T HE V OICE O F K ANSAS M AS ONRY
THE KANSAS MASON
Volume 58, Issue 2
Summer 2020
A publication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accpeted Masons of Kansas.
Does your Lodge have:
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FROM THE GRAND EAST In the movie Field of Dreams, Kevin Costner’s character hears a voice telling him to seek
Anthony W. “Tony” Borum, Grand Master citizen, and a better man. When I was a teenager, I worked after school at a
something that is missing in his life. The movie is
small grocery store. The man who owned it shared
based on his pursuit of the voice’s purpose, but he
many valuable lessons and was my first real mentor.
begins the work and lays the foundations for what
I recently recalled some of his particular wise words
will happen later before he even fully understands
of advice that I still follow. He said, “A man does
it. He builds a ballfield on the hope of
not have to be wealthy to be happy.” “Bigger is not
reconnecting with his late father and mending their
always better.” “If you are lucky enough to own a
relationship. He has faith that the meaning will
business one day, and you are honest and
reveal itself even when others have no faith. One
hardworking, the best customers will find you.” I
could argue that Freemasonry is also built on a
have always remembered those wise words and
man’s faith and a hopeful pursuit to find our life’s
built my business on those solid principles.
meaning and purpose. We joined our great fraternity not by solicitation,
Freemasonry should also apply those solid principles to our Craft whenever we are pressured to
peer pressure, or mercenary motives, but by a desire
solicit new members. Men who are looking for
to learn more about the Craft and its purpose. We
more meaning in life will find us. The best men
wanted to learn its secrets and its meaning. What
will find us if we follow the examples of our fathers
we found was a brotherhood of men who care
and grandfathers of honesty and hard work. The
deeply for each other and their communities. We
good men who are looking for meaning and purpose
may have even hoped to someday fully understand
will find us if we continue to show the world an
Freemasonry’s influence on the high characters of
organization built on character and integrity.
our fathers and grandfathers. Instead, we found
Freemasonry reveals itself to those who seek to
that Freemasonry’s secrets are not only our modes
build a better life. Good men who seek us out will
of recognition but that keeping our rituals within
join us. We must have faith. We must continue to
our hearts is a test of our character. We discovered
build a craft worthy of all good men who are
that our Masonic teachings are a roadmap to
hearing “the voice.”
becoming a better husband, a better father, a better
If we build it….they WILL come. 3
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.
How Do Masons Meet, Act & Part in a Pandemic? By Mikel Stoops, Deputy Grand Master
The unfortunate circumstances of this year have seen many changes in our regular work and family activities. Our Masonic activities are no different. Everyone’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak is different, based on their risk factors, their personal beliefs, and even the area of the state in which they live. Some have had friends and family members become terribly ill and even die because of this virus, while others do not even know anyone impacted by it. But, we as Masons must all live our lives and govern our activities by the principles of Masonry. We must remember that Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth are foundational principles of our Fraternity. As Masons who practice the principle of Brotherly Love, we have committed to our Brothers that we will warn them of impending dangers, assist them to fend off such threats, and potentially even put our own lives at risk to save theirs. In implementing the principle of Relief, we must always take a Brother’s concerns seriously and do all we can to ease those concerns. As for Truth, the truth of the COVID-19 situation is something that we can debate. Even the “experts” are all over the board with their truths about this pandemic, but when Masons speak of Truth, we are not talking about these types of arguments. Masons believe that we must be true to our beliefs and true to the teachings of Masonry. To be Masons in our hearts and minds, we must think and act based on these principles. The danger is clear; this virus can kill people. Of course, there can be a debate about its lethality, its contagion rate, the fact that other disease outbreaks were handled differently, etc. The bottom line is this, COVID-19 has been responsible for the deaths of friends and family members of Masons. Further, it has been responsible for the deaths of beloved
members of our Fraternity within this jurisdiction. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is a danger that we must warn our Brothers of, and we must do all we can to fend off that danger. There are many of our Brothers who are genuinely concerned for their personal safety and the safety of their family and friends with regard to this virus. Masons cannot merely discount those fears and concerns. You cannot exercise the principle of Relief by ignoring that which is troubling the mind of a Brother. Even if your personal belief is that this issue is all a hoax, a political stunt, or just blown out of proportion, your beliefs do not supersede the genuine fears and concerns felt by our Brothers. Masons have a duty to be sympathetic, compassionate, and always do all we can to ensure the peace of mind of our Brothers. With the identified danger and with the fears and concerns of our Brothers in mind, we must meet, act, and part in a manner that is true to who we are as Masons. We must fend off the danger. We must show sympathy, compassion, and understanding. ALL Masonic gatherings (Blue Lodge, Appendant and Concordant Bodies, Youth Orders, and any other groups with Masonic affiliation) should follow the guidelines of the CDC as well as those of the State and local health authorities. To not do so would be in direct conflict with the foundational principles of our Fraternity. Even if following those guidelines only eases the fears and concerns of our Brothers, then we are acting as Masons should. If you think that washing your hands, maintaining distance between you and others, wearing a mask, and wearing gloves, is a higher risk to your life than the exposure of a Brother to this virus is to his life, you might want to reassess your commitment to the principles and obligations of our Fraternity. We must meet safely, act wisely, and part with peace of mind for all. APRIL 2020
5
YES YOU CAN…
By Robert Talbott, PGM, Committee on Ritualistic Work
I hope this finds you, and all of the Craft in Kansas,
2020 Schools of Instruction have been cancelled for
well. As we all continue to understand the changing
this year and we are limited to opening only in the
dynamics of what is allowed for gatherings by our
EA degree to perform only business until it is
local & state governments plus direction for the
deemed safe. However, there are way more things
Grand Master & current administration, let’s focus
that your Lodge CAN do, than what is currently
on what we can do!
being curtailed. On the following page are just a
Yes, the scheduled fall District Meetings and the
few reminders and ideas of some things a lodge CAN be doing.
6
Have a very active Lodge agenda, right now! Your Lodge can have regularly Stated Communications, opening on the EA degree, receiving and balloting on petitions, voting on candidate proficiency, and other business.
You can start or maintain your Lodge’s study club and practice any / all of the work while exercising safe distancing and wearing PPE as recommended and where appropriate.
You can work on required proficiency with your existing candidates and ensure they are prepared for when candidate degree work is opened up to us.
This is a perfect time to explore outdoor, informal open events with your lodge and family members. Your lodge can and should schedule its own Ritualistic School of Instruction with a Grand Lecturer. Your Lodge has always had this ability, and Grand Lecturers are available to assist. A few things to note: a. Lodge Masters, contact Talbott@kansasmason.org with your request including the scope of information you would like instructed, the amount of time planned or available for the instruction, and a couple of date options. A Grand Lecturer will be assigned and contact you to finalize plans and protocols for the event. b. Know that, as Master of your Lodge, you will need to cooperate with the Grand Master’s guidelines for lodge safety as well as the instructions from the Grand Lecturer supervising that day. These guidelines are quite simple and easy, and fall into three very straight forward areas: i. Attendance. Determine and control the total number of members who can attend. This should only be your lodge members, Area & District Deputy Grand Master, and the Grand Lecturer (no multiple lodges combining, please). Note: Lodge Masters should not summon or compel his officers to attend if they are not comfortable in attending. ii. Safety & Distancing. The message here is simple and the same for your meetings that may already be occurring; “clean going in, err on the side of safety during the day and clean going out.” 1. Clean Going In (you are already doing this): be sure surfaces, furniture, and devices are sanitized before the event (this may already have occurred at the exit of the last event). 2. Err Toward Safety During the Day: this includes social distancing per your county’s guidelines. Anyone touching surfaces or people should be wearing masks & gloves. (The Grand Lecturer & Master of the Lodge will confirm this protocol prior to the meeting). 3. Clean Going Out (you are already doing this): sanitize all surfaces after the event. iii. Meal Considerations. Preferred over catering in a buffet type service, consider bringing in boxed lunches or going to a local eatery that is properly practicing social distancing.
1st Place: $4,000
– ESSAY ic Public School
2020 State Mason
T S E T N O C Masonic values include: •promoting morality; •lifting up the oppressed; •respecting the laws of government; and •extending charity. How can you exhibit one or more of these traits in your school or community and how will this prepare you for your future?
– 2019 LIST OF WINNERS 1ST PLACE Kaleigh Blades Seaman High School Golden Rule Lodge No. 90
HONORABLE MENTIONS Ethan Beckman Wheatland High School Hoxie Lodge No. 248
2ND PLACE Alexis Wilson Doniphan West High School Smithton Lodge No. 1
Chase Eccles Gardner-Edgerton High School Gardner Lodge No. 65
3RD PLACE Laura Savage Marion High School Advance Lodge No. 114
Emily Marie Farthing Blue Valley Northwest High School Euclid Lodge No. 101
4TH PLACE Robyn Logan Salina South High School Salina Lodge No. 60
Samantha Vermetten Valley Heights Jr. /Sr. High School Sutton Lodge No. 85
2nd Place: 3rd Place: 4th Place:
$3,000 $2,000 $ 1,0 0 0
Honorable Mention — 4 will be chosen: $500 each CONTEST RULES: To download a fillable PDF, go to www.kansasmasonic.foundation/program/ kansas-masonic-foundation-scholarships QUALIFICATIONS 1. Any Junior or Senior attending a Kansas tax-supported public high school is eligible. 2. Contact any Kansas Masonic Lodge, Kansas Mason, or your counselor for information. 3. Essays will be judged on originality, research, and development of the topic. 4. Contestant must follow contest rules as to topic, number of words, etc. RULES 5. Essays shall be limited to a minimum of 300 and a maximum of 500 words. 6. Essays must be typewritten, double spaced, with work cited, on standard 8½” x 11” paper with a 12 point Arial font. 7. The original and one copy of the essay must be submitted to the Local Lodge. 8. Essays MUST have a typed title page (download a fillable PDF from www.kansasmasonic.foundation/program/kansas-masonic-foundation-scholarships) that will show the student’s name, gender, complete address, Junior or Senior Class, and School name. This information shall appear only on the title page. All pages, except the title page, must be numbered. NO REFERENCE TO THE STUDENT’S NAME, TOWN, SCHOOL, OR OTHER COMMUNITY IDENTIFIER SHOULD APPEAR ANYWHERE IN THE BODY OF THE ESSAY. 9. All essays become the property of the Local Masonic Lodge and may be published without the author’s permission. TIMELINE 10. Essays must be submitted to the Local Lodge on or before November 1, 2020. 11. The winning essay(s) from a Local Lodge (one per high school in the Lodge’s area) will be sent to the Grand Lodge and must be postmarked no later than December 1, 2020. 12. There are no contest entry forms. Essays are to be presented to the Local Lodge. 13. Essays must first win the Local Lodge competition before they can be submitted for State competition. 14. Grand Lodge essay winners will be notified prior to March 1, 2021. SPONSORED BY THE MW GRAND LODGE OF AF & AM OF KANSAS AND THE KANSAS MASONIC FOUNDATION.
2020 Leadership Academy Going Viral
By Mikel J Stoops Deputy Grand Master
Fourteen months ago, I began planning our tenth annual Leadership Academy. I decided we needed to have an event in Western Kansas, scouted locations, settled on a brand new hotel and conference center in Hays, and developed logos and artwork. Life was good, and the planning was well underway. When I was making the logos, I made two. One used the blockhouse from historic Fort Hays, and the other was a stylized Roman numeral X. I have no idea why I made two different logos. Jump now to the present day and it makes sense. I needed an alternative logo. Based on the information and concerns discussed in the lead article on page 5 in this issue, “How do Masons Meet, Act, and Part During a Pandemic?” it would not be prudent to hold our Leadership Academy and Table Lodge as we have in the past. Bringing hundreds of Masons from across the state to meet in Hays is not feasible, given the current situation. Instead, we are moving Leadership Academy to a virtual platform, and we have canceled the Table Lodge. Doing this will allow everyone to gain valuable knowledge from the comfort and safety of their own homes. We will have three sessions on three consecutive Saturdays. Each session will consist of two presentations and last about ninety minutes. The tentative schedule is as follows: 1. September 12, 9:30 - 11: 30 am a. Presentation 1 – Lodge In a Box - Lodges meeting in Non-Traditional spaces b. Presentation 2 – Masonic Meetings “From Taverns to Cathedrals" 2. September 19, 9:30 - 11: 30 am a. Presentation 3 – The Skills of Leadership b. Presentation 4 – Using the Tools of Leadership (Outlines and details the tools available through the Grand Lodge for Wardens and Masters.) 3. September 26, 9:30 - 11: 30 am a. Presentation 5 – Our Grand Lodge Strategic Plan (Outlines and details the tools the Grand Lodge can provide to support the success of your Lodge) b. Presentation 6 - Lodge Certification/Accreditation Details regarding the presenters, times of the sessions, and access to the online platform will be forthcoming.
2019-2020 Awards While the entire original programs from the postponed March Annual Communication and subsequent installation of the 2020-2021 Grand Lodge officers is available online, we specifically wanted to acknowledge those members recognized by the Grand Lodge of Kansas for significant achievement in the past year. On July 24, 2020, these names were read into the official record at the rescheduled 164th Annual Communication held in Emporia.
.
In a surprise announcement, Past Grand Master Dale Morrow named David Hendricks as recipient of the Grand Lodge Distinguished Service Medal, and Steve Crane as recipient of the Grand Master’s Order of Merit.
What is
Masonic Jeopardy?
While the simple answer was in the June/July issue of the Kansas Mason Pulse . Here are more facts: •
It’s a fun new game for Masonic Education.
•
It has multiple options for play, including tour nament style.
•
You can play in one night or over several meetings.
•
It can be played as par t of a social -hour event
•
Can use a computer & pr ojector or just with a “host”
•
Opens up avenues for fur ther discussion on multiple topics It’s onl y available in the member s section of KansasMason.or g.
Reboot Your Lodge Meetings, Part 3 (When do Masons Meet?) By Mikel Stoops, DSM, Deputy Grand Master
Reboot Your Lodge Meetings, Part 2 definition of Stated Communications is meetings
Ed. note: Previous articles in this series are in the
(Adding Enlightenment to the Masonic Experience.)
April, May, and June/July 2020 Kansas Mason
that are required to be held at specific times fixed
Grand SeniorThe Warden Pulse editions, available online only at By Mikel Stoops, DSM, by regulation. transaction of all the "business"
KansasMason.org.
of a Lodge must occur at a Stated Communication. The only exceptions to this are the reception of a
With the odd year 2020 has turned out to be,
petition for referral to an investigating committee
Masonic Lodges were not able to meet for several
(not balloting on it) and voting on candidate
months. The decision by the Grand Master to take
proficiency, both of which are technically part of
this measure was made out of an abundance of
"business" but are allowed at a Special
concern and the desire to safeguard the health of our
Communication. The "work" of the Lodge can also
Members and their families. As of July 1st, our
take place during a Stated Communication. To
Lodges were able to meet once again. One issue to
summarize, "business" and "work" are both allowed
arise from this year's events is in regards to our
to be performed at a Stated Communication.
Lodges' Stated and Special Communications, and by Communications, we mean meetings.
Special Communication for a specified purpose.
Unlike the last two reboot articles, this one will
During a Special Communication, only the
focus on when we meet and what the purposes are
following actions are allowed: examining
for our two distinct types of tyled meetings. After
candidates as to proficiency, voting on candidate
all, how can we reboot our meetings if we do not
proficiency, conferring Degrees, performing some
know when and why we are meeting?
Masonic public ceremony, and the reception of a
To understand the distinction between Stated and
petition for referral to an investigating committee.
Special Communications, we must first understand
No other "business" of the Lodge can occur during
the definition of the terms "business" and "work"
a Special Communication. To summarize, only
when used in this manner. The "work" of a Lodge
"work," voting on candidate proficiency, and
consists of all the ceremonies of initiation in the
reception of a petition can take place at a Special
several Degrees, including proficiency
Communication.
examinations. The "business" of a Lodge consists of
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The Lodge or the Master of the Lodge orders a
One of those often-asked questions is, "How many
all its transactions other than "work" and public
Stated Communications does a Lodge have to have
ceremonies while it is open in any degree.
each year?" The answer is ALL OF THEM. The
Now, let's clarify the difference between a Stated
answer is not ten or twelve or any other number; it
Communication and a Special Communication. The
is ALL OF THEM. The Grand Lodge bylaws set a
minimu requirement that lodges must hold one
in the future. Adding a clause like the following
meeting a month, and it is to be no later than the
would eliminate any questions about such actions.
third week of the month. The Grand Lodge bylaws
"In the event of inclement weather that threatens the
also allow for not having meetings in July and
safety of the Members who would attend a Stated
August. But that is not the answer to the previous
Communication, the Master has the authority to
question. It is a required minimum and is the
cancel the impacted Communication."
guideline by which a non-
How about Holidays? Do we
Occasional or non-Affinity
have to meet on Christmas?
Lodge is to set their Stated
The technical answer is,
Communication schedule
"Yes." We all know that this
in their local Lodge
is impractical and not at all
bylaws. So, it is your local
what occurs. Again, an easy
Lodge bylaws that answer
addition to your local Lodge
the question of "How many
Bylaws, and there are no more
Stated Communications do
concerns about these conflicts
we have to have in a year?"
in the future. Something like
If your local Lodge bylaws
"When a Stated
read that your Stated
Communication falls on one
Communications are on the
of these holidays: New Year's
1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month, and if they
Eve, New Year's Day, Memorial Day,
give no allowance for not have meetings in July and
Independence Day (4th of July), Labor Day,
August, then your Lodge should have twenty-four
Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, or Christmas
Stated Communication each year. If your local
Day, that Stated Communication will be held in the
Lodge bylaws do not contain verbiage that allows
following week." can be added to address this issue.
for the cancelation of a Stated Communication, then
By holding the Stated Communication in the week
you cannot cancel a Stated Communication.
following the holiday conflict, you help to ensure
That said, we all know that there are acts of God that we cannot anticipate. The safety of our Members is paramount, and I am not aware of any
that your Lodge is still compliant with the minimum requirements set out in the Grand Lodge Bylaws. What if your Lodge goes "dark" in July and
action taken against a Lodge that canceled a
August? According to Grand Lodge bylaws, this is
meeting due to weather-related safety concerns.
perfectly acceptable, if your local Lodge bylaws
Knowing that such events happen, why not allow
allow it. Some bylaws state that the Stated
for them in your bylaws so that there is no question
Communications will be on the X and Y of each continued on next page
Rebooting‌ Continued from page 11
month except in July and August. If your local
Have you missed something?
Lodge bylaws read like this, then you cannot hold Stated Communication in July and August. Some
APRIL 2020
MAY 2020
bylaws allow the Master or the Members to decide if they will have Stated Communications during those months. If the issue of going "dark" is not addressed in your local Lodge bylaws, then you are required to meet on your regular days in July and August. Simply stated, make sure that your local Lodge bylaws are in compliance with the minimum required for your Lodge, and follow your local Lodge bylaws by holding all of the Stated Communications that your Lodge has determined are required. Earlier I referenced Occasional and Affinity Lodges. The current Grand Lodge bylaws require these types of Lodges to meet a minimum of once a year in December. The minimum requirement is different, but everything else I have discussed still holds for these Lodges. If their local Lodge bylaws read that they will have Stated Communications on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month and give no allowance for not have those meetings, then even that Occasional or Affinity Lodge is bound by those bylaws and must hold twenty-four Stated Communication each year. Yes, even they must hold ALL OF THEM. So, in the future, when you are asked "How many Stated Communication do we have to have?" You can say, ALL OF THEM.
14
Digital-only editions emailed or available online JUNE/JULY 2020
The odds have never been better to win the car or for your Lodge to get additional prize money. Need more tickets? Contact the Kansas Masonic Foundation.
Laws? We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Laws… By Tracy Bloom, PGM, Grand Secretary
We are all expected to maintain and live by our
Chairman of the Jurisprudence Committee to
laws. Law, or laws, can be a very extensive-term.
discuss your proposal. Both of us will give you
In the Masonic sense, this not only means the By-
honest opinions and solid advice, no matter if we
Laws of the Grand Lodge of Kansas, but it also
personally agree with your proposal or not.
means your local lodge by-laws, the laws within the city or area in which you reside, the laws of the
out, you need to submit it electronically (i.e., a
state in which you live, and national or federal laws.
Word document through email) and reference what
Yes, it is a broad swath indeed, and boundaries are
portion of the Constitution and specific by-law, and
set from which you should not deviate or be
subsection it will be administered to. For changes
prepared to suffer the consequences if you do.
to any existing constitutional item or law, I would
However, we are all human, and sometimes,
suggest you copy/paste the current wording from
unintentionally I’m sure, we may step across those
the law book (found in the member area of the
lines, and open ourselves to the wrath of whichever
Grand Lodge Web Page, www.KansasMason.org)
authority has jurisdiction over our actions. This
into your document twice. The first usage should
article will only address certain particulars of the
be the way the current law reads unchanged. The
By-Laws of the Grand Lodge of Kansas.
second usage should contain your additions or
There is a process in place by which you can
changes, preferably marked in red underlined text
submit new laws to be considered or recommend
and any deletions marked in red strikethrough text.
existing laws be changed or repealed. To do so
If you don’t know how to change your text color or
requires a small amount of personal responsibility
style, just make sure your recommendations are
and, while they are not difficult, it does require
clearly marked somehow.
some serious thought. As I receive many questions
New laws, or changes to existing laws, need to be
on this topic, I felt it would be beneficial to go
on the desk of the Grand Secretary by November 1.
through the steps.
To be clear, they need to be in my office on
First, whether you want to add a new law, or change a current law, you must consider if it affects
16
Once you have your new proposed law thought
November 1, not merely postmarked by that date. All proposals are given to the Jurisprudence
any other law already in place. If it does, those
Committee for review and approval, after which the
intermingled laws will have to be considered before
Grand Secretary sends them out to all Kansas
submitting a proposal. In any case, I would
Lodges as they will be considered (voted on) at the
strongly recommend that you call the Grand Lodge
next Annual Communication. As a reminder, the
Office and talk with me, or MW Cole Presley,
only way to vote on a law change at the Annual
Communication is to be a voting delegate and in
subsequent installation of 2020-2021 Grand Lodge
attendance. The voting delegation for the Grand
Officers. Read into the official record were the 2019
Lodge of Kansas consists of all current lodge
award recipients and an update on the strategic plan.
officers, all Past Masters, all Grand Lodge Officers,
All other “official” business of the Grand Lodge
all Past Elected Grand Lodge Officers, and all Past
was tabled until the next Annual Communication,
Grand Masters.
scheduled for March 19, 2021, in Topeka, when it is
Sometimes even the best-laid plans run awry, such as did this year’s 164th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Kansas being disrupted by the
hoped a full and proper attendance of the Craft will be allowed. I hope my explanation of how you create or
global pandemic. In March, due to governmental
change a by-law wasn’t too complicated. Again, if
restrictions, we were not able to have a full-blown
you have questions, either PGM Presley or I will be
Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of
happy to help you with the process.
Kansas and it was postponed. On July 24, a very
Remember, if there is a law you don’t like, it’s
reduced audience attend the 2020 Annual
probably not going to change on its own. You need
Communication, held in Emporia, by invitation
to step up and make the proposal. Please don’t
only. Why by invitation only? At that time, state
leave it to someone else and then complain that
and county restrictions on persons
nothing ever gets changed. Make the proposal
congregating were limited to 45. Only
you want and get things started.
the fundamental items were addressed:
Remember, flint and steel can’t hope to
(Past) Grand Master Dale Morrow’s
make fire without someone first putting
report, the Treasurer’s report, and the
them together.
election and
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(A Kansas conspiracy?)
By Alex G. Powers Director, Kansas Lodge of Research
A dark grey Chrysler Pacifica; that is the vehicle
Kidding aside, while taking full advantage of my
provided to the Grand Master of Kansas these days
Kansas Lodge of Research membership, on one of
to get him through all of the
my regular wonderings through the digital holdings
annual travels for lodge visits,
in our jurisdiction's historical
dedications, and other Masonic
archive, I came across a member
events that require his attention.
card for none other than Walter P.
Before that, the Grand Lodge
Chrysler, the founder of Chrysler
owned two identical Town and
Motors!
Country Chrysler models in a
Now, I will be the first to admit
row, the first one having been
that my knowledge of the
severely damaged in a crazy hail
Chrysler Motor company is next
storm. I was once told that
to none besides that fact of
everything you come across in
knowing they exist. However, it
Masonry has an underlying
turns out that there is a rather
meaning or connection that
interesting connection there that I
should be sought out. While this is probably not the
never knew about. Not only was
type of connection Masonry would intend us to look
Mr. Chrysler a born and raised Kansan, I now know
deeper into, I can't help but notice that It would
he was a fellow Kansas Freemason. Now I have
seem there is an odd affinity with the Grand Lodge
been assured by Past Grand Master, and current
of Kansas and Chryslers automobiles. The minivan
Grand Secretary, Tracy Bloom, that he knows of no
part I get. The Grand Master does a lot of traveling
vast conspiracy existing behind the connection of
and many times he will take guests or other Grand
Brother Chrysler's Masonic membership and the
Lodge Officers with him. In addition, with a lodge
Grand Lodge only owning Chrysler vehicles in the
meal at every stop, a minivan is just more
last few decades. But, as I have been told before by
accommodating of all that "Masonic growth" that is
the conspiracy consumed minds of the profane,
bound to take place.
maybe he has not reached a high enough in the rank within the Craft to have the privilege of such
18
knowledge as this "minivan conspiracy" that may or
Fellowship Lodge No. 490 located in Flint,
may not exist. Either that, or he is the one behind it
Michigan.
all......We may never know. Nevertheless, gaining the knowledge of Walter
Walter P. Chrysler lived an impressive life making significant contributions to the automobile industry
Chrysler's Masonic membership within this very
that we are so dependent on today as well as
jurisdiction, we will proceed in this paper by
sparking a loosely founded minivan conspiracy in
greeting the memory of him as a Brother and, better
his mother lodge's jurisdiction. After such a
yet, as a fellow Kansas Brother.
remarkable life, his working tools were laid down
Brother Chrysler got his start in the Craft right
on August 14, 1940, at the mercy of a second stroke
here in Kansas. His member card reflects him
just two years after he suffered his first stroke and
initiated into Apollo Lodge No. 297 in Ellis on
lost his wife that same year.
January 2 of 1899. He proceeded through his
So, the next time you see our Most Worshipful
degrees at what appears to be a studious or working
Grand Master pulling up to an event in that
man's pace. He was Passed on June 15, 1900 and
somewhat iconic Chrysler van, join me in a hat tip
Raised on September 7 of that same year.
to the memory of a great Brother and friend to both Kansas and Kansas Freemasonry, our Brother, Walter P. Chrysler.
Brother Chrysler remained a member of Apollo Lodge for the next 18 years, but as we know, his career choice took him far beyond the confines of the Kansas borders. On December 6 of 1918, a demit was granted to him and he remained outside of Masonic membership for a little over a month. Why? Well, we find that Brother Chrysler was moving his affiliation to the Grand Jurisdiction of Michigan in order to be imprinted into Masonic history there as a charter member of the forming 19
Masonry - Simply Leading By Example By Doug Wilkinson, Grand Sr. Deacon
I think we can all agree that 2020 has been very
concerned about all lives, even those who, through
trying for almost every man, woman, and child.
ignorance, may ridicule us. Does that sound
Every single human being has been affected by it.
familiar? Most of the people in my community
Once the pandemic showed up, everything changed,
know that I am a Mason. I agree with what Grand
including a lot of people’s security and peace of
Secretary Bloom says in his article in this issue. I
mind. People began searching for something,
think it is essential for all Masons to demonstrate
anything, that resembled some type of stability or
obedience to our laws. Sound familiar? Lots of
feeling of what used to look like normal. Many have
people are watching us whether we realize it or not.
longed for it.
The eyes of the public are upon us. Some, maybe
Shortly after the pandemic arrived, so did other national concerns that seem to have spread faster
However, by observing our actions, they want to
than the virus. I recently picked up a newspaper
know who we are and what we stand for. Our Grand
with a section marked, “Ways you can take action
Masters and Councils of Administration have taken
against racism and brutality.” One morning I
significant precautions to ensure they and the other
walked into a local convenience store and myself
Grand Lodge Officers are leading by example.
and one employee were the only ones wearing a
Sometimes the decisions aren’t comfortable or
face mask. All of the other employees and
popular, but acting for the greater good is what we
customers had no face coverings at all. I was asked
are charged to do.
by one of the employees, “Why are you wearing a
If, as Masons, we genuinely want to be part of the
mask?” My answer was simple; there was an order
solution to the pandemic and other issues facing our
issued by the County Commissioners that masks in
great nation right now and not part of the problem,
public were required/mandatory and punishable by
the answer is simple. We have to lead by example.
up to a $2500.00 fine for those who did not obey the
You might be thinking, “You have used the word
order. Regardless of the official order, with all of
simple a couple of times. So, just how simple is
the outbreaks and new clusters being discovered
leading by example?”
daily in our County, I felt I had to do my part to aid
I would challenge us as Masons to think about the
in slowing down the virus. Did I mention they had a
following, and everything else will fall very simply
sign on the door too? They laughed at me, but I
into place:
kept my mask on. As Masons, we realize and are taught to be
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even most of them, aren’t sure who we are.
When conducted to the center of the Lodge, what were you asked?
Remember the three Great Lights of
The 2020 Grand Senior Deacon
Masonry. What do they Masonically teach?
We obligated ourselves!
Having been announced in the fall of 2019 by, then,
Remember our working tools? What do they
Deputy Grand Master Tony Borum, Douglas
Masonically teach?
“Doug” Wilkinson was formally appointed by
Our beautiful ceremonies and lectures, what
Proclamation as the 2020-2021 Grand Senior
do they Masonically teach?
Deacon in March of 2020. Traditionally in Kansas,
Remember the charges we all received! If
the appointment to Grand Senior Deacon starts the
you have not committed them to memory,
progressions towards the Grand Master’s station.
go back and read them thoroughly!
A current District Deputy Grand Master,
There are others, of course, but I feel if we can live
Wilkinson is the current and Past Master of
our lives and conduct ourselves accordingly by the
Belleville Lodge No. 129 and also served as Master
above six bullet points, how much simpler can it
in Narka Lodge No. 349. Made a Master Mason in
get.
1980, he has twice received the Outstanding Mason
I believe the reason we are seeing so many
Award, currently holds a Ritualist First Class
requests over the past few months for information
ranking, and is working towards his Senior Ritualist
on how to become a Mason from men around the
(M) ranking. He has served on several committees
State, as well as the entire country, is because we
and is currently the Chairman of the Grand Lodge
stand out. We look different. We do things the right
Membership Committee.
way and it shows my Brothers! This causes men and their families to want to know who we are! So, how important is it for all Masons to lead and
Doug and Kayleen, his wife of 42 years, have three adult children and live in Belleville where he has
live by example? Our world and our Fraternity may
been the Director of Manufacturing for Reinke
depend on it! Is that important enough for you?
Manufacturing Company, Inc. since 2000. Reinke is the largest privately held Irrigation Company in the world and Doug oversees all global manufacturing and distribution operations.
If elected by the Craft, Wilkinson will serve as Grand Master of Masons in Kansas in 2024-2025. October 2019 - Deputy Grand Master Borum congratulates Doug Wilkinson and his wife on being selected as 2020 Grand Senior Deacon.
Behold! An age-old antidote. OPINION: By Marvin Fletcher, Delaware Lodge No. 96
Author’s note: The origins of this article started many years ago and grew into a short paper I never submitted. The ongoing pandemic and its future effects on society, as well as on our fraternity, caused me to reflect and revisit my previous work. I hope that my research, opinions, and speculation will give you cause for further enlightenment. I have often pondered the oration given during a candidate's journey. Why that verse; why the 133 Psalm? "Behold! How good and how pleasant it is for Brethren to dwell together in unity.” While researching this subject, I decided to see how a most revered scholar of the Christian faith interpreted this verse, so I went to the source, The Complete Commentary of Mathew Henry. You see, I was once told by a Baptist Preacher that if Mathew Henry didn't say it, then it didn't happen! With that being said, his words were totally above expectations and I shall not attempt to paraphrase yet, in the interests of space, will leave further contemplation to the reader. The text is as such, "PSALMS 133 This psalms is a brief encomium on unity and brotherly love, which, if we did not see the miseries of discord among men, we should think needless; but we cannot say too much, it were well if we could say enough, to persuade people to live together in peace. Some conjecture that David penned this psalm upon occasion of the union between the tribes when they all met unanimously to make him king. It is a psalm of general use to all societies, smaller and larger, civil and sacred. Here is: I. The doctrine laid down of the happiness of brotherly love (v.1). II. The illustration of that doctrine, in two similitudes (v. 2, 3). III. The proof of it, and a good reason given for it (v. 3).
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Then we are left to make the application, which we ought to do in singing it, provoking ourselves and one another to holy love. The contents of this psalm in our Bibles are short but very proper; it is "the benefit of the communion of the saints." A song of the degrees of David, Verses 1-3, Here see, I. What it is that is commended - Brethren's dwelling together in unity, not only not quarreling, and devouring one another, but delighting in each other with mutual endearments, and promoting each other's welfare with mutual services. Sometimes it is chosen, as the best expedient for preserving peace, that brethren4 should live asunder and at a distance from each other; that indeed may prevent enmity and strife (Gen. 13:9), but the goodness and pleasantness are for brethren to dwell together and so to dwell in unity, to dwell even as one (so some read it), as having one heart, one soul, one interest…………" I wrote all of that to say this. Our ancient brethren of the operative Craft dwelled together in lodges (lived together daily) and instructed the Apprentices daily. As a matter of fact, the word Lodge was simply that, where they lived. The use of it in regards to our work is rooted in the purest meaning - where we reside with one another when we meet. My question is this. With the constant deterioration of society, as in all the rioting, loss of historical artifacts, a recession and yet another decline towards what appears to be a Civil War, at what point do we as Masons put aside the traditions of individualism and come together once again, uniting our families as true brethren of our Craft, residing as one as was once the Grand Architect’s intent?
Because He Is A Mason By Angella Herrman
When asked to write an article, I immediately knew what I wanted to write about. As long as I can remember, my dad has been involved with the Masonic lodges in Kansas. I remember as a child watching him leave for lodge meetings, going to weddings and funerals of men and their family members he knew through Masonry, and seeing him at the kitchen table going over the member’s dues for the local lodge. In more recent years, he was called to leadership at the state level in Kansas, and I have watched him travel around the state, seen the respect in his fellow leaders’ eyes, and witnessed the camaraderie among him and his fellow Masons. As I reflect on what Masonry means to me as the daughter of the current Kansas Grand Master, it is obvious that the lessons my dad taught me throughout my life were only possible because he is a Mason.
I learned the importance of ensuring family always comes first because he is a Mason. I learned that generosity does not mean you have more than someone, but that sharing what you do have is how you show love because he is a Mason. I learned that leadership skills do not always have to come from a job and can be honed with other roles that fill your soul because he is a Mason. I learned that a thriving community starts with the community members because he is a Mason. I learned that men could be honorable and trustworthy and respectful because he is a Mason. I learned that creating social networks and friendships is key to ensuring that you keep grounded because he is a Mason. I learned that loving your neighbor as you love your family should be an expectation because he is a Mason. I learned about the importance of volunteering your time to help others in any way you can because he is a Mason. I learned real joy comes from service to others because he is a Mason.
Masonry has been a cornerstone of our family for years. It is the foundation my brother and I were raised on and evidenced by the many lessons we were taught. I am thankful because he is a Mason. I recently told my dad that I was sure that, although this is not the environment he had hoped to lead in, that it was a higher power that ensured he was the right and perfect Grand Master to lead the Kansas Masons during this time of pandemic. Masonry in Kansas needs my dad, and my dad needs Masonry in Kansas. As my dad grows and thrives in Masonry, he grows and thrives as the patriarch of our family because he is a mason.
I am the woman I am
because my dad is a Mason, and I am grateful. 23
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.
