By The Kansas Mason staffMichael Halleran has

been appointed theGrand Senior Deaconfor 2010. A practicingattorney in Emporia,Halleran is a member

and the sitting Master of EmporiaLodge No. 12, and a plural member ofMt. Zion Lodge No. 266, where he alsopresides in the East.In 2006 he was awarded the Scottish

Rite Research Society’s Albert G.Mackey Award for Excellence in MasonicScholarship, for his article on Masoniccourtesy in the American Civil War in

that society’s journal,Heredom, Vol. 14,(2006). Halleran currently serves onthe Board of Directors for The ScottishRite Research Society, and is theinterim editor for The Kansas Mason.An adjunct lecturer at Emporia StateUniversity, he is also the author of aregular column featuring the mis-adventures of Hiram Brother, a 19thCentury Mason that appears in theScottish Rite Journal. His first book,The Better Angels of Our Nature;Freemasonry in the American Civil War(University of Alabama Press: 2010), isincluded in the 2010 Grand Master’sbook program.

“PIONEERS” ATTEND FIRST-EVER MASTERS’ SEMINARBy Chester Peterson Jr.Lindsborg Lodge No. 397Twenty-eight “pioneers” made the

first ever Grand LodgeMasters’ Seminara success. Held Saturday, April 3, at theClay Center Lodge, it was designed tobe a morning session followed by aSalisbury steak meal.Although initially targeted only

for current Masters in Area No. 7, theconcept was later expanded to allowany Master, Past Master, or Wardenin the state to attend. Brothers camefrom as far away as Leavenworthand Newton. Grand Lodge wasrepresented by the Deputy GrandMaster, Grand Senior Deacon, andAssistant Grand Secretary.The objective was to assist first-time

Masters and repeat Masters in doing abetter job by presenting ideas that haveworked in other lodges, as wellintroducing new ideas and guidelines.

The bottom line of the entire sessionwas to serve as a catalyst in sparkingtheir interest and the interst of lodgeofficers and Brothers concerningFreemasonry.The seminar was conducted infor-

mally, in that any attendee with aquestion, comment, or suggestion wasencouraged to speak up to share it with

all. Presenters were Tracy Bloom,Deputy Grand Master; ChesterPeterson Jr., ADGM No. 7; Bob Brazil,DDGM No. 22 for Butch Buchenau,Abilene Secretary, who couldn’t attend;Richard Blackburn, Clay CenterMaster, and Grand Senior DeaconMichael Halleran.

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

Volume #48 May 2010 Issue #2

IN THIS ISSUEWhat’s New 1

From the Grand East 2

Secretary’s Corner 2

Editor’s Note 3

Guidelines 3

Kansas Masonic Notes 4-5

Awards & Honors 6

The Craft Abroad 7-8

Book Reviews 9

Official Notices 11

Masonic Calendar 12

The Kansas MasonThe Kansas MasonThe Voice of Kansas Masonry

Participants at the first Master's seminar exchange ideas at Clay Center Lodge #134.

EMPORIAN APPOINTED AS 2010 GRANDSENIOR DEACON

(See PIONEERS, pg. 5)

2

Spring 2010

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 LodgeA.F. & A.M. of Kansas.

EditorMichael A. Halleraneditor@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 154th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of

Kansas is now history. I thought it progressed verysmoothly, although we were a little behind schedule mostof the time. As always, there were a number of behind-the-scenes crises, but I doubt that most of the Brothers inattendance ever knew about them. I very much want tothank the Brothers I recruited at the last minute to help withregistration. For the first time since I have been GrandSecretary, not one member of the Credentials Committee

attended, and two of my Registration Committee people were also unable toattend. Fortunately we had fewer people who had not pre-registered this year,which helped reduce the usually long waiting lines at the registration computers.I sincerely hope that the Brothers are beginning to appreciate the benefits ofregistering in advance. We are looking into ways to make online registration andpayment for meals, and registration fees available on our web site. Hopefully bynext year, that will be a reality.

SECRETARY’S CORNER

By L. Kent NeedhamGrand Master

Brethren, we are off to a great start in 2010. Our strategicplan, Vision 2020, was presented and approved at the GrandLodge session. A ten year strategic plan, it has nine majorgoals. Developed with input from the Craft; it will besuccessful only if the Craft is committed to its success.The plan focuses on five critical areas: Leadership,

Communication, Image, Masonic Experience and Mem-bership. The first four will require action with the fifth,Membership, will measure our success. The four major goals

have been assigned as follows:• Leadership: RW Rich Reichert, GJW• Communication: RW Tracy Bloom, DGM• Image: RWMike Halleran, GSD• Masonic Experience: RWDonNewman, GSW.

With your help these Brethren will address each area. “Catch the vision,” getengaged, and help move our craft forward. We will provide a periodic review of theprogress toward the accomplishment of the goals of the strategic plan and reportthe findings to the Craft in The Kansas Mason and on the web site. Watch for it!Thanks to all who attended the Grand Session andmy installation. Despite nine

inches of snow, we had a wonderful turnout. Special thanks to Great Bend LodgeNo.15 and Henri Lodge No.190 for their support in planning and executing a funand entertaining reception.The Kansas Masonic Home is rolling out a new advertising campaign. It is nicely

done. Please watch for it. Dr. and Brother Roy Jensen, director of the KU CancerCenter, in his presentation at the Grand Session, shared his intention to have theGrand Lodge dedicate the Kansas Masonic Cancer

THE GRAND EAST

(See SECRETARY, pg. 10)

(See THE GRAND EAST, pg. 10)

3

The Kansas Mason

By Michael HalleranEmporia Lodge No. 12,Interim EditorWelcome to the new and im-

proving Kansas Mason. In this issueyou will notice the first of a numberof changes that we hope willenhance our quarterly newsletterand keep it viable for many years tocome. Among these changes are are-designed masthead, separatesections – we call them departments

– and a new emphasis on providing more stories andMasonic news that interest Kansas Freemasons. As theimplementation of the Strategic Plan – approved by theCraft at the 2010 Annual Communication – movesforward, we plan on integrating The Kansas Mason with arevamped and revitalized online presence to deliverMasonic information and content to our members asnever before. This issue is the first step in that direction.Over the past six months, a great many readers have

called, written, and sometimes stopped us personally, tosound off on The Kansas Mason. An overwhelmingnumber of you have told us that the newsletter hasbecome fixated on covering just a few topics to theexclusion of many other possible avenues. On behalf ofall the brethren who are now working to produce yourKansas Mason, let me assure you: we hear you, loud andclear. This issue marks a departure of sorts, for althoughwe will still cover topics traditionally found in The KansasMason, we are expanding our focus to include other topicsthat our readers are asking for: news, current events, bookreviews, and discussion topics of concern to the Craft.

In this issue you will find stories about current Masonicnews, both within the State and nationwide, and thisemphasis will continue in future issues. We have added abook review section to preview and announce new booksof Masonic interest reviewed by our book review editor,Howard Duncan. The Questions Answered column willselect and respond to queries from the Craft aboutMasonic tradition, etiquette, rules, By-Laws, and othertopics relevant to our readers. Finally, we hope to includea comprehensive, up-to-date listing of Masonic eventswithin our jurisdiction in plenty of time for members toattend them.We encourage your submissions to the newsletter.

Staffed by volunteers – who willingly donate their timeand talents – we will work hard to include those storiesyou bring to our attention, but we need your help,and, to a degree, your understanding. In the past, storiesand news items have been delivered to Grand Lodge –sometimes in hand-written format – for inclusion in thenewsletter, and that must unfortunately change. Inlight of the time constraints we all face, in future, werequest all submissions to The Kansas Mason be inelectronic copy (MS-Word, or Rich Text format preferred)to be considered for publication. Images submitted forpublication should also be in digital format of at least 4x 6 inches at 300 dpi. Included in our publicationinformation (on Page Two) you will find email addressesfor our writers and editors – please feel free to submityour stories or ideas to the relevant staff member.We have heard and agree that we need to do a better

job with The Kansas Mason; we invite you to checkout the current issue thoroughly and let us know whatyou think.

EDITOR’S NOTE

The Kansas Mason is published quarterly on the 15th ofFebruary, May, September and December. Deadlines forsubmission are forty-five (45) days prior to publicationdeadline. We accept articles from our readers in thefollowing categories: Masonic news and current interest,book reviews, and commentary. Generally, articles should be500-700words, andbook reviews should be 300–500words,but we will consider pieces outside those limits shouldcircumstances warrant. Every submission should beaccompanied by a good selection of digital photos or images.All of our staff volunteer their time to bring you The KansasMason. Because of that, we request all submissions to The

Kansas Mason be inelectronic copy (MS-Word,or Rich Text format pre-ferred). Images submitted forpublication should also be indigital format of at least 4 x 6inches at 300 dpi.Due to time constraints on our

volunteer staff, please do not forward amanuscript to us without first providing us with a briefsummary via email. Email contacts for themanaging editor,or department editors, are listed on Page 2.

GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSION

4

Spring 2010

By The Kansas Mason staffDistinguished Masonic scholar S.

Brent Morris, Ph.D., 33°, will bevisiting Emporia Lodge No. 12 onMonday, June 7, 2010. The authorof numerous Masonic books andarticles including The CompleteIdiot’s Guide to Freemasonry andIs It True What They Say AboutFreemasonry?Morris is the managingeditor of the largest-circul-ation Masonic magazine in theworld, the Scottish Rite Journalof the Supreme Council, 33°

(Southern Jurisdiction).A former mathematician with the federal government,

he’s been invited to lecture at over 100 universities, and hehas taught at Duke, George Washington and JohnsHopkins Universities. He is a Past Master of Patmos LodgeNo. 70, Ellicott City, Maryland, and Quatuor Coronati

Lodge No. 2076, London, a life member and MackeyScholar of the Scottish Rite Research Society, a Fellow ofthe Philalethes Society, recipient of the Philalethes SocietyCertificate of Literature, an honorary Fellow of the PhylaxisSociety, founding Editor of Heredom, the transactions ofthe Scottish Rite Research Society, and Grand Abbot of theSociety of Blue Friars. In addition, he is also a practicingprofessional magician.Dinner will be served at 6.15 p.m. in the Lodge dining

hall at a cost of $15.00 per person. Reservations fordinner are required and may be made by contacting thelodge secretary David Hendricks: dhendric@emporia.edu.Seating is limited, so please do not delay.After dinner, a tyled meeting will be held at 7.30 p.m.,

and lodge will be opened on the first degree. During themeeting, which is open to all regular Masons, Bro. Brentwill address the Lodge about The Hidden Secrets ofMasonry. Copies of The Complete Idiot’s Guide toFreemasonry will be available to purchase, and fellowshipand a book signing will be held immediately following.

KANSAS MASONIC NOTES

By Hugh W. Gill, IVAlbert Pike Lodge No.303

One part of the recentlyapproved Strategic Plan isnow fully operational --the Grand Master’s itin-erary is currently onlineand can be found atwww.kansasmason.org.In the past, the GrandLodge staff was taskedwith keeping track of thistype of information whichwas later published in The

Kansas Mason. This took a significant amount of time. Now,the online version of the calendar contains centralizedinformation that is instantly and continuously updated. Bystreamlining the calendar, Grand Lodge will save dollars

and time internally, all while better communicating withthe Craft. To access the calendar, point your browser tokansasmason.org and click on the calendar feature on thefirst page.According to the Grand Master, “We are excited to make

available a more accurate and up-to-date calendar to theCraft. With Vision 2020 as our guide, we are working toimprove and increase the communication to all Brethrenwhether they wish to glean information from the KansasMason or our web-site.”There may be a few members who do not have a

computer. If this applies to you, contact the Grand LodgeOffice or your home lodge’s secretary. The Grand Master’sgoal is to have his itinerary widely available on an efficientbasis. So far, it has been quite successful.If you wish to schedule events with the Grand Master,

or his designee, please contact the Grand Lodge Office atglksafam@cox.net or by telephone at (785) 234-5518.

GRAND MASTER’S CALENDAR NOW FOUND ONLINE

S. BRENT MORRIS TO VISIT EMPORIA LODGE

HOW TO ACCESS GOOGLE CALENDARDirect your browser to www.kansasmason.org.

Click on the box labeled “Calendar.”

This will take you to a calendar containing all events on the Grand Master’s schedule,plus a great deal of information about such events, including location, who will berepresenting Grand Lodge, contact people, meal details, etc.

5

The Kansas Mason

By Jill Laffoon, Director of Marketing, Kansas Masonic HomeMonday, March 26 was an important day for staff and

residents at Kansas Masonic Home as residents demolishednurses’ stations in KMH’s health care building, the Pavilion.

The demolition celebrated the cultural changes that havebeen taking place at KMH in general and the Pavilion inparticular as the retirementcommunity transitions to ahousehold based format of carefrom a traditional medical en-vironment. A proposed remodelof the health care area willcomplete the transformation inthe months to come.“The nurses’ station is a literal

barrier between our residentsand staff,” said Administrator,Matthew Bogner just before theevent, “our residents are happyto see it go, so we thoughtthey should have the first shotat it.”

Resident Joanne Baughman spoke on behalf of residents.“I’ve been here and heard, ‘wait and see, it’s going to be great,’for some time,” Baughman said, “I am really happy to be partof this endeavor and I pray that Godwill bless...and everyonewill enjoy the changes [to come].”The current health care center was completed in 1980.

Although upgraded through the years, the original,hospital-modeled layout has not changed. The muchanticipated remodel will create neighborhoods wherethere were originally hallways and households withineach, complete with front door, living room, dining andkitchen areas.“Our layout no longer fits ourmission,” explains Executive

Director, Shawn Sullivan, “we aren’t a hospital and we don’thave patients. The planned remodel is part of a philosophy ofcare change that will allow our health care residents to directtheir own schedule and retain their independence—it isn’tmeant to be home-like, it’s meant to be home.”Director of Building Services, David Shuman, andmembers

of themaintenance team, spent a lot of timeworking out howany resident who wanted to participate in the demolitioncould do so, regardless of physical limitation.Their mental gymnastics and preparation paid off in a big

way as residents whacked down railings with hammers andpulled wall sections over inelectric scooters to the cheers ofonlookers.Once approved, the remodel is

expected to take severalmonths tocomplete, but feedback fromresidents is supportive.“It will be a little noisy at

times,” Sullivan said, “but theend result will be that we willhave removed as many institu-tional trappings as possible andresidents will be able to enjoylife as they choose to enjoyit. Everyone should have thatopportunity.”

KANSAS MASONIC HOME RESIDENTS DESTROY NURSES’ STATION

Director of Building Services, David Shuman and Resident,Joanne Baughmann don hardhats and gloves.

Paul Smith, KMHMaintenance, carefully attaches chainsto Resident Larry Bender’s electric scooter.

PIONEER (Continued from pg.1)who couldn’t attend; Richard Blackburn, Clay CenterMaster, and Grand Senior Deacon Michael Halleran.Incidentally, Blackburn has served as Master eight times

in three different lodges and Halleran is presently Masterof two lodges.A unique feature of the Masters’ Seminar, greatly

appreciated by the Brothers attending, was that eachreceived a CD to take home containing almost all of thepresented information and material. This allows them to

review at any time, print out selected items, or make CDcopies for other officers and Brothers.In addition, each attendee received 22 “news release”

forms on the CD that covered almost every knownMasonic activity. This allows a lodge to quite easily obtainpublicity by simply “filling in the blanks” and providingto the local newspaper.Brethren who would like a copy of the Master’s Seminar

CD are encouraged to contact Grand Lodge for a copy.

6

Spring 2010

AWARDS & HONORSHALSTEAD LODGE NO. 146 HONORS MEMBERS

On Saturday, April 15, 2010,W:. Jim Hubert was honored for 50years of service to Kansas Masonryin a small ceremony at his home.Following the ceremony, membersconvened at the lodge to presentBro. Melvin Fast his 60 year

emblem and certificate. Bro. Melvinwas initiated, passed and raised in1950 in Burrton Lodge No. 182. In1969 he was admitted to HalsteadLodge No. 46 and demitted fromBurrton Lodge No.182 when the latterconsolidated with Halstead Lodge.

HIAWATHA MASONIC BODIES HOST HUGE AWARDS NIGHTOver 100 Masons attended an

award’s night presentation onMarch 16, 2010 in Hiawatha forthe presentation of 25-50-60 & 65year emblems from HiawathaLodge No. 35, Active Lodge No.158, Mt. Horeb Chapter No. 43,Washington Council No. 2, andHiawatha Commandery No. 13.M:.W:. Roy T. Sullivan presented65 year emblems and certificatesto the following brethren:Edgar Butler, Warner Pape, 60year emblems to Dale Bruning,Dee D. Duttweiler, and JackReichert.M:.W:. Roy also honored Robert D. Hirsch and John

Rainwater for 50 years of service to the fraternity. R:.E:.Chris Tomlinson present 50 year emblems to CompanionsRobert D. Caplinger and Max E. Oltjen. Eldon Henson,Bernard Sabbert and Bradley Sommerswere honored with25 year emblems and M:.I:. Thomas A. Jacks presentedCompanions Henson, Sabbert and Sommers with 25 year

Council emblems. The Commandery, assisted by R:.E:.Ronald Farthing, GC, also honored Sir Knight Oltjen witha 50 year emblem, and Sir Knights Hansen, Sabbert, andSommers with 25 year emblems. Finally, Bro. Harold Stonerwas also recognized by the Grand Master and by Don Best,Potentate of Abdallah Temple as their oldest active member.Bro. Stoner is 101 years old.

GRAND MASTER HONORED 40 YEARS LATE IN FORT SCOTTOn Friday evening, April 23, 2010 the

Scottish Rite Valley of Fort Scott hostedthe 4th Annual Southeast KansasMasonic Unity Event during which

Grand Master L. Kent Needham wasbelatedly presented with his DeMolaymembership patent fromWilliam "Buck"Fischer, Executive Officer for DeMolay in

Kansas. M:.W:.Kent was initiated into theOrder of DeMolay in Norton, Kansas in1970 but did not receive his patent by thechapter at that time.

Lodge Awards to long-time members L. to R.: SD Jamie Carwell, Robert D. Hirsch, 50 years;John Rainwater, 50 years; Dale Bruning, 60 years; MW Roy T. Sullivan GM; Edger Butler, 65years; Charles Volk, 60 years; Dee D. Duttweiler, 60 years, Warner Pape, 65 years.

Melvin Fast receives his 60 yearemblem and certificate at HalsteadLodge.

The Kansas Mason

By The Kansas Mason staffA Masonic license plate has created controversy in

Arkansas and on the internet -- not from non-Masons, butfromMasonic commentators and bloggers. Although therehave been no official statements issued by ArkansasMasons, the controversy centers on a “Freemason” licensetag developed by, and benefiting a charity of, the Most Wor-shipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Jurisdiction of Arkansas,F.& A. M., with whom the GrandLodge of Arkansas F. & A.M. doesnot have fraternal relations.Approved for use as a vehicle

license tag by the Arkansas Depart-ment of Finance andAdministration,the tag features the words “Freema-son” with flanking square and com-passes. The tag does not differentiatebetweenmainstreamandPrinceHallMasons.However, according to theDepartment of Finance andAdministration, a Prince Hall charity, The Most WorshipfulGrand Lodge Community Outreach Inc., of Pine Bluff,Arkansas, receives $25 for each plate issued and renewed, andonly Prince Hall Masons may be issued the tag.According to Masonic author and commentator, Chris

Hodapp, writing on the Freemasons for Dummies blog(http://freemasonsfordummies.blogspot.com/2010_03_01_archive.html), the Grand Lodge of Arkansas issued an orderthan none of its members were to purchase the licenseplates. “The Grand Master's license plate directive wasissued because the plates were negotiated with the state ofArkansas by the MW Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Arkansas,

and proceeds benefit the Prince Hall GL's scholarshipprogram. The predominantly white Grand Lodge ofArkansas does not recognize its predominantly African-American Prince Hall counterpart.”Since that time, one lodge under the jurisdiction of the

Grand Lodge of Arkansas F & AM, Sebastian Lodge No. 706,has allegedly had its charter revoked and one of itsmembers is facing Masonic charges. The member, Derek

Gordon, claims on his own blog( h t t p : / / d e r e k g o r d o n . c om/letter-to-masons) this action is dueto his publicizing the order fromthe Arkansas Grand Lodgeconcerning the license plate, writingthat “[the lodge] charter was revokedfor being un-Masonic as to ourwebsite. I, Derek Gordon, apologizefor mentioning the order to not

purchase license plates. As the order said, all members mustbe notified. This seemed to be a great way to get it there asmany members visited.”However, according to Hodapp, “the letter of charges

against Brother Gordon has been posted on The BurningTaper website (http://burningtaper.blogspot.com/2010/03/gl-of-ars-letter-to-bro-derek-gordon.html ), and does notrefer to anything concerning the lodge's website.”Although speculation, and indeed indignation, is

rife among Masonic bloggers, neither the Prince HallGrand Lodge nor the mainstream Grand Lodge ofArkansas F. & A.M. have issued any comment aboutthe controversy.

THE CRAFT ABROAD‘FREEMASON’ LICENSE PLATE CREATES FUROR ON MASONIC BLOGS

By The Kansas Mason staffThe Grand Master of West Virginia, Gregory A. Riley, Sr.,

severed Masonic relations between his jurisdiction and theneighboring Grand Lodge of Ohio amidst a controversy overa former West Virginia Grand Master.In his edict issued April 19, 2010, Grand Master Riley

withdrew fraternal recognition because an Ohio Lodge,Steubenville Lodge No. 45, elected former West VirginiaGrand Master Frank Haas to membership and conferred thethree degrees ofMasonry on him on Saturday, April 17, 2010.Haas, the Grand Master of West Virginia in 2005, was

expelled from the fraternity in 2007 and has since filed suitalleging defamation. Hass has claimed his expulsionwas dueto his efforts to promote recognition of Prince Hall Masons

inWest Virginia, as well as his policies that would have easedrestrictions against appendant bodies, and allow for disabledmen to join the fraternity. According to a story on the lawsuitpublished by the Charleston (WV) Gazette in 2008, the Haasinitiatives were designed to make the organization's policiesless discriminatory and racist and more in line with the U.S.Constitution and the state's public policy, the suit contends."Haas' goal was to make Masonry more tolerant, friendly,

decent and accepting of everyone regardless of nationality,race, religion or disability," the suit states.In October 2006, members of the Grand Lodge voted to

adopt the progressive reforms put forward by Haas, thelawsuit alleges.

GL OF WEST VIRGINIA WITHDRAWS RECOGNITION OF OHIO

(See GL OF WEST VIRGINIA, pg. 8)

7

8

Spring 2010

"These reforms and proposals were intended to rid Masonryin West Virginia of [its] Orwellian, repressive, regressive andunconstitutional practices,” the lawsuit states.In response, Charles F. Coleman, II, who succeededHaas as

GrandMaster, "almost immediately [and] unilaterally enteredvarious edicts rendering the progressive proposals voted onand adopted by a majority of Defendant Grand Lodge nulland void," the suit claims.The Grand Master of Ohio, Terry W. Posey, writing on the

Grand Lodge of Ohio website commented that Haasis a Judge in West Virginia and until several years agowas Grand Master of West Virginia. The story of hisbeing expelled from the Grand Lodge of West Virginia iswell-documented in various Masonic and otherpublications… He moved to Ohio last year. After that,he petitioned Steubenville Lodge No. 45 for the degreesof Freemasonry.I thoroughly researched the Code of the Grand Lodge ofOhio and there is nothing to prevent his receiving thesedegrees. Inasmuch as he is an Ohio resident, theConstitution of the Grand Lodge of Ohio confersjurisdiction over his membership to the Grand Lodge ofOhio and the lodge's membership.

He made a full disclosure of the Notice of Expulsion bythe Past Grand Master of West Virginia and answeredall questions presented to him by the Lodge's Committeeof Investigation. The Lodge did the necessarybackground work, including a home visit. They wereassured that he was a good man and true, and he met allrequirements, including residency for the requisite time,for membership.

The Grand Lodge of West Virginia, as of this writing, hasissued no further comment on the withdrawal of recognition.Haas' lawsuit against the Grand Lodge of West Virginia is

scheduled for trial in July 2010.

For Further Information:

Official Web Sites:Grand Lodge of West Virginia: http://www.wvmasons.org/Grand Lodge of Ohio: http://www.freemason.com/

Blogs and Commentary:http://masonic-crusade.com/http://freemasonsfordummies.blogspot.com/

By Nolan Sump, Salina Lodge No. 60The Grand Orient of France, the oldest Masonic

organization in continental Europe, has revisitedthe question of whether to allow women to become

Freemasons. InSeptember 2009, avote was taken byall of the lodgeswithin the GrandOrient at its annualcommunication inLyon, and 56 per-cent of the repre-sentatives of 1200lodges within theorganization votedagainst initiatingwomen. A further58.7 percent of themembers presentvoted “No” in aclosed session to anaffiliation with

females from the Women’s Grand Lodge of France, whosemembers comprise 17 percent of the country’s 50,000Freemasons. This was in response to five lodges within theGrand Orient who willingly voted in six women in 2008.On April 8, 2010, the Supreme Court of Masonic Justice

(CSJM) decided that the lodges within the jurisdiction of

the Grand Orient are free to initiate women withoutviolating the Orient’s general regulations. In spite of theopposition by the majority of the brethren in a vote of theconvention in September 2009, the five lodges argued thatthey had the right to initiate whomever they wanted in theirown lodges.There are somemixed feelings that the Grand Orient will

become a mixed obedience (the term obedience being theAmerican equivalent to organization). The previous GrandMaster, Jean-Michel Quillardet, a staunch supporter of theadmittance of female Freemasons into the Grand Orient,said he was "saddened" by the vote at last September’sconvention. "It is an undeniable decline, contrary to theevolution of society." The current Grand Master, PierreLambicchi, was not available for comment.The Grand Orient of France is the largest Masonic

organization in that country. It is not recognized and isconsidered irregular by both mainstream and Prince Hallgrand lodges in the U.S. and the United Grand Lodge ofEngland. Its structure is considerably more laissez-faire thanUS/Anglo-Saxon derived grand lodges, and lodges are givengreat freedom to set their own rules. A few of their lodgeshave allowed women Masons to visit for more than 30years, but five lodges last year illegally initiated six womenmembers. This resulted in the temporary suspension ofthose lodges and their 169 members, until the issue wasdecided this year at Lyon.The vote has not yet been taken on whether to arrest the

charters of those five lodges.

SACRÉ BLEU! FRENCH FEMALE FREEMASONS?

www.phoenixmasonry.org

GL OF WEST VIRGINIA (Continued from pg. 7)

The first female French Freemason, MariaDeraismes (1828-1894) was initiated intothe Lodge of the Free Thinkers (LesLibres Penseurs ) in Pecq, France in 1882.

9

The Kansas Mason

By Steve BerrySteve Berry is the highly popular

author of such thrillers as The AmberRoom and The Romanov Prophecy. Inthis new book about Knights Templarhe uses history and conjecture toconcoct a plot about adventures of theorganization surviving today. It is anentertaining read worth your time andthe coins from your pocket book -- ifyou enjoy adventure fiction.As its title states, Legacy is a fanciful

piece of fiction. A knock-off ofThe Da Vinci Code, the book is amurder\mystery thriller with many turns and twists as theintellectual heroes chase, and are chased by, the bad guysthrough the scenery of Europe. The bad guys area rebel sub-element of the original Knights Templar whichthe author has surviving to present times disguised as aconventional Catholic monastery. In addition to theirabove-board religious activities, they are trained inmartial arts and weaponry. This training comes inhandy as they race with our heroes to find losttreasure, particularly items relating to the first centuryof Christianity.

As a mystery novel, the book is a reasonably interestingread. But it has a secondary story which overshadows theoriginal yarn when it turns Gnostic to “demonstrate” thatJesus was not the Son of God. It reviews the four NewTestament gospels [Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John] aboutJesus noting their inconsistencies and contradictions. This“analysis” combined with Berry’s interjection of an allegedquote by Pope Leo X: “It has served us well, this myth ofChrist transforms the book into a debate over the divinenature of Jesus of Nazareth.”This secondary story becomes a major distraction

lessening the value of the book. Some readers have theintellectual maturity to deal with, and benefit from,challenges to our deeply held personal beliefs of religiousfaith, others do not. Faith is a poor debate topic as it oftenrelies more on beliefs than facts. Berry cinches his Gnosticargument with a rather contrived finding of artifacts fromthe first century of Christianity. As a theological or historicaltreatment of Christianity, The Templar Legacy falls short. Butfor a good adventure story in the style of The Da Vinci Code,with a similar fictional challenge to Christianity, read TheTemplar Legacy: A Novel.Reviewed by: J. Howard Duncan, Lawrence Lodge No. 6Ballantine Books, 496 pagesPaperback $9.99; Kindle Edition $7.99

BOOK REVIEWTHE TEMPLAR LEGACY: A NOVEL

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:In visiting a Kansas lodge recently, I was told that thelodge would go “dark” this summer, which means thatstarting in May and until September, no meetings will beheld. They explained that farmers would be out in thefield and for the numbers they have, it would be a wasteof time to hold meetings. In my state, we are notpermitted to go dark. Is this legal in your state?Signed,An out-of-state Mason

Dear Brother,In the Kansas Masonic By-laws under Article IV, 3-405, a

lodge is allowed to omit stated communications during themonths of July and August. This allows a lodge to hold atleast 10 meetings a year, or one meeting a month, therebysubtracting twomonths out of the year in their effort to “godark.” Some lodges in our state are in less populateddistricts and are in agricultural areas where a majority ofthe members are farmers. In my area, due to the number offarmers, fewmembers are able to attend in the summer. Inaddition to that, other conditions exist such as airconditioning and the position of where the lodge sits in thebuilding, whether it is on the main floor or on the secondfloor. It also pertains to the amount of activity and size oflodge that exists as well. (See QUESTIONS, pg. 10)

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Spring 2010

SECRETARY (Continued from pg. 2)

QUESTIONS (Continued from pg. 9)

This year there were a large number of by-law changesproposed. The ones defeated were:1. The proposed increase in the Special Dispensation

Fee.4. The elimination of per-capita tax on plural

memberships.6. The title of Very Worshipful being given to the Grand

Chaplain. And the proposal to eliminate By-Law 3-619 concerning alcohol, which had been tabled theprevious year.

Those that passed were:2. Allowing a hand salute by veterans when the flag of

the United States is presented.3. Automatic expulsion of persons convicted of felonies

and misdemeanors involving sex offenses with achild.

5. Eliminating the Committee on Necrology, and givingthe responsibility of the necrology service to theGrand Chaplain

7. Redefining the responsibilities of the District and AreaDeputy Grand Masters.

It remains painfully apparent that lodges are notseriously investigating their petitioners. We are seeing asignificant increase in interest from the generation that isnow old enough to join the fraternity. It concerns me,however, that we might be so happy to see this influx ofnewmembers, that we will take anyone who puts a petition

on the Secretary’s desk. Being on an investigationcommittee is a serious responsibility. If you recommend aman to become a member of your lodge, you are alsorecommending him to the other lodges in the State ofKansas, to the lodges of the United States, and realistically,to all the lodges we recognize in the rest of the world. Ionce heard it said: “Simply because a man is a Mason doesnot prove that he is a good man, but it does prove that atone time a group of good men thought he was.” Frankly,the reputation of our fraternity depends on you as amember of the investigation committee. I would re-commend the Masonic Service Association’s November,2009, Short Talk Bulletin, “Qualifications of Investigators”.It points out the importance of appointing men who knowand understand the Fraternity, and the kinds of men weshould accept for membership in it. It is also recommendedthat at least one or two of the members on the investigationcommittee share some “common ground” with thepetitioner. For example, if the members who have similaroccupations, or are similar in age to the petitioner, hewould feel more comfortable talking with these members.While an interview with the petitioner is important, it isequally important to talk to his references and otherswho may know him, in order to make the best deter-mination of his character. It is most important that themembers chosen for the committee will take theirresponsibility very seriously.

Dear Editor:I am a Senior Deacon for my lodge and have beenlearning my parts for the Fellowcraft Degree with amentor as assigned by the Worshipful Master. We doseveral initiations a year and I have stayed active withmy parts. Unfortunately, I will forget a word or twoand as I pause for a moment to think about what mynext word will be, one of the past masters who nowsits on the sidelines yells out the line I missed . . . ora line he thought I missed, which, even though heholds a proficiency card, it disrupts my train ofthought. This has happened several times and I’mabout ready to get into an altercation with him. Whatshall I do?Brother Senior Deacon

Dear Brother,I can see your point of view and so can a lot of other, olderBrothers. We have all experienced the same situation as youdescribe. It is the role of the Master of the lodge to appointsomeone to assist you on your lines as you prepare for yourresponsibilities in performing the degree work on a candidate.A candidate going through the degrees deserves a good qualityinitiation that flows smoothly. The senior deacon isconsidered “the floor general” and is expected to know hismaterial. However, while learning his parts, hewill sometimesstumble as once happened to me early on in my tenure. Thebest decision would be to visit with the master of the lodgeand yourmentor and, if he is available each night you do yourinitiations, have himhelp youwith your lines. Encourage theMaster of the lodge to address this in private with you and thepast master who is causing this strife from the sidelines.

THE GRAND EAST (Continued from pg. 2)Research Institute building on Mason’s Day, September 18,2010. RWDon Newman, GSW has exciting plans to includea representative cross-section from all appendent bodies inthe processional. Please save the date and join us for a veryexciting day in Kansas Masonic History.

This promises to be a very action packed year. There isenergy building within the Masonic Fraternity. I have beenadvised that a number of lodges are seeing significantincreases in degree work and overall interest. I urge you tojoin in the excitement; this will be a fun year!

11

The Kansas Mason

L. Kent Needham

PO Box 137

Deputy Grand Master

Tonganoxie, KS 66086-0137Home: 913-845-3211Office: 785-665-7155kentn@firstsecurityks.com

PROCLAMATION

Festival of Saint John the Baptist:

WHEREAS, Freemasonry proudly acknowledges St. John the Baptist and St. John theEvangelist as its patron saints, honors their memory, points to their lives in its ritualisticwork, and dedicates its Lodges to them, and

WHEREAS, the annual observance of the Festival of the Saints John has occupied aplace of primary importance in the activity of every Craft LodgeNOW THEREFORE, I, L. KENT NEEDHAM, GRAND MASTER OF THE ANCIENTFREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS IN KANSAS, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM AGENERAL AND SIMULTANEOUS OBSERVANCE OF THE FEAST OF ST. JOHN THEBAPTIST BY THE LODGES OF THIS JURISDICTION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 27, 2010,for the purpose herein set forth. I am asking the Lodges to begin at once to make plansfor attendance at a service of Divine Worship as a Lodge, or as a group of Lodges, toproclaim and observe this festival day.

It is understood that a church must first extend an invitation, and that the acceptance ofthis invitation must be agreeable to the Brethren of the Lodge, all in keeping with thespirit of the General Regulations of Masonry.

I call upon all Masons to join with Masonic Brethren and participate with their Lodge inthe act of Divine Worship so rich in Masonic Tradition.Official Grand Lodge Services will be held at St. David’s Episcopal Church, Topeka,Kansas. We will first assemble at the Grand Lodge Building at 9:15 a.m. in order toopen Grand Lodge at 9:30 a.m., then travel to the church for the 10:45 a.m. service. Iam asking any Grand Lodge Officers, Area Deputies and District Deputies who will notbe in attendance at this service to open Grand Lodge in the Temples where requested.GIVEN UNDER THE HAND AND SEAL OF THE M W GRAND LODGE OF ANCIENTFREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF KANSAS ON APRIL 6, 2010.

L. Kent Needham, Grand Master

OFFICIAL NOTICES

Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free & Accepted MasonsThe Kansas MasonPO BOX 1217TOPEKA, KS 66601

Return Service Requested

NONPROFITU.S. Postage

PAIDManhattan, KSPermit No. 580

MASONIC COMMUNITY CALENDARHays Lodge Steak Fry — Saturday, June 5, 7:30 p.m.— Johnson Ranch, Hays.

Brent Morris Lecture and Book Signing — Monday, June 7 — Emporia Lodge424 Merchant Street, Emporia.

Catered dinner: 6 p.m. ($15).Tyled meeting (1°) 7:30 p.m.

2nd Annual Lodge of the Full Moon— Saturday, June 26.Coronado Heights castle, three miles NW of Lindsborg. Signs.

Picnic meal (Donation) 7:30 p.m.-9 p.m.Tyled meeting (3°) 9 p.m.

More info: Joint Lindsborg No.397 and Salina No.60 sponsored event.

St. Johns Day Celebration— Sunday, June 27 9:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.Grand Lodge Bldg., 320 SW 8th Avenue, Topeka.More info: 620-363-2310.

48th Annual Keel Pit Degree— Saturday, July 18., — CheneyMore info: http://www.cerob.com/pt/events/keel.aspCall Bob (620) 545-7635. Dave (620) 584-2163 Or Jack (316) 522-3509 for more information

Tyrian Lodge No.246 re-dedication— Saturday, August 28, 3 p.m., Sunday August 29, 10 p.m.Where: Garden City.

Pikes Peak Annual Inspection— Saturday, September 11-Sunday. September 12.Silver Saddle Motel, 215 Manitou Avenue, Manitou Springs, Colorado.More info: 620-842-5916, davidw3@cebridge.net.

Oak Tree Lodge— Saturday, September 16. — Three miles SW of Little River. Signs.Ham and bean picnic supper (Donation) 6 p.m.Tyled meeting (3°) following

More info: District 31 sponsored event in oak grove. Grand Master receives gavel carved fromoriginal oak tree and sheepskin fleece signed by all attendees.

Masons Day – KU Med Center— Saturday September 18.University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas.