THE KANSAS M ASON
publication for Kansas Masons in partnership with the Grand Lodge of Kansas.
See upcoming events and RSVP in the app.
Add the event to your calendar and map it.
Stay informed in real time. Communicate in real time.
Dates to Remember
Oct. 1 Lodge Award nominations open
Nov. 1 By-Law Proposals due
Nov. 2 Ritualistic Competition - Scott City
Nov. 8 Museum Dedication - Manhattan
Dec. 27 St. John the Evangelist's Day
Dec. 31 Lodge Award nominations close
Jan. 18 Ritualistic Competition Finals - Emporia
March Grand Lodge Annual Communication - Manhattan
Deputy Grand Master: Grand Senior Warden:
Grand Junior Warden:
Grand Secretary:
Grand Treasurer:
Individual and group chat participation.
Favorite members you contact frequently.
Check the online calendar for the most up to date information and details. KansasMason.org The Kansas Mason is published by the The Grand Lodge of Kansas, A.F. & A.M. The views and opinions expressed in the Kansas Mason are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of the Grand Lodge of Kansas or its' officers. All inquires or submissions should be sent to Editor@KansasMason.org
Douglas L. Wilkinson Belleville Lodge No. 129
Derik L. Hockett
Ulysses Lodge No. 435
David W. Hendricks
Emporia Lodge No. 12
Mark C. Reeder
Lake Lodge No. 50, Silver Lake
Tracy L. Bloom, PGM
Salina Lodge No. 60, Salina
B. Cole Presley, PGM
Millbrook Lodge 281, Hill City
From the Grand East
Douglas L. Wilkinson, Grand Master 2024-2025
What follows are highlights from the Grand Master's Address after his installation on March 16, 2024
Where have we been and where are we going? When our Grand Masters Michael Johnson (2022) and Robert McClarty (2023) were appointed to the Grand Line, some interesting numbers were tossed around about what our membership would look like five years later when they would become Grand Master. What was even scarier was what things could look like when I finally got here. Then there was COVID that slowed us down.
While the Strategic Plan got off to an interesting start and could use a little tweaking, it has provided us with several small but positive results. Additionally, they are ongoing in Kansas Masonry right now. Remember, as has been stated numerous times before, "No battle plan ever survives first contact with the enemy." So, tweaking should be expected as time moves along. What everyone seems to forget is that this plan was developed by our Brothers who were not Grand Lodge officers! The Brothers created a plan of what they thought Kansas Masonry should look like and each of them felt strongly enough about it that they condensed into writing. In other words, this is the direction those Brothers felt we needed to go to get Kansas Masonry back on track. As a direct result of those efforts, along with a few others, we
have more than 4000 more Brothers today than what was projected!
While we don't have time today to dive into each of those processes, I can share that we will continue all those efforts this upcoming year!
Again, there is not enough time to mention everything, but I would like to say a few things we need to continue to focus on.
First are our priorities, which should be in this order: 1. Deity/God 2. Our families 3. Our work 4. Masonry. We can never lose sight of those; if we maintain them in the above order, I assure you that things will fall into place.
Next, look and live our Mission and Vision statements:
Our Mission Statement
The Mission of the Grand Lodge of Kansas is to encourage and support Freemasonry by assisting its Brothers and constituent lodges to achieve success and prosperity as assets to their communities.
Our Vision Statement
The Vision of the Grand Lodge of Kansas is an ideal Masonic experience in every Masonic Lodge.
What is the ideal or personal positive Masonic experience? I know what it is for me, but it may be entirely different for you, other Brothers, or the potential Candidate sitting next to you or me. In fact, I can almost bet it's nowhere near what mine is. We must stop describing what WE think/feel their vision is and ask them! Once we ask them, we must help them develop a plan to achieve their positive Masonic vision. This will most definitely involve mentoring the Brother to ensure his success!
(continued next page)
(continued from previous page)
Just think, with the progress we have made up to this point, how much more can we accomplish by simply changing our approach to not only our Brothers but to those contemplating joining us. Just imagine knowing that individual's vision before he starts or developing a current Brother's vision after asking! Those visions may include wanting to be a Grand Lecturer someday; the Ritualistic Committee has developed Ritual competitions for which he can begin training and learning right now. A candidate or Brother may want to contribute in some other way, such as to one or more of our Appendant Bodies. At the end of the day, you know what we have: a Brother Mason who will live his life for the betterment of man and ultimately demonstrate to others why they should want to be a part of our Great Fraternity. If we properly mentor him/them, we may have a Brother for life!
Additionally, regarding those who were once members, we have to reach out to the Brothers we feel are worthy and ask them why they left us. They will likely answer that there was nothing there for them and that no one took the time to ask them what their expectations were. We must stop just rubber stamping and suspending for non-payment of dues and ask members what has changed. It could be other issues that we failed to ask about, such as if they are in a financial jam or
something else, but we won't know if we don't ask! My first challenge to you as Grand Master is that for every Worthy Brother you bring back to Kansas Masonry, I will personally hand-deliver one of my challenge coins to you!
Finally, we will continue fostering unity with the Appendant Bodies. I have appointed, now, Past Grand Master, Robert McClarty to continue this effort with events. We will also be aligning our calendars so we can work together instead of against each other. At the end of the day, we are all Masons, and we are all on the level. As long as we don't forget that, we will all only get stronger and stronger! While we just started this, and some are a little skeptical, I truly believe it has already played a role in bringing us a little closer together. Once we demonstrate we are serious about this, I mean walking the walk not just talking the talk! That, my Brothers, is when trust is established amongst ourselves, and we become one! At that point, nothing can ever stop us!!!
Remember this: "Masonry not withstanding, has still survived," and with our hard work, it will continue forever!
Look Back, Look Forward; Never a Pause
Tracy Bloom, PGM, Grand Secretary
There are so many things I would love to talk to you about, but our editor has only allowed me these two pages instead of the whole magazine, as I thought I might need. As Secretary, I just want to get you all the information I can so you can remain informed. So, to allow other contributors space, I will only cover several topics in this issue.
2024 Annual Communication
The 168th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Kansas was held earlier this year, for the first time ever, in Manhattan. My assessment of the event follows, highlighting its successful aspects and areas for improvement.
It is always scary changing venues for the Annual Communication, trying to pinpoint exactly how many rooms to reserve and meals to account for, and learning the new logistics or the lay of the land, if you will. However, all in all, I think it went pretty well. Manhattan is more centrally located than Topeka, and the accommodations at the Hilton Garden Inn in Manhattan certainly didn't disappoint. The facilities were fantastic, and the staff was a dream to work with.
One of the good things was not having to stop the business session by a particular time so the hotel staff could flip the room for the All-Masonic banquet and the KMF charity auction.
Those of you who attended are aware, but for the rest of you who did not, this was the first time that I can remember that we sent out a survey after the Annual Communication. We did this purposefully because there were some issues with the food. We needed some empirical data to return to the hotel to come to a compromise, and we have. We also understand that the pricing has become a concern, and we are actively working on a long-term solution. For those of you planning to attend the Annual Communication in 2025, I assure you that we are striving to make it a more affordable and enjoyable experience. You can look forward to some pleasant surprises.
The Grand Lodge's business meeting, which dealt with the proposed constitutional and by-law changes, went very smoothly. With 14 proposed changes and the aid of electronic voting devices, the process took just over an hour. All discussions were very cordial, which helped completing an enormous task in relatively short order. I applaud the Brothers who participated.
Following the Annual Communication, I have been continuing with the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) videos I started last year and am slowly expanding that content beyond the lodge officers and secretaries. We continue to update and upgrade our infrastructure, and I look forward to publishing more
videos. The upgrade in technology has been necessary because I have been using our YouTube account to post training videos for secretaries. Apparently, that violated the YouTube standards of conduct, even though the videos were marked as private, and you could only view them if you were sent a link. So, by the time you read this, we will (should) have our platform up and running, and we won't have to worry about violating any more YouTube Community Standards.
PCI (again)
Speaking of announcements and communications being an imperative tool in our arsenal, I'd like to announce that we've contracted again with Publishing Concepts LP "PCI" Oral History Publication Project. It's the same company that updated our member contact information about two years ago, in which we updated thousands of data points in our M2 Database.
A PCI representative will contact you, asking for updated address information, phone numbers, email addresses, and a few other things. If you want to share your brief oral history, it will be developed into a nice entry into the membership book that can be purchased, along with other items sanctioned by the Grand Lodge of Kansas. However, AND THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT, if you do not want to buy anything, just tell them "No" when they ask.
Why do we continue to do this project every couple of years? Because our database lacks communication data. This service costs the Grand Lodge nothing, and PCI generates its income by selling books and other sanctioned products. However, you are not required to buy anything, but we ask you to update your contact information with them, which automatically updates our database with the most current information.
Ensuring we have your up-to-date contact information is extremely important for several reasons. First, we use this information to communicate with you many things related to your lodge membership, such as meeting notices, announcements, news articles,
calendar events, letters and dues notices, and lastly, where to send this Kansas Mason magazine to you. Not to mention where to call, text, or email you. These bits of information also go into making your OLP (Our Lodge Page) more relevant to you and the members of your Lodge. As I have written in many previous articles, OLP is a great communication tool and resource. You can also conveniently communicate with other members as well as receive your dues notice(s) and securely pay them through the website using a debit or credit card.
Our Lodge Page (OLP)
Our Lodge Page, which I hope you have been using has been undergoing some changes over the past several months. The change that affects us most noticeably is that the app is going away and that everything will be web-based. Our Communications Committee is working on getting you more information on how to use OLP, for those that aren't. As I have in many previous issues, I encourage you to try OLP for all your Lodge needs.
2024 Trends Impacting Masonic Entities
Submitted by D. Brian Byrd, Albert Pike Lodge No. 303
In the dynamic landscape of 2024, Masonic organizations continue to grapple with challenges stemming from COVID. The repercussions of prolonged shutdowns during COVID have made it easier for Masons to abstain from attending events, setting a precedent that may still persist. Despite these ongoing difficulties, the evolving nature of Masonry presents opportunities for further adaptation, especially in light of current global events like the U.S. presidential election, which warrant cautious navigation not only within fraternal circles but across various sectors. As we plunge into the trends shaping 2024, it becomes evident that economic uncertainty remains a significant concern. Economic fluctuations can induce fear among members, leading to a re-evaluation of participation and decisionmaking processes. This uncertainty manifests in various ways, such as shelving Lodge growth initiatives, leaving Lodge positions unfilled, Members scaling back on personal expenses, and Lodges grappling with unpredictable operating costs. In this climate, the commodity of time emerges as paramount, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing member retention to maintain a resilient fraternity and enhance membership experiences. We need to make sure that when we are asking our members to share their most precious commodity with us, we are giving that time spent with us the attention it deserves. Another trend demanding attention is the arrival of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly its potential to enhance the Masonic experience. Despite initial apprehensions, Masonic entities should embrace the opportunities AI offers, albeit cautiously, ensuring it complements rather than replaces the unique contributions of Masons.
By delegating mundane tasks to AI, Masons can redirect their focus towards strategic and innovative endeavors, enriching the fraternity's capabilities and efficiency. AI can manage social media campaigns and calendars, create ideas for Masonic Education, create data sets, etc. Using this tool will allow your officer's time to be better spent too! Furthermore, the explosion of information and social media connectivity empowers members and prospects, necessitating a deliberate approach to engagement and communication. The individuals joining today know more about what is coming at them with degree work than ever before. Since they know that, we must ensure their experience is top-notch. Building trust through transparent communication channels and fostering a culture of openness within Lodges are pivotal in meeting the expectations of an increasingly informed membership base. Revisiting engagement strategies and cultivating a positive Masonic experience not only strengthens member retention but also attracts new, qualified individuals to the fraternity. In conclusion, amidst the challenges and opportunities presented by the evolving landscape of 2024, time emerges as the most precious commodity for Masonic entities. Engaging members in a manner that values and optimizes this commodity is paramount. By embracing trends such as AI integration, adapting communication strategies, and prioritizing member retention, Masonic organizations can not only navigate the present uncertainties but also pave the way for a thriving future rooted in shared experiences and values. Masons, we must get out of our own way so we can improve the experience. We should not focus on anything else until the experience is addressed. It is a waste of everyone's time if you do not.
Guild Meeting 2024: A Return to Masonic Principles
By Kansas Mason Staff
The annual Guild Meeting, previously known as the Leadership Academy, brought Masons from across Kansas to the McPherson Community Building on September 28. With its mix of vintage charm and modern functionality, this historic venue perfectly set the stage for a day focused on returning to Freemasonry's core values.
The day began with breakfast, allowing everyone to reconnect before the program officially started. The opening session started with Ramsey Bergeron, a Leadership and Mindset Coach who brought tremendous energy to the room. His presentation, "Your Power is in Your Perspective," encouraged attendees to think about leadership as more than just making decisions—it's about mindset, resilience, and outlook. Drawing from his own experiences, Bergeron's talk inspired and encouraged everyone to approach leadership with a focus on personal growth.
Next, Alex Powers, Director of our Lodge of Research, took the stage, diving into Kansas Masonry's history and the evolution of leadership over nearly 170 years. Powers shared how past decisions and milestones have shaped today's Masonic landscape, reminding everyone that what we do today leaves a legacy for tomorrow's leaders. Chris Neeley spoke about "Excellence in Membership," highlighting how the Grand Lodge uses social media and other avenues to try and connect with new members. Neeley's presentation showed how these efforts are helping Freemasonry reach a wider audience and engage with the community in new ways.
Past Grand Master Mike Johnson's excitement was evident as he took the stage, happy to have a speaking slot before lunch rather than his normal post-lunch "food coma" slot. Johnson's talk on "Excellence in Ritualistic Work" was well received, offering practical tips on how to approach Masonic rituals with dedication and purpose. His insights were a great reminder of why these traditions matter so much.
Anthony Pence, a former music teacher, led a "Music in Freemasonry" session, bringing a unique and often overlooked topic into focus. Pence played several Masonic compositions, demonstrating the emotional
impact music can have in ceremonies and encouraging lodges to bring music back into their rituals as originally intended.
Lunch was another highlight (yes, really!), catered by MOAB BBQ and owned by Brother Chris Collins from Wichita. The locally sourced barbecue was a hit, allowing everyone to enjoy great food while connecting with fellow Masons.
The afternoon sessions shifted to communication and technology. Curtis Utley, chairman, and the Communications Committee, demonstrated how tools like Our Lodge Page (OLP) can make Lodge communications more effective.
Carlos Rivera from the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Kansas shared insights into Prince Hall traditions, fostering a more profound sense of unity and respect between the two jurisdictions.
Grand Secretary Tracy Bloom's presentation covered how Masonic tech tools like M2 (database), OLP, Groupable, and Amity can help streamline lodge operations and improve member engagement.
Bob Shively, Executive Director of the Kansas Masonic Foundation (KMF), wrapped up the presentations by highlighting the often underutilized programs of the KMF and encouraged lodges to tap into their available resources to support their growth and community efforts.
The day ended with a panel discussion where Masonic leaders addressed questions and offered solutions to common lodge challenges. Grand Master Doug Wilkinson closed the event with remarks that motivated everyone to return what they'd learned to their lodges.
The 2024 Guild Meeting was more than just a series of presentations—it was a chance to reconnect with what truly matters in Kansas Masonry—from exploring history to embracing modern tools, the day reaffirmed the enduring values that continue to guide the Craft and inspire its future.
No More Elevator Speech!
Sooner or later, at every conference or meeting on membership, the idea that everyone needs an “elevator speech” is put forward for that moment when someone asks: “What is masonry all about?”. When that happens, there are two reactions from the Mason who has been asked. The first, and most common, is a panic reaction of the Mason who wishes he had taken some time and mental energy to develop that speech. The result is some stumbling and stammering ending in something like “making good men better.” The second is usually a very high-sounding but incomprehensible monologue about a course of hieroglyphical and moral instruction taught using types, emblems, and allegorical figures emblematic of your journey through life. This well-developed speech goes into all sorts of details about the beauty of the ritual, and it quickly becomes a summary of the entire third narrative lecture in the first and third degrees. Both responses will not likely develop into an opportunity to have more discussion. So, what will open that further discussion if these two responses are inadequate, or possibly improper, for the profane (non-Mason)? I would offer up another line of discussion. Masonry is about brotherhood, charity, and studying your relationships with the world at large; it is a search for truth.
Submitted by: Herb Merrick, DSM Hancock Lodge 311
Masonry is a fraternity in the classical sense. It is a diverse group of men who believe in working together to improve themselves and the world around them. The shared membership experience provides each member with a circle of friends who can work like a family. The term “brothers” is quite literal. A member can rely on other members of the fraternity to provide the same type of support found in a family setting. The lodge is where members can ask questions and seek practical and philosophical information without worry. Like a family, there is a wide variety of opinions about almost anything, but a special relationship is gained through shared experiences. This allows members with differing opinions to share fellowship without disruptive disagreements. An early example is provided to us through Brother Rudyard Kipling’s “The Mother Lodge.” 1Establishing the makeup of the lodge in the first four verses, in the fifth verse, he talks about the monthly discussions of religion in a lodge with members of each of the three major monotheistic religions. Here the issues are discussed as education while avoiding offense by not having a banquet.
Masonic charity assists other members and the community at large to make the world better. The Masonic concept of charity or relief is introduced in the third narrative lecture of the first degree. It is expanded in the following degrees and specifically addressed in the obligations of the second and third degrees. Masons see charity as a universal duty of all people, but it is also the key to establishing the close relationships that make the fraternity strong and united. The obligations expand this tenet with specific requirements to the individual Mason and the Mason’s family. The formalization of a Masonic charity can be found in the Grand Lodge of England’s establishment of a Committee of Charity in 1727. 2 This has led to every Grand Lodge having a committee or a foundation to support charitable activities within 1 The Mother-Lodge by Rudyard Kipling - Famous poems, famous poets. - All Poetry https://allpoetry. com/The-Mother-Lodge accessed July 2023. 2 Masonic Charity (masonicworld.com) Prestonian Lecture of 1993 and published in volume 108 of Ars Quatuor Coronatorum in October 1996. https://www. masonicworld.com/education/articles/masonic_charity. htm
its jurisdiction. While Masonry is fraternity and not a charity, it is the practice of charity that binds the fraternity members into a band of brothers united in several important purposes.
The Masonic search for truth is the last pillar of what makes the key supports of the fraternity. It is one of the most important fields of study conducted by the members of the craft. It is through this search for truth that unites our passion and our logic. Truth is the crowning virtue of the fraternity. It is a symbol for divinity and the source of all the other virtues held in such high regard. As Masons, we abhor any perversion of truth, but we also accept that facts are subject to interpretation and are willing to give interpretations a fair and just hearing in the search for the truth. Truth is at the crux of the Masonic experience. For masons, at least in a philosophical and religious sense, the search for truth is the object. Truth is symbolized by the world, and from the minute a candidate becomes a member, his search for truth in the universe begins. Truth is attained through experiential learning and by engaging with the age-old Masonic rituals and ceremonies. But truth is also found in meaning. By living a masonic life, each member is reflecting the values that facilitate a virtuous existence.3
The next time you get the “What is it all about” question, you can provide an answer in just a few sentences. Masonry is a fraternity, the oldest operating in the modern world. Brothers working together to make the world better by helping those in need. Using rituals and ceremonies, the fraternity searches for meaning and truth. From these three simple thoughts, you can expand based on the level of interest returned from the inquirer. We are brothers searching for truth and helping our members and the world at large.
3 The Intersectionality of Truth and Belief in Freemasonry; William Regal April 17, 2023 https:// freemasonscommunity.life/truth-and-belief-infreemasonry/ accessed 21 July 2023
Do You Love It or Just the Idea of It?
Submitted by: Duane A. Marshall, Overland Park Lodge No. 436
I previously penned an article about the Temple and the Temple room and how I believe they are holy (A place that is not a place, in a time that is not a time – Fall 2022). Meaning it is a space set aside for sacred work. Now, the Lodge is the Brothers and the Temple the space. I think it is essential to make that distinction.
Since writing that article almost two years ago, I have often reflected upon it. A lodge I am a member of has been going through some very rough times. No, it is not fun. Yes, friendships have been damaged because of it, sadly, I might add.
I often wonder, "Do you really love your Temple and Lodge, or just the idea of it?"
But some of this has me thinking. Do you really love your Temple and Lodge, or just the idea of it? While I realize that question could be upsetting to some, it is valid.
Does this sound familiar? Several brothers show up at a Stated Communication. Three you have not seen but two or three times in as many years, one you have never seen. You hear them say things like, "My dad, uncle, grandpa, etc., were members of this Lodge," or "There is such history here," and even "It would be a shame if anything happened to this…" They were happy to be there that night, and you were thankful they attended.
It is wonderful that there is such a rich history in our Temples and that many have a deep family connection with Freemasonry, but I often wonder and want to ask, "Where have you been?"
Again, I ask, and let me change it a bit, "Do WE really love our Temple and Lodge, or just the idea of it?"
Do we attend regularly? In some cases not. A number of Lodges and Temples across Kansas are facing hard times,
and it's not money that is the issue; it is involvement. What makes a Lodge? In Kansas, it is seven Brothers and a Charter. You can meet on the back forty of a farm if you want, as long as you have those things. You are a Lodge, and the field is your Temple. As a quick side note, one of the best third degrees I have ever attended was outside in a field.
Do we become so attached to accoutrement that it is all we see? In one Kansas Temple, there are names of Past Masters etched in marble guarded by a couple of sphinx. Beautiful, to be sure. Another has completely gutted their building and remodeled it. The Temple room looks like something out of a King Arthur tale. It is truly amazing. But these are just things.
We say we love our Temple. Ok. I'm sure we do, and we should. When was the last time you took out the trash? Vacuumed a floor? Cleaned the kitchen? Dusted the altar? Cleaned the spare aprons and jewels? Or are we hoping the Eastern Star group that uses the building will do it again? I heard a mixed panel discussion on this topic, and the lady replied, "It is a men's organization. Pick up after yourselves." 100% correct.
We say we love the Lodge. Remember, the Lodge and Temple are different.
Have you called your Brother? Has anyone organized a Festive Board? I mean, all work and no play can make for some very grumpy Brothers.
Do WE really love our Temple and Lodge, or just the idea of it? This isn't meant to be an upsetting topic, but think about it. Do you?
Educational Treasure Trove Unlocked
Submitted by the Masonic Education Committee
When the masonic education committee met for the first time shortly after the 2022 Grand Lodge Session, they discussed what they could do to bring something to the lodges in Kansas that would assist them in providing an excellent masonic experience when dealing with masonic education. It was decided the members would speak with other brothers within the jurisdiction to ascertain what they thought would help meet the goal of providing masonic education at their meetings. What the committee heard from many of the brothers who offered their input was the need for more masonic education resources. Several stated that they did not know how to contact any learned masonic education speakers in their area to visit and present masonic education.
The committee embarked upon a project to produce a series of articles that could be read at the various stated meetings of the lodges. These topics needed to be more than a simple, quick education article. These articles needed to be written and designed so they could be delivered within the lodge by any brother willing to read them. The committee reached out to masons known for presenting masonic education within the lodge setting in Kansas and other masonic jurisdictions and asked them to write articles/papers. Their papers included topics such as the history of freemasonry, how masons should act within and without the lodge, and other articles intended to actuate the lodge to better understand
masonic education. Each article has a series of questions at the end, which can be used to encourage discussion concerning the paper and its topic. This is one way to increase the masonic experience within the lodge. Having members discuss the paper and, hopefully, come up with their own questions increases the ability for the lodge to have a quality masonic education experience.
How can you unlock the treasurers for your Lodge’s usage? The articles are under the Members Portal on the Grand Lodge of Kansas website. Once logged in, the Resources tab contains a link to the Education Committee Papers. Currently, there are 18 papers that include different topics of interest for all masons. Please use these as you would prefer. They are there for our lodges to use and to assist them in providing more light for their members. The committee hopes to hear from those who have used the papers in their lodges. If the need is there, more papers will be written and added to the body of work for you and your Lodge to use. Please feel free to communicate what you liked or disliked, along with any ideas you have on creating a better Masonic education experience within your lodges. Your Grand Lodge Masonic Education Committee is here to serve you.
We look forward to hearing your responses and ideas on how better Masonic education can be delivered within each of your lodges.
Winds of Change
Submitted by: Daron J. Woelk, Russell Lodge No. 177
As I became a Mason, my journey as an officer started the first meeting after becoming a Master Mason, and I was asked to fill in the chair of Junior Deacon. The nervous knots came from the depths of my stomach as we opened, and the words came out of my mouth in ways that had not been spoken before. At that very moment, I thought to myself, why am I having to do this when we have so many Masons in our Lodge. The answer seemed basic. Everyone knew our Lodge meeting was the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month, as it has been those days for decades. Fortunately or unfortunately, as Masons, we tend to be very active members of our communities. Therefore, those two days, “Lodge days,” will blend with other activities and events if not explicitly communicated early enough. Mailing minutes, making a few phone calls, seeing the occasional Brother out and about, and informing him of the upcoming meeting have worked for decades, but now? Now we have so many ways to communicate, which can get confusing quickly. Emailing used to be simple, but now, many members have multiple email addresses. After emailing, we get to how many of the
“younger” generations communicate: text messaging, instant messaging, Twitter (X), Snapchat, Instagram, and a few I don’t even know about yet, I am sure. The seemingly simple communication can easily get lost when you have to choose how to communicate using all the different methods.
In 2012, like quite a number of lodge secretaries, mine “didn’t do email.” So, when I was appointed Senior Steward, I began sending texts to the Brothers that regularly showed up. The following year, I started including Brothers who showed up occasionally. My task became apparent: I needed to send a message to every member of our Lodge. If I could get a hold of every Lodge member either by email or text a few days before our meetings, they would come. That was my thought process anyway. It didn’t happen overnight, but we doubled our attendance within six months, and it continued to grow. As my advancement through the chairs continued, the emails and texts continued. At the same time, technology also continued advancing, as it always does.
BeingALodgeSecretaryInThe21stCentury
After completing my several-year term as Master, I thought I was ready to jump into the Secretary’s seat and quickly encountered what I thought was a problem. Grand Lodge was rolling out the new M2 database and the integrated Our Lodge Page (OLP) platform. Like many across our state, our Lodge Secretary wasn’t embracing this significant change very well. Combine that with the “much younger” me not knowing all the intricacies of what a Lodge Secretary does and we could have been headed for disaster. The solution was obvious. I was appointed Assistant Secretary, the Secretary’s Apprentice for all practical purposes. I would help with the new and existing technological parts while learning everything necessary to be an effective Secretary. We all joke about Lodge Secretaries, but I never realized how much they do behind the scenes that most members never think about. (I also now understand why most Lodge Secretaries used to be the only paid position in the Lodge.)
After two years of apprenticeship as an assistant secretary, I was elected Secretary, a position I have held for two years as of this writing. While I think all Lodges have fully transitioned into the M2 database and have access to the OLP platform, which offers so
much more than a free webpage to all Lodges, many still aren’t taking advantage of these tools provided to us. Getting all our Lodge Brothers information into the database and using OLP is paramount to a Lodge’s communication success. Not only does it allow for automatic dues and meeting night reminders to be sent, but it also allows for efficient texting and emailing from one location when necessary.
Technology continues to advance, and we are already taking advantage of it. On your handheld electronic devices, if you install the “Groupable Passport” app, you have instant access to your current dues card(s) virtually. Now, the Tyler can scan your dues card or phone every meeting night with the Groupable passport. When you attend Masonic events such as Table Lodges, Festive Boards, Guild Meeting, Annual Communication, etc., being able to log who attends helps show what kind of event we members attend and helps drive the Lodge as a whole in the right direction.
OLP would have been so helpful in the beginning when I started texting members, as iPhones only allow 20 people at a time to text per thread. With OLP, you create your member list and send a text to everyone at one time. Because OLP and the M2 database work
hand in hand, Secretaries and event planners can go straight from M2 to OLP to create events and push them out to your Lodge’s membership or a specific District or Area.
The M2 database makes being your Lodge’s Secretary in today’s busy world a much easier venture. Secretaries can now design their dues notices and print them out instead of doing most of it by hand as they did just 5 to 10 years ago. With M2, downloading a contact list with membership types, sending out emails with the consent agenda, minutes, and the occasional Masonic joke are all easy to do. When degree work is scheduled during a meeting, it can be put on your Lodge’s OLP calendar in several clicks before Lodge is closed. It’s that simple.
As I prepare to enter my third year as Secretary, I am looking for an Assistant Secretary, as that position served me and the Lodge well. So many Lodges have men who are essentially forced to stay in that position for years, sometimes twenty or more! The Secretary is a vital part of every Lodge, and as technology is constantly evolving and moving forward, we must make sure our Secretary’s position is too.
Two "Eccentric" Kansas Masons
Submitted by: James A. Marples, Mulvane Lodge No. 201
This article may seem a bit strange to profile two eccentric Kansas Masons. However, it is presented to illustrate how ordinary men who had lifestyles we may not choose for our own still found time to join our Craft. Granted, these two men had their eclectic ambitions, but Masonry's influence on them was undeniable.
Samuel P. Dinsmoor was a member, and even Lodge Secretary, of Blue Hill Lodge No. 198 in Lucas, Kansas, who created the whacky, if not outright bizarre, concrete and stone "Garden of Eden." He created statues that supposedly depict how he felt God's Creation had become corrupted with grotesque statues of soldiers, Indians, a figure depicted as "Labor" crucified upon a cross, and lastly, Adam and Eve both wearing Masonic Aprons. Culminating it all, Brother Dinsmoor designed his own coffin with a glass inner lid to the sarcophagus
whereby spectators to this day can see his body. A stone lid to the side depicts the Masonic Square and Compasses.
Samuel was not only a member of his Lodge but also served as Secretary for several years. Furthermore, his son, Thomas B. Dinsmoor, was Lodge Secretary for an incredible 23 years and was Master in 1907. That was also the year his father seriously began starting the 'Garden of Eden' stone artwork. The father, Samuel, was beyond age 80, and he took in a young Czech immigrant girl who was 20 and eventually became his wife. She bore him two children, one of who, Col. John W. Dinsmoor, became the only military person in the Vietnam War who could state that his father had served in the Civil War. Remarkable!
Brother Dinsmoor died in 1932. This author has visited
photo courtesy of Tracy Bloom
the Garden of Eden site twice. While I marvel at the creativity, I admit that it is thought-provoking (to phrase it nicely). Yet, art is, well, art. I encourage everyone to visit our Brother's home/museum/Garden in Lucas.
Let me turn to the other profiled gentleman, our Brother John R. "Doc" Brinkley. He was born in 1885 in North Carolina. He eventually worked his way to the tiny town of Fulton, in the southeast corner of our state, where he joined Lodge No. 210 in November 1916 and became a Master Mason in January 1917. He also became a member of the Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Methodist Episcopal Church. Eventually, he took the Scottish Rite degrees, then at Ft. Scott, and joined the Mirza Shrine Center circa 1917. In that year, he was briefly a 1st Lieutenant of the 64th Infantry. After his discharge, he worked at the meat-packing plants in St. Joseph-Kansas City, Missouri.
John was lured to bring his wife to the small town of Milford, near Junction City, Kansas, where he could have a medical practice. Once they got to the city, the Brinkleys were more than disappointed: it wasn't much more than a hamlet. Nevertheless, Brother Brinkley set up shop. One day, an old farmer came in and complained about his low virility, and everything changed. That particular farmer, Bill Stittsworth, aged 46, came into Brinkley's Clinic in Milford, complaining he had "no pep" (a euphemism for no libido).
Stittsworth glances out the window and sees a male billy goat vigorously mating in the pasture. He makes the offhand remark that he wishes he had billy goat gonads. Two days later, he returned to the Brinkley Clinic for a 15-minute "transplant" operation. Nine months later, Mrs. Stittsworth gives birth to a bouncing baby boy, aptly named "Billy." Publicity and acclaim came from
far and wide. Even the editor of the Los Angeles Times newspaper, Harry Chandler, wanted Brinkley to do the transplant surgery on one of his editors. He threatened Brinkley with fortune if it succeeded OR that he would ruin Brinkley if it failed. It seemingly was a success since Chandler paid the money and the patient was apparently satisfied.
One of Brinkley's "good" achievements was establishing Kansas' first high-powered radio station, KFKB (Kansas First, Kansas Best). He would showcase the finest upcoming musical talents. Professors from nearby Kansas Agricultural College (now Kansas State University) would come to the studios to lecture, and Dr. Brinkley would answer listeners' questions on-air to their delight.
Brother Brinkley's other remarkable achievement was his valiant running for Kansas Governor (as a write-in candidate). During the election of 1930, the Attorney General declared only ballots marked "J.R. Brinkley" would be counted. It was a close election, but another Masonic Brother, Harry Woodring, was declared the winner. Many years later, after Woodring had served his whole term and was safely out of Kansas politics, he admitted that if all the ballots intended for Brinkley had been counted, Brinkley would have won and been Kansas Governor. In the 1932 governor's race, Brinkley lost again to Woodring as well as future presidential candidate Brother Alf Landon.
"Doc" Brinkley later moved his medical practice (and his border-blaster radio station) to Del Rio, Texas. Admittedly, he ran a dubious enterprise with his "remedies," and his medical license was eventually revoked.
KansasMemory.org / Kansas State Historical Society
Brother Brinkley died in 1942 and is buried at a cemetery in Memphis, Tennessee, where his estate caused an immense bronze statue of "Winged Victory" to be erected above his grave. Fortunately, this author drove to see the statute in 2013. A few years later, vandals cut it up for its intrinsic value. However, the base still remains and has two views of the Masonic Square and Compasses.
Brothers Dinsmoor and Brinkley lived in the same era,
in the same state, and were both Kansas Freemasons. I have an easy comeback for those naysayers and critics who scoff at these two men's lives. If they didn't amount to much, why do thousands of people, primarily nonMasons, stop at Lucas, Kansas' Garden of Eden each year? And Brinkley was only a few decades ahead of his time working on libido enhancement "drugs" and other remedies that cater to a widespread audience of millions of people.
Your Lodge records were safe and dry - until they weren't.
Let the Lodge of Research help your Lodge digitally archive and preserve all your paper records, documents, photographs, and record a virtual tour for future generations. There is no charge for any Kansas Lodge.
A Historic Hot Night
By Kansas Mason Staff
It was a hot meeting night, as the "old timers" have often spoken about. It was September 8, 2023, an Indian summer evening on the seventh floor of the former Salina Masonic Temple, and the air conditioning was not running well, if at all. Why might that matter?
Tuscan Lodge No. 460, one of our traveling affinity Lodges, was meeting in this historic location the night before the Grand Lodge annual Guild meeting, and the Grand Master and many other Grand Lodge officers were in attendance.
Some background. Tuscan Lodge was formed to promote Leadership Brotherhood and Masonic excellence, and while any Mason can attend, membership is restricted to current or past Area and District Deputy Grand Masters. Before the meeting, members and guests eat a nice meal, usually at a local restaurant but sometimes catered in. They have a strict formal dress code and use a Consent Agenda to hustle through the routine business and get to what is usually a reasonably lengthy Masonic education presentation with interactive discussions. The close of the meeting is preceded by going around the room and each member talking about what is going on in their life.
Reviewing the Agenda for September 8, in addition to scheduled Masonic Education, this night was the official fall visit of the District Deputy Grand Master. Per Masonic protocol, the Grand Master being in attendance, he was to give his remarks or address at the very end.
With the above being said, you can imagine how uncomfortable it was getting in the suits and tuxedos as the meeting went into the second hour on the top floor of the 1927 Temple, built from Indiana Limestone, with small windows that we surmise haven't been opened since Truman was an Apprentice.
The Tuscan Master, with Solomon-like wisdom, allowed that jackets could be taken off as the meeting continued. In the group picture on the facing page, taken after the meeting, you will notice that in the front row, right side, is the Master's mentor; (then) ninety-seven-yearold Carl Otto, kept his jacket on and is smiling – no doubt wondering how all the "kids" even made it to the seventh floor without collapsing.
(continued next page)
Hughes Appointed 2024/25 Grand Senior Deacon
(continued from previous page)
As the meeting started to draw to a close, Grand Master Robert McClarty gave remarks and turned the meeting over to Deputy Grand Master Douglas Wilkinson. The Deputy Grand Master told the crowd that, previous to tonight, he, with the approval of the Council of Administration, had made the decision to appoint Warren Hughes, the Master of Tuscan Lodge, as the Grand Senior Deacon for the 2024/25 year. He later jokingly remarked that Warren's decision to allow the removal of the jackets may have saved his life and demonstrated that he would be very adept was but one of many good problem-solving decisions he would be making in the upcoming years.
to currently serving as Grand Senior Deacon, Warren also serves on the Grand Lodge committees for Strategic Planning, Reports of Grand Lodge Officers, and Lodges and Buildings.
Warren was born in Cape Giradeau, Missouri, and grew up in Hamilton, Kansas. He and Brenda, his wife of over thirty years, live in LeRoy and have four adult children. Warren works in Topeka as an account sales manager for HF Rubber Machinery Inc.
Warren stated, "Masonry is life. I have been honored and humbled to be asked to serve the Kansas Craft many times, and I can only hope and pray that I am positively impacting others the way my mentor(s) have me."
Warren Hughes is a Past Master of Neosho Lodge No. 27, Burlington Lodge No. 66, and Tuscan Lodge No. 460 and has served the Grand Lodge multiple times as an Area and District Deputy Grand Master. In addition
If elected by the Kansas Craft, Warren will serve as Grand Master in 2028/29.
2023 ESSAY TOPIC
The Society or Fraternity of Freemasons is at its core a system of morality taught by symbols, allegories, and lectures grounded in fundamental principles such as brotherly love, relief, and truth. Despite the fast-paced environment in which students live and today’s preference for less face-to-face connection, interpersonal relationships are important to one’s overall mental health and stability.
If you were to start an organization or network to help foster interpersonal relationships and connectivity, what principles would you incorporate and why?
Be sure to properly document any research supporting your conclusions.
WINNER LIST
First Place ($4,000)
Frontenac High School
Marvin A. Armstrong Lodge No. 187
Second Place ($3,000) ALI TIBBITS
Perry Lodge No. 415
Third Place ($2,000)
CLARA JOHNSON
Active Lodge No. 158
Fourth Place ($1,000)
KAMDYN TRAHAN
Yates Center High School
Gilead Lodge No. 144
Honorable Mention ($500) ALLISON MODDELMOG
Southeast of Saline High School
Salina Lodge No. 60
Honorable Mention ($500) PEYTON RYAN
Central Plains High School
Hoisington Lodge No. 331
Honorable Mention ($500)
CAMRYN BEIKMANN
Linn High School
Clay Center Lodge No. 134
Honorable Mention ($500)
MORGAN ALLEN
Centralia High School
Marysville Lodge No. 91
EMILY MCCUBBIN
THE PRINCIPLES OF LIFE
If I were to create an establishment that fosters interpersonal relationships and connectivity, it would have many principles. The ability to connect with others on a deep level enriches our well-being and success. To cultivate and sustain these connections, there are five key principles for building meaningful interpersonal relationships.
Effective communication serves as the foundation of successful relationships. It extends beyond mere speaking and encompasses active listening. Genuine connections are fostered when individuals engage in empathetic listening, seeking to understand others without judgement. Clear and honest communication is essential, as it nurtures trust and transparency, enabling individuals to forge stronger bonds.
Empathy, the ability to understand and share another person’s feelings, is also fundamental to building profound connections. When we step into someone else’s shoes and genuinely strive to comprehend their emotions and viewpoints, trust and rapport naturally develop. Empathy not only aids in conflict resolution but also strengthens the bonds between individuals.
Additionally, respect is a vital component of connectivity. It involves treating others with dignity, valuing their opinions, and appreciating their individuality. When individuals feel respected, they are more likely to open up and be vulnerable, a crucial element in establishing trust and intimacy. Furthermore, respect extends to personal boundaries, signifying understanding and consideration.
Furthermore, trust is the bedrock upon which all healthy relationships are constructed. It is built over time through consistent, reliable behavior. To establish trust, individuals must be dependable, keep promises, and, when necessary, maintain confidentiality. Trust is a fragile concept, easily
shattered, but once established, it leads to deeper connections and increased vulnerability within relationships.
Authenticity is being true to oneself and others. Authentic individuals are genuine and transparent in their interactions and don’t pretend to be someone they are not. When people are authentic, they create an environment where others feel safe to be themselves as well. Authenticity erases barriers and encourages openness, resulting in a profound sense of connection.
Therefore, creating interpersonal relationships and connectivity is a complex yet vital aspect of human life. These five principles – communication, empathy, respect, trust and authenticity – are fundamental in building and maintaining meaningful connections with others. Whether in personal or professional settings, these principles serve as a guide for navigating the intricacies of human relationships.
Undoubtedly, embracing effective communication ensures that interactions are characterized by openness and understanding. Empathy fosters deeper connections by recognizing and validating others’ emotions and perspectives. Respect reinforces the importance of treating each individual with dignity and acknowledging their unique value. Trust, the foundation of all healthy relationships, is nurtured through consistency and reliability. Lastly, authenticity encourages individuals to be true to themselves, fostering an environment of honesty and vulnerability. Incorporating these principles into daily interactions can lead to stronger, more meaningful relationships. In a world where technology often dominates our communication, it is crucial to remember that the essence of human connection lies in these principles. By practicing them, we can build lasting bonds that enhance our personal and professional lives, ultimately contributing to our overall well-being and happiness.
EMILY MCCUBBIN from Frontenac High School, sponsoring Lodge Marvin A. Armstrong Lodge No. 187.
Who Are These Guys (and Gals) Anyway?
Submitted by Patrick Carr, DSM, McPherson Lodge 172
This article is intended to introduce you to your “neighbors” and provide some explanation as to who these bodies are and what they provide within the masonic experience for Kansas masonry. These bodies require masonic membership as a prerequisite to join.
Grand Master Robert McClarty and the Council Of Administration (COA), spent much of the 2023/24 masonic year discussing the many various masonic orders and bodies which either meet within the borders of the grand jurisdiction of Kansas or have members who are Kansas masons. With this in mind, the first Masonic Unity Day was held in Salina, Kansas on August 26, 2023. This meeting allowed the various appendant, concordant, and youth orders to meet with members of the COA and explain who their masonic bodies were and what they do. This was quite a historic event in Kansas, eventually leading to the Grand Master recognizing many of the masonic bodies in attendance.
The 2024 Masonic Unity Day was again held in Salina this past August. If you were unable to attend, I hope you have seen the many positive comments on social media and published elsewhere about this great event that brings our Masonic family together.
The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry contains an additional 29 degrees, one honor distinction, and the thirty-third degree. The lessons taught within the Rite include the importance of working together, supporting the lodges, and making each member a better man using the tools of masonry provided. They have several charities, the most visible of which are the RiteCare Clinics which provide speech development for patients.
The Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (the Shriner) is a fun organization that mainly focuses on fellowship and brotherhood within the Craft. Their main charity is “the world’s greatest philanthropy,” the Shriner’s Hospitals for Children.
The Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm (the Grotto) is another organization that spends its time cultivating fun and fellowship for its members. Their charity is the Humanitarian Foundation, which provides dental services to special needs children.
Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis (SRICF) is a Masonic Order which predicates membership to Master Masons who have an interest in research and the Christian faith. The Order primarily provides esoteric research into masonic ideals and the Christian religion and belief system. The order allows only 72 members in each College.
Grand College of Rites is dedicated to preserving the history and rituals of defunct and inactive Masonic orders. It is open to any Master Masons who have an interest in the research of these rituals.
Knights Beneficent of the Holy City (C.B.C.S.), Rectified Scottish Rite is an invitational order available to Master Masons who profess the Christian religion. It is one of the oldest orders in Freemasonry that has had continuous existence from the beginning.
Masons and Royal Arch Masons. This order teaches the history of Athelstan, the first King of England, and instructs
Sovereign Order of Knights Preceptor is a Masonic order available to Master Masons who are current or Past Commanders of a Commandery of Knights Templar under the jurisdiction of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar, USA.
Knight York Cross of Honor (KYCH) is an invitational Masonic order whose members must be Past Presiding Officer of a Blue Lodge, a Royal Arch Chapter, a Council of Cryptic Masons, and a Commandery of Knights Templar. The Order cannot be applied for and is dedicated to serving the Masonic Fraternity as a labor of love. Members must have served their requisite Orders well and not simply passed the chair to be considered for an invitation.
Yeoman of York is an invitational Masonic order whose members must be either KYCH members or eligible for KYCH membership. The Order is open to active York Rite members who continue to serve their local and grand bodies.
The Red Cross of Constantine is an invitational order whose members must be Master Masons and Royal Arch Masons. The members must subscribe to a belief in the Christian religion as revealed in the New Testament.
The Allied Masonic Degrees (AMD) is an invitational body that requires its members to be a Master Mason and Royal Arch Mason. It superintends several degrees not found in other orders in the United States. The order focuses on Masonic philosophy, scholarship, and research.
Some bodies require membership within the Allied Masonic Degrees. These include:
Masonic Order of the Bath is a fun degree whose members must be Master Masons in good standing and members of the Allied Masonic Degrees.
Ye Antiente Order of Corks is an informal degree whose members must be Master Masons in good standing who are either a Companion of the Holy Royal Arch or a Warden, Master, or Past Master of a Blue Lodge.
Other bodies are for the ladies, and some of them require Master Masons as well. These include:
The Order of the Eastern Star is a Masonic body open to both men and women. It is a social order comprised of persona with spiritual values, but it is not a religion. Male members must be Master Masons in good standing. Female members must have some relative connection to a Master Mason.
Order of the Amaranth is open to Master Masons, immediate female relatives of Master Masons, Members of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, Job’s Daughters International, and ladies not related to a Master Mason but recommended by two Master Masons. The Order supports the Amaranth Diabetes Foundation.
Ladies of the Oriental Shrine is an order open to ladies interested in promoting sociability, good fellowship, and the betterment of all ladies connected with the organization. Their charity is the Shrine Hospitals for Children.
Daughters of the Nile is an international fraternal organization for women 18 years or older who are related by mirth or marriage to a Shriner, Master Mason, or a Daughter of the Nile. Other members include those who have been a part of a Masonic-affiliated organization for girls or a former patient at Shriner’s Hospitals for Children. Their charity is the Shrine Hospitals for Children.
Daughters of Mokanna is a fraternal organization for ladies whose purpose is to support Grottoes International in
Echos In The Temple
Alex Powers, DSM, Kansas Lodge of Research Director
Freemasonry teaches that our time on earth is brief, yet the impact we make can last long after we’re gone. I’ve felt this truth deeply while my family and I have been caring for my mother, who has progressive dementia. Some days are good; you wouldn’t even know anything was wrong. But hours later, she can seem like a different person, with memories replaced by fabrications. This experience has made me more aware of the emotional realities of those who came before us. As Masons, we need to see that the figures in our history weren’t just names in books. They were real men with emotions, imperfections, and sometimes unclear memories that influenced our fraternity’s development.
We’ve all seen friends and family come and go, and though there are always emotions on both sides of life’s journey, those feelings often fade as the world moves on, bluntly, as if nothing happened. Life is short and fleeting. In our early years, we’re limited by inexperience; later, we might be held back by physical or mental decline. We have a middle period to truly live, experience, and make our mark. What we do with that time is up to us. Some look back with pride, while others carry heavy regrets. This is all part of being human. We’re not the first to travel this road, nor will we be the last. Long after our names are forgotten, the world will continue, indifferent to our victories or shortcomings.
We often view history as a neat story of achievements that make us proud. But history, like life, is messy. Just as my mother’s reality fluctuates between clarity and confusion, so does our understanding of history. The men who built our Masonic lodges were not perfect; they were human, with flaws and mistakes. By reading between the lines and considering the human context, we start to see the complete picture. We are taught to learn from history to avoid repeating past mistakes, yet history often repeats itself. Maybe if history told the
whole truth, with all its emotions and flaws, we’d have a better chance of avoiding the mistakes we’d rather not see repeated.
Kansas Masonic history provides many examples of people who made significant contributions despite their imperfections and the challenges of their times. Kansas Masons, like Richard Rees, the first Grand Master of Masons in Kansas, faced not only the hardships of frontier life but also emotional and moral challenges. Not all of our history is perfect or pretty; some individuals fell short. This acknowledgment isn’t about disgrace or criticism but about understanding our brothers honestly. They, like us, were figuring out life as they went along.
As Kansas grew, so did the Masonic fraternity, facing challenges like the Great Depression and the World Wars. These times tested the fraternity’s strength and required tough decisions. Leaders then had to navigate complex issues, often making choices that reflected the imperfect realities they faced. Their leadership showed both human weakness and strength, clarity and doubt.
Memory is central to who we are as individuals and as a fraternity. Freemasonry values memory highly, as it is key to our rituals and teachings. Our ability to remember connects us to our past, shapes our present, and guides our future. Seeing my mother’s memories fade has made me question: What is history without memory? If our memories can change or become unclear, what can we trust about our past? We like to polish history, but there’s always more behind those refined words—more complexity, more emotion, more truth. To truly learn from history, we need to understand the feelings and flaws that influenced decisions so we can apply these lessons meaningfully today.
Seeing historical figures as real people with emotions
and imperfections helps us appreciate their contributions more deeply. It shows us that they, like us, sometimes fell short. They faced the consequences of their actions and responsibilities. My experiences with my mother have shown me that life isn’t always straightforward or dignified; it’s messy and filled with uncertainty. Recognizing the imperfections of those who came before us allows us to connect more deeply with the legacies they left. Their contributions were about more than just building lodges or writing Masonic laws; they were about striving, despite their flaws, to live by Masonic principles.
The imperfections and emotional experiences of historical figures connect us to them. Their hopes, fears, mistakes, and regrets echo through time, reminding us we’re part of a continuous, evolving story. Masons in Kansas, from the early days to now, have shared not just a commitment to Masonic values but a common human experience of striving, failing, and trying again. Understanding this imperfect bond helps us see history not as a distant, idealized narrative but as a living story of real people with complexities and contradictions.
Rather than gloss over history or judge harshly, we should pause and appreciate that these men were
ongoing story. Our actions, decisions, and even failures contribute to the legacy we’ll leave behind. We aren’t always perfect Masons, and we don’t always meet our own standards. But what matters is that we strive to improve, learn from our mistakes, and approach our journey with humility and honesty. My experience with my mother has taught me that our legacy is about more than achievements or perfection. It’s about how we handle our struggles, support others, and live out Masonic principles every day, even when we fall short. By accepting our imperfections and recognizing the emotional struggles of others, we can strengthen our brotherhood and foster a more compassionate, understanding world.
Brothers, life is fleeting, and our time here is short. The legacy we leave isn’t about being perfect; it’s about striving to make a positive difference despite our flaws. By acknowledging the emotional realities and imperfections of those who came before us, we gain a deeper understanding of our own place in the Masonic tradition. The legacy we leave isn’t just in the buildings we construct or the titles we hold; it’s in the compassion, empathy, and understanding we bring to our interactions. As we reflect on the history of Kansas Freemasonry, let’s keep our hearts open to the full
GRAND LODGE OF KANSAS
25
This issue, previous issues, and special digital-only issues are always available online at KansasMason.org
