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

THE KANSAS MASONTHE VOICE OF KANSAS MASONRY

TTHHEE KKAANNSSAASS MMAASSOONNTHE VOICE OF KANSAS MASONRY

Volume #49 May 2011 Issue #2

KELLERMAN APPOINTED GRAND SENIOR DEACONBy The Kansas Mason Staff

Daren Keller-man has beenappointed theGrand SeniorDeacon for 2011.A former AreaDeputy GrandMaster, Keller-man is a memberand secretary ofDelphian LodgeNo. 44 in Gar-nett, and a pluralmember of both

Xenia Lodge No. 47 and Justice Lodge

No. 457, in which he is also thesecretary. A ten year law enforcement veteran, he

is the former Chief of Police in La Harpeand is currently a deputy sheriff in AllenCounty. Apart from his Masonic com-mitments, he is also a member ofvarious police organizations includingthe Kansas Peace Officers Association,the Kansas Sheriff’s Associations and theFraternal Order of Police.If elected by the Craft, Kellerman will

be Grand Master of Masons in Kansasin 2015.Daren, and his wife Jennifer, live

in Ottawa.

Daren Kellerman

IN THIS ISSUE

What’s New 1

The Grand East 2

Secretary’s Corner 2

Questions Answered 3

The Craft Abroad 4

Kansas Masonic Notes 4

Awards and Honors 7

Official Notices 8

Book Reviews 10

Calendar 12

by Rick Reichert, Grand SeniorWarden 2011-2012One of the four high priority goals of

Vision 2020, our 10-year strategic planfor Grand Lodge, is to greatly enhancethe Masonic Experience. Specifically, theplan calls for

“By the time of the AnnualCommunication in 2011, there willbe a comprehensive toolkit in usethat has made significant impacton membership attempts and hasfilled the voids in the Aware/Learnand Self-Actualization portions ofthe Member Life Cycle. Measure-ments will include members addedby age group, by geographic area,and other measures as appropriate.”

When the topic of improving theMasonic experience was first proposedin the strategic planning process, Iargued that the experience is not aspecific event but a continuum of

experiences that change over thelifecycle of a Mason. We must endeavorto fulfill his needs throughout hisMasonic life or we will continue toexperience the low number of joinersand high number of quitters. This articleis meant to both explain the conceptof the Masonic Experiences Lifecycleand also indicate where the mostimprovement needs to be made, if weare to entice new members and keep theones we have. The grade to eachcomponent indicates our progress onthese goals to date.

Aware/Learn. Grade. C A manufac-turer trying to sell a product has to makehundreds, if not thousands, of positiveimpressions before the potentialcustomer is aware and has a positiveimpression of the product. Knowledgeof the product and a favorable opinion

formed is necessary before theopportunity to acquire the productarises. For Masonry, these impressionsare made through our image, theInternet, media, signs along thehighway, brochures, and mostpreferably word of mouth from familyand friends. Unless an eligible andworthy man is aware and favorablyperceives the Craft, the likelihood of hiswanting to join is extremely unlikely. Need/Join. Grade. B At this stage of

the life cycle, if favorable opinion meetsopportunity there is a high likelihood ofa customer taking the necessary step tobuy. A customer searching the shelf in a

store for aspirin is more likely to pick awell-advertised brand, like Advil forexample. For potential Masonic can-didates, having formed a favorableimpression of the institution, thenneeds opportunity to join. That puts theonus on lodge members to be available

MASONIC EXPERIENCES LIFECYCLE

Aware/Learn

Need/Join

Indoctri-nation

SeekHelp

Self-Actuali-zation

Renew/Demit/Pass On

Initiation

(SeeMASONIC EXPERIENCES, pg. 6)

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Summer 2011

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, Kansas66601-1217

Send address changes to: Kansas MasonPO Box 1217Topeka, Kansas66601-1217

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. All submissions become theproperty of the Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Kansas.

EditorMichael A. Halleran editor@kansasmason.org

Book Review EditorHoward Duncanbookreviews@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)”.

By Robert B. PfuetzeSt. Johns Lodge No.113Grand SecretaryThe 155th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of

Kansas is now a memory. As always, it was a great oppor-tunity to meet old friends and make new ones. It was,unfortunately not as well attended as some years, eventhough we had some relatively controversial legislation thisyear. Old habits are hard to break, and it seems we just can'tget some of our members used to the idea of pre-registering,which will save you considerable time in the registrationlines. We also always have requests for meal tickets onthe day of registration. Generally this is impossible unlesssomeone has cancelled a reservation. We really can’t affordto sell meal tickets at the door, as we did a number of years

SECRETARY’S CORNER

By Tracy BloomSalina Lodge No. 60Grand MasterJessica and I would like to thank everyone who assisted in

planning and making the installation ceremony in March avery memorable experience that neither of us will soonforget. Special thanks to the Installing officers, the fifteen SirKnights who formed the arch of steel, ISIS Highlanders Pipesand Drums for graciously performing at the installation, andlast but not least Salina Lodge No.60 for your continuedsupport over the years. There are so many others who helpedmake the event special I won’t attempt to thank them all

here, because I’m afraid I’d forget someone. Jessica and I are so thankful to have hadso many we could count on; you’ll never know how indebted and humbled wefeel. Thank you all very much!Several of the craft, through Grand Lodge officers and District and Area Deputies,

have expressed how much they learned from the break-out sessions at the AnnualCommunication. They have communicated to me and the Council of Admin-istration their desire to make them a regular feature of future Annual Commu-nications. One of our goals is to provide the Craft with usable information thatwill benefit your lodge and your members individually. Please tell your DistrictDeputy Grand Master what subjects you’d like more information on when hemakes his spring or fall visit. We will compile all of the suggestions later in the yearand chose the most interesting subjects for future break-outs.We continue to work hard on our strategic planning objectives and an update

on the Masonic Experience can be found on the front page of this issue. You mayhave already been contacted to serve on one of these committees directly related tothe Strategic Plan (i.e., Image, Leadership, Communications and MasonicExperience) and I am pleased to report to you that the committees are workingwell and making progress. However, that doesn’t mean that the committeemembers are the only ones who have any input into those objectives. Each of you

THE GRAND EAST

(See SECRETARY , pg. 7)

(See THE GRAND EAST, pg. 7)

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The Kansas Mason

QUESTIONS ANSWEREDThe Kansas Mason is pleased to receive questions from ourreaders and answer them as time and space permits. Please sendyour questions about Masonic law, etiquette, custom, traditionsor history to the Questions Answered Editor, Nolan Sump atquestions@kansasmason.org.

Dear Editor:I am in the process of applying for an interviewing for a

job in my field. I’ve been a Mason for a few years now andam an officer in my lodge. I feel somewhat apprehensiveabout what to say when asked about my hobbies andpursuits as I have heard some negative press aboutFreemasonry in the past.That being said, here is my question. At what point

is it legitimate to describe Masonic affiliation in aninterview when asked about hobbies and other pursuits?Thank you for your time.A Brother Mason

My brother,Your question is purely valid as we go through this

recession and some of us who are in pursuit of employmenthave undoubtedly had this on their minds in interviews.This was a question that required some thought anddiscussion with a few brothers of the Craft. There is nosimple, clear-cut response as there would be for questionswhich result in answers supported by data-driven evidence.Each interview is subjective and therefore there is no onepatented response we can give when asked what activities weengage in outside of work.In lieu of an answer of this degree, I can merely give my

opinion in the form of three options you can respond with.First, say nothing. You are entitled to keep your personal lifepersonal.Second, explain or mention you are a member of a

fraternal organization and leave it at that. Your third option is this. You can explain in your interview

that you are a member of a fraternal organization called theFreemasons. Highlight its important attributes which relateto on-the-job skills such as its promotion of ethical character,leadership development and social net-working. All of theseare positive contributions to one’s public life as well asprivate life. By doing so, you can show that you are a teamplayer and participate in activities in your spare time thathone these skills. Good luck in your job search.--The Editor

Dear Editor,I have been a Master Mason for several years. I was given

an apron in a blue tube and told to make sure my familyknows where it is at. What is this apron for and why doesmy family need to know about it? (Can I wear it to lodge or is it for special occassions, or

just for my coffin, etc.)Wondering in Wichita

Dear Wondering,If you recall, in the Entered Apprentice degree you were

presented with a lambskin, or white leather apron, and wasinstructed that it was an emblem of innocence and thedistinguished badge of a Mason. The Master of the lodge laterexplained in this lecture that, upon your death, it would bedeposited upon the coffin which encloses your lifelessremains. This apron was presented to you a second time afteryour raising and it was explained to you that in this blue tubeis a leather apron signed by the Master, Senior and JuniorWardens. It is yours to be placed upon your coffin by yourfamily. Letting your family know about its importance atyour funeral may seem macabre, yet it does reiterate thepoint of Freemasonry that our lives are precious and we mustlive our lives in support of others. While you are free to wearit to lodge meetings, the inherent meaning behind yourapron may discourage you from doing so; the symbolism ofthe lambskin apron indicates our fragile nature and ourmortality. As we should be properly clad at our meetings, sowe should be when we meet the GAOTU. --The Editor

Dear Editor,I know that some jurisdictions (like Texas) have regu-

lations on what size and style of apron a Master Masonmay wear in lodge. Does Kansas have any similar restric-tions? I own several different blue lodge aprons, includinga nice one from England. I would like to wear them to myhome lodge instead of wearing the cotton “guest” apronsthat my lodge provides. Is there anything in the laws ofMasonry that would prohibit me from doing this?Properly Clad and Vouched For

Dear Properly Clad and Vouched For,In review of the Kansas By-Laws, there is more of a loose

interpretation of this rule than perhaps what may be foundin Texas. According to 3-422, Clothing of Officers andBrethren, it states “at every Lodge Communication, all of thebrethren shall be appropriately clothed for labor, and theofficers shall bear the jewels and emblems of authority whichusage has made appropriate to their rank and respectivestations.” Appropriately clothed for labor includes aprons,but does not specify which apron one can wear. Therefore, ifyou feel the need to wear an apron from the Grand Lodge ofEngland, or even a hand-made one from Tennessee, you maydo so without discord being brought upon you. However,Bylaw 3-417 permits only white aprons as in the bylaw itstates: “Whenever appearing in public the members shall bedecently clothed with white aprons, and shall demeanthemselves decorously, and be obedient to the Master’slawful demands.” To wear a white apron in public with one’sbrothers denotes being on the level with them, no matterwhat their background may be.--The Editor

4

Summer 2011

By the Kansas Mason StaffDelegates at the 155th Annual

Communication of the Grand Lodgeof Kansas overwhelmingly approvedthe formation of the first modernaffinity lodge in Kansas: Justice LodgeNo. 457, based in Abilene. Affinitylodges, recognized by many otherjurisdictions but practically unknownin Kansas, are lodges that confine

their active membership to a shared interestor profession.Making use of a little-known procedure in the Kansas

Masonic code, the charter members of the lodge petitionedfor a Warrant for Constitution directly to the Grand Lodge,by-passing the usual step of requesting Letters ofDispensation. The petition was read and acted on duringthe annual communication. The Grand Master, L. Kent

Needham, then asked the proposers to address theassembled delegates.In their address, charter members Cole Presley (PM

Millbrook Lodge No. 281 ) and John R. Harwood, Jr. (PMBenevolent Lodge No. 98) explained that Justice Lodgewould be an affinity lodge for law enforcement Masons –past or present police officers, corrections officers,emergency dispatchers, prosecutors or court trustees. Thepair emphasized that Justice Lodge would be the first stepin fulfilling the objectives of the Strategic Plan, which callsfor ten new lodges in ten years. Drawing members from allover the state, Presley commented that the lodge intendedto become an occasional lodge meeting quarterly, andhighlighted this fact in explaining why the group by-passedthe traditional step of requesting Letters of Dispensation.“We intend on petitioning Grand Lodge [if a charter is

granted] to allow us to become an occasional lodge, butLodges Under Dispensation are

FIRST AFFINITY LODGE FORMED AFTER GL VOTE

KANSAS MASONIC NOTES

In February, the GrandLodge of Nebraska con-cluded its annual commu-nication without installing anew Grand Master. Criminaland Masonic charges werefiled at that time against theserving Deputy GrandMaster, Edward David Watts,and outgoing NebraskaGrand Master John T.Parsons referred the matter toNebraska's trial and pun-ishment committee andremained Grand Master untilthe matter was resolved.Prior to the Annual

Communication on February5, 2011, Watts, who as Deputy Grand Master in Nebraskawas consequently next in line to the Grand East, wasarrested in November and charged by the LancasterCounty Attorney in Lincoln with four felonies: first-degree assault, strangulation, terroristic threats, and use ofa weapon to commit a felony. Watts has pleaded notguilty to those charges. In a recent letter to the Craft,

Grand Master Parsons explained thesituation and its resolution;[A]t the last Annual Commu-nication, Masonic charges werepreferred against the then DeputyGrand Master, E. David Watts... Trialcommissions were appointed and Iissued an order that no brother facingMasonic Charges would be installed inany Grand Lodge Office until the trialwas completed and any sentencesatisfied.... E. David Watts wasconvicted of a Masonic offense andsentenced to a definite period ofsuspension for one year…. Since he issuspended from all Masonic Bodies, heis not eligible to serve as a Grand LodgeOfficer, and is accordingly removed

from all Grand Lodge authority, functions, and meetings....Therefore, RWB Bruce Baker, who was elected as DeputyGrand Master/Grand Master-Elect at the Grand Lodge session,will succeed to the office of Grand MasterAccording to Grand Master Parson, Grand Master-elect

Baker will begin his term in the Grand East effective April16, 2011.

IN WAKE OF CONTROVERSY, NEBRASKA GRAND LODGE INSTALLS GM

THE CRAFT ABROAD

(See AFFINITY LODGE, pg. 6)

5

The Kansas Mason

By C. Max Pittman, King Solomon Lodge No. 10Following a contest in the Kansas Mason (Vol. 48, No. 3)

to determine the oldest lodge in the state still in its originalbuilding, the members of King Solomon Lodge No. 10 inLeavenworth did a little digging. Researching their building,which is located at 423 ½Delaware Street, the memberslearned that the LeavenworthMasonic Temple was amongthe three oldest knownMasonic buildings in Kansasto have been in continuousoperation since constructed.The Leavenworth building

is the largest and most ornateof the three. Itt was designedby William P. Feth, aLeavenworth architect, builtin 1913 and occupied in1914. It has since become aKansas Masonic landmark.Following their research,

members of King SolomonLodge began planning im-provements to the building,contemplating adding a new elevator and air condi-tioning to improve its usage and help safeguard thebuilding’s future. The group agreed that funding such aproject would not be easy but was certainly worth theirbest effort.One member, Mark Swope, said he was surprised when

he and the Lodge Secretary discovered the originalarchitect’s drawings of the building in the basement vault.

When the plans were opened up they were found to be inexceptionally good condition -- drawn on linen cloth aswas the practice at that time. The building has since beenexamined by a Kansas City structural engineering firm whosurveyed the property and reported it to be in solid

condition, noting manyunique architectural featuresthat they recommended bewell preserved.Among the architectural

highlights of the templeare decorative terra cottabandings and ornate cornicework on the exterior fa-çade, incorporating Masonicsymbols into the design.Inside, visitors are met with agrand entrance stairway withmarble wall panels and steps,the original tile flooring inthe hallways, and originalwood trim with its originalfinish. In addition, the templeboasts original furniture,casework and millwork with

ornamental detailing throughout.The temple now serves the Byington Chapter No. 177,

Order of Eastern Star, Jobs Daughters Bethel 28, the YorkRite Bodies, as well as King Solomon Lodge.The group of members of King Solomon Lodge hopes

that improvements to the building will help to generatenew interest in downtown Leavenworth as well as renewinterest in membership of the Masonic Bodies.

HISTORICAL INQUIRY PROMPTS LODGE RENOVATION PROJECT

The Leavenworth Masonic Lodge building c. 1920

THROUGH THE GRAND LODGE OF KANSASThe yearly Masonic Essay Contest, for High School

Juniors and Seniors who attend a Kansas tax-supportedaccredited university, college, junior college, or vo-techschool, consists of two separate contests: The local contestconducted by your local Lodge, and the State contest,conducted by the Grand Lodge and open to the winners ofthe local contests. Awards range from $500 to $4000.

August – information sent to Lodges fordistribution to area schoolsBy November 1st – Essays are due tothe local Lodges for judgingBy December 1st – Essays are due tothe Grand Lodge for state judging

Contact: Local Lodge Public Schools Chairman orwww.kansasmason.org.

THROUGH THE KANSAS MASONIC FOUNDATION:Student Loan Program -- Deadline – April 1st each yearLow-interest loans are available each year to Kansas

residents attending a Kansas institution of higher learning.Students must maintain at least a 2.0 semester GPA on a4.0 scale and remain a full-time student (minimum of 12hours for undergraduates, 9 hours for post-graduates).Repayment starts one year after completion of school andis accomplished over a 4-year period with increasing annualpayment at a 4% interest rate on the principal. Interestbegins accruing at the date of completion of school ortermination of agreement.Students who have actively been in the Foundation’s loan

program for at least two years, remain a full-time studentand maintain a 3.5 or higher cumulative GPA may qualifyfor a non-solicitable scholarship. Contact: The Kansas Masonic Foundation at kmfonline.org.

FINANCIAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

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Summer 2011

AFFINITY LODGE (Continued from pg. 3)

not allowed to beoccasional lodges – thisis why we have peti-tioned Grand Lodgedirectly,” Presley said.The charter members

of the lodge are Daren L.Kellerman (DelphianNo. 44), Presley,Harwood, Michael A.Halleran, Kevin C. Crist,John Scarce and LaneRyno (Emporia No. 12),Kevin L. Turner and Russell B. Ingle (Millbrook No. 281).

Immediately followingthe vote, the principleofficers were installedby the Grand Masterwith the assistance ofGrand Senior WardenRick Reichert, withHalleran in the East,Harwood in the Westand Crist in the South.The other officers willbe appointed at theinaugural meeting.

Following receipt of the charter

MASONIC EXPERIENCES (Continued from pg. 1)

and approachable. Availability meansemail, phone number, web site,mailing address, Facebook presence,and/or physical availability at publicevents, in church, work or schoolwearing the square and compasses.Approachable means that we dowhatever we can do to reduce theintimidation factor. We must eliminateany barriers between us and a goodman fearing the unknown. We shouldbe encouragers who make our fraternityappear inclusive and not exclusive.Initiation. Grade. A No doubt there

is always room for improvement in ourritual, but for most Masons, they areimpressed with good degree work andcan include two poignant events intheir catalog of "Masonic moments";Coming to light in the EnteredApprentice degree and at the East Gatein the Master Mason's degree. Ritualwork is how the lessons of our Craft arehanded down and gives us a commonexperience that helps bind us as aclose-knit society of brothers. Indoctrination. Grade. C Often it

has been heard that we leave our newMasons at the altar. Most of what weknow about our Craft we learned afterbeing raised as a Master Mason. EachMason becomes a student of the Craft.The 3rd degree may be the highestdegree a lodge can confer, but it doesn’thave to be the end of impressive, wellpresented lessons that further a

Mason’s education and continues tokeep him engaged in building towarda feeling of ownership.Self-Actualization. Grade. B The

ideal state in the life cycle is when aMason takes charge of their owngrowth and seeks an active role withinthe lodge. They find their niche andtake an active part. They don’t needmeeting reminders and feel un-comfortable when meeting night rollsaround and they’re not with theirbrothers. They are likely part of a cadreof stalwart Masons at your lodge whoare omnipresent, dependable andloyal. They are motivated to realizetheir full potential. Although there is alot of opportunity, many youngerMasons are not encouraged andmentored to reach their full potentialand allowed to take charge.Seek Help. Grade. B Unlike abusiness where a seller must providesupport and service to their customers,we are both the client and the provider.Do our brothers know where to getcustomer service? Our raison d'etre,and why we can continue to operate,even during times of controversy andmisunderstanding, is our well knownpenchant for quiet philanthropy. Weare obligated and practice certain formsof charity to each other and ourfamilies. We do this well, but couldimprove in formalizing supportprocesses so widows, orphans, and

Masons in need continue to find solacein their Masonic relationship.Renew/Demit/Pass On. Grade D

On an annual basis, we lose nearly asmany Masons due to non-payment ofdues (NPD) as we do to death. Deathmay not be preventable, but simplyletting brothers quit is inexcusable andavoidable. Long term, improvements inthe other areas of the life cycle willreduce loss due to lack of interest.Short term, each lodge must make theeffort to determine why brothers are nolonger paying dues and institute thechanges necessary to keep theirinterest. For those of us wearing a 25 or 50

year emblem, it is hard to rememberwhat it was like to be the newest MasterMason and what kept us coming backto lodge all these years. Whatmotivated us to begin our journey islikely no longer a factor in the lives ofyounger men of character we need topetition us for membership. TheMasonic Experience Lifecycle can beused as a tool to enable lodge leadersto assess whether they are not fulfillingthe needs of their membership anddetermine if programs are needed tofill the gap. A sampling of candidateprograms are shown on the last slide ofVision 2020 Overview, March 19, 2010(Slides) on the Grand Lodge web siteunder Vision 2020 for the full MasonicExperiences Lifecycle chart.

Officers of Justice Lodge No. 457 following installation by the Grand Master.

(See AFFINITY LODGE, pg. 11)

7

The Kansas Mason

SECRETARY (Continued from pg. 2)

ago. Caterers want a firm count, usually a week or more inadvance, so they can order food, plan wait staff and cookingstaff, etc. Every caterer with whom I deal requires me to pay forthe number of meals I order, whether or not that many peopleeat those meals. With the price of meals these days, we simplycan’t order extra meals, and hope someone will want to pay forthem.We had six proposals for by-law changes this year. Three of

them passed and three failed. There almost seemed to be apattern, since the first passed, the second failed, the thirdpassed and fourth failed, etc. I won't repeat the full text of theby-law proposals, you can read that in the last Kansas Mason,or the Advance Reports, but I will only summarize them: 1)the proposal to change the by-law enacted last year, whichmade expulsion of any member who had ever been convictedof a felony automatic, so that it applies only to membersconvicted of a felony involving a sex offence with a child,passed; 2) the proposal to permit written objections to theconferral of a degree, rather than having to be present in Lodgeto object, failed; 3) the proposal to permit consumption ofalcohol in a Lodge, or at a Lodge function, but not in the Lodge

Room (except for ritualistic purposes), passed; 4) the proposalto change the description of the Great Seal of the Grand Lodgeof Kansas to make it more politically correct failed; 5) theproposal to change the Standing Committees of the GrandLodge passed; 6) the proposal to give a permanent title of VeryWorshipful to the Grand Chaplain and all past GrandChaplains failed. Please remember that by-law changes are noteffective immediately upon passage at Grand Lodge. Theybecome effective after a 120 day waiting period, or upon theirpublication in the Annual Proceedings, whichever comes first.Given how long it has been taking recently to publish theAnnual Proceedings, I am sure these changes will becomeeffective on July 18, 2011. Again, I want to thank the Craft for electing me as your

Grand Secretary for the eleventh year. I am looking forward toserving in that capacity, but without having to be in the officeevery day as I have been for the last ten years. The office is inthe capable hands of M:.W:. Tracy Bloom as Office Manager. Iam certain he will be able to answer your questions when youneed to call the office. If not, I am still available by phone.Just ask one of the office staff to have me return your call.

AWARDS & HONORSLONG DISTANCE PIN PRESENTATION

By D.R. “Dale” Morrow District Deputy Grand Master,District 25When Clifford Burdick, a member of

Dexter Lodge No. 156, was not able totravel to the lodge to receive his 60 yearpin, a member of the Lodge came to him. Lodge Secretary Ross Sherwood traveled380 miles round trip to Bro. Burdick's

residence in Disney, Oklahoma, at the South end of GrandLake. Sherwood was accompanied by District Deputy GrandMaster D.R. “Dale” Morrow, who made the presentation onbehalf of Grand Master L. Kent Needham on March 5, 2011.Burdick, a long time resident of the Dexter area, had movedto Disney after his retirement, but has maintained hismembership in Dexter Lodge.Bro. Burdick said “I can't believe you guys came all this wayto give me my pin”.

Bro. Burdickat home

THE GRAND EAST (Continued from pg. 2)

have something to offer and I would encourage you to share yourthoughts with your lodge, your District or Area Deputy or leaveus some feedback at Grand Lodge website, kansasmason.org.In the area of Communications, our newest tools are up and

running, the reporting system that all District and Area Deputiesuse to send spring and fall visitation reports to the DeputyGrand Master. Their reports not only go directly to the DeputyGrand Master by email but are also copied to the entire Councilof Administration and all District and Area Deputiesthroughout the state. We have received many positive commentsand productive feedback so far about this new method ofreporting. We thought it might be too much information (TMI),but the Deputies seem to like reading about what’s going on inother places. It gives a wider range of perspective for them, and

creates a better understanding of the dynamics that exist in thediverse communities throughout the state.Finally, Representative and (Brother) Gary Hayzlett, from

Lakin has introduced a bill in the Kansas Legislature for aSpecialty License Plate for Kansas Masons featuring the squareand compasses, which is certain to increase our visibility in thestate. State law requires that we meet certain benchmarks forparticipation in this program, so to that end, we will beconducting a survey in the next few months to see how muchinterest there is for this project. Please respond to the surveywhen sent out. It’s very important that you do, whether you arefor it or not. I look forward to the opportunity to serve you as your Grand

Master, and to meeting you, as always, on the level.

Summer 2011

8

OFFICIAL NOTICES

The Kansas Mason

9

didn’t inhale. Cooper writes that the Scottish registrationrequirement finally ended when the European Court ofHuman Rights rendered judgment that Freemasonry is alegitimate institution, not a criminal organization.The book’s title comes from the red triangle symbol

which the Nazi regime used on the concentration campuniforms of Masons who were deemed to be politicalenemies. Other color triangles were used to identify Jews,Jehovah’s Witnesses and gypsies, among others. Coopernoted that an estimated 80,000 Freemasons lost theirlives in the 1930s-40s solely because of their fraternalmembership; most of them at the hands of Hitler’sGermany, but others also in Franco’s Spain, Stalin’s Russia,and Mussolini’s Italy.A valuable resource for the serious student of Masonry,The Red Triangle discusses the wide spectrum of motivationswhich fuel the anti-Mason and how Anti-Masonry ischanging in our modern world.

Review by J. Howard Duncan, Lawrence Lodge No. 6Lewis Masonic Publishers, 2011,311 pages, ISBN 978 0 085318 332 7.This very new book is available from Barnes and Nobleat a list price of $29.95 and a member price of $19.37.

BOOK REVIEWSTHE RED TRIANGLE – A HISTORY OF ANTI-MASONRYBy Robert L. D. CooperA serious scholarly work ( with 12%

of the pages devoted to bibliographyand endnotes), The Red Triangle isprobably the best and most com-prehensive review of anti-Masonryever written. The author, Robert L. D.Cooper, Curator of the Grand Lodgeof Scotland Museum and Library,brings his perspective to bearon the history of anti-Masonry orMasonophobia.Cooper personally observed Masonophobia in Scotland

from 1990 - 2005 generated by the media. As a result, lawswere passed requiring elected and appointed publicservants to declare or deny their Masonic connection.History from Nazi Germany demonstrates that requiringMasonic membership to be publicly registered can only beseen as a precursor to persecution. The newspapersconducted surveys of Scottish Parliament membersregarding their opinions on the “evils” of Masonry. Thereplies were a case study of “walking on egg-shells” notunlike the American politicians responding that yes indeedin their impetuous youth they did try marijuana but they

10

Summer 2011

a remarkable wealth of opinions about Masonry and acompulsion to share them. The likelihood of you agreeingwith all the details of his recommended restructuring ofAmerican Freemasonry is about similar to your ability toswallow a dry cockle burr. But there is value in his writingas it stimulates Masons to cogitate about their fraternity andthe rather dim view forward.His most interesting proposal for blue lodge Masonry is

to create Lodges of the Inactive where Brothers would beassigned after missing a specified number [1/4 to 1/3] ofthe meetings during a year. Such lodges would meetmonthly to instruct lapsed or rusty brothers. All Masons,from the youngest Apprentice to the most senior PastGrand Master, would be subject to assignment to a L.O.I.,and could not attend other Masonic meetings such as thoseof Scottish and York rites until re-qualifying for resumedmembership in his mother lodge. This proposal wasintended to correct the fact that approximately 80% ofMasons do not attend their lodge. The Tabbert plan would have both blue and Grand Lodge

officers serve two-year terms with eligibility to be electedfor up to five terms. The voting members of Grand Lodgeshould be limited to the

MARK A. TABBERT, MUSEUM AND MEMORIAL: TEN YEARS OF MASONIC WRITINGS By J. Howard DuncanMark Tabbert has a one-of-a-kind

set of credentials. He has a Master’sdegree in American History andMuseum Studies, has served asCurator at the Scottish Rite MasonicHeritage Museum in Lexington,Massachusetts, and is presently theDirector of Collections and overseesthe library and museum at the GeorgeWashington Masonic NationalMemorial. His first book, AmericanFreemasons, provided an in-depth look at prominentmembers of the Craft in North America and is a staple ofMasonic bookshelves. Given those credentials and the titleof his latest book, Museum and Memorial, one would expectthe book to be about George Washington and MasonicHistory, along with Masonic exhibits and artifactmanagement. And it is to a large degree, but by far the mostinteresting part of the book are his other writings whichpresent his plan for a drastic and comprehensivereorganization of American Freemasonry.Tabbert has a very keen and analytical mind. He also has (SeeMARK A. TABBERT, pg. 11)

11

The Kansas Mason

good standing. There would be Councils of Deliberation atthe Orient level to restructure Scottish Rite authority fromthe present top-down system to a bottom-up system.A highly significant change for the York Rite would be

elimination of the Virtual Past Master degree. This wouldmean that only Brothers who had actually served as Masterswould be eligible for the York Rite.A valuable addition to Masonic discussion, Tabbert’s

book is certainly provocative. Our leaders could developsome highly interesting discussions by taking any one ofTabbert’s recommendations and deciding what best to dowith it. There are situations and reasons which led him tomake the recommendations. Read the book to get a muchmore detailed presentation of his proposals.

Review by J. Howard Duncan, Lawrence Lodge No. 6Cornerstone Book Publishers, 2011,165 pages, ISBN 1-934935-83-2. This very new book is available from Amazon.com for $19.95

elected grand officers, Past Grand Masters, and the currentmaster and wardens of each local lodge. Past masters, lodgesecretaries and district deputies should not be voting. GrandLodge meetings should discourage “official” attendance andintroductions of the leaders of other Masonic organizations.His foremost recommendation for Scottish Rite is merger

of the two Supreme Councils. All local valleys should berestructured based upon present population demographics.Progression through the degrees would be dramaticallyslowed such that a man would likely take 5 to 11 years toreach the fourteenth degree. Acquisition of the thirty-seconddegree might occur about 25 years after the then young manhad first knocked on the door of his blue lodge. Tabbertproposes to bring value to the Scottish Rite degrees byincreasing their cost. The minimum initiation fee would be$500 and the annual dues would start at $500. The annualdues for each of the four Scottish Rite bodies would beseparate, thus by progression a thirty-second degree Masonwould be paying at least $2000 in annual dues to remain in

MARK A. TABBERT (Continued from pg. 10)

By the Kansas Mason StaffThe voting delegates at the 155th Annual Communication

of the Grand Lodge of Kansas voted to loosen the restrictionson alcohol at social functions in Kansas lodges.By-Law 3-619, long the subject of debate

at past annual communications wasamended to readAlcoholic beverages are forbidden in Lodgerooms, except for ritualistic purposes. Theserving or consumption of any beverage havinga recognized or indicated alcohol content inany Lodge room, ritualistic purposes excepted,shall be deemed an offense against the Body ofMasonry. This does not preclude lodges fromrenting their facilities, except Lodge rooms, togroups where alcoholic beverages areconsumed in accordance with the laws of the State of Kansas.This language replaces the previous by-law which

prohibited any alcohol consumption at any social functionof any lodge. The proposer, PGM Glenn E. Kohr brought the

by-law change to the floor of Grand Lodge under therationale that it would allow appendant bodies to usealcohol for ritualistic purposes and not violate KansasMasonic code. Further, he stated, it would “remove the

hypocrisy that currently exists where weturn a blind eye to alcohol use at socialfunctions.”According to in-coming Grand Senior

Warden Rick Reichert, the change was apositive one. “Today, the brethren ofKansas voted to clarify the Grand Lodge’sposition on alcohol by repealingprohibition. The by-law that keeps alcoholout of lodge rooms remains, but thedecision to have alcohol or allow alcoholon the premises is now up to each lodge.

If they do not want alcohol, lodges can add that restrictionto their own by-laws. In cases where lodges operate in drycounties or military installations, the vote does not changetheir status.”

GRAND LODGE VOTES NEW ALCOHOL BY-LAW

from Grand Lodge, Halleran stated that the group will planits first meeting and would provide information to theKansas Mason website.“We are looking forward to getting organized and we

would welcome visitors and guests to our first meeting oncewe get organized,” he said.

Although the first affinity lodge in modern memory,Justice Lodge is not technically the premier affinity lodge inKansas Masonic history. Union Lodge No. 7, formed by andfor military Masons in Fort Riley, was chartered on October29, 1857. The lodge’s first meeting will be in Abilene - atBenevolent Lodge -- on Saturday, May 28.

AFFINITY LODGE (Continued from pg. 6)

Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted MasonsThe Kansas MasonP.O. Box 1217Topeka, KS 66601

Return Service Requested

NON-PROFITORGANIZATIONU.S. PostagePAID

Permit No. 580Manhattan, KS 66502

MASONIC COMMUNITY CALENDARHigh Twelve MeetingSaturday, May 14. 11100 Johnson Drive, Shawnee.9 a.m. meeting, lunch 12 p.m.

Rock City LodgeThursday, May 26, 5-8 p.m. Minneapolis Lodge.Outdoor picnic, lodge meeting, and emblem presentation.

Justice Lodge inaugural meetingSaturday, May 28, 4-6 p.m. Abilene.

Memorial Day Service. Grand Master visitationMonday, May 30. Junction City.

Delphian Lodge Grand Master visitationThursday, June 2. 1417 South Willow Street, Ottawa.

Caney DedicationSaturday, June 4, 10 a.m. Open Grand Lodge,dedication to follow.

Pittsburg Lodge emblem presentationSaturday, June 4, 6-8 p.m.3105 North Joplin Street., Pittsburg.

Hays Steak FrySaturday, June 4, 5-9 p.m. Johnson’s Ranch, Hays.

Oberlin Mt. Slope Lodge emblem presentationSunday, June 5. Oberlin.

Lodge of the Full MoonSaturday, June 25. Annual unique Lodge of the FullMoon at Coronado Heights 3 miles NW of Lindsborg.Picnic supper 7:30 p.m. Outdoor 3° lodge 9 p.m. atopcastle. Signs. For information: 785-227-3880.

Meeting with Prince Hall Grand Lodge OfficersSaturday, June 25.

St. Johns Day Celebration, Open Grand LodgeSunday, June 26. Grand Lodge, 8th & Harrison, Topeka.

Northeast Kansas Masonic Unity Council meetingWednesday, June 29, 7:30-8:30 pm.Abdallah Shrine Temple, Shawnee Mission.

Band Camp, Grand Master visitationFriday, July 29. Felton-Start Theater, Hays.