Kansas Mason - Summer 2020

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:     

Old Minute Books?

Old Treasurer Ledgers?

Old Tyler’s Registers?

Old Communications?

Historical Documents?

We will provide:  Overhead book scanner  Bulk loose paper scanner  Laptop computer  Archival gloves

What your Lodge gets:

 Simple-step instructions

 A digital, searchable copy of all your lodge history  A digital copy placed in the KSLOR Archives  No worrying about ever losing your Lodge history

 No bill (this is FREE to all Kansas Lodges & Masonic bodies) KSLOR.org

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 MW 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

17

(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

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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.

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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.