A Publication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Kansas

Volume #50 September 2012 Issue #3

THE KANSAS MASONTHE VOICE OF KANSAS MASONRY

TTHHEE KKAANNSSAASS MMAASSOONNTHE VOICE OF KANSAS MASONRY

The Grand Lodge is pleased toannounce that the Kansas MasonicHome will be sponsoring the secondannual Grand Lodge LeadershipAcademy, to be held this year onOctober 6 at the Kansas Statehouse,and that Abdallah Shrine will providethe course material to all attendees.“Partnerships like these will help

ensure that Grand Lodge events deliverthe most bang for the buck”, said GrandSenior Warden Michael Halleran.“Although sponsorship is nothing

new with Masonic events,” Halleransaid, “this partnership between theKansas Masonic Home, AbdallahShrine and the Grand Lodge willtransform an ordinary trainingseminar into a first-rate conference.And that is a relatively new idea.Before, many of these events were

done on a shoestring, sometimes withlittle preparation, and relying onmaterials from years’ ago.”However, according to Halleran,

since 2011, things have changed. “Ithink the Masons who attended lastyear’s Academy will testify to the factthat it was a huge jump in quality. Wehad a big name speaker, and the eventwas very well organized in animpressive venue. It will be even betterthis year,” he said.Halleran noted that the entire Grand

Lodge line is actively supporting thesuccess of programs like theLeadership Academy – with the elected

officers taking on planning roles.“Now, with the Masonic Home

coming on board to actively assist theCraft, and with Abdallah Shrine alsodemonstrating its commitment tomake this event a success, we hope todeliver on the promises we – the

(See LEADERSHIP, pg. 3)

GREETINGS FROM THE GRAND EAST

LEADERSHIP ACADEMY ATTRACTS SPONSORS

By Don NewmanGrand MasterAs of this writing, school is about to

start. It's now time to slow down andwatch for children in the cross walks.Watch and protect them always, as thisis not only the law, but our civil andmoral duty. They are our joys, sorrowsand our future.Joys when we watch them succeed in

their journey to adulthood; andsorrow when we watch them strayfrom the path, or when their lives arecut short by accidents or health.Masonry encompasses joys and

sorrows as well. Joys that come fromdoing good works, making newfriends, visiting other Lodges,attending District Schools, Leadership

Conferences and Grand Lodge. Theseare where the bonds of Brotherhoodare realized. The excitement of seeingLodges grow; new Brothers learningritual work and putting it into actionand practice in their lives, and thenhelping to initiate others into this greatFraternity; Brothers receiving honorsfor longevity of service; recognizingoutstanding Masons in the Lodge;honoring our widows and re-membering their spouses withreverence and ceremony; and givingour kids the opportunity to attendBand Camp, Football Camp, makenew friends, meet Masons and learnabout Masonry.Joy when we can help students with

Student Loan Programs through the

Masonic Foundation so that they maycontinue their education. We challengethem to expand their minds throughthe Masonic Essay Contest, or receivescholarships from local Lodges or theGrand Lodge. Joy when we do Chipprograms to protect our children. Joywhen our Lodges help those in need atlocal Food Pantries. Masons get joyfrom helping our seniors, our childrenand our neighbors improve their lives.This is the spirit that built thisFraternity, and needs every Mason tobecome active to continue our goodworks.And yes, sorrows. When our Brothers

are taken from us to the Grand Lodgeabove or Lodges close or consolidate

(See GRAND EAST, pg. 14)

IN THIS ISSUEFrom the Grand East 1Leadership Academy 1Past Secretary’s Letter 2Secretary’s Corner 3Kansas Masonic Notes 4-5Kansas Masonic Foundation 6-9Kansas Masonic Notes 10-12Book Review 13Questions Answered 14Leadership Academy Form 15District Meeting Schedule 16

2

Summer 2012

The Kansas MasonEstablished 1963

The Kansas Mason is the officialpublication of the Grand LodgeA.F. & A.M. of Kansas, formallyorganized March 17, 1856.

The Kansas Mason is published fourtimes per year from the offices of :

The Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. ofKansas320 SW 8th AvenueTopeka, Kansas, 66603-3912

Send address changes to: Kansas Mason320 SW 8thTopeka, Kansas, 66601-3912

The opinions expressed in TheKansas Mason do not necessarilyreflect those of the Grand LodgeA.F. & A.M. of Kansas, its officersor employees.

Articles, news items, and lettersregarding The Kansas Masonshould be sent to the editor. Dead-line is 10th of the month pre-ceding publication. All submis-sions become the property of theGrand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Kansas.

EditorGlenn R. German620-203-1510editor@kansasmason.org

Book Review EditorCole Presleybookreviews@kansasmason.org

Questions Answered EditorNolan Sumpquestions@kansasmason.org

No compensation is allowed orintended for any articles,photographs, or other materialsubmitted or published.

NOTE: Permission to reprintarticles or any part thereofappearing in The Kansas Masonwill be granted upon writtenrequest to the Grand Secretaryfrom recognized Master Masons.

Other written requests will beconsidered by the Council ofAdministration.

When reprinted, articles shouldnote “Reprinted with permissionof the Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M.(month and year)”.

FROM THE PAST GRAND SECRETARY By R∴∴W∴∴ Robert B. PfuetzeSt. Johns Lodge No.113Past Grand SecretaryBrothers, I was asked to write one more article, now that

I have retired as Grand Secretary. First, I want you to knowwhat a pleasure and a privilege it has been for me to servethe Craft for more than 12 years in this position. I have saidmany times (even before I became Grand Secretary) that ifit had not been for Freemasonry, I would never have hadthe opportunity to meet so many truly great men, and toshare such fantastic experiences. Being Grand Secretary hascertainly made me realize that becoming a member of thisFraternity is one of the best things that has ever happenedto me.

I want to thank all of the Grand Masters, elected and appointed Grand LodgeOfficers, and Lodge Secretaries with whom I have served for the great workingrelationships we have had. I can only hope that I have had some impact on yourlives, as you certainly have had on mine.In the past, I have written some rather controversial articles for the Kansas Mason,

and I have, in the process, angered some members and groups. Obviously I believedwhat I said, and I still believe that time will prove that I was correct in most of mycriticisms of current practices including one-day-conferrals, reduced proficiencyrequirements, lack of Masonic education in Lodges, and submitting to pressuresfrom various appendant organizations to produce numbers rather than Masons.The average age of our Fraternity is now slightly over 65, which means that in the

next 10-15 years, we will lose half of our current membership. No matter how hardwe try, we cannot possibly raise enough new members to offset that loss. Even if weset up a booth in front of our Lodges and sold dues cards, we could not increase ournumbers sufficiently to overcome our losses from death. Sadly each year we alsolose almost as many members to suspension for non-payment of dues as we do todeath. That fact alone should serve as a “wake-up call” that we are not providingwhat the members want. We are also seeing another alarming trend, the nearly 12%no-advance rate of our Entered Apprentices. Those men knock at our door, butdecide very quickly that we have nothing they want. Perhaps it is because of badritual performance in our degrees, a lack of any meaningful content in our meetings,or the fact that young men today come to us with a much greater knowledge of ourFraternity than many of our own members possess. They have read on the Internetabout our high standards, our impressive degrees, and the depth of symbolism inour teachings. Thus they have very high exceptions about what they will find whenthey join our Lodges, and in many cases we fail to meet those expectations.The problem is obvious. If we cannot keep the members we have, and we cannot

interest new people, either in joining or in staying in the Fraternity, we must changewhat we are doing. To me, the solution is to make Masons, not members. We mustprovide a quality initiatory experience for our new members, and then teach themabout our Fraternity so that they will grow to love it as we do. Proper mentoring isessential to do that. We can no longer offer them only a “social club”, because theycan find that on Facebook or in many other places in the community. They arelooking for more than coffee and stale donuts. We must find out what our members(and potential members) want, and then find ways to provide that for them.Now I will step down from my soapbox, maybe for the last time (or maybe not).

I wish each of you a fantastic future in Freemasonry! I hope to see all of you manytimes, but only in the capacity of your Brother, and not your Grand Secretary.

(See SECRETARY , pg. 12)

The Kansas Mason

3

SECRETARY’S CORNER By M∴∴W∴∴ Tracy L. Bloom, PGMSalina Lodge No. 60Grand SecretaryBrothers, this is the first time that

it is my privilege addressing you asthe Grand Secretary of the GrandLodge of Kansas, which is a bithumbling, I must say. I havereceived many congratulatory noteson being appointed as GrandSecretary, to fill out the remainingelected term of R:. W:. Robert B.Pfuetze, who tendered his letter of

resignation on July 18th which, by the way, was Bob’s70th Birthday. I know I have some big shoes to fill; Bobhas faithfully executed the Office of Grand Secretary forthe past 12 years, in every possible way, with a level ofprofessionalism and integrity that is to be admired, anda level that I can only hope to attain.I wish to personally and publicly thank Bob for being

such a good and great mentor, coach, Brother and Friend!Thanks Bob, and best wishes in your retirement!Although the appointment as Grand Secretary is still

shiny and new, we have been diligently preparing for thetransition from our old database to our new one for the

past few months. We’re hoping that when this hits yourmailbox, the conversion process will be complete, and wewill be in the tweaking mode to make sure everything isright and accurate. The annual returns will be figuredusing the new system, so we are urging your local Lodgesecretary to check over the Lodge Rosters, sent the firstweek of August, with a fine-tooth-comb to make sureeverything is in place and where it should be.This new system will be markedly different in the fact

that secretaries will be able to access their Local Lodgedata from any computer that has access to the internet.The information exchange between the Lodge secretaryand the Grand Lodge Office is simplified by that access,and does away with the email exchange that can be, attimes, difficult to deal with on both ends.That, among many other things that we deal with on a

daily basis at the Grand Lodge Office, will undoubtedlykeep us all very busy. I can honestly say that in the nearlytwo years I have been lucky enough to be a part of theGrand Lodge Office, there has not been one dullmoment. I would also like to acknowledge Jan Nelson,Nancy Johnston, Chuck Hoffmeister and Joey Stiles fortheir dedication and perseverance; they, too, worktirelessly for all of you, and we all consider it an honorand privilege to be of service to

LEADERSHIP ACADEMY (Continued from pg. 1)

Grand Lodge – have made to the Craft: to promote quality,quality, quality.”Robert Roswurm, the Director of Development at the

Kansas Masonic Home, was equally positive. “Thispartnership makes sense for Kansas Masonic Home,” he said.“One of the strategic goals of the Kansas Masonic Home

is to actively promote a climate of growth, knowledge andeffectiveness by becoming a learning and teachingorganization. We are actively engaged in cultivatingadvancement on our campus through numerouspartnerships. We believe that joining with the Grand Lodgeto enhance the leadership academy will only encourage thegrowth and development of Masons across the state ofKansas.” Michael Tavares, Potentate of Abdallah Shriners,was also upbeat about the chance to pitch in and make theevent successful.“When I first joined Masonry, I was told that one of the

benefits of joining the Masons was that I would be taughtto lead and be provided ample opportunities to lead. NowGrand Lodge is fulfilling their promise to Masons. Last yearthey launched a highly successful leadership seminar whichwas well attended. This year, they have put together anothergreat program that will teach organizational leadership

skills and touch on personal leadership skills as well. We, asMasons, need to converge on Topeka on the sixth ofOctober to find further light in Masonry!”The Leadership Academy, formerly known as the

Warden’s School, has traditionally been the responsibilityof the Deputy Grand Master. According to Rick Reichert,Deputy Grand Master for 2012, the emphasis on qualityhasn’t been the only change that’s been made."The original Warden’s School scope was too narrow,

concentrating on officers who would be using theknowledge gained for one or two years in preparation fortheir term in the East,” he said. “The Leadership Academyaims to develop confidence of any officer, committee chair,or member at large to take ever- progressive leadership rolesin their lodges. Because this forum is oriented towardorganizational leadership development, the principles areapplicable to the entire Masonic family and you can seetheir enthusiasm through growing sponsorships."This year’s Leadership Academy is slated for Saturday,

October 6 at the Kansas Statehouse and features renownedMasonic author Chris Hodapp as the keynote speaker.The registration form is included in this issue of the KansasMason.

(See SECRETARY , pg.13)

4

Summer 2012

KANSAS MASONIC NOTES

By Brian Byrd, Senior DeaconAlbert Pike Lodge #303, Wichita, KansasWhen I first came into Masonry, my top-liner, R:.W:. Roger

Snellen, told me that it was my job to replace myself. He said,“If we all just bring in one person to replace ourselves, and theydo the same, we would never have a membership problem.” Let’s be frank here, top-lining a new member is so easy to

do. You travel in circles with men that would be good for theFraternity, but simply signing a petition and getting them intothe Fraternity is not your only responsibility as a top-liner.When you sign a petition as a top-liner, you are telling thatnew candidate, “I’ve got your back. I will be here throughoutthis whole process to make sure we find a place for you; a placewhere you can prosper in this Fraternity.” Think about thatnext time you sign a petition!!! It is not about points, pins orrecognition. It is about setting this Brother on the right pathand then keeping him on it.You may be a person that is not very good at follow-up and

follow-thru; that is NO PROBLEM. You just need to get asecond-liner that is strong in those areas. You need a Brotherthat will pick up the slack where you may be deficient. ThisBrother, if it is not you, should be coaching the candidate onwhen to be at a certain place, at what time, and more especially

what to wear. Nothing is worse than a candidate showing uplate, or not properly clad, when joining our great Fraternity.They feel bad and the Craft feels bad for them. Your job isto make sure that your candidate …the one you TOP-LINED…is all squared away. Once you turn the petition in,your obligation to that candidate is not over. In fact, it hasjust begun.The next time you top-line a person into ANY body of

Masonry (and you will), please make sure that you think aboutyour responsibility to your candidate. If you, or your second-liner, are weak with these follow through issues, at least letthe Secretary of your lodge know, so he will be prepared toguide YOUR candidate through the process. Each lodge shouldhave a Mentor program in place that will guide this newbrother through his first year. They may not need it that long,but the program should be in place to ensure the longevity ofthis great Fraternity. Grand Lodge has publications to assistwith the mentoring program.New members are the key to success of our Fraternity

moving forward. Ensuring that these new members stay, anddo not go out the back door, is OUR responsibility, startingTODAY!!

YOUR RESPONSIBILITY AS A TOP-LINER

By Matthew BognerCEO, Kansas Masonic Home

After years of hard work andplanning by residents, staff, familymembers and consultants, I am happyto announce the start of our campus-wide renovation in the Towers.Additionally, construction of a stand-alone rehabilitation house is wellunderway. Both projects werecelebrated with an official ground-breaking ceremony held at the site ofthe new rehabilitation house. The

timeline for both of these projects is approximately 12months. Upon completion of this first phase, we will beginthe eagerly anticipated household renovation of the Manorand Pavilion, which will last for approximately 18 months.In regard to the Towers, we plan to start by renovating five

vacant rooms, as well as the Towers dining room.Improvements will include a slight southern expansion toincorporate new windows and more natural light in thedining room, as well as greater access to the patio andoutdoor dining options. There are drawings and samples ofcolors and materials that will be used located in the Towers

lobby, and we will continue to post artistic renderings asthey become available in the weeks ahead. We anticipatethat construction teams will begin work around the secondweek in July; the initial five rooms will take approximately6-8 weeks to complete, the Towers dining roomapproximately 8 weeks. During this time, Towers residentswill be accommodated in the Manor Dining Room, withopen dining hours from 7:00am – 7:00pm. (That is, youmay eat at any time during those hours, rather than at pre-set meal times.) As those areas are complete, the plan is thento renovate the common areas on each floor, as we continuewith resident room renovations. Again, we will add moreoutside light and access to the common areas.While construction--and change-- is never easy, the results

will enhance the beauty and warmth of the Towers for ouractive and vibrant residents and position our campus morestrongly in the community. I would like to invite lodgemembers and interested community members to share thisexciting period at KMH—please feel free to stop in andcheck our progress, either in person or online atwww.ksmasonic.org. As the renovation progresses I will keepyou updated and look forward to sharing more news withyou in the weeks ahead.

A NOTE FROM THE KANSAS MASONIC HOME

Matthew Bogner

5

The Kansas Mason

By Deb Gruver, The Wichita EagleWichita South High School scienceteacher Jonathan Maltz got chokedup on the morning of April 25,when Sedgwick County com-missioners recognized him with aMasonic award for excellentteaching.Commissioners proclaimedWednesday as Jonathan Maltz Day,after the Albert Pike Masonic LodgeNo. 303 in Wichita named Maltz its

Teacher Of The Year.Maltz thanked his principal, Cara Ledy, for nominating

him for the award and joked that he didn’t realize at firstthat it was he who was being honored, not a student, when

representatives came to his advanced placement chemistryclass recently.Maltz has taught at South for 19 years — his entire career.He said he and his wife, Jolene, met at South. He called

the school one of Wichita’s “best-kept secrets.” The Maltzesused to teach science across the hall from each other, andJolene Maltz is now the school’s data leader.Ledy said Maltz is one of “those teachers you know who

make a difference in kids’ lives when the kids are in hisroom before school, after school and at lunch. That’s theteacher they go to when they need help with something,even when it’s not school-related.”Maltz is one of the teachers graduates come back to see

years later, she said.Maltz said science always has fascinated him.

SSOOUUTTHH HHIIGGHH SSCCIIEENNCCEE TTEEAACCHHEERR HHOONNOORREEDD BBYY MMAASSOONNIICC LLOODDGGEE,, SSEEDDGGWWIICCKK CCOOUUNNTTYY

KANSAS GRAND CHAPTER O.E.S. 2012-2013 GRAND FAMILY

Seated are: Donna Fagg, Grand Conductress; Helen Ohlsson,Grand Secretary; Dolores (Dee) Smith, Grand Associate Matron;Kimberly D Dellinger, Worthy Grand Matron; Robert D. Hess,Worthy Grand Patron; Larry Swaim, Associate Grand Patron;James W. Billings, Grand Treasurer; and Pam Abel, AssociateGrand Conductress. Standing are: Cheryl Gross, GrandChaplain; Kathleen Ferris, Grand Marshal; Dian Combs, GrandOrganist; Shauna Viele, Grand Adah; Marlene Marts, GrandRuth; Debra Lindsten, Grand Esther; Debbie Anderson, GrandMartha; Wilma Hess, Grand Electa; Darren Hard, Grand Warder;and Mike Edwards, Grand Sentinel.

Jonathan Maltz

By R∴∴W∴∴ Lyn Beyer Grand Senior Deacon If Masonry is going to grow and prosper, your vision has

to change. You have to enlarge your vision---eat, sleep anddream your vision.Your environment is your limitation. Your past is your

limitation. We've always done it this way is your limitation.How is that working for you ?I want you to change your habits !!! I know it's not easy,

nothing worthwhile ever is. I want you to have a vision ofour Fraternity that is huge; I want you to have a vision ofour Fraternity having a Grand Lodge that fills the Chiefsstadium; I want you to have a vision of our Fraternitywhere good people are asking how to become a Mason,everyday.You have to see it on the inside before it will come to

pass on the outside. You have to envision yourself making

these dreams happen. Life will try to put out your spark through disap-

pointments, bad breaks, your environment, how you wereraised and a host of other influences. These are yourlimitations. Break free and picture a much larger vision foryourself and Masonry. Make it be a vision so big that youcan't accomplish it by yourself. Hold on to that vision. Getyourself outside the box. Look over the horizon. There is anew world of Masonry waiting.Picture your Lodge Hall overflowing with Brothers on

meeting nights. Envision having to add extra seating.Dream about the activity in your community. I want you todream bigger, think bigger and see bigger. What I see onthe outside does not match what I see on the inside. Make a change----make a dream----make it happen

DON'T LET YOUR ENVIRONMENT LIMIT YOUR VISION

Summer 2012

6

The KMF News The Official Newsletter

of the Kansas Masonic Foundation Volume 9 September 2012 Number 1

Mark E. Nelson, PGM Gary Van Cleave Nancy Lindberg Janel M. DeLeye Lynne Diehl Executive Director Assistant Director Development Dir. Staff Accountant Admin. Secretary Web site: www.kmfonline.org E-mail: kmf@kmfonline.org Phone (785) 357-7646

2909 SW Maupin Lane Topeka, KS 66614-5335

NCI Designation a Reality – So What Is Next?

“I am here,” said Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (pictured with University of Kansas Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little, Director of The University of Kansas Cancer Center and the KMCRI Roy Jensen and the University of Kansas Hospital President and CEO Bob Page) “to formally award the University of Kansas Cancer Center with the prestigious designation as a National Cancer Institute Cancer Center. Congratulations.” Those were the words heard by a group of the Kansas Masonic Foundation’s Board who attended the July 12th celebration on the campus of the KU Cancer Center. (pictured on next page: KMF Executive Director Mark Nelson, Craig Stallwitz, Bob Anderson, Jeff Sowder, Wes Bainter and Jim Owens. Also attending: Al Jackson, Leland Denton, Mike Tavares and Bill Koehn. The event was to announce this long awaited news that the Cancer Center’s quest for NCI designation was achieved. The University of Kansas Cancer Center has become the nation’s 67th and newest NCI-designated cancer center. “Achieving this designation has been the university’s top research priority because of the benefits it will provide to patients and our region,” said Chancellor Gray-Little. “The cancer center is a shining example of how KU is building healthy communities and

making discoveries that will change the world. This designation, and the community effort that went into earning it, will improve and save lives for years to come.” Genuine appreciation was expressed to the Kansas Masonic Foundation. It was the Mason’s pledge of $15 million that funded the launch of the Cancer Center’s quest for NCI designation. It was because

of our commitment that KUMC renamed its cancer research organization the Kansas Masonic Cancer Research Institute. The Kansas Masonic Foundation has now given nearly $23 million to the effort. And the commitment continues. KMF Executive Director Mark Nelson asked

Dr. Jensen what was next? After all of this hard work, Mark knows that Kansas Masons want to continue to help in any way that we can. Dr. Jensen says that we have four years to prepare for comprehensive cancer center status. It’s the next designation level and emphasizes population-based research and community education and outreach. The creation of the Midwest Cancer Alliance will certainly be an asset for this work but it will also

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The Kansas Mason

mean that Kansas Masons will need to continue our financial support. If you haven’t made a gift yet this year, please send a gift to receive C-Club credit. 100% of all gifts are sent to the Cancer Center.

Upcoming Schedule of Events

September 21, 2012: Kansas Masonic Foundation Board Meeting, Kansas City September 22, 2012: Mason’s Day, Kansas City – All Masons are welcome! (See story below.) October 13, 2012: Outreach Program, Hill City November 3, 2012: Outreach Program, El Dorado

Masons Day To Be Extra Special This year’s Masons Day has the makings to be extra special this year. It will be held on Saturday, September 22, 2012 at the KU Cancer Center at the KU Medical Center in Kansas City, KS. This will be the 17th Annual Masons Day – an event hosted by the Kansas Masonic Cancer Research Institute (KMCRI) as a way to say thank you for the Masons continued support. After achieving the NCI designation, Dr. Roy Jensen has said that he wants this Masons Day to be extra special! Masons Day 2012 will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Hixson Atrium outside of the Lied Research Building on the University of Kansas Medical Center campus in Kansas City. A continental breakfast and buffet lunch will be provided. Masons and their spouses are invited! An RSVP is requested. For more details or to make your reservation, please call Emily at the KU Cancer Center at (913) 588-4755.

Meet The New KMF Board Members The Kansas Masonic Foundation is pleased to welcome two new members to its Board of Trustees. New board members are: Vernon Butt of Manter and William “Bill” Koehn of Topeka. Brother Vernon Butt is a member of Johnson Lodge #441 AF&AM where he is currently serving as secretary. He was Master of the lodge in 2003 and 2004. He is vice-president of the Southwest Kansas Scottish Rite Club. Vernon is also a member of the Midian Shrine of Wichita. Vernon was Raised on February 21, 1998. The current Grand Junior Deacon has served over the years as Grand Senior Steward, Grand Sword Bearer and Grand Flag Bearer. Vernon’s volunteer work includes: firefighter, EMT, Scout Master and Emergency Preparedness Storm Watcher. For his career work Vernon is a District Magistrate Court Judge for Stanton County. Vernon’s wife is Leilah Jo and they make their home in Manter. He loves the great outdoors with people he cares about.

Brother Bill Koehn is a member of Topeka Lodge #17 AF&AM. He is a member of Arab Shrine where he was Potentate in 1988. He was a DeMolay. Bill was Raised on May 16, 1950 in Nebraska. He transferred to Topeka #17 in 1981.

Bill is a member of the Topeka Country Club, Brewster Place and the Kansas Pharmaceutical Association. Bill and his wife Cherrie live in Topeka. He’s a retired pharmacist and business owner. He enjoys playing golf.

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Summer 2012

For 29 consecutive years, the Kansas Masonic All-State High School Marching Band has entertained those who have attended the Kansas East-West Shrine Bowl Football Game.

Emporia State University’s Welch Stadium was the site of this year’s festivities where the 174-member band performed during pre-game and halftime ceremonies.

Band members endured the hottest conditions ever. Five consecutive days over triple-digit heat welcomed the students in their twice-a-day journey to the practice field. Yet, the students showed who was tougher as they put on another stellar show at the Shrine Bowl.

Nathan Gay, Director of Athletic Bands at ESU, was this year’s Masonic Band Director that featured the top high school musicians in Kansas. Band Camp XXIX began on July 24 and culminated four days later with its performance at the Shrine Bowl.

Students were sponsored by Masonic organizationsin their area. In all, 93 Kansas high schools were represented in this year’s Band Camp.

The Band performed a 15-minute concert prior to the Shrine Bowl Banquet on July 27 and led the Shrine Bowl Parade in downtown Emporia the morning of the game. The Band paid tribute to each unit of the Armed Forces during pre-game ceremonies. The pre-game show and parade also featured a 30-foot-by-20-foot American flag. The

flag was unfurled by Band Camp advisors during the drumroll prior to the National Anthem.

The 2012 Outstanding Musician, as selected by the ESU band staff, is Matt Howard. Matt, a percussionist, graduated from Emporia High this spring. He will attend Emporia State this fall where he will play in the ESU marching band. Matt is pictured holding a traveling plaque with M:.W:. Don Newman, Grand Master of Kansas Masons. Also pictured are (left to right) previous winners Blake Moris of Washburn Rural (2011), Kyam McCormack of Paola (2010) and Hollyann Sewell of Washburn Rural (2006). Masonic Band Director Nathan Gay is at far right. (Photos by Scott Sewell).

Matt was sponsored by Emporia Lodge #12, AF&AM.

Matt will receive a $1,000 scholarship for winning this award.

He is the second EHS student to win this award, joining 2002 winner Anna Sielert. A traveling plaque will reside in the EHS band office until next May.

“We congratulate Matt for being named the 2012 Outstanding Musician,” Mark E. Nelson, PGM and Executive Director of the KMF, said. “It is an honor he will always remember.”

We hope your Masonic organization will sponsor a student to attend the 2013 Band Camp July 23-27 at Washburn University. Fliers will be mailed to high school band directors next January. Applications will go out to Masonic organizations in February.

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The Kansas Mason

New “C-Club” Members and new level members April 1 – July 31, 2012

New Members ($25-$99 cum.)

Edward D. Alexander, Daniel L. Alley, William D. Anderson, Robert R. Barton, Garry R. Bichelmeyer, Amos E. Bolinger,

Dalbert D. Bruning, Donald M. Clyburn, Jacob O. Daily, James A. Fivian, Eugene C. Foltz, William H. Hale,

Randolph J. Hallauer, Stephen C. Haller, Wallace A. Hansen, John L. Harper, Craig Hatch, Jon Hefton, Robert L. Immasche, James Ingram,

Fredrick R. Kemp, Stanley R. Knight, James L. Lutz, Lowell G. Marley, Bethel P. McElroy,

Lester P. Meisenheimer, Terry L. Mohwinkle, Harold Mooney, Jr., Dennis A. Muse, William P. Pearsall,

Billy R. Penick, Arlen H. Proffitt, Ethan E. Pursell, Jimmy G. Ramsey, David W. Rapue, Sean M. Taylor,

Edward L. Umphenour, James R. Wells, Richard D. Wilson, Larry D. Winkler, William R. Young, Jr.

New Gold ($100-$499 cum.)

Arthur W. Adams, Michael D. Becker, James R. Beeson, Walter C. Booth, James M. Borum, Charles E. Bowers, Jr.,

Jack D. Brown, Jon R. Buehler, Jack S. Byers, Harold E. Carlson, Michael J. Cushing, Richard L. Dudney,

Robert D. Eickbush, Larry Erne, Melvin L. Fast, Raymond C. Gottstein, Rodney D. Grossnickle,

Richard E. Hanshaw, Wallis E. Hodges, Kenneth J. Karcher, Kenneth K. Keener, Thomas E. Klug, Dale E. Koontz,

Brian J. Kremer, Timothy J. Margrave, Ross M. Nelson, Leonard C. Newby, Neal F. Osborn, Dale J. Paulsen, Max A. Pecht, II, Robert L. Powe, George R. Powell,

James E. Radford, Charles A. Ralston, Ivan L. Ridgway, Orie N. Ritter, Michael V. Rogers, Richard R. Rybolt, Patrick H. Sauble, David D. Seetin, Ferenc I. Sipos,

Lyle S. Smith, James W. Thurman, Lonnie Van Arsdale, Glessner J. Wagner, II, Austin L. Wells, Donald E. Wenzel,

Leo F. Whitley.

New Ruby ($500-$999 cum.) Glendon E. Barrett, Glenn E. Birk, Richard R. Bottom, Robert D. Brazil, Wayne E. Diediker, Wayne D. Drake,

Don C. Durant, Donald G. Dyer, Warren M. Ford, James R. Geary, Russell E. Gustafson, Dennis R. Haulman,

Jerry B. Hooper, Robert G. Johnson, Giles J. Kavanaugh, Jerry D. Klein, David L. Mardis, Russell L. Maxwell,

John H. Ousley, William H. Pannell, Jr., Duane L. Rasmussen, Jakie L. Schoenhals, Francis E. Sprang, W. Hank Turnbaugh, Jr., Robert I. VanAllen, Robert M. Weaverling.

New Diamond ($1,000-$2,499)

Lowry F. Anderson, Mark H. Armfield, Garland J. Bell, Loren F. Blass, Robert G. Blomquist, Ronald E. Calbert,

Peter Dunn, Robert O. Ellis, James M. Hefling, Larry K. Hendrickson, Robert C. Johnson, Gary E. LaVigne,

John E. Mowen, James H. Nolte, James C. Remsberg, Clarence E. Struthers, Everette C. Thomas,

Robert G. Walters, Bobby J. Welch, Robert W. White, Edwin B. Williams.

New Sapphire C-Club ($2,500-$4,999 cum.) Carl K. Clay, Oran W. Conrad, Paul A. Honaker,

Donald L. Plagge, Mikel J. Stoops, Edward D. Templin.

New Ladies C-Club ($100+ cum.) Loreine Addington, Marjorie Baker, Karen Hey,

Virginia Siecgrist.

First Annual Drive For The Cure Golf Tournament a SUCCESS!

The first annual “Drive for the Cure” golf tournament was a success. The tournament was held on Sunday July 29th at the

Emporia Municipal Golf Course, the day after the East-West Shrine Bowl football game. The tournament was attended by thirty-two players making up eight four man teams. This year’s First Place winners (pictured above from L to R) were Charlie Shinn, Blake Shinn, Tyler Shaffer and Brad Shaffer. Next year’s tournament will be held in Topeka. A special thanks to golf legend Tom Watson for his participation.

New Award Levels for C-Club

The Foundation has created five new higher dollar award levels in C-Club. They are: $25,000 Master Builder $50,000 Master Guardian $100,000 Master Benefactor $500,000 Master Humanitarian $1,000,000 Master Visionary The Foundation’s President Wes Bainter will be among the first to receive one of the crystal awards that are being presented to each of the Masons who qualify. Brother Wes will receive the Master Builder award at the Foundation’s board meeting in September. We commend each of the men who continue to be generous in their giving to cancer research.

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Summer 2012

KANSAS MASONIC NOTES CONTINUED

By Nolan SumpSince 2009, Clay Center Lodge #134 has made strides in

improving their membership. Members who are active inthe military at Fort Riley have contributed to increasingmembership. Consolidations, with the closing of FarmersLodge #166 and Wakefield Masonic Lodge #396, have madecontributions to membership. One of the more importantbenefactors to the resurgence in Clay Center’saccomplishments is the Child Identification Program, orCHIP for short.On May 26 at the Waterville Community Center during

their Nickel Day celebration, Ryan Wilson was hard at workon the computer. Clay Center Lodge #134 was putting on aCHIP program that day, and it was already 45 minutes pasttime to leave, which was set for 2:00 pm. “You get thatsometimes,” Wilson said. Before he became a Mason,Wilson was asked by lodge members to help out with aCHIP program at the Clifton-Clyde Elementary schoolcarnival in March 2011. By that evening, eighty students hadinformation collected and distributed to the parents. It waspopular, as Wilson admitted, parents were at the booth until10 pm. As a result of this event, it took little persuasion forWilson to join the lodge. “I was hooked,” Wilson admitted. He was one of severalmen who joined Clay Center #134 as a result of the CHIPprogram. The spark that ignited this increase in membership was a

search by lodge members at Clay Center who werebrainstorming ideas to increase membership. At the time,around four or five members on average attended meetings.It was brought up about the Child ID program thatBenevolent Lodge #98 in Abilene was participating in. Ittook a few phone calls to locate computers and a few morephone calls and leg work to get some donations to help getCHIP Supplies to start up the 1st event. Jeff Hunter, a newly-made member of Benevolent Lodge, assisted with the CHIPprogram at Clay Center. By March 2009, he had become adual member of Clay Center Lodge #134. By the end of theyear, he had been appointed secretary. As secretary, Hunterstarted calling members to attend lodge meetings. The lodge acquired CHIP systems from Manhattan Lodge

#16, Salina Lodge #60, and PGM Sterling Hornbuckle, 2009,and began running identification screenings at events in thesurrounding communities. Their endeavors at the GreenHoliday festival in November indicated the importance ofpurchasing their own. To solve this issue, the lodge membersdecided to raise money and buy their own computers in May2010. They bought a used computer from Manhattan Lodgeand a new one from PGM Hornbuckle. The supplies addedto the cost. “To get started doing the events,” Hunter stated,

“it cost about $100 over the computer in supplies.” Thisincluded CDs, ink, paper, envelopes, labels, swabs andpackets. “It cost us $1.50 per child to do the event,” Hunteradded. The cost-benefit of owning the computers andsupplies led to positive experiences with the lodge. Huntermentioned the lodge received support from local businessesand banks through donations to pay for the cost of supplies.The ink for the lodge’s computers often lasts for at least 100printouts for children.“I like the fact that we print off the information sheet, as

this gives the parents a chance to review the kit even afterwe make it. This ensures we didn’t make a mistake, and ifwe did, to be able to catch it while they are still in the area,”Hunter commented. Membership has increased, due to the exposure in the

media. Clay Center's first interview was with radio station KCLY

in Sept 2009. The first WIBW interview with Ralph Hipp inNov 2010 occurred when Brothers Mervin Buchenau, WayneLink and Hunter discussed a CHIP program at GarfieldElementary in Clay Center. The second interview with RalphHipp was in Jan 2012, with Hunter and Don Baker for theDaniel Carter Beard Award. Hunter had a third interviewwith Ralph Hipp in February 2012, for the Child ID programat Clifton Clyde School. Twin Valley Communicationsinterviewed Hunter on May 2011 at the Dexter Parkdedicaton. The Clay Center lodge has been interviewed bythe Clay Center Dispatch, Manhattan Mercury, and theSalina Journal, as well.“The interaction with the media has brought people that

never knew that Clay Center had a Lodge to where they areinterested in learning more.” Hunter said.Parents have driven 100 miles to come to an event and

have their child ID kit made. One was surprised that thelodge did not charge, as she tried to have kits completed forher kids and found that the price tag was $100.00 per childby a local company. Clay Center Lodge has been passing outinformation from the Take 25 Missing Children since 2010. In 2008, five members attended lodge on a regular basis.

Today, with the help of a few new Master Masons, thatnumber increased to 12-17 members who attend regularly. There have been positive indicators of growth outside of

increasing membership. The lodge set up their own webpage, as well as a Facebook page. Clay Center Lodge gets requests from area groups for an

event. Representatives from the fall festival in Green, KSasked in May of this year for the CHIP program at their fallfestival. In July, a Junction City Girl Scout e-mailed one of

CHIP PROGRAM BENEFITS LOCAL LODGE

(See CHIP PROGRAM , pg. 11)

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The Kansas Mason

By R∴∴W∴∴ Lyn Beyer Grand Senior Deacon At the Grand Lodge level, we see things that need to be

changed or altered, but have not been. There are many waysthat we can improve our knowledge and the FraternalExperience. The minutes of the Ritualistic Committee showthat there was talk 25 years ago to make changes andimprovements to our work. And yet, there is still no change.Now, we are going to seek help from other Jurisdictions toaccomplish positive change. How successful are they and, ifso, why? We know the ritual is dying because of the lack ofproficiency among the members. This is the only thing thatseparates us from all other fraternities. If we lose it, we arejust a social club. If we lose the ritual, Masonry as we knowit is doomed to extinction. Let's take an example and use the Schools of Instruction.

Why teach the second section of the third degree whenLodges have not brought in a new member for many years?Do we enjoy attending a Lodge where the Officers can'topen or close correctly and have trouble reading the cipher?Why is it that only 10% of our membership attend theirLodges? The only exception are those that are too old orinfirm to attend, and our prayers go out to them. I am not saying that the Schools of Instruction is the one

place to make the world right, but it might be a good placeto start. There is a lot more going on than learning ritualand floor work. We make new friends, visit with old friends,learn what is going on at neighboring Lodges, and explainto them about our efforts, as well. I read in some of the old Ritualistic Committes minutes

that questions were asked of the Grand Master, if he wouldsend out letters to the Lodges asking them, or even orderingthem, to attend the District Schools. That didn't really help.Why? Because the majority of our Brothers do not attendLodge anyway. Bless those that do. But many Brothers liveout of town or state; some feel it's boring; others think theyknow it all; some are afraid to show what they don't know;

and some just no longer care. However, the theme of theSchool is to learn and have fun while doing it. Hey, this is a School of Instruction and not a School of Pro-

ficiency. We get little education by watching pros and semi-pros doing all the work that we all need to learn if we aregoing to keep the ritual alive. The newer Brothers need to beallowed to try their hands at the work, and not just pushedto the sidelines to watch someone puff up and strut theirstuff. Most of us can learn more by doing, rather than justobserving. This is a place to learn with a good instructorhelping us to learn it right the first time. He will stop andexplain the procedures and help correct our mistakes andmisconceptions.The worst place to try to learn is when we are doing Degree

Work. That should be done right and with good decorum.New candidates need to know that we are serious aboutMasonry. If we don't take our work seriously and reverently,how can we expect the candidate to do so? We should alsopractice before we perform. Not too many of us are qualifiedto give stellar performances on a moment’s notice. Even theGrand Lecturers need to practice. There is no guarantee thatthe new Brother will be a great Mason; but if we do our verybest on his behalf, we have a much better chance of himwanting to learn more about the Fraternity.So help the Fraternity build a better future by learning

and participating. This will create Excellence. There is muchmore, but for now, make every effort to attend your Schoolof Instruction. If you cannot attend yours, attend one in aDistrict near you. There will be some this fall and many inJanuary and February. We have the lists completed and willpost them on the web site and the Kansas Mason in thisissue. You may also find out by calling the Grand Lodge.We are here to help you.Remember, you get out of it what you put into it--plus

interest. Come help us to make Masonry a much strongerand viable Fraternity for the future.

Participation = Excellence

the lodge members wanting to know if they had anythingthat the Girl Scouts could do for community service. Theyrequested a Child ID program at their service units.“This takes some work, as you have to coordinate with the

lodge in the area, get permission and see if they would liketo help out.” Hunter said. Growth in the lodge is determined by the increase in

mem-bership numbers, their level of involvement, and thepro-ductive use of the lodge in the community. Clay Center

lodge has done each of these, with 2-4 members at smallCHIP events to 7-10 at larger events who come to par-ticipate in the programs. While the CHIP program is not the sole factor in Clay Center’s increase in membership, it has evidence of its benefits to the lodge and thecommunity. At the time of publishing The Kansas Mason,Clay Center has prepared 791 ID kits for childrenthroughout north central Kansas in the three years it hasbeen involved with CHIP.

CHIP PROGRAM (Continued from pg.10)

We need your help, Kansas Masons The Conference of Grand Masters of Masons in North America is coming to Kansas City, MO February 16-19, 2013, and we needlots of volunteers to help at the airport, at the hotel, help with registration, help with conducting events, and more! Grand Lodge officers from all over the world will be coming here for the firsttime ever, and any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Please contact M:.W:.Roy Sullivan at rtsullivan1@cox.net, the Grand Lodge, or any elected Grand Lodge Officer.

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Summer 2012

Pictured (left-right) Bro. Freddie Frederick,

W∴ Jim Falkner (current Master) and W∴Wayne Blakemore.

Take25 and CHIPS has become an integral part of theKeystone effort to support Grand Lodge’s Vision 2020. TheLodge is becoming more prominent and “communityfriendly” as one of their goals in their strategic plan. In July,the public was invited to watch the city’s 4th of July fireworksfrom the Lodge parking lot. The facility was also open foruse of the restrooms and ice water was provided. At therecent Fair and Rodeo, the Lodge set up a booth for the entireweek and passed out about 260 Take25 brochures to familieswith toddlers through pre-teens. The information was wellreceived and our new city Chief of Police (petition receivedand investigating committee assigned!) is already on-boardwith these programs and will become a valuable asset notonly to the community but to the Lodge as well.

KEYSTONE 102 INITIATES TAKE25 PROGRAM IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY

Christmas is coming! Now is thetime to order items from the GrandLodge store. Pins, hats, neckties - manyinteresting items to choose from. Goto www.kansasmason.org/shop to seewhat is available and take advantage

of our easy online ordering. Or youcan call the Grand Lodge Office tomake a purchase using your creditcard. Please place your orders no laterthan Friday, November 23, 2012 fordelivery by Christmas.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING

Grand Lodge wants to hear from you! There are two TownHall meetings planned in the near future and all are invitedto attend to listen to what is planned, ask questions andprovide input. Information will range from integrating yourlodge into the Grand Lodge strategic plan, current programsand resources, the rapidly changing demography ofMasonry in Kansas and the potential need to adjust districts

again, and much more. Secretaries that have questionsabout the new database or the upcoming annual report areespecially encouraged to attend, and there will be a separatebreakout for them. The next planned meetings are Saturday,October 13 in Emporia, and Saturday, October 20 in ScottCity. Mark the dates now, and contact the Grand Lodgeoffice for more details.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR TOWN HALL MEETINGS

M∴W∴ Tracy L. Bloom, PGMGrand SecretaryThe new online SQL Database Server is up and running

as of September 2nd 2012. This was a huge upgrade fromthe old Access 97 Database and a tremendous undertaking,not only for our staff and office, but for the Grand LodgeMembership Management Systems staff in ColoradoSprings, as well. Wendell Bell, Ashley Buss, BruceQuackenbush, among others on their staff, have put incountless hours on this project, as well as the staff of yourGrand Lodge Office, Nancy Johnston, Jan Nelson, ChuckHoffmeister, Joesphe Stiles and, of course, Bob Pfuetze.This has truly been a team effort, one that I am proud to beassociated with. I believe the product is of high quality and

will be a positive asset to the Grand Lodge of Kansas forsome time! There are a few bugs that will need to be workedthrough, and we are in the process of that as you read thisedition of the KM. There will undoubtedly be some that wedidn’t anticipate, but as they are discovered, we will workthrough them as fast as possible.The accessibility of this new database, from any computer

that has internet access, will give your secretary moreflexibility. Although the look and feel will be a bit different,for a while anyway, the learning curve should be minimal.To help with that curve, I have created a series of tutorialson the different functions of the new database which can befound in the Secretaries Portal at www.kansasmason.org, orif you contact me, I can send them to you via email.

GRAND LODGES’ NEW DATABASE IS UP AND RUNNING

13

The Kansas Mason

SECRETARY (Continued from pg. 3)

not only the Grand Master and his officers, but the entireCraft.On a separate note, I wanted to let everyone know that

we can now accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express

cards at the Grand Lodge Office for any purchase. I sayany purchase because we had someone, a few monthsago, ask if he could pay for his Perpetual Life Membershipusing his credit card. The answer now is “Yes!”

we forget that Masonry is Universal and exists beyond theUnited States and Old Mother England. Carved in Stoneprovides a detailed account of the beginnings andchallenges of Freemasonry in South Africa. Just asFreemasonry got its foothold in the United States as theColonies were being formed, so did Freemasonry in SouthAfrica. The difference is that South Africa was colonized,and Freemasonry was influenced by the Dutch, French, andEnglish several times over, creating a very challenginglandscape for the Masonic Leaders of that time. This bookalso illustrates the success of Masonic Leaders, both in thedevelopment of Freemasonry and the Government ofFreemasonry, by applying an operative use to thosespeculative qualities we hold so dear.

Reviewed by B. Cole Presley, Millbrook Lodge #281Lewis Masonic, Publishers 2012; Paperback $15.30

BOOK REVIEWCARVED IN STONE by Rodney Grosskopff

Carved in Stone is a series ofprofiles of some of the famouscharacters who helped developand mold the history and cultureof South Africa. They have twothings in common: they were allFreemasons and members of thesame Masonic Lodge, Lodge DeGoede Hoop, in Cape Town. Eachaccount started as a researchdocument for presentation invarious forums, mostly at Masonic

functions, but here the author has taken the liberty ofadding creative flesh to those dusty bones.As American Freemasons, many Brothers have an ability

to recount, in a general sense, how Freemasonry cameabout, both in England and the United States. Often times

Negotiations are being finalizedwith the Kansas Department ofRevenue for the Kansas MasonLicense Plate; however, there are stillsome minor details to be workedout. One critical item is that theGrand Lodge needs to show aninterest of at least 500 Masons whowould be eligible to purchase a Kansas Mason License plate.Kansas Masons who would like to purchase a platesometime after January 1, 2013 are asked to notify theGrand Lodge office that they would like a plate. This canbe done by emailing plates@kansasmason.org or callingthe Grand Lodge Office at 785-234-5518 and have yourname added to the list. The legislation requires that theGrand Lodge provide a written consent form for themember requesting the plate. This pre-order list will allowthe Grand Lodge office to arrange for that letter ahead oftime. Kansas Mason License Plates will only cost anadditional $25 in addition to the State and County taxesand fees. The funding received by the Grand Lodge will be

split between the Grand LodgeLibrary and Kansas FreemasonsCharities, Inc.The Grand Lodge Office has

received a variety of questions aboutmotorcycle tags. While the statutethat allowed for our tags does notinclude authority for motorcycle

plates, IF there is enough expressed interest, we will returnto the Legislature this winter and ask for expandedauthority; so, if you would be interested in plates for a cycle,let that be known to the Grand Lodge Office, also throughplates@kansasmason.org. Those who currently havehandicap plates, and who want a Masonic plate, will haveto return to a rear-view mirror card handicap permit, thereis no provision for a combined Masonic-handicap plate.Due to the explosion of special-interest plates, and theneeds of law enforcement to quickly identify vehicles, therewill not be a sequential numbers of plates; each will benumbered with a combination of several numbers andletters, and no reservation of any one possible.

KANSAS MASON LICENSE PLATE

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Summer 2012

GRAND EAST (Continued from pg. 1)

which leaves a void in the community. The sadness thatcomes when the ritual work is no longer in the Lodge, orfuneral services cannot be performed. Perhaps, as Schoolsof Instruction shrink and Lodges do not attend GrandLodge to learn and renew old friendships. Sorrow when aLodge does not know how to receive a DDGM, or ask for aGrand Lodge Officer to assist them with emblempresentations, because no one currently in the Lodge hasseen or heard one, ever! Or, when Brothers do not attendtheir Lodge because of some petty grudge with some longgone Brother. Most of these sorrows are man made andcould be eliminated by the Masonic lessons we teach and

by Brothers being Brothers. An attitude of gratitude.Participate and invigorate. We hope for a brighter day

when all things will be right and there is smooth sailing onall levels of the Fraternity. If we will all participate, it willcome. The Masonic experience is a journey, and not adestination. The more who come along for the ride, thericher the experience. The biggest mistake is to give up andnot keep trying. We have to make our own good and ourown future. We need to ask the Grand Architect forassistance often. It takes a great effort to do so, but therewards are great for those who try. We can't change thedirection of the wind, but we can adjust the sails.

The Kansas Mason is pleased to receive questions from ourreaders and answer them as time and space permits. Pleasesend your questions about Masonic law, etiquette, custom,traditions or history to the Questions Answered Editor, NolanSump at questions@kansasmason.org .

Dear Editor,

I have recently begun presenting the third lecture of thefirst degree. In that lecture, it states “…there isrepresented in every regular and well governed Lodge, acertain POINT WITHIN A CIRCLE…” and goes on toexplain the meaning of these. My question is “How andwhere are they represented?” At first I thought that thepoint was a brother and the circle was “…the boundaryline of his duty...”, but then I read that these symbolsrepresent the brother and boundary line, not that thebrother and boundary line represent the Point andCircle. Is this one of the secrets that I have not come tounderstand, or has the representation been lost in ourmodern Lodges? If we state that the Point and Circleshould be represented in order that the Lodge beconsidered regular and well governed, shouldn’t theybe someplace in the Lodge?Fraternally,Mikel StoopsSenior WardenDe Soto Lodge #40

Brother Stoops,

I would like to thank you for sending quite a thought-provoking question such as this. When considering yourlast question about displaying the point within a circle in

the lodge, I considered the following when sitting in lodgerecently: above the Altar is a light that shines down. Whenthe room is otherwise darkened and the center lightremains, it casts a circle upon the floor some 20+ feet indiameter. Any brother at the Altar is an individual Masonwho serves as a point in that circle. His role as a Masonis to help, aid and assist all Masons and others in needwithin that individual’s focus of control.In reality, Albert Mackey would believe that the point

within a circle is the sun, surrounding the knownuniverse; our duty as Masons then, is to assist those withinour circle. After researching several other texts, including Albert

Pike's Morals & Dogma and Mackey’s Symbolism ofMasonry by Albert Mackey, I have come to the conclusionthat it is entirely up to the individual to interpret forhimself the meaning of "a point within a circle".I do agree the point within a circle should be

represented within the lodge; it would serve as anexceptional opportunity for Masonic education for thelodge members to discuss what this represents to them,and to what degree they should provide Masonic charity.

Thank you for your patience in this matter.

Nolan SumpQuestions Answered Editor

QUESTIONS ANSWERED

District 29 will be putting on a Barnyard Degree. Date: Oct.13th Locatation: 3 miles south of Conway Springs on K-49Highway to 60th Ave. North. West 2 miles to Milan Road and then 1/4 mile North. Cost: $5. Gate opens at 3pm, mealat 5pm, 3rd Degree at 6pm rain or shine. Open to all Master Masons RSVP not required but would be most appreciatedContact Ken Lackey 620-456-2366 or kennethglackey2003@yahoo.com

The Kansas Mason

15

LAUNCHED IN 2011, the Grand Lodge Leadership Academy develops and supports effective Masonic leaders, preparing officers to lead our local lodges by providing current content on Masonic law, core duties, finances, communication and current topics of interest. Our ladies’ course compliments the curriculum, and gives our ladies facts and figures about the goings-on behind the tyled door. Reserve early to join us for a full day of Masonic education and fellowship!

Christopher Hodapp is the editor of the Journal of The Masonic Society. He is the author of the best-selling Freemasons for Dummies, and Solomon's Builders: Freemasons, Founding Fathers and the Secrets of Washington D.C. W:. Bro. Chris is a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Freemason, and he lives in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Mason’s Course EARLY REGISTRATION (until Sept 20) -- $20 Ladies’ Course EARLY REGISTRATION (until Sept 20) -- $10 SEATING IS LIMITED Mason’s Course REGISTRATION (Sept 21 – Oct 1) -- $30 REGISTRATION REQUIRED Ladies’ Course REGISTRATION (Sept 21 – Oct 1) -- $20 Because of caterer’s requirements and Statehouse capacity, we cannot accept at-the-door registration.

8 : 0 0 a m – 8 : 5 5 a m Registration (Grand Lodge Office) Breakfast (Council of Administration Conference Room)

9 : 0 0 a m Statehouse Opens

9 : 1 5 a m – 9 : 2 5 a m Welcome and Opening Remarks

9 : 2 5 a m – 1 0 : 1 5 a m Keynote Speaker: Christopher Hodapp

1 0 : 3 0 a m – 1 1 : 3 0 a m Financial Acumen for Lodges Investigations, Petitions, Background Checks Masons’ Ladies Course

1 1 : 3 0 a m – 1 2 : 3 0 p m Lunch (3rd Floor Mezzanine) Communications for Lodges Freemasons for Dummies Ladies

1 2 : 3 0 p m – 1 : 3 0 p m The Master and Masonic Code Lunch (3rd floor Mezzanine) Lunch (3rd floor Mezzanine)

1 : 3 0 p m – 2 : 3 0 p m Wardens/Deacons Foundations Event Planning Inside the Lodge Room for Ladies

2 : 4 0 p m – 3 : 3 0 p m Kansas Masonic Home

3 : 3 0 p m – 4 : 0 0 p m Closing Comments: Christopher Hodapp

Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted MasonsThe Kansas Mason320 SW 8th AvenueTopeka, KS 66601

Return Service Requested

NON-PROFITORGANIZATIONU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 580

Manhattan, KS 66502

DISTRICT MEETING SCHEDULEAll meetings start at 9 a.m.

1 Hiawatha, Oct. 20, 2012 (Sellen)

2 Atchison, Nov. 3, 2012 (Clark)

3 Tonganoxie, Oct. 20, 2012 (Clark)

4 Lawrence, Jan. 19, 2013 (Rector)

5 Prairie Village, Jan. 05, 2013(Rector)

6 Spring Hill, Jan. 12, 2013(Williams)

7 Pomona, Jan. 12, 2013 (Clark)

8 Kincaid, Jan. 12, 2013 (Sellen)

9 & 10Walnut, Jan. 19, 2013 (Sellen)

11 Edna, Jan. 26, 2013 (Sellen)

12 Neodesha, Jan. 12, 2013 (Talbott)

13 Yates Center, Jan. 19, 2013 (Snyder)

14 Burlington, Nov. 03, 2012 (Salts)

15 & 18 Topeka #225, Jan. 12, 2013(Main)

16 & 17Mayetta, Jan. 19, 2013(Williams)

19 & 20 Junction City, Oct. 27, 2012(Main)

21Marysville, Nov. 17, 2012 (Salts)

22 Solomon, Sept. 29, 2012 (Talbott)

23 Emporia, Jan. 12, 2013 (Detwiler)

24 Howard, Jan. 19, 2013 (Detwiler)

25 Burden, Feb. 09, 2013 (Talbott)

26Mulvane, Feb. 16, 2013 (Williams)

27 Latham, Nov. 10, 2012 (Main)

28 Newton, Jan. 12, 2013 (Snyder)

29Wellington, Jan. 26, 2013 (Snyder)

30Medicine Lodge, Oct. 27, 2012(Butt)

31 Lyons, Jan. 26, 2013 (Detwiler)

32 Salina, Jan. 26, 2013 (Williams)

33 Belleville, Feb. 09, 2013 (Rector)

35 Hill City, Oct. 13, 2012 (Butt)

36 Great Bend, Jan. 19, 2013 (Talbott)

37 Coldwater, Oct. 20, 2012 (Butt)

38 & 39 Syracuse, Jan. 26, 2013 (Butt)

40 Atwood, Jan. 19, 2013 (Butt)