THE KANSAS MASON May 2020
An electronic publication for Kansas Freemasons published by the Grand Lodge of Kansas A.F. & A.M. Anthony W. “Tony� Borum, Grand Master of Masons 2020-2021
Opening Back Up It will be written in the history of our world, our nation, our states, and our local communities that a great health emergency occurred in the spring of 2020 that affected us all in ways that no one could have ever predicted. Stories will be told of how the Covid-19 virus effected all of us in various ways, was seemingly quick-spreading, and sometimes even deadly. It will also be written of how the leaders of every country and every state in our great nation reacted differently to this crisis. The actions of our leaders will be judged by how quickly and effectively they met the challenges with courage, resolve, and bold authority to protect the most vulnerable of our fellow citizens. As Grand Master, I am most proud of how our Masonic leadership quickly sprang into action to protect our members, our families, and our communities as soon as a risk to their health and welfare was identified. Bold and decisive steps were taken regardless of any personal opinion or skepticism of the seriousness of the virus. For the good of the Craft, meetings and Masonic events were postponed and, some, even canceled. Many of those events took months or even years to plan. Your Grand Lodge, myself along with the Council of Administration, other advisors, and our executive leadership team, continue to monitor the crisis and are balancing the needs of our lodges and our membership with the opinions and guidance of our Federal and State health experts to determine when we can safely return to our lodges and resume our meetings safely. The crisis is not over. The probability of contracting this potentially deadly virus still exists, but the chances of it spreading freely throughout our fraternity and our communities appear to have significantly diminished. We have taken steps to protect ourselves and others by staying home, wearing protective face masks, staying a safe distance from one another, and washing our hands frequently. We must all continue to be cautious and vigilant as we resume our reunions with family and friends, our jobs, and our fellow citizens. We must also continue to observe and follow the expert advice of our state and local health professionals. continued
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Opening….
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Therefore, The Council of Administration, after careful and thoughtful consideration of our governor’s plan to “reopen Kansas,” has determined that our fraternity can safely open our lodges and slowly reschedule our events. There will be some restrictions to start, but we are confident that with patience and perseverance, we can resume our business safely. The Official Edict regarding reopening, as well as
many great articles about Freemasonry written by our members, is included in the following pages of your “new” Kansas Mason e-magazine. One of the unforeseen benefits of this pandemic has been the more frequent publication of our Kansas Mason in this electronic-only format. I hope you are enjoying it as I am. Thank you for your love and support as we get back to our important Masonic work.
Lyn’s Lines (Masonic poetry by 2016 Kansas Grand Master Lyn Beyer)
EACH MAN’S LIFE In each man’s life
The Square and Compasses
He must hit a stride
Are his tools
He must stand up
And they teach the
Or stand aside.
Most important rules.
To help a Brother
Lessons that have stood
In distress
The test of time
To help him up
Are memorized
And be his best.
Line by line.
The men that stand At every station And practice these rules Is called a Mason.
KANSAS MASONIC FOUNDATION
ALMONER’S FUND PROGRAM More than six years ago, the Kansas Masonic Foundation created the Freemasons Endowment (Fulfilling Our Obligation) to help our Brothers, Widows and Orphans in their time of need. This Endowment was fully funded at $1.5 million in 2019. FULFILLING OUR OBLIGATION PROGRAM is the keystone charity in accomplishing our mission of being a Fraternity that strives to meet our Masonic Obligation to help our members. Every dollar donated goes to helping those who face incredible hardships. Whether it be a natural disaster or personal tragedy, the fund exists to make certain a helping hand is there in times of crisis. Considering the current economic and health environment attributed to the Coronavirus, Masons and their families may face even greater challenges. The Kansas Masonic Foundation, along with the MW Grand Lodge of Kansas, is therefore expanding our reach to even better fulfill our obligation during these uncertain times. A new program, Almoner’s Fund, has been developed to provide immediate assistance to those in need. The program will provide up to $250 per Mason. This program can be accessed either from the Kansas Masonic Foundation website www.KansasMasonic.Foundation or by calling the KMF Offices (785-357-7646). The money will be delivered via direct deposit into your checking account or by check, depending on urgency of need. This program is completely anonymous with only KMF, Lodge Master and Secretary aware of the request. Please continue your valuable support of the Kansas Masonic Foundation. This will enable us to continue to provide the level of Masonic Charity to our Members, Kansans and Kansas Community’s as part of our philanthropic work.
Simple Verities By Michael D. Johnson II, Grand Junior Warden
As is commonly taught, Masonry is a progressive what those “elements” of daily life are; after all, one science, yet the inspiration behind that progress is only needs to make a list of all those things that are ultimately determined by the individual. What not included in current daily life. This would be a inspires him to grow? difficult chore two months Ver·i·ty : /ˈverədē/ That is the millionago (in early March 2020), Noun dollar question all yet today, right now, it is Plural noun: verities must ask themselves. not such a surmounting A true principle or belief, especially task. These times of one of fundamental importance. increased time spent Focusing strictly on the "the eternal verities" on the simple priorities necessities of life has of life have offered a Truth enabled a greater unique, and possibly introspection of the "irrefutable, objective verity" one in a lifetime motivating factors guiding opportunity to critique where we were, where we daily life. This is beneficial because it is suddenly are and where we want to be. realized that much of what used to be routine daily Many of the basic tenets and fundamentals of life was just noise that derailed individuals from Freemasonry were developed in much simpler focusing on goals to reach their potential. This is times, and it is easy to draw inspiration from those not only true as Brother Masons and Mentors, but teachings. The Mentorship Program offers a also with family and friends. Take a moment and tremendous amount of such information and is consider the new reality of eliminating the “noise” relevant to a Brother’s progress on his masonic that has a way of soaking up all the extra time that journey. In the Fellow Craft section of the program should be committed to the basic priorities of life. there is a list of masonic education topics presented Watch and be amazed at the progress that can be that may be used for discussion purposes between a made! Mentor and his charge. One of the questions is seemingly simple: “Why does the Middle Chamber Lecture of the Fellow Craft Degree contain such elementary subjects?” A portion of the answer obviously deals directly with the basic building blocks of knowledge; however, the discussion continues with the following section: Look about you! Consider the elements that “disturb” our daily lives, all of them. Quickly the realization will come that most of the burdens borne by mankind result from the departure by the world’s people from the simple verities, the fundamentals The Mentorship Program is available in the Members Section of which must guide humanity if it ultimately is to find www.KansasMason.org real happiness, which lies only on the path to Truth. Printed copies for new members are available by contacting In reading these words it quickly becomes evident Grand Lodge. 4
Will It Be A
BIG WIN For Your Lodge? With the recent closure of Blue Lodges across the State many Lodges are struggling with finances and fundraising ideas. The answer is simple—1959 El Camino! The first Lodge to showcase the car, Holton Lodge No. 42, had their best Raffle Fundraiser this past weekend. They simply ran an advertisement (local paper discounted) and staged the car at the local Chevrolet Dealer. By Saturday morning they ran out of tickets and secured more. Additionally, the Trailer has the exciting new Membership Design on it and has attracted a lot of attention for potential candidates.
Remember you can secure a banner and simply setup a table locally and sell tickets. There are also posters you can print out from the KMF Website (click-on “Applications” on the bottom of the page) that you can place around town to generate even more interest. With 75% of the proceeds remaining local, the sale of tickets is easy, and can generate significant dollars for the Lodge. Even though the Lodge may be closed temporarily, you can still be highly visible in your community!
Holton Lodge No. 42 shows off the 1959 Chevrolet El Camino and the Kansas Masonic Foundation’s new car trailer which has professionally done graphics which promintently “advertise” who we are. The car and trailer are sure to catch the eye of any passerby.
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The Masonic Experience What is it? How and where do I get it? By Lincoln L. Wilson, Jr., DSM, PM Goodland Lodge No. 321
This article is not about the actual Masonic Experience as you may understand it. It briefly looks at the various interpretations conjured up when the phrase is mentioned. For my purposes, I hope to open a discussion toward a better working understanding of what is meant by that overly used phrase. The phrase is usually put forth when someone is asking another to perform or demonstrate certain duties or responsibilities. Asking a Brother to become proficient in his Work is a minimum standard each Mason should require of themselves and encourage others to obtain. Should it be used as a measurement in determining whether others can or did receive The Masonic Experience? I asked a cross-section of Masons what their first thought is when they hear or use the phrase “The Masonic Experience.” I am grateful and appreciative to all who took the time to offer me their personal replies. Conducting research and studying the broad scope of responses for this article, the conclusion is – “there is confusion among the Craft in the use of, application of, and interpretation of the phrase ‘The Masonic Experience.’” Some men expressed their first thought of the Masonic Experience was something they had to give study to before they could offer a reply. Others said their first thought was the presentation of Masonic Work as it pertained to Degree and Esoteric work. Many Brothers said it was something they would receive after participating in lodge programs or participating in various Chairs and Stations inside their or Grand Lodge’s venues. Several new Masons, 3-years or less regardless of their apron fold, responded indicating they had no clue what I was talking about. “The Masonic Experience” is a phrase we hear 6
most regularly when three or more Masons meet. It is generally heard during Schools of Instruction, Leadership Academy breakout sessions, and most certainly it will come up during the reflection times of afterhours masonic (MI) relaxation times. Flawless Degree Work, from the presentation of Interrogatories through the conclusion of the ThirdDegree work, is viewed as the most important step in the creation of The Masonic Experience. New Brothers often express to us that “flawless Degree Work” is more of a barrier than an enticement. The creditability of that statement lies in the general reactions and responses from many young Brothers when asked if they would consider a chair in the lodge. Their first response is usually something along the lines of “Do I have a speaking part”? That reluctance, more often than not, is based in their reality, thinking they have to immediately perform at the same level or degree of proficiency as the work that was just delivered to them. In other words, they were simply overwhelmed by the work. Our goal is to become proficient in the Work and deliver it with true feeling and understanding of the Work. Striving for flawless proficiency should never be compromised. However, being proficient in the Work and vigilant in displaying and utilizing the working Tools of Speculative Masonry, including our willingness to give and receive Light, are merely steps along the Masonic Journey. “The Masonic Experience” is not a catch-all phrase. It is developed from an investment of time and participation which leads to an ever-deepening understanding of Masonry. When a Brother talks to a Candidate or shares the events of his life, he is speaking of his Masonic Journey. By taking the time to read this article, you have made me a part of your story, for which I most humbly bow. We now share a part of “The Masonic Experience.”
Reboot Your Lodge Meetings, Part 1 (Ridding the Masonic Experience of the Mundane By Mikel Stoops, DSM, Grand Senior Warden
As I discussed in my last article, “Time Off or Time to Reboot?” (Kansas Mason Pulse, April 2020) most of our Lodge meetings are no longer the excellent Masonic experiences they once were. They fall short of meeting the expectations of most members and certainly fall short of the expectations of most new men coming into our Fraternity. Too often, I attend meetings where the bulk of the content consists of reading minutes of the last meeting, hearing about the standard bills of the Lodge, discussing who is going to do the monthly cleaning and maintenance of the building, and deciding what the menu will be for the next meal. This mundane business of the Lodge does not enhance the Masonic experience. I agree that minutes must be approved, bills must be paid, maintenance, cleaning, and meals must be scheduled, but all these tasks combined can be accomplished in less than sixty seconds. Distribute the minutes so that those attending the meeting can review them before the meeting. This distribution can be done electronically, in printed form, or both, as acceptable to your members. If distributed this way, you do not have to read them aloud during the meeting. Then, a motion to approve the minutes “as distributed” takes care of their approval. Additionally, I find that many members not able to attend some meetings appreciated being included in receiving the minutes via email so that they can stay connected with what their Lodge was doing. Approve an annual budget for the year, which includes paying all the ordinary and customary bills of the Lodge. You will notice that in the recent Edict from our Grand Master, he had to include verbiage allowing the “…financial lodge officers the authority to pay ordinary and customary bills to sustain their lodge.” Neither of my Lodges needed
this portion of the Edict because we had already approved an annual budget that authorized the payment of those reoccurring bills. With an approved budget, there is no need to read and pass items such as utility bills, which we all know are going to arrive every month. Set up a schedule for cleaning and maintenance that covers the entire year. A schedule not only helps spread the load, but it removes the need to discuss these tasks. Assign one officer to oversee meals. In most Lodges, this is the Junior Warden. After that, let him perform that task, there is no need for a discussion during the meeting. The assigned officer can plan and recruit assistance as he needs without taking up valuable meeting time. When I see reports of why Lodges are not doing the things I have discussed, I see one word used repeatedly, “TRADITION.” The phrase, “That is the way we have always done it,” also comes up time and time again. My response to both of those is simply, “No, it is NOT.” It might be all we have in the living memory of our members, but it is neither tradition nor the way we have always done it. Our tradition is that Lodges are places where we become better men through the philosophical, moral, and spiritual lessons of Freemasonry and where we become even more well-educated through intellectual and thoughtful presentations and have discussions on the topics of the Arts and Sciences. Being boring and mundane is not our tradition, and it is not the way we have always been.
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Our Distinctive Badge By Herbert F. Merrick, DSM, PM Hancock Lodge No. 311
Masons have often heard the words that the apron The Mason’s apron will change again if he is “the distinctive badge” of a mason, and it is the becomes Master of his Lodge. The Mason who has first physical item every Mason receives from his served in the oriental chair will have an apron will Lodge during his initiation. It is almost always have three inverted “T” shaped levels identifying thought of as a plain white leather apron in the that the owner is or was the Master of his Lodge. United States, but that is not always the tradition Upon elevation to Grand Lodge or Provincial Grand though in other portions of Anglo-American Lodge appointment in England, the border of apron Masonic traditions. If you changes to a dark or royal These noticeable differentiations all come have seen a European style blue. This Turin or from a different tradition than most apron, you undoubtedly Hanoverian blue dates to American Masons have been introduced to. the founding of the United noticed rosettes and possibly other decorations. Many Grand Lodge and the colors aprons have a light blue ribbon around the edge and of the English Royal house at the time. A similar maybe even some distinctive emblem in the center. tradition is found in Scotland except the color is These noticeable differentiations all come from a green or forest-green, the color of the House of different apron tradition than most American Stuart. Also found in each jurisdiction is a center Masons have been introduced to. This article will emblem identifying the Lodge, province, or grand attempt to address some of these differences briefly. jurisdiction. This system or modification are also In England and other jurisdictions, each degree has found in Ireland and Germany. a unique apron. Entered Apprentices have plain The other major masonic systems, the Continental white aprons with rope ties. When passed to a or French system and the Swedish system, have Fellowcraft, the member receives a white apron that significantly different traditions in the style and has two rosettes, typically blue, in the bottom wearing of aprons. The wearing of aprons in other corners. The ties are, again, made of rope. parts of the world follows the traditions, in most Normally the ties are long enough to wrap cases, of the Grand Jurisdictions that they were completely around the body and tied under the flap, formed in or from. As a traveling man, a Mason hanging down just a little. Upon being made a will find and discover many traditions, the wearing, Master Mason, the apron changes again. This time, and caring, that indeed does show exactly how it is a white leather apron with edge trimming, often distinctive our badges can be. light blue, but other colors are common in different jurisdictions. There are now three rosettes, with the addition of one on the flap of the apron. In some jurisdictions the letter “G” is found in place of the rosette on the flap. Normally, the Mason purchases this apron as it is his for the rest of his journey. No longer does the apron have ties; it uses a belt. It also has ribbons matching the edging with balls on chains or fringe as allusions to the original ties. 8
What Is My Plan Telling Me To Do? By Doug Wilkinson, DSM, Grand Senior Deacon
Recently I have received a host of calls from folks in and out my industry about COVID-19. Usually, the question I get asked the most is, “Can we survive this pandemic in some fashion, and what am I doing in my company specifically to enable our return to some type of normal?” The very first thing I do is answer their question with a question! That question is this, “What is your strategic plan telling you to do?” It is times like these that instill fear and panic and thus cause us to lose our sense of direction and ultimately make bad choices or decisions. Good solid plans aid in keeping this from happening! This will be hard for some to believe but COVID19, all be it really bad and far too many lives lost, is a huge opportunity for businesses with a solid plan in place to actually take advantage of a whole host of new opportunities. Yes I know you are thinking I am crazy and oh by the way why are you sending this to your fellow Brother Masons? First, because of COVID-19, many companies with solid plans will be acquiring companies that were not as fortunate or lacked solid leadership, planning, and resources. In our case, some Lodges may consolidate, which together will become stronger than ever before. Last fall at the Leadership Academy, there was a presentation about planning for the future for individual Lodges titled 7 Simple Steps to the Strategic Planning Process! I know many reading this article were either in attendance or read it afterward online because I received many phone calls about it. Just like in business, this is an opportunity for our Fraternity for those who have made a plan or are willing to make a plan now! My Brothers, there are many good men, both young and old, who are now looking for something stable that they can get their arms around and feel a part of. Additionally, they want to volunteer and be
of help to others and humanity. Some are in need of stability and, for those found worthy, we can offer them that sense of belonging. Additionally, some of them are looking for leadership, maybe even Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth! We are seeing some of this by the recent requests for information from our web site. I believe this will only continue. Are we willing to be there for them and for us? I am encouraging you to go back and review your plans. If you don’t have a plan, what better time to create your first plan. Step 7 in strategic planning is What Will We Monitor and Measure? In this step we learn we have to tweak/modify our plans due to changes in our environment. It has been said that “No battle plan survives contact with the enemy.” The point being is that things change and we have to adapt to them! My Brothers, opportunity is knocking almost entirely because of COVID-19. How we respond as a fraternity and Lodge will determine the opportunities it affords us! Freemasonry, not withstanding, has still survived! I think the Fraternity will be even better on the other side of this pandemic. It is truly up to us!
The Challenges of Masonry By Lyn Beyer, PGM, Grand Orator
In this issues’ article, I would like to talk to you about the challenges of Masonry in the 21stcentury.
make these changes to satisfy the political correctness attitude of present-day society. Our desperate attempt to secure numbers has resulted in a catastrophic loss of our image and the marginalization of our influence in society. Freemasonry did not survive by bowing to the wishes or demands of a society sadly lacking in any ethical or moral values that are the foundation stones of our Craft. Freemasonry did not thrive by subjugating the Craft to dictatorial regimes or oppressive religious powers. Freemasonry did not become the greatest organization conceived by the mind of man by lowering our standards and sacrificing our principles in order to receive greater numbers or acceptance from an outside world that does not attempt to understand us. No my brothers. Freemasonry became what it has become due to our commitment to retaining those qualities which made it great and made it a benefit to civil society.
I attended a Masonic education meeting in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where I picked up a magazine and in the article that drew my attention was a letter by Thomas Jackson who was the Executive Secretary of the World Conference of Regular Masonic Grand Lodges. He said several interesting things, and I'm just going to select some of those and throw them out here for your interest. He wrote that our survival over the centuries is indicative of our success as an institution, every challenge, large or small, became temporary because our philosophical purpose never wavered in the leadership of our Craft. Never lost its vision, the very fact that it continues to thrive throughout the free world is undeniable evidence that its purpose is universal and undying. He also said that because society lowers its values does not mean that we must lower ours to fit in. We must always pull others up to meet with us, not Later in his article, Brother Jackson goes on to say climb down to that the greatest meet with them. challenges that My Brothers, If Freemasonry is not succeeding anywhere in the world, Freemasonry faces Freemasonry today will be caused it is not the failure of Freemasonry. has never been internally. We have It is only our failure as Freemasons. a stagnant also faced internal institution, any change we choose to make, challenges in the past. However, the internal however, must not be as a result of pressures from dissensions that are tending to divide Grand Lodges, the outside world. Alterations we previously created the increased egotism that tends to weaken in our operational procedures were effected because Grand Lodges, the advancement of modern we wanted them made for the benefit of the Craft technologies that facilitate the diffusion of not because those from the profane world wanted misinformation and our willingness to surrender our them made. Now, however, many changes we protocols should be our greatest concerns. are making or are considering are attempts to satisfy external demands. We now seem to be willing to 10
Brothers, our greatest test will be overcoming the apathy that exists in our membership today. Do you remember how excited you were when you received your third degree? Where did it go? Being raised is just the beginning of your journey in Masonry, not the end. I've heard all the excuses, and so have you. When a Lodge has over 50 members and only five or six show up for meetings, there is a problem. We never do anything! I know that there ,are many good Masons out there with great ideas that their Lodge needs to hear. But if you are not there, they won’t happen. Lodge business should be done in about 15 minutes and Masonic Education should take 20 to 30 minutes. We all joined to learn the “secrets.” The secret to making men better is self-actualization. Learning creates more questions and many “ah-ha” moments. During this Covid-19 shutdown, how many Brothers have taken the time to open their ciphers and study old work, review or learn new work to make yourself more proficient? How many read a Masonic book to discuss at Lodge? These are simple things we can do to make Lodge meetings more engaging. We just get out of the habit of attending. We can do this, Brothers. Always wear a Square and Compasses somewhere on your person. People will ask what it's all about and you can have a discussion about our 300-yearold Institution. But, to be sufficiently conversant, I would suggest that you first thoroughly acquaint yourself with the programs of the Kansas Masonic Foundation and what we as Masons do in Kansas to help Brothers and others. Let us not forget about the life long friendships that we've created with Brothers you had never met before. Some in the far corners of the State and some in nearby Lodges or even your own. Remember, the Blue Lodge is the foundation of our
Fraternity. Joining appendant/concordant bodies is nice, but never allow your Blue Lodge to suffer due to your participation in them. Our concern must now be our future, and our greatest hurdle to overcome will be ourselves. The time has come for us to deposit our egos at the door and dedicate ourselves to the unity of regular Freemasonry. It is time for us to repay our Brothers of the past who have given an unsurpassed legacy to each of us and to the world. We will not accomplish this by sacrificing the protocols that have created that legacy left behind for us. We, the present-day leaders of this heritage, must assume the responsibility of perpetuating it and carrying it into the future. My Brothers, if Freemasonry is not succeeding anywhere in the world, it is not the failure of Freemasonry, it is only our failure as Freemasons.
Bringing History Back to Life By Alex G. Powers, Director, Kansas Lodge of Research KSLOR.org
The KMF auctions can yield some pretty sweet pieces of history, such as this Kansas Knights Templar ribbon from the 69th Annual Conclave held in Emporia in 1938. Many of you have similar old masonic pieces in your possession, some cooler than others, but typically just take them at face value. As a historian, these artifacts have always interested me, but more for the story they are attached to rather than their physical appearance alone. This particular piece belonged to an R. H. Montgomery, which we see inscribed upon it. With just a little bit of digging, I found R. H. Montgomery to be Brother Robert Henry Montgomery, who was the Postmaster of Oswego, Kansas. While I was unable to find a verified photo of him, I was able to recover quite a bit about our Brother’s life, both Masonically and personally. Masonically, we know that Brother Montgomery was a 51-year member of Adams Lodge No. 63 in Oswego. He was initiated into the lodge on March 8th of 1906, Passed to the degree of a Fellow Craft on April 26th of 1906, and Raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason on June 14th of that same year. Throughout his life, he remained a very active Freemason promptly entering the officer line in 1907 as the Senior Deacon, followed by Junior Warden in 1908, and elected as Worshipful Master of Adams Lodge in 1909 and 1911. He did not step away after his time in the East, though, rather he continued to serve as the Lodge Secretary, except for a few years, from 1913 to 1939. Then we see him back in action as the lodge Treasurer starting in 1954 until 1957 when he passed away. I would be 12
remiss if I did not also mention that he also served diligently on various committees through the years for Adams Lodge and the Grand Lodge. Obviously, by this ribbon, we know that he was also an active Knights Templar Mason. Digging beyond that, I found Brother Montgomery also to be a member of Mirza Shrine in Pittsburg. Outside of Masonry, Brother Montgomery was a native of Tennessee where he was born in the city of Palmetto on January 3rd, 1876. In his younger years, he was a merchant, stock raiser, and even worked as a banker for some time. He moved to Kansas at the age of 20. He immediately got a job as a mercantile clerk in Oswego to get settled. Then within about 18 months, he went into business with a cousin of his as general merchants opening Montgomery & Company, which later became Montgomery Mercantile Company. He did well in his business and was a happy family man, married to a well regarded Oswego native, Miss Eva Barnes, with whom he had two daughters. As business became more successful, he eventually started to get involved in local politics serving an appointment as the local Postmaster of Oswego. From a simple item like this attendance ribbon, so easily tossed onto a shelf or disregarded, we can bring the history behind it back to life and spark to life an unspoken bond with a Brother Mason we never had the opportunity to meet. What history do YOU have sitting around?
Robert Montgomery Adams Lodge No. 63 (Oswego)
