Kansas Mason - Fall 2022

The Current Kansas History - Masonic Corn

Submitted by Robert E. Miller, Mystic Tie Lodge No. 74

Corn; it's one of the symbols we use in our Masonic work that refers to the wages of a mason. Over some 300 years filled with cross-interpretations, the masonic definition of 'corn' seems to get a bit confused. Corn is corn, right? What about maize, isn't that corn too? Corn is an ancient generic word for plenty and refers not only to what we modern folk think of as corn but also to other grains like barley, rye, and wheat. Corn, harvested dry, is a grain. In Kansas, our "crop of plenty" is wheat. "The Corn State" just doesn't seem to have the punch like "The Wheat State," does it? Between Ancient and Modern Masonry, many an evening has been spent discussing corn and who has the best answer. The following is a breakdown of recent Kansas masonic "history" about corn. To this author, this is an emotional story that also reassures us that Masonry not only takes good men and makes them better but can also make them exceptionally better. I feel that the following collectively demonstrates loyalty, a love of the Craft, and a continuing Brotherly love that supersedes the narrative being told.

This is a story of devotion to our Craft and our fellow man.

April 27, 2021 - Installed just over a month, the Grand Master of Masons in Kansas, Mikel Stoops, makes an unofficial visit at the Stated Communication of Wellington Lodge. He desires not to receive any formal accolades that might be due him and meet "on the level" as any "normal" visiting Brother would. Wellington Lodge was bequeathed an acreage of farmland almost ninety years ago from a Brother's widow's will (at his request). A report was given during the meeting by the Master about the projected wheat yield from the farm. At the end of the meeting, Brother (Grand Master) Stoops asked if the Grand Lodge could get some of our farm's corn (wheat) for usage in dedication and consecrating ceremonies. The Master's quick reply, "Yes, Sir. We will get you some." What an honor. Wheat, not just from a Kansas wheat farm, but one that belongs to a Lodge in Sumner County, the "Wheat Capital of the World."

Late June 2021 - Checking to see how the ongoing harvest is progressing at the Lodge farm, the Master drives his pickup to the edge of the field. He exits the truck and slowly walks to where a combine is unloading. He ascends the side ladder with familiar ease, much as he had done thousands of times over the years as he climbed into the engineer's cab of a locomotive before he retired. Stretching out over the collection bin, he reaches as high as he can to get his Tupperware container under the dispensing auger to catch a freshly harvested golden sample. WAIT! What?! Why is he using a plastic container that will burp when closed and not a golden chalice or other fancified collection device worthy of the end destination and purpose? While it never happened on his trains, it seems the Wellington Master has minorly derailed the beauty of our story. Meanwhile, he smiles a bit, satisfied at his success in the first significant step in fulfilling the promise made by him on behalf of the Lodge. Summer/Fall 2021 The Master has been thinking a lot about how the wheat should be presented and who should do the presentation. The three-term Master is a bit nervous about doing such a "big" presentation in person. He contacts a man he considers a good personal friend and a familiar face in Wellington Lodge, Jim Miller. Jim is a Grand Lecturer who has spent many hours, some one-on-one, helping get the Lodge's proficiency back on track and the Lodge back to being a "working" lodge again. As the summer waned, in every conversation and phone call between the Master and Jim, the topic seemed to turn to that plastic container full of wheat.

Winter 2021 - We didn't know it then, but the Master is told by his doctor that he has cancer. At Wellington Lodge's Annual Communication, he turns down a fifth term as Master but accepts his election as Treasurer. He is also appointed as Chairman of the Lodge's KMF Committee. Plans for the Grand Lodge Annual Communication in March are being published. Under a new Master (a 7-year member), Wellington Lodge hasn't forgotten its promise. A wooden storage box for the Lodge's wheat, with an engraved square and compass, is commissioned. It is decided that Jim, still visiting the Lodge regularly as their estoric proficiency continues to climb, will make the presentation to the Grand Master.

February 2022 - The Master, the old train engineer, confides to Jim that the cancer is rapidly spreading throughout his body, and his days are numbered. He has one to three months to live; he hopes to be at the wheat presentation in March. Nine days later, he passes away. At the families' request, Jim arranges and leads the Masonic funeral service. It seems he hadn't talked much with his family about Freemasonry other than wanting a Masonic funeral, and Jim was asked many questions during this challenging time.

Several weeks later, the family calls Jim: "Would you have any idea about some wheat in a Tupperware container under Dad's bed?" His Response was, "Don't get rid of that! I'll be down this afternoon to get it". Jim is given the container of wheat. It is still not in a silver or open golden vessel that would showcase and expose the contents, which should be moldy and starting to smell by now, for all to see. What he did receive was an airtight plastic container that would last until the final trumpet sounds, filled with Wellington wheat as fresh as the day it was separated from the stalk and then from the chaff. It seems our old friend knew exactly what he was doing. It is almost as if he knew his destiny regarding what he considered a noble purpose and, further, that it was the internal, not the external, qualifications of that container that were important. The Past Master still teaches without saying anything.

March 2022 - Grand Lodge Annual Communication, Topeka The engraved oak box, wheat safely inside, is presented to Grand Master Stoops. Those standing nearby might have noticed a glistening in the corners of the eyes of the presenter and recipient. Nearly a year has elapsed; the request has been fulfilled; the Kansas corn has been delivered; the wages are in the Treasury waiting to be paid out; a Brother both mourned and celebrated.

April 2022 & beyond - The official home of the ornate box and its contents is Emporia, at the Grand Lodge of Kansas office. Its official first trip was to Advance Lodge No. 114 in Florence on September 24 for their 150-year celebration and rededication. As of press time, the corn had most recently been used at Alta Vista Lodge No. 357 for their 125-year celebration and rededication.

The people directly involved in this story know the importance and impact the box of Kansas wheat can have for Masons and Lodges alike. No greater love between Brothers exists than when one (or more) come forward to assist another, never asking for anything in return or knowing whom their actions might ultimately aid in the end. A task started by one and brought to completion in the memory of the last great care of a Brother. The duty is performed Most Worshipful Grand Master.

In loving memory of: Jim "Doc" Emerson Master, Wellington Lodge No. 150, 2018-2021

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