, suggesting that they would do well to look for a way to return the favor to Kansas Masons, when the appropriate time to do so pops up in their later lives. One of the student honorees, Ms. Marissa Rippey, summed the event up perfectly: I would say that the reception was excellent and elegant, and was highly enjoyed by everyone. I am so grateful for the opportunity to receive this amazing reward and experience this exceptional banquet. Thank you! The parallel reception at Kansas State University was similarly well attended, with over 60 scholarship students and their parents showing up for the festivities and enjoying a rare opportunity to tour the nearly 100 yearold home of KSU President Kirk H. Schulz. A total of 28 KMF Scholarship Students currently attend Kansas State University, and Grand Master Michael A. Halleran welcomed the crowd, with President Schulz thanking everyone for coming and singling out Kansas Masons for praise for their longstanding commitment to education and to improving the future of our state. It is amazing to see and think about this over 300 year-old organization and realize all that it has done and continues to do for humanity. Grand Master Halleran commented that getting to meet and talk to so many grateful students and their families made real the difference that our decades old commitment to do all we can to advance education in Kansas really does make in real people s lives. 38 THE KANSAS MASON

39 Second Annual Lodge Event During Annual Communication By Kansas Masonic Foundation Staff President Mike Tavares agreed, pointing out that having such a wonderful response to the new scholarship program in its first year definitely bodes well for the future of the new program, which is now available to far more students than any KMF scholarship has ever been before. And Mr. Randy Mathews of Salina spoke for many parents of scholarship-winning students in both schools when he mentioned the enjoyable time he and his wife had spent at the reception he attended in Manhattan: We are grateful for the generous scholarship our son Brady received from the KMF to assist with his freshman year at K-State. We were pleased to have the opportunity to meet Grand Master Halleran and the other KMF Board Members who were in attendance, so we could thank them in person for their ongoing support of higher education. His wife, Erin, added that one of the Masons we talked to said he had read every last one of the numerous applications that were received, which means that she must have spoken to KMF Executive Director, Bob, Shively, so I was surprised to hear we made it to the top out of that many applicants. He asked if our family had any Masons in it, and we said no, we were just lucky! And thanks to the generosity of Kansas Masons, there are now 140 other students and their families across the state, who whether they are fortunate enough to have Masons in their families or not, all feel lucky, too. The Kansas Masonic Foundation is pleased to announce its second annual 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 19, 2015, 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 continue 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 Kansas by supporting charitable, educational, and scientific programs. Reaching this specific goal will involve working hand-in-hand with and through Kansas Masonic Lodges in a new and more direct way. To kick things off, KMF Executive Director, Bob Shively, will lead a review of current Foundation programming and then 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 Kansas 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. Reaching Kansas at the Local Level SPRING

40 MAKING A DIFFERENCE By Kansas Masonic Foundation Staff Making the Sequel Outshine the Original: Preparations for the 2nd Annual Freemasons Endowment Charity Auction Are Actively Underway Though it may seem like just yesterday that the 1st Annual Freemasons Endowment Charity Auction took place, thanks to the way time flies, its sequel is already closer to us now than the original we left behind at the close of March s Annual Communication and nobody knows that better than the Kansas Masonic Foundation. To borrow from the title, preparations for the 2nd Annual Freemasons Endowment Charity Auction are actively underway, and it promises to be even bigger and better than the first one. And that s saying something because the auction at this year s Annual Communication was so successful that it was instantly transformed into a yearly feature. The goal in 2015 is to raise $75,000 for the still extremely worthy cause of helping out the Masons who need it most. The auction was originally established to benefit a fund administered by the Grand Lodge, the Freemason s Endowment, which is aimed at helping Masons, their families, and also orphans when they need it most. A wide array of stand-out items sold for impressive sums, ranging from gold pocket watches, to unique Masonic Aprons to oncein-a-lifetime trips to select destinations all across the continental United States and beyond. Over $45,000 was raised an amazing total for a first-time event of the kind. This year s auction will feature some new wrinkles, like the availability of a number of pre-auction items, with the online bidding starting February 16th, to give all Kansas Masons and Lodges a chance to participate, so that even Masons who simply cannot attend the Annual Communication itself will Freemasons Endowment 2nd CHARITY AUCTION still have the same chance to win those early items as the lucky ones who actually get to attend will. There will also be 25 onsite Silent Auction items, and at least 15 highly desirable live auction items to be sold on Friday night during the Banquet. All told, every Mason in Kansas will have at least one way to get involved and participate, via donation, bidding or both, in the very next Annual Freemason s Endowment Charity Auction. As bidders, of course, you are strongly encouraged to bid generously, since your willingness to do so will help make this event as helpful to the deserving Masons who benefit from the auction as it can possibly be. But how can suitable donation items be chosen? The best brief answer is that they should be things that you yourself find meaningful and valuable, yet are willing to part with perhaps some piece of memorabilia, or something of larger significance that represents your status or career. It s really up to you, but everything the KMF receives for the auction will be greatly appreciated. Since you ll be selling to Brother Masons and their families, the element of trickery that too often plays a part in non-masonic online auction offerings will be missing here. All involved will strive to provide all bidders, whether online or in person, with things they will be happy to have won. And since the proceeds go to a very good cause, serving to make life easier for brothers and their families in need, everybody involved winds up a winner all the way around, especially since your contribution is tax deductible. In addition, you will further benefit from the exposure of your name to those who attend the Second Annual Freemason s Endowment Charity Auction in March. Donors will be listed in the event program, the merchandise you donate will be on full display at the auction. As a donor, you ll be invited to attend the event itself, which could easily lead to you meeting prospective customers not to mention that when the bidding starts, you may well discover some bargains of your own! So why not begin planning to support the 2nd Annual Freemason s Endowment Charity Auction right now through your donations, your bids, and if at all possible, your presence? It will be here before you know it, so please start saving the dates of the 159th Annual Communication today: March 19th -21st, THE KANSAS MASON

41 STATE MASONIC PUBLIC SCHOOL ESSAY CONTEST Winning 2014 Over the summer of 1787, in a sweltering, stuffy room of Independence Hall, state delegates debated how our great nation should be governed and what rights American citizens should possess. Eventually, after months of deliberation, the Constitution was composed and ratified. This sovereign document and its amendments establish a representative republic where every individual has the opportunity to succeed. However, many Americans do not realize that our government structure and basic human rights established in the Constitution coincide with many Masonic principles. Indeed, with at least thirteen Freemason signers of the Constitution, it is clear that Masonic values assisted in constructing the foundation our nation was built upon and continue to influence positive growth in the United State of America. Of the thirty nine men who ratified the Constitution, an astounding thirty three percent were confirmed Freemasons. Even James Madison, the father of the Constitution, is believed to have been a Freemason. This substantial faction of Freemasons certainly had an impact on the ideals composed in the STATE MASONIC PUBLIC SCHOOL ESSAY CONTEST WINNER ESSAY TOPIC At least thirteen signers of the US Constitution were Freemasons. Discuss how Masonic values shaped the formation of our nation s republic. Grace Reilly, Tonganoxie High School, Sponsor: Henri Lodge No. 190 Constitution, as Masonic values can be found underlying many principles in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. For example, the first amendment in the Bill of Rights guarantees freedom of speech, religion, press, and assembly. These freedoms coincide with the Masonic value of tolerating diverse ethnicities, religions and cultures. In addition to influencing the freedoms established in the Bill of Rights, Masonic values influenced our government structure. The Constitution dictates that the three branches of national government, legislative, executive, and judicial, each have different duties and powers. With the exception of the judicial branch, the Constitution also dictates that government representatives are to be elected by the public. The operation of a Masonic Lodge is very similar to this system, only on a smaller scale. The top five lodge officials, Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Treasurer, and Secretary, each have different tasks to accomplish. Additionally, these officials are appointed through an election. Besides influencing the written laws that have defined America since our founding, Masonic charity has also greatly impacted American culture since the 1700 s. Beginning with providing General Oglethorpe with assistance in settling Georgia in 1732, Freemasons have provided immense charitable support throughout America s history. Whether it is assisting a family with recovering after losing a loved one, rebuilding communities following a natural disaster, or advancing medicine, Masonic charity has assisted and continues to aid in improving the lives of countless Americans every year. Masonic charity, although not written in our laws, has influenced generous support of those in need throughout American history. With at least thirteen Freemason signers of the Constitution, it is obvious that Masonic values influenced our nation s founding. Masonic values, including tolerance of diversity, structured leadership, and charitable support, have been clearly visible throughout our nation s history and are still evident today. Whether through the laws that govern us or the charitable support offered by the Freemasons, Masonic values continue to influence positive growth in the United States, just as they have since our nation s founding. FIRST PLACE ($4,000): Grace Reilly, Tonganoxie High School, Henri Lodge No. 190 SECOND PLACE ($3,000): Carrie Roland, Medicine Lodge High School, Delta Lodge No. 77 THIRD PLACE ($2,000): Elaina Finley, Louisburg High School, Peace Lodge No. 243 FOURTH PLACE ($1,000): Adam Zarnowiec, Lawrence Free State High School, Lawrence Lodge No. 6 HONORABLE MENTION ($500): ($500): Seann Seann Blair, Blair, Altoona-Midway High High School, School, Benedict Benedict Lodge Lodge No. No HONORABLE MENTION ($500): ($500): Tanner Tanner Lueker, Lueker, Junction Junction City City High High School, School, Union Union Lodge Lodge No. No. 7 7 HONORABLE MENTION ($500): ($500): Rylie Rylie Albert, Albert, Yates Yates Center Center High High School, School, Gilead Gilead Lodge Lodge No. No HONORABLE HONORABLE MENTION MENTION ($500): ($500): Jerica Jerica Hall, Hall, Cherryvale Cherryvale High High School, School, Fortitude Fortitude Lodge Lodge No. No

42 MAKING A DIFFERENCE By Kansas Masonic Foundation Staff Sold on Helping Brothers This year s auction will allow all Kansas Masons an opportunity to BID and WIN. Freemasons Endowment 2nd CHARITY AUCTION ONLINE SILENT LIVE The first part of the auction begins on Monday, February 16th at 8AM with 100+ items up for auction. You will be able to go to KMF s website ( and click on online auction and place your bid. You will be notified if you have been outbid and given the opportunity to bid again throughout the auction. The auction will end on Thursday, March 19th at 5PM just prior to the beginning of Grand Lodge Annual Communication. The second and third parts of the auction will take place during Annual Communications. If for some reason you are unable to attend this year s Annual Communication you can still participate in the onsite auctions. Ms. Diane McDermed (Diane@KansasMasonic. Foundation or ) will act as your proxy bidder. Simply or call Diane and advise her of your desired high bid and she will execute your bid for you. She will not reveal your high bid but will place bids on your behalf up to your designated high bid as the auction progresses. The second part of the auction will be a silent auction with approximately 25 auction items and bidding will begin Thursday, March 19 at 11AM and end on Friday, March 20 at 6PM. The third part of the auction will take place during the Annual Communication All Masonic Gala and it will be a Live Auction format. It is estimated that will be have approximately 18 items for the live auction. All auction items for all three auction events will be listed online and available for preview and online bidding. ONLINE A 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 2016 George Washington Birthday Celebration (February of 2016), and all access to tour the Memorial. Donated by Mark E. Smith Vintage Fire Chief Pedal Car AMF 503 pedal car in great unrestored condition, complete with original bell, stenciling, tires and hubcaps. Pedal, wheels, steering are in good working order. Some very minor scratches which do not detract from beautiful condition. Marked AMF, Olney, Ill, USA. Donated by Topeka Lodge No. 17 Boxed Arrowhead Collection Excellent example of Native American history, 50 arrowheads attractively displayed in a light oak colored collector s box (red background). Suitable for any case collection or wall mount display. Many hard-to-find sizes and shapes. A must for any collector! Anonymous Donor Blue Lodge Shrine Eastern Star Working Tools Meerschaum Pipe Handsome Masonic Pipe that is unique and quality made, this meerschaum is the most flavorful and beautiful pipe one can own. The unique design is of museum quality. Donated by Lyn Beyer 1905 Elgin Finger Bridge Masonic Theme Dial This is an open face pocket watch bearing beautiful masonic detailing. Watch is stem/wind & stem/set in excellent running condition. Anonymous Donor 1908 Waltham 17 Jewel Masonic Theme Dial This is an open face pocket watch with an Alaska silver case, and features an original enamel dial. Excellent running condition. A true heirloom piece. Anonymous Donor 1926 Elgin Masonic Pocket Watch This octagonal fancy open face pocket watch has 17 jewels movement and is in excellent running condition. Gold color and crystal glass. Collectors timepiece. Anonymous Donor Antique Limoges France Personalized Masonic Shaving Mug Unusual Shaving Mug embellished with the Masonic emblem is signed T&V Limoges France on the bottom in green, dated A rare find! Anonymous Donor One Soldier s Story Personally signed by the author, Senator Robert Dole, directly into the book. By Eastern Press. This is a priceless collector s item. Donated by Senator Robert Dole 4 One Day Passes to the Walnut Festival The Walnut Valley Festival, honored in 1999 by the International Bluegrass Music Association, was first to receive the IBMA Bluegrass Event of the Year award. Every 3rd weekend 42 THE KANSAS MASON

43 of September annually, it provides family fare entertainment complete with a large juried arts and crafts fair, workshops, and acoustic instrument contests. The festival is located in Winfield, Kansas. Donated by Winfield Lodge No. 110 Registration for 2015 Kansas Freemasons Leadership Academy This fun package includes one night lodging at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Topeka, Kansas, buffet breakfast for two and registration to the 2015 Leadership Conference for a Kansas Mason and his Lady. Donated by Daren Kellerman $250 Retail Premier Design Jewelry Premier offers a line of more than 500 beautiful and affordable fashion jewelry items, with something to appeal to every customer s sense of style and budget. A gorgeous selection of unique jewelry complimenting any wardrobe. Donated by Angela Herrman A Man s Yellow Gold Gothic Closed Back 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Striking Masonic Ring Stamped 14 karat. The top of the ring has a double headed eagle. One side of the ring has a gold 32 with a black triangle around it. The other side a gold S inside a black triangle. Beautiful ring donated by Brother John Torrence to Lebo Lodge No Donated by Lebo Lodge No. 152 Set of Fantastic Books This nine-book collection authored by Carl A. Otto, a Mason of 67 years, who began writing after he lost his wife of 54+ years. The books contain many true stories about his life as well as many stories of events which have had a profound effect on his way of thinking. You will find that he has a way with words. Anonymous Donor AF&AM Kansas Art Piece A unique carved and etched, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Kansas emblem art piece. This carving is framed and enclosed in glass to protect this quality art piece. Anonymous Donor Gardener s Paradise Spend a day digging at one of the largest collections of outdoor annuals in Southeast Kansas. Winner will receive over 20 different colors of iris, plus seeds, bulbs, and starts of several other annuals. Offer includes two one-year old cling-free peach trees. Winning bid will determine colors in May when iris s are blooming. Donated by Bill & Vera Wheeler / Vulcan Lodge No. 229 Two nights stay for two at the Three Sisters Inn This package consists of a two consecutive night stay at the lovely Three Sisters Inn located at 1035 Ames in Baldwin City, Kansas, and includes one double occupancy room and breakfast for two on each of the mornings. Reservations required via the website at Weekends of May or May 17-18, are excluded; March 31st, 2016 expiration. Donated by Mikel Stoops Two nights stay for two at the Three Sisters This package consists of a two consecutive night stay at the lovely Three Sisters Inn located at 1035 Ames in Baldwin City, Kansas, and includes one double occupancy room and breakfast for two on each of the mornings. Reservations required via the website at Weekends of May or May 17-18, are excluded; March 31st, 2016 expiration. Donated by Mikel Stoops Masonic Wooden Emblem Rare emblem made out of Balsomic Birch, San Marco Oak, and Black Walnut. The compass is the blue back and square and includes a large G. It has a round top. Beautifully made by Artist Jule Larrabee. Donated by Lincoln Wilson Hunting/Skinning Knife with Masonic Logo Handcrafted by Past Master Marvin Seaman from Goodland Lodge No ATS-34 Stainless Steel blade 4 ½ and 9 ¼ overall length with Spalted Maple Handle and hand stitched 9-9 oz vegetable tanned cowhide sheath. Knife has lanyard hole & nickel silver bolster with mosaic pins. Gorgeous spackled maple handle. Donated by St. Francis Lodge No. 404 Kansas Freemasons Game Box Lovely game box includes Masonic square and compass on the front and inscribed Kansas Freemasons on the level on the front. The box includes two handsome decks of playing cards and dominoes. Exterior decoration features a unique checked border that appears all the way around the box. Donated by Herb Merrick Masonic Humidor Handsome wooden humidor that includes Masonic square and compass on top and inscribed Kansas Freemasons on the level. Great to keep your cigars fresh in a climate controlled Humidor. Donated by Herb Merrick Masonic Maple Flask Case Maple Flask Case that includes Masonic square and compass on top and inscribed Kansas Freemasons on the level. Case comes with 4 Masonic glasses and Masonic Flask. This attractive flask case is made out of maple. Donated by Herb Merrick Masonic Bag for Ladies Light blue ladies tote bag designed by Marla Newman, wife of PGM Don Newman. Donated by the Grand Lodge of Kansas Kansas Freemasons on the Level Cloth Briefcase This dark blue briefcase has several pockets to manage your business documents. It is inscribed with the Masonic emblem. Donated by the Grand Lodge of Kansas Masonic Shirt Extra large, long sleeve Oxford Shirt, red, has the Kansas Freemasons On The Level embroidered with the Masonic emblem. Donated by the Grand Lodge of Kansas Masonic Glasses Two nice beverage glasses etched with the Masonic Emblem. Donated by Patrick Craddock, Owner of The Craftsman s Apron Masonic Ink Pen Gorgeous color of blue, perfect for your desk, the Masonic emblem is displayed in gold. Donated by Wichita Lodge No. 99 Commemorative Heart of America Plane Ride 30 to 40 feet ride in an open cockpit WWII Fairchild PT-19 Aircraft owned by commemorative Air Force (CAF). The aircraft is based at New Century Airport in Olathe, KS, where winner will take the plane ride. Donated by Richard Schroder-Commemorative Air Force 2 Kansas State University Football Tickets Tickets for one of the fall 2015 Big 12 games at Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan. Donated by Warren Slocombe 2 Kansas State University Basketball Tickets Tickets for one of the winter 2016 Big 12 games at the Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan. Donated by Warren Slocombe 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. Donated by Michael Halleran 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. Donated by Michael Halleran Smithton Lodge No. 1 Lafayette Lodge No. 16 Goodland Lodge No. 321 Marmaton Lodge No. 245 Warren Keith Heumann CASH DONORS Lincoln L. Wilson Jr. Tracy Bloom, PGM Lyn E. Beyer, GSW Tony Borum David W. Hendricks Don Wheeler Dale Marrow Bob Jeselnik Bob Talbot, GSD Herbert F. Merrick Jr. SPRING

44 Mackey s Revised Encyclopedia of Freemasonry Volume 1-3 Blue encyclopedias, etched in gold print, masonic compass on the front of the encyclopedias, handsome collection. Standard and fully approved works on the subject of Freemasonry are published only by the Masonic History Company. Written by H.L. Haywood. Anonymous Donor Holy Bible Dark blue with gold etching includes a gold masonic compass on the front of the bible. The bible contains the Old and New Testaments Beautifully illustrated with colored paintings. Nice addition for any living room or den to display. Copyright 1951 by the John A. Hertel Co. Anonymous Donor Large Commercial Pizza Oven The Blodgett 51 Space Saver Double Deck Oven has 2 individually heated ovens which sit atop 7 legs. Custom-designed heavy steel burners maintain their even heat distribution while the iron frame ensures a strong structural integrity. Easy to clean and maintain, features bottom air intake, for a perfectly cooked pizza every time. It stands about 5 3 and is 4 2 wide. With iron frame Stainless steel construction; dual-spring door; Fiber insulation throughout compartment; Heavy-duty chrome-plated tubular steel door handle. New retails for $8,000+ and would be perfect for man cave or backyard entertaining. Donated by Jeff Branstetter. Limestone Block Own a piece of native Kansas limestone. This handsome limestone block is engraved with the Masonic emblem. Donated by Ellsworth Lodge No. 146 Dinner for 2 at the Brookville Hotel Located in Abilene, Kansas, Brookville Hotel traces its roots back to the 1870 s. A tradition made famous in 1915 continues with the great Family Style Chicken Dinner. Donated by Solomon City Lodge No.105 Dinner for 2 at the Brookville Hotel Located in Abilene, Kansas, Brookville Hotel traces its roots back to the 1870 s. A tradition made famous in 1915 continues with the great Family Style Chicken Dinner. Donated by Solomon City Lodge No.105 Dinner for 2 at the Brookville Hotel Located in Abilene, Kansas, Brookville Hotel traces its roots back to the 1870 s. A tradition made famous in 1915 continues with the great Family Style Chicken Dinner. Donated by Solomon City Lodge No.105 Dinner for 2 at the Brookville Hotel Located in Abilene, Kansas, Brookville Hotel traces its roots back to the 1870 s. A tradition made famous in 1915 continues with the great Family Style Chicken Dinner. Donated by Solomon City Lodge No.105 Two Suite tickets and one parking pass for the University of Kansas football game against South Dakota State Experience the excitement of this game at KU s Memorial Stadium on September 5th. Donated by University of Kansas. Two tickets and one parking pass for one, University of Kansas Men s basketball game in Allen Fieldhouse. Be part of an electric season when the Jayhawks kick-off their fall season. Bearer will select a mutually agreed upon game of either Dec. 1, 9, 19, or 29, Donated by University of Kansas. Antique (older) Full Staircase Lecture 3-Part Canvas Set Outstanding condition with original roller for storage of set. Enjoy an incredible piece of Masonic history with this unique canvas set. Donated by Wellsville Lodge No Masonic Metal Composite Belt Buckle Nicely inscribed belt buckle that displays the 32nd degree symbol. Donated by Haysville Lodge No Early Walnut Antique Freemason Ballot Box with Drawer and Oval Ballot Opening Ivory Ballot Balls Included. Believed to be turn-of-the-century, this ballot box is made of walnut. Donated by Wellsville Lodge No Two Highly Ornate, Antique Masonic Pillars In original excellent condition with globes. These pillars represent the pillars Jachin and Boz which Hiram of Tyre made for Solomon, and set one on either side of the entrance to the Temple. They commemorate the pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night which guided the Israelites in their forty years wanderings in the wilderness. Great addition to your office for decoration or Lodge. Donated by Wellsville Lodge No. 356 Wonderful Set of 5 Antique Oak High Back Arm Chairs from early 1900 s. Very solid oak chairs with no damage. Great for home, office or Lodge. Donated by Wellsville Lodge No Outstanding Very Ornate Antique Oak Masonic Lodge Furniture Set Rare set of Master and Senior & Junior Warden chairs, ceremonial altar and 2 pedestals with marble top. Other than some minor staining touch-up it is in excellent condition. A unique and rare find to compliment any Lodge restoration. Donated by Wellsville Lodge No Have Your Will Prepared by an Attorney Every family needs a will to ensure your assets are distributed to whomever you choose in the amount and manner that you choose. Designated by The National Trial Lawyers as one of the Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers for 2014, Your [will], will be prepared in accordance with Kansas law and will include (financial and health powers of attorney documents, living will and related documents). Preparation limited to Kansas. Donated by Eric Kjorlie Law Office, Topeka, Kansas Kansas State University Football Package 2015 Season The 2015 Wildcat Football Season has some GREAT can t miss home games. Package includes season tickets for 4-Chair Back Padded Seats on the East Side (seats 1, 2, 3, 4 aisle seats section 22) midway up from field on the 30 yard line. Also includes a parking pass on the East Side close to SE Gate entrance (number 413) for great tailgating parties. Donated by Bob Shively. Replica Revolver of General Custer s Original Cal. 36 Beautiful presentation in mint condition. This has been displayed but overall it is in very good-functional condition, the trigger and cylinder action function as it should. Given to W. Daniel H. Johnson who was a historian of General Custer. Donated by the family of W. Daniel H. Johnson who was a Past Master of Hays Lodge No. 195 and an Emeritus member of the KMF Board of Trustees. Dan passed away in Bobby Unser Gurney Eagle Racing Car by Beam All original, mint in box, 1975 Indy 500 Winning Race Car Replica Formula 1 Olsonite Gurney Eagle #48. Donated by the family of W:.Daniel H. Johnson who was a Past Master of Hays Lodge No. 195 and a member of the KMF board of trustees for many years. Dan passed away in 2014 K-State Football Known as the architect of the greatest turnaround in college football history, this personally autographed Bill Snyder football is a true collectors item. Donated by the family of W:.Daniel H. Johnson who was a Past Master of Hays Lodge No. 195 and a member of the KMF board of trustees for many years. Dan passed away in 2014 Beautiful Chinese Vase with Hand Painted Scene Elegant Vase with blue hand painted scene in presentation box. Donated by the family of W:.Daniel H. Johnson who was a Past Master of Hays Lodge No. 195 and a member of the KMF board of trustees for many years. Dan passed away in Authentic Scale Replica Trucks Very collectable 1:64 Scale Die Cast Semi-Trucks, all different, mint in box, given to W. Dan Johnson as a Representative of the Kansas House of Representatives. Donated by the family of W:.Daniel H. Johnson who was a Past Master of Hays Lodge No. 195 and a member of the KMF board of trustees for many years. Dan passed away in 2014 Late 1800 s Silver Victorian Masonic Dues Card Holder In Excellent Condition. A unique treasure for any Masonic collector. Anonymous Donor. 7 Kennedy 1964 Silver (90%) Half Dollars All uncirculated proofs in collector case. Anonymous Donor Volume 11 (M-Z) Encyclopedia of Freemasonry By Albert C. Mackey 330 and Charles G. Mackey 330, Revised edition, (last copyright 1912) by 44 THE KANSAS MASON

45 Edward L. Hawkins 300 and William J. Hughan 320. This unique older encyclopedia is in great shape, masonic emblem on the front with gold lettering on the side. Donated by Orient Lodge No. 51 Volume Mackey s Revised History of Freemasonry Written by Robert Ingham Clegg, 330, volume five, copyrighted 1896, 1906 and 1921 by the Masonic History Company. This unique older encyclopedia is in great shape, masonic emblem on the front with gold lettering on the side. Donated by Orient Lodge No. 51 A Visit with General Albert Pike DVD copied and reproduced from original VCR tape. Fifty-Two plus minutes long. Donated by Orient Lodge No. 51 A Masonic Cachet Commemorating the first day of issue of the centennial Kansas stamp. Presented in a protective plastic sleeve, this cachet (envelope with special printed designs) bears a Council Grove cancellation, the old Midway U.S.A. Donated by Daren Kellerman Beautifully framed Grand Junior Warden Grand Lodge (Quality) Ceremonial Apron Produced with gold bullion thread and the familiar Jurisdiction of Kansas pattern interwoven into the design. Apron worn by Current and Past Grand Lodge officers in the performance of their duties in both public and private ceremonial duties. Each year the person entrusted with the apron signed the back as a memento of his service. This exquisite and now historical apron was worn by officers from Donated by the Grand Lodge of Kansas Beautifully framed Senior Steward Grand Lodge (Quality) Ceremonial Apron Produced with gold bullion thread and the familiar Jurisdiction of Kansas pattern interwoven into the design. Apron worn by Current and Past Grand Lodge officers in the performance of their duties in both public and private ceremonial duties. Each year the person entrusted with the apron signed the back as a memento of his service. This exquisite and now historical apron was worn by officers from Donated by the Grand Lodge of Kansas Two Tickets for Belleville Midget Nationals Auto Race Attend Friday and Saturday night at Belleville, as the nation s most prestigious event of the year for Midgets. America s top owners and drivers trek to Kansas for this historic event. This is one-of-a-kind that brings the best equipment and drivers to the nation s richest Midget race in the country. Donated by Belleville Lodge No. 129 LIFE Magazines A selection of six LIFE Magazines from the 1930 s,1940 s, and 1950 s. Start you own collector s edition with these awesome historical magazines. Donated by Roy Sullivan, PGM Phat Brothers BBQ Package Feed Your Lodge or Family Something Great!! Let us cook for you. Ten pounds of the World s Best BBQ Pulled Pork from the Phat Brothers Competition BBQ Team. Package includes 2½ quarts of BBQ Beans and 4 pints of their Award Winning BBQ sauce. Package will be delivered if the winner is within a two hour drive of Hiattville, otherwise pickup arrangements will be made. Feeds 2 to 30 depending on how hungry you are. Meat will be vacuum packed in 2 lb. packages (can be used immediately or frozen for future use). Donated by Hiattville Lodge No Corvette From the Inside The 50 Year Development History as told by Dave McLellan, Corvette s Chief Engineer The book was written from the perspective of an insider who led the team and helped make it all happen for 17 years of Corvette history. Approach the story at three levels, in pictures with captions, as the mainstream story and sidebars that tell interest sidelights to Corvette. Personally autographed by Dave McLellan. Donated by Dave McLellan Tickets for Two for the Midwest Hunt Fest Premier Outdoor Sportsman Show Held at the Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center, 225 W Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS, August 14-16, MIDWEST HUNTFEST is a Hunting / Fishing / Sportsman Expo featuring the latest products, hunting celebrities, familyfriendly attractions and fun! Show includes outdoor experts, archery shoots, seminars, demonstrations and youth activities. Donated by Midwest Hunt Fest Tickets for Two for the Midwest Hunt Fest Premier Outdoor Sportsman Show Held at the Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center, 225 W Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS, August 14-16, MIDWEST HUNTFEST is a Hunting / Fishing / Sportsman Expo featuring the latest products, hunting celebrities, familyfriendly attractions and fun! Show includes outdoor experts, archery shoots, seminars, demonstrations and youth activities. Donated by Midwest Hunt Fest Fabulous Case Masonic Engraved Knife Part of an excellent collection, this knife is made by W.R. Case & Sons, and is engraved with the square and compass. Complete with leather case, tip can and display box bearing In Search of More Light. Anonymous Donor. Frost Cutlery Masonic Knife This 3 1/2 closed stainless blade knife bears a blue and white smooth bone handle embellished with the Masonic shield. Made in China, original box. Anonymous Donor. Frost Cutlery Masonic Knife This 3 1/2 closed pocket knife is high quality stainless. The white and blue smooth bone handle is finished with the Masonic shield. Original box, made in China. Anonymous Donor. History of Kansas Masonry Volume I & II of the History of Kansas Masonry provides the sharing of the past with the present. These publications provides further aid in search of From Whence We Came and in doing so, each who participates will surely become a wiser Mason and a better Mason. Each member of our Craft plays an important part in our future and each of us must be continually reminded of this that we may not be found wanting in the performance of our duties. Donated by the Grand Lodge of Kansas Beautifully framed Grand Lecturer Grand Lodge (Quality) Ceremonial Apron Produced with gold bullion thread and the familiar Jurisdiction of Kansas pattern interwoven into the design. Apron worn by Current and Past Grand Lecturers in the performance of their duties in both public and private ceremonial duties. Each year the person entrusted with the apron signed the back as a memento of his service. This exquisite and now historical apron was worn by officers from Donated by the Grand Lodge of Kansas Beautifully framed Area Deputy Grand Master Grand Lodge (Quality) Ceremonial Apron Produced with gold bullion thread and the familiar Jurisdiction of Kansas pattern interwoven into the design. Apron worn by Current and Past Grand Lodge Area Deputy Grand Masters in the performance of their duties in both public and private ceremonial duties. Each year the person entrusted with the apron signed the back as a memento of his service. This exquisite and now historical apron was worn by officers from Donated by the Grand Lodge of Kansas Custom 10K Gold Masonic Ring This gorgeous Masonic Ring will be customized to include the winning Masons lodge name and number (there are limited number of characters) around the front of this ring. Fantastic craftsmanship. Donated by Macoy Publishing & Masonic Supply Co. Vizio 2.0 Sound Bar with Integrated Speaker Television sound bars are the perfect addition for your home entertainment system. While a high quality TV provides great visuals, the increasingly thin displays leave less room for high quality speakers. Enter sound bars! Simple to set up and requiring very little space, sound bars dramatically improve your home movie experience with awesome sound. Designed to hookup to a small to medium size high definition television. Donated by Jonathon W. McConnell, Attorney at Law Rare Brass Masonic Wall Hanging Magnificent brass and pewter wall plate, 11 ¼ diameter, embellished with square and compass on a blue background. Donated by Darrell Blake SPRING

46 SILENT Boxed Arrowhead Collection Excellent display of 45 arrowheads in walnut collector s box (blue background). Assortment includes unique shapes, sizes and composition, making a nice presentation of Native American history. Suitable for any case collection or to mount as wall display. Anonymous Donor A Straight Grain Handmade Briar Pipe Exquisitely designed, this Briar pipe features a square and compass carved on the face. Made by Bob Gilbert a Mason from Denton, Texas. Donated by Lyn Beyer 11 x 18 Handmade Specialty Cutting Board This stunning cutting block is made from 210 pieces of Walnut, Maple and Cherry. New, and unique item. Donated by Don Robinette, PGM Custom Made Past Masters Apron Hand stitched with gold bullion thread on lamb skin. This gorgeous black and gold apron will be customized for the winning bidder with the name of the Lodge of their choice. Donated by Timothy Fowler Millennium Mark Masonic Tokens A fantastic collection of friendship tokens representing Mark Tokens that Masonic friends exchange and collect. The collection consists of tokens of the various Masonic Orders. Donated by James L. Jack, P.M., Secretary, Immediate Provincial Grand Master OLD MASTERS FREEMASON Blended Scotch Whisky Old Masters, a rich blend originally created for the Freemasons, has been carefully chosen from selected grain whiskies and specific Highland and Speyside malts. Like whisky, Freemasonry has been established for centuries and offers a recognizable brand to complement the Craft s ageold traditions. (92 points) Donated by Bob Shively Kansas Freemasons Wine Box Stunning wine box includes Masonic square and compass on the front and inscribed Kansas Freemasons on the level. Box appears to be cherry wood. The lovely red satin interior holds wine utensils, and a bottle of quality wine. Donated by Herb Merrick Masters Top Hat Winner will be able to order size to fit. Black attractive top hat, sure to please. Donated by Rick Ryan A 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. Donated by Coach Bill Snyder J.A. NINE Black Handgun The 9MM W/ 10 or 12 ROUND MAGAZINE handgun is made in America. Great extra pistol for the Truck, RV, ATC, or the Boat. Made with magazine out safety; slide hold open on last round; loaded chamber indicator; bold pistol red cocked indicator; massive screw adjustable rear sigh; high visibility red front sight; thumb operated magazine release. Donated by Dean Hodgson, John French, II and Derby Lodge No. 365 J.A. NINE Silver Handgun The 9MM W/ 10 or 12 ROUND MAGAZINE handgun is made in America. Great extra pistol for the Truck, RV, ATC, or the Boat. Made with magazine out safety; slide hold open on last round; loaded chamber indicator; bold pistol red cocked indicator; massive screw adjustable rear sigh; high visibility red front sight; thumb operated magazine release. Donated by Dean Hodgson, John French, II and Derby Lodge No. 365 Bill Self Autographed Basketball One of the winningest coaches, Self has led KU to ten straight Big 12 Conference Season Championships. A personally autographed basketball is the perfect gift for any enthusiast. Donated by University of Kansas Replica of a Civil War Era Saber Comes with a Scabbard. Donated by the family of W:.Daniel H. Johnson who was a Past Master of Hays Lodge No. 195 and a member of the KMF board of trustees for many years. Dan passed away in 2014 Embroidered set of Masonic Officer Customized Hoodies Hooded sweatshirt with large Square and Compass and Lodge name and position embroidered on the back and person s name and small masonic emblem embroidered on the front. Set will include, Worshipful Master; Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Senior Deacon, Junior Deacon; Senior Steward; Junior Steward; Tyler; Secretary; Treasurer; Chapin. Set will include choice of pullover or full zip. Winner will notify Clay Thomas for personalization of the Hoodies. Customization and Delivery will take up to 4 weeks. Donated by Clay Thomas of Clays Customs. Genuine Pendleton Blanket Premier leader in quality blankets. The blanket is red wool and features a Shrine Emblem in the center. Made by Indians with fabulous workmanship. Donated by Steve Molstad, PGM Gorgeous Framed Masonic Christmas Tree Made with stunning costume Masonic jewelry, this framed piece is a rare find. Unusual, but lovely tree was made by a Past Grand Master. Donated by Steve Molstad, PGM 1870 Currier & Ives Print The beautiful antique print is depicting the Master s Chart or Master s Carpet. Donated by Albert Pike Lodge No. 303 A Masonic Cachet Commemorating the first day of issue of the centennial Kansas stamp. Presented in a protective plastic sleeve, this cachet (envelope with special printed designs) bears a Council Grove cancellation, the old Midway U.S.A. Donated by Daren Kellerman Beautifully framed Grand Senior Warden Grand Lodge (Quality) Ceremonial Apron Produced with gold bullion thread and the familiar Jurisdiction of Kansas pattern interwoven into the design. Apron worn by Current and Past Grand Lodge officers in the performance of their duties in both public and private ceremonial duties. Each year the person entrusted with the apron signed the back as a memento of his service. This exquisite and now historical apron was worn by officers from Donated by the Grand Lodge of Kansas Beautifully framed Grand Secretary Grand Lodge (Quality) Ceremonial Apron Produced with gold bullion thread and the familiar Jurisdiction of Kansas pattern interwoven into the design. Apron worn by Current and Past Grand Lodge officers in the performance of their duties in both public and private ceremonial duties. Each year the person entrusted with the apron signed the back as a memento of his service. This exquisite and now historical apron was worn by officers from Donated by the Grand Lodge of Kansas Original 1853 Edition of The Masonic Manual: A Pocket Companion for the Initiated. Containing the Rituals of Freemasonry Embraced in the Lodge, Chapter, and Encampment; Embellished with nearly 300 Symbolical Illustrations. Together with forms of Masonic Documents, Notes, Songs, Dates, Etc. by Robert Macoy, Published by New York Clark & Maynard. Complete with 300 Pages+ and Bound in Full Leather Wraps featuring Full Gilt Pages. Very Good Condition. Antique Style Triangle Masonic Desk Clock This is a outstanding reproduction of the 1930 s Masonic Vintage Triangle Desk Clock. This great Masonic collectable would look perfect in either your home or office. Anonymous Donor Bear and Son 3 1/2 Masonic Knife Set This stunning double blade knife represents a custom product of Bear & Son Cutlery, USA, and is beautifully packaged in a Masonic case. The multi-tone bone handle in blue, white and black has an applied Masonic shield while the blade is inscribed Free and Accepted Masons. Anonymous Donor History of Kansas Masonry Volume I & II of the History of Kansas Masonry provides the sharing of the past with the present. These publications provides further aid in search of From Whence We Came and in doing so, each who participates will surely become a wiser Mason and a better Mason. Each member of our Craft plays an important part in our future and each of us must be continually reminded of this that we may not be found wanting in the performance of our duties. Donated by the Grand Lodge of Kansas 46 THE KANSAS MASON

47 Flintknapped Knife and Stand Flintknapping is the process of making stone tools (arrowheads, knife blades, spear points, etc.). The ancient art of flintknapping has been around for thousands of years. An art form, this custom designed flintnapped knife and stand by Keith Tindell, is a beautiful piece of work, which was a way of life for our ancestors. The blade is knapped out of a piece of red dendritic agate. The handle is crafted from the whitetail deer antler. The antler was naturally shed by the deer and was collected in Southeast Kansas on the ranch of Jeffrey L. Sowder, PGM. The stand is made out of black walnut. Donated by Woodson Lodge No. 121 Sterling Silver & Turquoise Square & Compass Watchband Beautifully crafted b Navajo Silversmith Begay. In memory of Charles Sam Hartley. Donated by Delta Lodge No. 77 LIVE An 8-Day and 7-Night Unbelievable Trip to Maui, Hawaii Lodging and airfare for two are provided for a trip of a lifetime. From its heavenly beaches to its scenic natural wonders, there are plenty of reasons why Maui has been voted Best Island by readers of Conde Nast Traveler for nineteen years. Donated by Mike Tavares Two Handcrafted, Inlaid Masonic Tables and Lamps Made of oak with grain going towards the center, includes masonic emblems of walnut. The table is 24 ½ inches wide by 27 inches high, and includes a bottom shelf in 4 pieces. The lamp is 13 inches high, with a gray lamp shade and light dimmer. Unique and beautifully handmade and donated by Don Robinette, PGM. Original Handcrafted Gavel Own a piece of Kansas Masonic history with this one-of-a-kind gavel. It was designed and utilized by M.W. Michael A. Halleran, during his term as Grand Master. Donated by M.W. Michael A. Halleran and Tony Borum Processed Half of a Hog Excellent pork that you can use for pork roast, pulled pork, bacon or ham. Will need to pick up the hog at the butcher in Mound City, Kansas by April 10th, Donated by La Cygne Lodge No. 61 Dinner with the Grand Master Enjoy a special evening arranged with the Grand Master of Kansas. Donated by Daren Kellerman Symphony in the Flint Hills Concert Tickets for 4, lodging and meals included. The Symphony in the Flint Hills Signature Event debuted in 2006 at the Preserve and has moved to a different site within the Flint Hills every year since. This is the first time the event has returned to the same location. Symphony in the Flint Hills, Inc. celebrates the history, ecology and culture of the last stand of native Tallgrass Prairie through music and place-based education. Each spring, 7,000 kindred spirits gather for our Signature Event, a world-class symphony concert in an unmatched prairie setting. The 10th Anniversary Signature Event will be held at the Tallgrass National Preserve in Chase County on June 13, 2015, where it all started at the Tallgrass National Preserve 10 years ago. Donated by Emporia Lodge No. 12 Apple - Apple ipad Air 16GB Wi-Fi. ipad Air is 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. Donated by Ron Capps THE MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND MASTER 1869 Lithograph Framed 145 year old original lithograph of The Most Worshipful Grand Master printed in London by Vanity Fair magazine, dated December 4, This is a caricature of the Second Earl of Zetland (Shetland), Thomas Dundas, who served as Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England from 1844 to The lithograph measures 9 x 14. The frame is 13 x 18. Comes with a certificate of authenticity. Any resemblance to any present or past Kansas Grand Master is purely coincidental. Donated by Peace Lodge 243, Louisburg Grand Master s Edition Rifle Henry Big Boy Deluxe in.357 Mag. Hand engraved one of only 1000 made in.357 Mag. Leven Action; Capacity of 10 rounds +1; Total length of 38.5 ; 20 octagonal barrel with 1:38rh rate of twist; Marbles fully adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight with white diamond insert and brass beaded front sight; weight 8.68 lbs.; Straight-rip American walnut stock; finish includes a solid top brass receiver, brass buttplate and brass barrel band. Each side of the chamber will be embedded with a Grand Master Challenge Coin. Donated by Grand Lodge Officers, Area Deputy Grand Masters, and District Deputy Grand Masters Winchester model 52 Target Rifle Cal. 22 LR. In wooden case. Match grade, used for competition. Donated by the family of W:.Daniel H. Johnson who was a Past Master of Hays Lodge No. 195 and a member of the KMF board of trustees for many years. Dan passed away in Grand Master Pin Collection Beautifully framed, this one of a kind collection showcases the pins of our Kansas Grand Masters from 1996-present. This unique piece honors the steadfast dedication and leadership which continues to propel our fraternity today. Donated by Bob Shively Samsung Chromebook An ultraportable, sleek laptop for everyday adventures. New and in original sealed box. Donated by Albert Pike Lodge No. 303 Beautifully framed Deputy Grand Master Grand Lodge (Quality) Ceremonial Apron Produced with gold bullion thread and the familiar Jurisdiction of Kansas pattern interwoven into the design. Apron worn by Current and Past Grand Lodge officers in the performance of their duties in both public and private ceremonial duties. Each year the person entrusted with the apron signed the back as a memento of his service. This exquisite and now historical apron was worn by officers from Donated by the Grand Lodge of Kansas Niall One Luxury Timepiece This American luxury timepiece is a one-of-a-kind, custom made design by company founder Michael Wilson, who is the Senior Deacon at Old Mission Lodge No. 153 in Prairie Village, KS and descends from a long line of Masons. The brand was inspired by wisdom he acquired during his degree work - the importance of sacred geometry, the use of numerology, and what it means to craft something from a rough ashlar to a perfect ashlar. Hand-polished stainless steel, Naill One is imprinted with the square and compass on the dial and faith, hope, charity on the serial plate, and the message of he conquers who conquers himself in gaelic. The Niall One is the first timepiece in the World to be manufactured with over 90% of its components in the USA, is made with Corning Gorilla glass, and offers a customizable design process that is elegant and modern. Naill One timepieces, like this one, retail for $4,000+. Donated by Michael Wilson Beautifully Framed Bro Brothers Illustrations by Ted Bastien A framed composite of three original Bro. Brother illustrations by the series artist Ted Bastien, attractively framed and mounted and signed by the Grand Master on the reverse. Donated by Michael A. Halleran 2004 John Deere HPX 4x4 Gator Like new 2004 John Deere 4x4 Gator that has had limited use and has recently been completely serviced by local John Deere dealer and is in great condition. This Gator has a hydraulic power dump, turn signals, tires with aggressive tread and new battery. Donated by Topeka Lodge No. 17 Rare Tempor Watch Co. Silver Triangular Masonic Keyless Lever Watch With Enamel Dial An unusual and rare round dial triangular masonic keyless lever watch with enamel dial signed Love your fellow man lend him helping hand. The round dial version is very rare to come by and the most valuable one of the masonic pocket watches. Similar watches has been sold on Christies and very similar model is currently being displayed at the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. Length of case side: 54mm, white mother of pearl dial with colorful masonic symbols, circa 1920 s, manufactured by Tempor Watch Co., very good working condition and was just serviced. Anonymous Donor SPRING

48 LODGE OF RESEARCH By Herb F. Merrick, Jr., Grand Marshal, Past Master Hancock Lodge No. 311 & KMF Trustee Enabling The Masonic Explorer In All Of Us. Kansas Lodge of Research was established in 1982 to conduct research, gather and preserve Masonic information, supply speakers, and enhance Grand Lodge endeavors to promote Masonic Education. In this article Bro. Herb Merrick explores the background the first master of his lodge and reveals the high caliber of an Army artillery officer who received the military s most prestigious combat decoration. Perhaps your lodge has had brothers with extraordinary accomplishments. Submit your findings to klor@kansasmason.org or see our web page at kansasmason.org. The Unyielding Carle Woodruff, Founding Master I was examining the many pictures taken of our lodge founders when two such particularly attracted my interest. Both of the same man; Carle Augustus Woodruff. One was Worshipful Brother Woodruff in his York Rite Commandary uniform and the other was in the formal dress uniform of a Brigadier General adorned with the Medal of Honor on the center of his chest. The quest to know more of the first Master of Hancock Lodge No. 311 took me back to a hot July afternoon in Smoke and confusion reigned across the gently rolling fields as Major General David M. Gregg, commander of the 2nd Cavalry Division of the Army of the Potomac, arrived at the position of M Battery, 2nd Field Artillery. Gregg was looking for an artillery officer that he could order to have the battery displaced off the field. Five brigades of Confederate Cavalry were engaged immediately in front of the battery ready to overwhelm the one Union Regiment that was attempting to stop their advance and destroy the artillery. The General was about to get one of the biggest surprises of the day as he found Lieutenant Carle Augustus Woodruff commanding the right section of guns. Upon receiving the order, Lieutenant Woodruff laconically informed the General exactly where he could take his order. M Battery was not going to retire. Instead the Lieutenant ordered his cannoneers to load double canister and to continue to fire into the melee of cavalry to his front. These actions gave the remnants of the other Union regiments in the area time to reorganize. They delayed the Confederate Cavalry s attempt to join the Pickett s attack on the Union center under the command of Major General Winfield Scott Hancock. The Confederates battle of the ridge was over. Over the next three weeks, the Army of the Potomac would repeatedly try to re-engage the Army of Northern Virginia in another major battle. The final attempt would again involve Lieutenant Woodruff and the Acting Commander of 3rd Cavalry Division (George Custer) at Newby s Cross 48 THE KANSAS MASON

49 Roads near Battle Mountain, Virginia. On July 24, based on Meade s orders of the 23rd. 1, Custer sent the Michigan Brigade, his favorite, to come to grips with the front of Lee s forces. Longstreet s and A.P. Hill s Corps were moving south through Chester s Gap being screened by Jenkins s cavalry. General Pleasanton, the Cavalry Corps Commander, hoped that Custer s force could slow the Confederate force so that Union infantry could close. The plan called for the cavalry to copy Buford s actions on the first day at Gettysburg and have the Confederate forces deploy from a marching column to a line of battle and then fight a delaying battle until Union infantry could close. This would prove to be the last chance for a second Gettysburg. 2 The Michigan Brigade with M Battery supporting by section (three sections of two ordinance rifles each) attacked. Opening with his artillery Custer was able to advance upon the Confederates. He deployed two regiments of the brigade in the lead with Pennington s guns broken into 2 gun sections supporting individual regiments. He continued to attack the Confederate columns. The lead section of M Battery, under the temporary command of Woodruff, was the most forward element. The attack on what was in reality two Confederate corps (Ist 3 and 3rd 4 ) brought them to a stop. They begin to deploy just as Pleasanton envisioned. The mountainous terrain slowed the deployment, but did not prevent it from developing into a rolling fight. After two hours of skirmishing it became clear that Union infantry would not close up and the cavalry need to disengage and withdraw. 5 Hill s 3rd Corps advanced two brigades Top: Monument to Battery M east of Gettysburg, Bottom: Carle Woodruff Map: East Gettysburg Battlefield pinning the 5th and 6th Michigan cavalry and the section of M Battery under Woodruff on the left and rear of the main action. The Confederates continued the pressure and were clearly about to surround the Union force. Custer as the division commander ordered the cavalry and artillery to break out and, if necessary, abandon the guns. Woodruff repeated his actions from Gettysburg refusing to leave his support of the cavalry or even consider abandoning his guns. Even after a second direct order to abandon the guns Woodruff refused, in what has been reported as colorful language. Instead, he organized the withdrawal of M Battery s trapped section 6. The success of this withdrawal is credited to the firepower of the Spencer rifles of supporting cavalry (1st and 7th) and to the extremely accurate shelling of the other four guns of M Battery. General Custer, in his formal report, credited Woodruff with skill and judgment that saved the day 7. Woodruff would eventually be award the Medal of Honor 8 for his actions on that day. He would go on to a long career in the Army rising to command the 2nd Artillery Regiment when it was assigned to Fort Leavenworth Kansas. He eventually rose to the rank of Brigadier General. Woodruff was raised in 1880 in Brownsville Lodge No. 80 located along the Rio Grand Valley. He continued on page 50 SPRING

50 LODGE OF RESEARCH continued from page 49 remained a member there until he demitted in 1888 to join twenty six other Masons on Fort Leavenworth and form Winfield Scott Hancock Lodge No While in Kansas Woodruff was active in a number of appendant bodies including the York Rite Commandary in Leavenworth. He was a charter member of Abdallah Shrine along with fellow regimental commander and Medal of Honor recipient Arthur MacArthur. Woodruff, would serve as the first Chief Rabban at Abdallah. In 1899 he was assigned to Raleigh North Carolina. While there he demitted from Hancock to join Hill Lodge No. 218 and in 1906 Hirum No. 40. He was also active in the Scottish Rite. In fact his involvement was such that the Raleigh Chapter of Rose Croix is named for him. He served as assistant Grand Marshal at the 1907 Cornerstone laying of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina. He retired in Raleigh but in 1908 he demitted the Hirum No. 40 and rejoined Hancock where he was a member until his death on July 20th, Report of MG Meade to the General in Chief 7 P.M. 25 July, The Miscellaneous Documents of the House of Representatives for the First Session of the Fifty-First Congress in Forty Seven Volumes Washington GPO 1891 TWOFTREBELLION: A compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies Series I Volume xxvii part I 1889 GPO page Thom Hatch, Clashes of Cavalry; The Civil War Careers of George Armstrong Custer and JEB Stuart (Stack Pole Books, 5067 Ritter Road, Mechanicsburg PA 17055). P George L. Harrington Diary of George L. Harrington 1863, Met Longstreet s Corps and have a Sharp skirmish the Rebs have a Superior umber we retreat back to Amissville with but small loss Capture a few Prisoners (Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan 2006). 4 Report of JEB Stuart Major General CSA Twenty Seven Volumes Washington GPO 1891 TWOFTREBELLION: A compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies Series I Volume xxvii part I 1889 GPO page Longacre, Edward G. Custer and His Wolverines: The Michigan Cavalry Brigade, (Da Capo Press. 2004). p General Orders: September 1, 1893 Action Date: July 24, 1863 The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Carle Augustus Woodruff, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 24 July 1863, while serving with Horse Battery M, 2d U.S. Artillery, in action at Newbys Crossroads, Virginia. While in command of a section of a battery constituting a portion of the rear guard of a division then retiring before the advance of a corps of Infantry, First Lieutenant Woodruff was attacked by the enemy and ordered to abandon his guns. He disregarded the orders received and aided in repelling the attack and saving the guns. 7 Report of Brig. Gen. George A. Custer, U.S. Army, commanding Second Brigade of, and Third Division. Battle of Gettysburg July 24.--Was engaged with the enemy at Battle Mountain, near Newby s Cross-Roads, Lieutenants Clarke, Woodruff, and Hamilton in this, as in every other engagement, performing their duties with skill and judgment. G.A. Custer BG Commanding Battle of Gettysburg HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, THIRD DIVISION, September 9, The Miscellaneous Documents of the House of Representatives for the First Session of the Fifty-First Congress in Forty Seven Volumes Washington GPO 1891 TWOFTREBELLION: A compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies Series I Volume xxvii part I 1889 GPO 8 General Orders: September 1, 1893 Action Date: July 24, 1863 About The Author Rick Carver is the Past Master of Inner Quest Lodge 456 (Traditional Observance) and current Secretary and perpetual life member of Shawnee Lodge 54. He is also a member of Scottish Rite, York Rite, Kansas Lodge of Research and several other Masonic organizations. You can read some other works by Brother Carver on the Inner Quest Lodge web site at innerquest456.org. 50 THE KANSAS MASON

51 THE LODGE SECRETARY continued from page 15 FROM THE ARCHIVES continued from page 33 the Lodge, and therefore the Master and Officers, look good. I strongly recommend all secretaries to study and learn all that the Kansas Masonic Foundation has for them to promote their lodge s bottom line as well as reputation in the community. Use this resource. If we make the Foundation successful, we make ourselves successful. I close with one of the most important duties of a secretary: to simply be a friend and Brother. It has been said, One cannot choose his family (brothers, sisters, etc. etc.), but he does choose his friends. In the lodge, we are both and we have both. I made the choice to call you all my friends and Brothers and you granted me permission to do so. And I am deeply gratified to be called both your friend and Brother. A last thought - be always ready for more, as requested and as needed. The last major suggestion that Dr. Alexander made was that the collection needs a fulltime archivist, not only to aid in the process of assigning order to all the collectible and historically notable books and other objects that the Grand Lodge has and will continue to accumulate, but also to maintain the ongoing integrity of the future collection as the years go by. Ideally, she said, both an archivist and a librarian would be hired, but she thought that it would likely be possible to go forward with an archivist alone, with the idea that a librarian could be brought in as needed on a contract basis. She also mentioned that though they could not take the place of hiring the kind of professional(s) just discussed, the School of Library and Information Management where she works would be happy to send help with the transition of the collection to its new phase in the form of students who would be glad to have the opportunity to get the kind of hands-on experience so unremittingly relevant to the professions they are working so hard to prepare for in Emporia. Since Past Grand Master Rick Reichert followed Dr. Alexander s recommendation and had an Archival Survey and Recommendation for the Grand Lodge of Kansas written up in May of 2103, seeking out the best ways for Kansas Masons to take appropriate care of these remarkable remnants of their shared past has received scrupulous, ongoing attention from the Grand Lodge a level of attention that has by no means flagged since Grand Master Michael Halleran took over at this year s Annual Communication. So it was wonderful to hear from the woman who helped launch the entire rigorous process that it still remains right on track. Kansas Masonic Foundation offers CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITIES Your Kansas Masonic Foundation has a charitable gift annuity program that has attractive rates and possible tax advantages. For many people, establishing a fixed income from a charitable gift annuity is a very attractive financial plannnig option. RECEIVE THE BENEFITS OF Fixed lifetime income for up to two beneficiaries. Satisfaction in supporting an area of KMF that is important to you. An immediate charitable income tax deduction. Reduced federal estate taxes. Kansas Masonic Foundation, Inc SPRING

52 HOME WARMINGS Caring for Masons at KMH By Matthew Bogner, CEO, Kansas Masonic Home Many lately have expressed a desire to learn more about the care that is provided at Kansas Masonic Home and specifically what we do for Masons. I am pleased to report that currently half of our assisted living residents are fraternity members or family members and one-third of our healthcare residents are fraternity members or family members. In the healthcare center we assist impoverished and destitute brother Masons and their widows to get qualified for financial assistance and help to subsidize this care through our Foundation. For those able to pay privately they have our assurance of assistance when their funds run out. While there is a financial requirement to enter Assisted Living we have also provided financial assistance for many Masons in this area who have outlived their resources. It is also important to note that we give preference to Masons and their widows during admissions when we have limited units available. When all is said and done, we provide between $400,000 and $800,000 in charitable care each year through our Foundation. This year the amount is over $700,000. There truly is a difference between non-profit and for-profit senior living communities. We can be proud to support a non-profit community that puts residents first. In addition to this care, we have established two funds that support Masons at KMH. The Albert Pike Lodge Charity Fund provides additional assistance to Masons and widows such as assistive devices and comfort items. The Good Deeds fund is supported out of voluntary donations by KMH staff members and supports care of the impoverished in the healthcare center. An additional benefit for Masons at KMH is that Masonic Home Lodge pays for all of their membership dues. Many of these individuals are too frail to attend Lodge outside of the campus and by hosting these meetings on site it allows them to continue this important part of their lives. Furthermore, the community is truly vibrant with a variety of regular Masonic activities including three Blue Lodges, two Chapters, two High 12 clubs, Daughters of the Nile and many special Masonic events held throughout the year. Areas of campus for Masonic functions include the Eastern Star Chapel, Fellowship Hall and our large Auditorium. MAKING A DIFFERENCE Building On Success continued from page 37 encouraged to apply in the new year. By implementing this new range of Legacyonly scholarships, the Kansas Masonic Foundation is doing something genuinely new. It has, of course, long demonstrated Masonry s global and personal commitment to advancing education for the common good and well-being of our society, by financially assisting undergraduate students in their pursuit of personal and professional growth via higher education. These new scholarships, created with only Masonic legacies in mind, reflect the heartfelt desire of Kansas Masons to assist their worthy Brother Masons by providing scholarship opportunities to their legacies, which is a big step in the right direction, as Grand Master Michael Halleran agrees: These Legacy Scholarships are long overdue and underline the deep commitment the Foundation has always had to the families of our Masonic Brothers. 52 THE KANSAS MASON

53 BOOK REVIEW By Kansas Masonic Foundation Staff Masonic Etiquette Today: A Modern Guide to Masonic Protocol and Practice MASONIC ETIQUETTE TODAY SATISFIES THE PERENNIAL NEED FOR FREEMASONS TO HAVE A STRAIGHT FORWARD AND RELIABLE GUIDE TO PROTOCOL This book draws together a number of different topics covering Masonic conduct, so as to provide a comprehensive guide to Masonic behavior inside and outside the Lodge. Topics covered include the complexities of the issues inside the Lodge of dress, regalia, membership, voting and elections, precedence, seating, saluting, general procedures, visiting behavior (and difficulties), ritual quirks, music, administrative matters, and etiquette at dinner. This book also addresses topics of importance to Masons outside away from the Lodge, such as correspondence, ties and other apparel, and openness. Masonic Etiquette Today satisfies the perennial need for Freemasons to have a straightforward and reliable guide to protocol that is written by an authority on the subject, and can be relied on to resolve most matters of conduct likely to arise both inside and outside the Lodge. No Worshipful Master, Secretary or Director of Ceremonies should be without a copy. Graham Redman was made a Mason in his old school Lodge in 1973, at the age of 24, and joined Emulation Lodge of Improvement the following year. He soon became a regular worker at its weekly demonstrations and earned his silver matchbox in June 1975, completing his record in He joined the precepting Committee in January 1980 and has been its senior member since He was born in Bedford in 1949 and has lived in the surrounding villages all his life. Educated at Bedford School and The Queen s College, Oxford, he subsequently read for the Bar, being called by the Middle Temple in July After a period in pupillage and practice as a barrister, he worked as a lawyer in industry. In November 1987 he joined the staff of the Grand Secretary and has been Assistant Grand Secretary (and Assistant Grand Scribe E) since April His main interests, apart from Freemasonry, are reading and music. Available from McCoy Publishing & Masonic Sully Co., Inc. at the Grand Lodge of Kansas Masonic Shop. SPRING

54 OUT AND ABOUT Albert Pike Lodge No Years of Giving Back When Kansas Freemason Lodges gather and consider ways to give back to their communities, it s natural to lean in the direction of monetary donations. While dollars are always critical to nonprofit organizations, the gift of time is sometimes the most valuable thing that we have to offer. Masons from the Albert Pike Lodge No. 303 in Wichita have learned how the donation of their time and energy making and serving meals during the holiday weeks makes a tremendous difference to Episcopal Social Services and the clients the organization serves. For more than 30 years, Lodge Brothers and their family members have shown up to prepare, serve and then clean up after Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners on the Tuesday before each holiday. More than 400 people, many of whom are homeless, living in poverty or struggling with mental illness in the Wichita community, ate at ESS the week of Thanksgiving this year. We have five programs within our organization, and when we hold big events such as our Thanksgiving lunch and our Christmas lunch, we just don t have the manpower to serve everyone, said ESS volunteer coordinator Caroline Leahy. There s no way we could serve that many people without the Masons. I have never worked with such an enthusiastic group of people. It s really just a fun time. Sheldon Lawrence, Past Master of the Lodge, has been helping at the event since 1997, and his explanation of what happens on the days they help is simple: We just go in and feel at home working with them and helping with the people who come in. Nine to 11, we go down and prepare the food; 11 to 1, we serve the food; and 1 to whenever, we clean up and get the whole place clean. When we leave, everything s done and that helps them out. Lawrence makes the procedures sound simple, but they aren t. Because it s during a workday, lodge members can t always work full shifts, so Lawrence and others organize in ways that everyone can do as much as they re able. Our members, they not only come themselves, but they bring their wives or their teenagers, especially around Christmas time, Lawrence said. They experience what we ve been experiencing the joy of helping serve the people and put a smile on their faces. Robert C. Talbott, Past Master of the Lodge and Grand Senior Deacon for the Grand Lodge of Kansas, said the Thanksgiving meal is more about providing manpower to ESS, while at Christmas, the Lodge donates food too. This year, the Kansas Masonic Foundation s Matching Funds program provided $1,000 to the Albert Pike Lodge to help with buying cases of hams for the holiday meal. For Talbott, this work at the Lodge is important and something he s been involved in since he joined the Lodge in While the work of helping with the holiday meals is important, Talbott said he s aware that some Lodge members help at ESS through- 54 THE KANSAS MASON

55 out the year and the lodge always looks to help out in other ways. This year, ESS made the Lodge aware that the organization is trying to increase its clothing closet, which provides clothing for homeless people in Wichita. Talbott said a call was put out to Lodge members to donate one new clothing item to provide for the additional needs of ESS clients. The work with ESS speaks to the basic principles of Freemasonry, he said. Our Lodge, it s a fraternity at the blue lodge level. It s about the individual, about the man. It s very inward facing, Talbott said. We have business meetings and social events, but our primary charter is not charity alone, at all. It really is fraternalism, improving the individual man inwardly, and then he goes about and makes a difference in the public and private sector exponentially. The work with ESS fits into that focus, helping brothers to reflect on their lives and their communities, Talbott said, and offering an opportunity to give back to Wichita. Talbott s daughter, who is 18 this year, has been helping out since she was about 9 years old. It s been a learning experience for her. She serves, and hopefully the tie-in is obvious, teaching her that we re a community. She knows that giving and volunteering, that s our rent for being in society. She understands there is a pretty small separation between those needing help and us. The experience is, of course, helpful for ESS and the organization s clients, but Lodge members are changed by it too. I think it s great because we re not just writing a check, Lawrence said. We just have a really wonderful time doing it. We enjoy it and look forward to it, every year. OUT AND ABOUT By James A. Marples, Mulvane Lodge No. 210 A Case for More Meetings: Improved Masonic Proficiency In bygone days, fraternal Lodges were not just places where good men associated, but they offered opportunities for communication and entertainment during times when those were scarce. Looking back, I am thankful that when I joined Sunflower Masonic Lodge in Wichita, Kansas, it met (and still does) on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. Similarly, my current Lodge, Mulvane Lodge No. 201, meets on the first and third Wednesdays monthly. While many Lodges may not find it feasible to meet more than once monthly, I, personally, am thankful for the Masonic proficiency that more frequent stated meetings affords. It is easy for a member to get out of the habit of attending and to become rusty as far as ritualistic ceremonial procedures. That may sound boring to the extremely active Mason; however, great benefits derive from seeing things done more often. People listen to songs on the radio and know the words by heart the more they hear the song. Likewise, a Freemason becomes more adept at Masonic protocol and jurisprudence, the more often he witnesses the dispatch of Masonic business. As I look back in historical documents, I noticed in the 1889 Wichita City Directory an extensive list of lodges that meet twice a month. Such a pattern was not limited to Kansas. Today, McCook Lodge No. 135 in McCook, Nebraska, meets on the first and third Tuesdays and Blue Valley Lodge No. 64 in Wilber, Nebraska, meets on the same nights monthly. Thankfully, this doesn t impair any members or visitors from choosing which Lodge to attend since they are 208 miles apart. Today, a great majority of Lodges meet once monthly. Obviously, Masons were more active in the 1800s and early 1900s during an era before men and women had vastly more options as to how to spend their discretionary time, especially with their children. However, it illustrates the firm dedication that each of the Masonic bodies had in formally meeting and discharging their duties. By meeting bi-monthly, it kept the members not only well-versed in ritual performance, but regular attendance also kept options open for the Lodge member who perhaps missed one meeting of the month, to return and get caught up with new happenings. Along with Masonic news, there was always information about new members who joined or new members who had celebrations in their lives such as birthdays or weddings/anniversaries, or the notice of various members who had died. Waiting a month was seen (back then) as too long a gap for viable and reliable fraternal interaction. Today s cell-phones, internet and even television enable rapid communication that somewhat meets those needs. Yet, it doesn t foster that regular and frequent Masonic Mental Exercise of the brain. Comparing it to music fans who remember a song by the times they sing it: It is said that the late President, Brother and Sir Knight Harry S. Truman, 33º and a Knight Templar, while plowing his farm fields with his horses and mules recited the catechism of the various Masonic Degrees. That honed his skills and he considered his continued on page 56 SPRING

56 OUT AND ABOUT A Case for More Meetings continued from page 55 Masonic membership valuable to his social skills while speaking in public. It gave him more confidence. While I am not condemning any Masonic groups that meet only once per month, it is a bit disheartening when clusters of Lodges or other bodies choose the same night as their monthly night to hold a stated meeting. Too often, I have seen clusters of Lodges, Chapters, Councils, Commanderies, Consistories or Shrine Centers pick, say the first Monday of the month or the first Tuesday of the month as their night. Such is fine, but great care should be taken to avoid scheduling conflicts. Since most months have at least 30 days, surely, some groups can meet on nights not already selected by Lodges in close proximity to each other. I would propose that this subject be considered at District Meetings in various U.S. states and jurisdictions wheresoever dispersed. I have seen Lodges within a 20-mile radius have a once monthly meeting on the same exact night as a nearby Lodge. Then, the Lodge members wonder why visitors are scarce. I am not saying Lodges have to bend THREE GENERATIONS OF MASONS On November 4th, 2014 Dalton Thompson was introduced to the Mysteries of Masonry by taking his first degree at De Soto Lodge No. 40, AF&AM. His father, Bill Thompson, was Senior Deacon and his grandfather, Troie Thompson, was the Worshipful Master for his degree work. Charles Duke Neeland, PM Secretary, De Soto Lodge No. 40, AF&AM or alter their meetings just because a Lodge 100 miles away has its meeting the same night. However, anything within say a 20- to 30-mile radius should have a committee appointed to seek a harmonious compromise. Just because we meet on a certain day of the month for many years should not make nearby Lodges competitors for attendees. I salute Lodges such as Caney Masonic Lodge No. 324 of Caney, Kansas, and Fortitude Lodge No. 107 in Independence, Kansas, who still hold their stated meetings on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. Plus, I commend the Caney Lodge on its great road signs along U.S. Highway 75 as being large enough for a driver to spot. Visibility means everything in today s world. Plus, Caney Lodge is located 125 miles away from Sunflower Lodge No. 86 in Wichita. Although they meet the same nights, they pose no competition for participants. I applaud that. Ironically, both Lodges were chartered in the year 1889 and have served their respective communities for 125 years. I will leave it for each individual Brother Mason to judge for himself as to whether more stated meetings yield better Masonic proficiency among members. From my own standpoint, I say YES!!! Even the renowned Bill Thompson, Troie Thompson, Dalton Thompson Walter M. Fleming, M.D., 33º and a Past Commander of Columbian Commandery #1 of Knights Templar of New York City (and a co-founder of the Mystic Shrine) once commented how he found it difficult to keep pace with all the complicated ritualistic renditions in all the Bodies he served. Therefore, like the old saying goes --- whether it is a student doing their math homework or their trumpet lessons after school or even practicing on the football field or basketball court: the one necessity is PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. My own Square & Compass Club meets every Thursday in Topeka, Kansas. Many other fraternal Lodges were known for meeting bi-monthly, such as The Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodges and the Knights of Pythias Lodge in Longview, Texas, still meets every Thursday. Many of the so-called service clubs such as Lions, Kiwanis and Rotary also meet on a more frequent basis in some cities and towns. Let each of us do what we can. I have heard old timers say that they may have belonged to a Masonic Lodge or Masonic Rite 25, 50, 60, 70 or more years and they always see something new. I would echo that sentiment 100 percent. I have been a Mason almost 33 years now, and sometimes an older Lodge Hall will have some type of furniture or emblematic adornment that, when combined with what is said during the oratory of our Ritual, makes me see some element of Freemasonry in a new Light. Bi-monthly stated meetings afford added opportunities to see things if we don t grow jaded or complacent. Fraternalism is the heartbeat of a Degree Conferral, but especially at a well-run stated meeting, presided over by an efficient Master of the Lodge. Organization and vitality is what candidates and existing members want to see. We all have different 56 THE KANSAS MASON

57 abilities, different home duties, different job responsibilities and different health-issues, but let us keep Masonry alive in our minds daily and meet on the level as often as we can, on a personal basis that is a truly formalized Masonic basis. Practice makes perfect. If we only wear a lapel-pin or a ring, that is merely comparable to knowing the title of a song. But, if we regularly hear, see, and feel Masonic Brotherhood in action --- that is more closely akin to hearing the lyrics. By regular repetition of a virtuous habit, it could be further likened to keeping a song in your heart and knowing the words/lyrics by heart. That, my Brethren, is why we have regular stated meetings to tend to Masonic business. Just as with muscles of the body, our intellect grows, our sentiment of emulating worthy principles grows and our commitment to high moral and ethical commitment grows when we attend Masonic Stated Meetings on a fairly frequent basis. It s not just about paying the bills, drinking coffee, chatting and going home. It is a regular renewal of memory-work that strengthens the mystic tie of brotherhood that keeps our Fraternity strong and healthy. The 32nd Annual Kansas Masonic All-State High School Marching Band will soon be marching! We would like your Masonic organization and your sponsored students to be a part of this Kansas Masonic tradition. Applications due by May 1st Sponsor fees remain at $300 per student We are limited to 225 students. Send in your deposit or the full amount today to guarantee your spot! Students must be sponsored by a Lodge or other Masonic body. Students must be enrolled as High School Freshmen, Sophomore, Junior or Senior as of Sept. 1, 2015, or be a member of the graduating Class of About the Author: Brother James A. Marples is a Perpetual Life Member of Mulvane Masonic Lodge No. 201, A.F. & A.M., in Mulvane, Kansas (not to mention his numerous other Masonic memberships and titles). He knows more of interest about the history of honeybees profound links to Masonry than we were able to include here, but he had the good fortune of personally presenting Senator Bob Dole with a hard copy of his complete thoughts on the subject at the VFW Hall in Minneapolis, Kansas, just days before sharing them with our readers. We sincerely thank him for this enlightening submission and hope that other Masons will consider submitting articles for publication in The Kansas Mason. Fort Hays State University July 21 through July 25, 2015 If you have any questions, please just contact us, and we will do our best to help. SPRING

58 KANSAS MASONIC NOTES Past Grand Master, Sterling P. Hornbuckle III The column of our 2008 Grand Master Sterling P. Hornbuckle III was found broken on December 22nd. We doubt not that, while he has laid down his terrestrial working tools, he has already begun working in that celestial Grand Lodge that we all one day hope to enter. Sterling Price Hornbuckle, III, age 83, of Louisburg, KS, passed away December 22, 2014 at St. Lukes South Hospital, Overland Park, KS. He was born at Paola, KS (Guinea Roost Farm) on July 29, 1931, the son of Sterling Price, Jr. and Bertha (Young) Hornbuckle. He was the youngest of three children. He was united in marriage on November 16, 1952 to Winona M. Kohlenberg at the Louisburg United Methodist Church in Louisburg. Sterling was a member of the Kansas National Guard from 1950 to 1963 and was a civilian employee of the Guard from 1956 to He farmed until 1973, quitting for health reasons. He went on to do construction work for several years and then went into oil field work and was employed by Town Oil of Somerset until his death. Sterling attended Miami County schools and was a 1949 graduate of Louisburg High School. He was active in the Miami County 4-H clubs and earned many awards including showing an Angus steer at the American Royal in Kansas City. Sterling was a member of the First Christian Church of Louisburg. He was a member of the Peace Lodge No. 243, and Former Grand Master for the State of Kansas. He was a member of the Scottish Rite bodies of Kansas City, Kansas and of the Abdallah Shrine in Overland Park. He enjoyed fishing and hunting. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Cecil Earl and James Maxwell Hornbuckle. Survivors include his wife Winona, of the home; nephews, Carl and Gary Hornbuckle, David, Chris and Mike Kohlenberg, niece, Sheryl Manger and many great nieces and nephews. EVENT CALENDAR February 15 Early-Bird Registration Deadline for 2015 Annual Communication February Year Re-Dedication of Ben Hur Lodge No. 322 Kansas City February 28 Submission Deadline for Lodges Interested in Cancer Screening Clinics March 15 Last Day for Regular Registration for 2015 Annual Communication March 18 Kansas Masonic Foundation Board of Trustees Meeting Topeka March 19 Kansas Masonic Lodge Luncheon & Seminar Topeka March 19 Annual Communication Welcome Reception Topeka March 20 & 21 Grand Lodge Annual Communication Topeka March 20 All-Masonic Banquet, Auction & Entertainment Topeka March 21 Kansas Lodge of Research (KLOR) Annual Meeting March 25 Masters, Wardens, and Past DDGMs Dinner/Meeting Louisburg (RSVP) Starts 6PM April 4 Grand Masters First Official Visit Justice Lodge No. 457 Grand Masters Reception/Dinner Topeka Masonic Center (RSVP) April 16 Rusty Nail Degree Delphian Lodge No. 44 (Garnett) Starts 7:30PM May 2 Dedication of Isis Temple Building Salina May 16 Statewide Masonic Education Day (Registration Required) May 30 Goodland Lodge No Year Re-Dedication Ceremony May 31 Kansas Masonic Foundation Scholarship Submission Deadline July Kansas Masonic All-State Marching Band Camp Hays July 25 East-West Shrine Bowl Hays 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 58 THE KANSAS MASON

59 ASKED AND ANSWERED By Nolan Sump, Salina Lodge No. 60, Cawker City Lodge No. 125 & Oketo Lodge No. 25 QUESTION: Our lodge had a discussion recently about the wording of our ritual book. We assume the ritual is well over 100 years old. Where did our initiations and rituals come from? A Lodge of Inquiry Answer: I too have been curious about the origins of our rituals. Mackey s Symbolism of Freemasonry provides information about William Preston, a Scottish Author who became a Mason after he joined one of the original four lodges in Interested in old rituals and documents, Preston researched the subject William Preston with apt affection, soliciting the help from many elder brothers in lodges throughout Great Britain and beyond. Being recognized for his vast interest, Preston Thomas Smith Webb soon became the editor of the ritual, and in 1772, wrote Illustrations of Masonry. This document served as the original ritual book for Masons in Great Britain. However, he is not the only one who deserves credit. The other brother who created our work into what we use today was Thomas Smith Webb, a Bostonian and printer by trade who became a Mason in In 1797, he published The Freemason s Monitor, or Illustrations of Masonry. In short order, Webb made his Masonic presence known to the masses through this publication, which was revised several times by his death in Due to his inclusion of Preston s monitor, by the time Kansas became a state, the unofficial name for the ritual was called the Webb-Preston work. While Webb s monitor included portions of Preston s work, and while the two shared similarities in their publications, there were stark differences. Preston s Illustrations of Masonry was composed of 57 pages; the first 20 consisted of the lectures we associate in our second and third sections of each degree. He was the first of the two to create the stair lecture and charges to the candidate. The rest of the book consists of a letter written by John Locke and a concise history of British Freemasonry. Webb s version, originally written 25 years after Preston s, was republished in In it he expanded upon his predecessor s work to a 322-page effort which included all of the monitorial work we use today in initiations. He further added rituals when commemorating our deceased brethren, laying cornerstones, and installing officers of a lodge. His monitor also extended the degree work to York Rite rituals while giving the history of American Freemasonry. More striking were the number of Masonic songs Webb included in his editions. Being an accomplished musician, he provided considerable contributions to presenting a sublime feel to the initiatory experience. QUESTION: Prior to the day of Kansas allowing to have a cipher, a little cipher book called The Ritual of the Essenes floated around and in reality, was The Kansas Ritual. I would sure like to know its background, if it truly was the same ritual, and why it was characterized as from the Essenes. Todd Decker, Mt. Zion No.266 Answer: To answer this question one needs to go back to the 19th century to gain a better perspective of how people transmitted the work from one person to another. In all reality, the solemn oaths taken to avoid transcription and distribution of the ritual were taboo; only by word of mouth could the work be transmitted and received. This was generally thought as an excellent means by which brothers could form a bond continued on page 62 One taboo book Ecce Orienti, or Rites and Ceremonies of the Essenes About Nolan Sump: Nolan Sump is a gifted facilitator for Hiawatha USD 415 and lives in Blue Rapids with his wife Monica. Ten years ago, Nolan was raised as a Master Mason in Salina Lodge No. 60. Since then, he has served as Worshipful Master of Cawker City No. 125 and is now the Master of Oketo No. 25. He is the current District Deputy Grand Master of District No. 21. In addition, Nolan serves on the Grand Lodge Public Schools Committee. You can contact Nolan with your questions at sump_97@yahoo.com SPRING

60 STATED COMMUNICATIONS for the Mason Traveling in Kansas! Abilene Benevolent Lodge No /2 NW 3rd St Abilene Justice Lodge No /2 NW 3rd St Almena Naphtali Lodge No Main St Alta Vista Alta vista Lodge No Main St Altamont Altamont Lodge No S Huston Ave Americus Americus Lodge No Broadway St Anthony Anthony Lodge No S Kansas Arkansas City Crescent Lodge No South B St Arma Arma Lodge No E Washington St Ashland Ashland Lodge No Chestnut Atchison Active Lodge No /2 N 5th St Atwood Atwood Lodge No S 5th St Augusta Mystic Tie Ldoge No /2 State St Axtell Axtell Lodge No. 234 Axtell, KS no telephone Baldwin City Palmyra Lodge No High St Baxter Springs Baxter Lodge No Military Ave Beattie Beattie Lodge No. 259 Beattie, KS Belle Plaine Belle Plaine Lodge No N Merchant St 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 Hwy Bronson Bourbon Lodge No Clay St Bronson Xenia Lodge No Wood Rd Burden Clinton Ldoge No N Main St Burlingame Corinthian Lodge No E Fremont Ave Burlington Burlington Ldoge No N 3rd St Caldwell Sumner Lodge No. 203 Caldwell, KS Caney Caney Lodge No N McGee Carbondale Carbondale Lodge No Main St Chanute Cedar Lodge No N Highland Chetopa Chetopa Lodge No Maple St no telephone Circleville Circleville Lodge No Lovejoy St Claflin Claflin Lodge No Main St Meet: 1st Thursday Clay Center Clay Center Lodge No th St Meet: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays Clearwater Unity Lodge No W Ross Meet: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays Coffeyville Keystone Lodge No Woodland Ave Colby St. Thomas Lodge No N Franklin Ave Coldwater Comanche Lodge No E Main St Columbus Prudence Lodge No E Garfield Concordia St. Johns Lodge No W 8th St Conway Springs Mistletoe Lodge No S Church St no telephone Cottonwood Falls Zeredatha Lodge No Broadway Courtland Courtland Lodge No Main St De Soto De Soto Lodge No W 83rd St Delia Delia Lodge No Washington Ave Derby Derby Lodge No E Market St no telephone Devon Devon Ldoge No. 92 Highway Dighton Barney Lodge No N Lane St no telephone Dodge City St. Bernard Lodge No W McArtor Rd Douglass Douglas Lodge No E 3rd St Dover Dover Lodge No SW Douglas Rd Dwight Dwight Lodge No E Main St Easton Easton Ldoge No. 45 3rd & Riley St no telephone Edna Edna Lodge No N Delaware St El Dorado Patmos Lodge No S Haverhill Rd Elk City Carson Lodge No N Montgomery Ellsworth Ellsworth Lodge No. 146 Ellsworth, KS Emporia Emporia Lodge No Merchant St Ensign Ensign Lodge No Aubrey St Enterprise Enterprise Lodge No S Factory Erie Erie Lodge No S Main Eureka Fidelity Lodge No N Main St Fall River Greenwood Lodge No Merchants Ave Florence Advance Lodge No /2 Main St Fontana Equity Lodge No S Stevens no telephone Fort Leavenworth Hancock Lodge No Kearney Ave Fort Scott Hiattville Lodge No Dragoon Rd Fort Scott Rising Sun Lodge No S National Ave Frankfort Frankfort Lodge No N Kansas no telephone 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 Garland Memphis Lodge No. 108 Garland, KS Garnett Delphian Lodge No /2 E 5th Ave Girard Girard Lodge No /2 E Prairie Ave Goodland Goodland Lodge No Center St Meet: 2nd and 4th Mondays Great Bend Great Bend Lodge No th St Meet: 2nd and 4th Thursdays Greensburg Kiowa Lodge No E Kansas Meet: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays Gridley Hebron Lodge No Main St Halstead Halstead Lodge No W 1st St Harper Harper Lodge No W Main St Hays Hays Lodge No W 11st St Haysville Haysville Lodge No S Main Hiawatha Hiwatha Lodge No Utah St Highland Smithton Lodge No W Main St no telephone Hill City Millbrook Lodge No A W Main St Hoisington Hoisington Lodge No W 2nd St Holton Holton Lodge No E 5th St Howard Hope Lodge No W Washington Hoxie Hoxie Lodge No th St Hugoton Hugoton Lodge No E 6th St no telephone Hutchinson Hutchinson-Reno Lodge No E 23rd Ave Independence Fortitude Lodge No W Laurel St Iola Iola Lodge No W Madison Ave Jewell Jewell Lodge No /2 Delaware no telephone Johnson Johnson Lodge No S Main St Junction City Union Lodge No /2 N Washington Kansas City Ben Hur Lodge No S 30th St Kansas City Delaware Lodge No Parallel Parkway Kansas City Heritage Lodge No S 30th St Kansas City Roger E. Sherman Lodge No N 67th St Kansas City West Gate Ldoge No N 67th St Kansas City Wyandotte Lodge No N 103rd Terrace Kincaid Kincaid Lodge No st Ave Kingman Ninnescah Lodge No N Main St Kiowa Cosmos Lodge No S 9th St La Cygne La Cygne Lodge No Locust St Lakin Emerald Lodge No N Main St Lane Lane Lodge No. 339 Lane Methodist Church Latham Latham Lodge No W Blaine Lawrence Acacia Lodge No E 25th St Lawrence Lawrence Lodge No E 25th St Leavenworth King Solomon Lodge No /2 Delaware St THE KANSAS MASON

61 Lebo Lebo Lodge No W Broadway Lecompton Lecompton Lodge No Highway Lenexa Lenexa Lodge No W 94th St Leon Joppa Lodge No W Mechanic St LeRoy Neosho Lodge No Main St Lewis Lewis Lodge No Main St no telephone Liberal Fargo Lodge No E 4th St Lincoln Lincoln Lodge No. 154 Lincoln, KS Lindsborg Lindsborg Lodge No S Main St Linwood Linwood Lodge No Main St Little River Corner Stone Lodge No E Greenwood Ave 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 Manhattan Lafayette Lodge No A Houston St Mankato Mankato Lodge No N Commercial St Marion Centre Lodge No S 4th St Marysville Marysville Lodge No Center St Mayetta Mayetta Lodge No E Main St McPherson McPherson Lodge No S Main St Medicine Lodge Delta Lodge No N Main Melvern Melvern Lodge No NE Mays Merriam Rosedale Lodge No Slater St Minneapolis Minneapolis Lodge No W 2nd St Minneola Minneola Lodge No Main Moran Marmaton Lodge No N Spruce St Mound City Mound City Lodge No Walnut St Mount Hope Mount Hope Lodge No S Ohio St Mulvane Mulvane Lodge No /2 W Main Neodesha Harmony Lodge No /2 Main St Newton Newton Lodge No E Broadway Nickerson Nickerson Lodge No N Nickerson St no telephone Oakley Oakley Lodge No E 3rd St no telephone Oberlin Mountain Slope Lodge No W Commerical Oketo Oketo Lodge No Main St Olathe Olathe Lodge No W Park St Onaga Onaga Lodge No /2 Leonard St Osawatomie Osage Valley Lodge No th St Osborne Saqui Ldoge No. 160 Osborne, KS no telephone Oskaloosa Oskaloosa Lodge No Liberty Oswego Adams Lodge No /2 Commercial St Ottawa Ottawa Lodge No S Main St Overbrook Ridgeway Lodge No. 62 4th & Maple Overland Park Overland Park Lodge No Overland Park Dr Overland Park Stanley Lodge No W 151st St Oxford Oxford Lodge No N Sumner Paola Paola Lodge No E Miami St Meet: 1st and 3rd Mondays Parker Parker Lodge No W 2100th Rd Parsons Parsons Lodge No N 17th St Perry Perry Lodge No E Front St Phillipsburg Phillipsburg Lodge No. 184 Phillipsburg, KS Pittsburg Pittsburg Lodge No N Joplin St Plains Plains Lodge No Ohio St no telephone Plainville Paradise Lodge No S Main 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 No /2 Main St Rush Center Walnut City Lodge No S Elm no telephone Russell Russell Lodge No E 6th St Sabetha Sabetha Lodge No Virginia St St. Francis St. Francis Lodt No N Quincy Salina Salina Lodge No S Santa Fe Salina Caledonia 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 Shawnee Arthur H. Strickland Daylight Lodge No Johnson Dr Shawnee Inner Quest Lodge No Johnson Dr Shawnee Shawnee Lodge No Johnson Dr no telephone Silver Lake Lake Lodge No Beaubein Smith Center Western Star Lodge No W 1st St Solomon Solomon City Lodge No E 4th St Meet: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays Spring Hill Spring Hill Lodge No W South St Sterling Sterling Lodge No S Broadway Syracuse Syracuse Lodge No N Gates St Tecumseh Albert Neese Lodge No SE 45th St Thayer Thayer Lodge No N Okmulgee St Tonganoxie Henri Lodge No S Delaware Topeka Auburn Lodge No SW 8th Ave Topeka Golden Rule Lodge No NW Lyman Rd Topeka Mount Zion Lodge No SW 8th Ave Topeka Orient Lodge No SW 8th Ave Topeka Siloam Lodge No SW 14th St Topeka Topeka Lodge No SW 8th Ave Toronto Woodson Lodge No W Main St Troy Troy Ldoge No S Main St Ulysses Ulysses Lodge No N Joyce Dr Wakarusa Wakarusa Lodge No SW Jordan Rd Wakeeney Wakeeney Lodge No /2 Russell Ave Walnut Vulcan Lodge No S Main St Wamego Wamego Lodge No Lincoln Ave Waterville Sutton Lodge No E Commercial Wathena Wathena Lodge No N 4th St Meet: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays Weir Black Diamond Lodge No W Main St Wellington Wellington Lodge No North A St Wellsville Wellsville Lodge No Main St Westmoreland Westmoreland Lodge No Main St Wichita Albert Pike Lodge No S Seneca St Wichita Bestor G. Brown Lodge No E 1st St Wichita Community Daylight Lodge No E 1st St Wichita Masonic Home Lodge No S Seneca St Wichita North Star Lodge No N West St Wichita Pyramid Lodge No S Seneca St Wichita Sunflower Lodge No W Pawnee Ave Wichita Wichita Lodge No E 1st St Williamsburg Anchor Lodge No S East Ave Winfield Winfield Lodge No E 8th Ave Winona Wallace Ldoge No Bellview St Yates Center Gilead Lodge No E Butler St SPRING

62 KANSAS MASONIC FOUNDATION DIRECTORY Jon McConnell (316) Jonathan W. McConnell Attorney At Law Wichita MIDWEST HUNT FEST Shawn Nielsen midwesthuntfest.com Kansas premier outdoor sportsman show August 14, 15, 16, 2015 Anderson Machine & Supply John Noeller Machinist (785) Smolan, KS Machine Tool Parts Repair BORUM MACHINE SERVICES INC. Machinist Anthony Tony Borum Please Like Simplex Corinnell Don Seitter Jr. Fire Alarms, Sprinkler & Life Safety (913) Lenexa Hugh Gill Wichita HINKLE LAW FIRM Clearing The Way For Business CIGAR & TABAC, LTD. Lyn Beyer cigarandtabacltd.com or The sale of cigars, pipes, tobaccos and accessories. ABDALLAH ESCORTS Overland Park, KS. Abdallah Shriners Strategic Financial Concepts, Inc. Vance Burns Financial Advisor (316) Wichita The Kansas Masonic Foundation Directory is a great way to connect with your Fraternal Brothers on a professional level or to let Brothers know your business is here to help. Call the Kansas Masonic Foundation at (785) to get your business advertisement in future issues. LISTING GOODS AND SERVICES FROM YOUR FELLOW BROTHERS THROUGHOUT KANSAS ASKED AND ANSWERED continued from page 59 with one another. Apparently they had not compensated for visual learners in this strict, auditory-based environment. Because of this prohibition of any form of written work, ritual in one corner of the state differed from another corner due to the impact of interference over one s memory. Officially, the Grand Lodge of Kansas addressed this issue first in 1893 with William Shaver, who produced the book Shaver s Monitor, which served as a handy reference for decades to all those interested in learning the lectures and other rituals. It wasn t until 1912 when an official cipher book was printed to assist Masons in learning the initiatory work. Until then, Masons were left to their own devices. This is where the ritual of the Essenes came in handy. In 1872, a little cipher book called Ecce Orienti, or Rites and Ceremonies of the Essenes was published by M.W. Redding & Co. in New York, NY. This ritual provided a history of the Essenic Order of Jews from the time of Jonathan the Maccabean in 143 BC, then explained the three classes of Essenes. As it blended into the ciphered text, it did not take long for the trained eye to notice this book was the same thing as Masonic ritual. There was no such thing as Essenic Freemasonry or the Modern Order of the Essenes at that time; it was a method by which a Mason could learn the work on his own. This was a service considered ahead of its time, and it is small wonder that a book such as this would have been considered a threat to the standard practice of memorization in 19th century lodges. Today there exists an organization of Modern Essenes, but this is primarily a religious order incorporating elements of Judaism, Tao, Buddhism, and Christianity. This order was founded in 1929, some 60 years after the ritual book was written and is active today. Led by Rabbi Gabriel Cousens, followers practice a lifestyle of peace, charity, and prayer while maintaining a strict live-foods and vegan diet. 62 THE KANSAS MASON

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64 CAPITOL FEDERAL IS PROUD TO SAY THANK YOU KANSAS MASONIC FOUNDATION FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY NOW AND INTO THE FUTURE. Capitol Federal is a proud supporter of the Kansas Masonic Foundation and its philanthropic mission. Thank you for your charitable, educational and scientific gifts, including grants in cancer research CAPFED CAPFED.COM