Definition of Freemasonry
Freemasonry is defined as consisting of a course of moral instruction, illustrated by types, emblems, and allegorical figures. The classical definition is: “A beautiful system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.” Webster says as allegory “represents by suggestive resemblance... [more]

Whither Are We Traveling?
Chapter 1 Whither Are We Traveling? The Wailing Wall is crowded these days. Masonic leaders, great and small, are lined up, each awaiting his turn to lift his voice in lamentation. The figures show a falling off of membership. Attendance at Lodge meetings is not what it used to be. The thing to do... [more]

A Member
In the recitation of our ritual, phrases fall from the tongue with the ease of long practiced familiarity. This very familiarity is what gives comfort to hearing the ritual spoken correctly, and with clarity and feeling. However, this very familiarity can obscure meaning. That is particu... [more]

Rise and Fall of Membership
From the first time a man knocked at the door of Freemasonry, it became clear that its teachings were designed to leave a lasting impression upon his mind. But I’m sure that each of us has had other life experiences that we continue to recall and that have perhaps even guided us in late... [more]

Solemn Strikes the Funeral Chimes, Stars and Stripes Forever & White Christmas
Masons’ familiarity with the first portion of the above title is as great as most Americans’ recognition of the latter parts. Each is attributable to Masons. The poetic phrases commencing with “Solemn strikes the funeral chime/ Notes of our departing time” were written by Brother David Vinto... [more]

Further light in Masonry.
A candidate enters the world of Freemasonry in a symbolic state of darkness—and receives symbolic illumination only after he has taken a solemn obligation which will forever set him apart from the world outside Freemasonry. Our ritual quotes one of the oldest of written documents—the Book of Genes... [more]

Masonic Film
Last summer in a film titled "Secret Mysteries of America's Beginnings", directed by Christian J. Pinto, and set in the 16th century, Sir Francis Bacon, as the chief of the Rosicrucians and first Grand Master of modern Freemasonry, helmed secret societies in England. It is then supposed ... [more]

The Historical Apron
The apron as a symbol has appeared in many cultures and sects throughout history. Some even speculate that Adam and Eve originated the apron tradition when the fashioned them out of leaves after their fall from grace. The apron has symbolized truth, pride, honor, preference, and in the case of roy... [more]

Review of Freemasonry
PS Review of Freemasonry has been established in 1996 and since then eminent Freemasons Scholars, members of Quatuor Coronati Lodge 2076 United Grand Lodge of England, Australian and New Zealand Masonic Research Council, the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Research Society USA and The Philalethes S... [more]

Website Update
The lodge web site went online on September 16, 2004. In the last four months of that first year we had over four thousand hits to our site. In the year 2005 all the past masters, with their pictures, dating back to February 22, 1883 were added to the site. In that year our web traffic topped t... [more]

Laudable Pursuit: A 21st Century Response to Dwight Smith
I have just finished reading this booklet titled "Laudable Pursuit: A 21st Century Response to Dwight Smith" This is the opening description of it: There is no one author of this work. The ideas herein stemmed from Internet discussions among many friends and brothers between 2003 and... [more]

Black Masons in our Lodge?
As we all know the regularity and recognition of Grand Lodges are separate but allied subjects. Unless a Grand Lodge is regular, it cannot be recognized. Unless a Grand Lodge is recognized, its Brethren cannot (or should not) be met as Freemasons by Brethren of regular and recognized Grand Lodges.... [more]

The Halliwell Manuscript (Regis Poem)
In my reading about the beginnings of masonry I found a reference to this manuscript that was discovered in the King's library of the British museum in 1839. It was written in the form of a poem in old English verse. It was published in 1840 by James Halliwell. The original document dates bac... [more]

The Cooke Manuscript
In 1861 Matthew Cooke transcribed a document believed to have been originated in 1450. This document was allegedly written by a speculative mason of that time. It makes reference to the seven sciences as so well described in modern freemasonry. It can be assumed that today's references to tho... [more]

Quote from the Farmer's Almanac of 1823
A real Freemason is distinguished from the rest of Mankind by the uniform unrestricted rectitude of his conduct. Other men are honest in fear of punish-ment which the law might inflict; they are religious in expectation of being rewarded, or in dread of the devil in the next world. A Freemason wou... [more]

Masonic Peace Institute
A Masonic Peace Institute has just been formed. Brothers from all over the world have gathered togeather to promote World Peace. Founders include brethren from Canada, Germany, India, Spain, Turkey, U.S.A. for more information visit their site at: www.mpi33.org.... [more]

Our Web Site
In this last year so far we have had over 10,500 visits to our site. I want to thank all the visitors that have come here and to ask if there is anything that you would like to see added to our pages. I enjoy maintaining the site but I sometimes find it hard to get new material to post, any sugges... [more]

The Da Vinci Code & Roslin Chapel
I rently traveled to scotland and on the way I read the book "the Da Vinci Code" on the flight there. The (very fictional) story was pretty good even though I thought the ending was a little weak. Even before I read about Roslin's Chapel in Dan Brown's book I wanted to see it for the Mas... [more]

Lodge Number One
Unfortunately lodge number one was under renovation so I couldn't actually attend there. I did go to see it though.So here it is. For those of you that know me this is like "Mecca" to Masons. Lodge number one (St. Mary's Chapel) in continuous operation since 1599.I attended a lodge meeti... [more]

Per Capita Tax
March 17-18, Grand Lodge of Kansas in Salina Several by-laws are going to be under review at Grand Lodge this year. Chief among these: Proposal #3 which would allow individual lodges to serve alcoholic beverages (but not in the actual meeting hall) at functions held at the lodge. Several Brothers fe... [more]

Three First Degrees
A happy day at Joppa Lodge; we have three new brother masons; Randy Jr., Hank & Seth. All recieved their first degree Saturday the 21st, 2006. We are happy to have them join our lodge. I know that Brother Alan (father of Seth) and acting Master Randy (father or Randy Jr.) were especially Glad.Fo... [more]

The 400th Anniversary of the Oldest Masonic Records in the World
The Grand Lodge of Scotland is custodian of the oldest Lodge records in the world being those of Aitchison's Haven. The first entry in the Minute Books of that Lodge is dated 9th January 1598. Prior to 1602 the Scottish New Year began on 25th March. By modern reckoning, therefore, the anniversary wi... [more]

Inside The Masons
The fraternal order has long been the target of conspiracy theories and hoaxes. Here's the real storyBy Jay Tolson The 1820s looked as though they would be the best of times for the special relationship between the fraternal order of Freemasonry and the young American nation. It wasn't just because ... [more]

Wichita 150 Year Celebration
Here in pdf format is an invitation to the August 5-6-7 event in Wichita. During this celebration there will be a golf tournament, an opening of grand lodge and a parade. The main event will be an All Masonic Dinner at the Kansas Masonic Home. It will be an event to remember. There is no charge b... [more]

Lodge Remodel
New paint on the walls, ceiling & trim, throw in some new blinds for the windows and, wow, what a difference it makes. It looks like a whole new hall. Brothers come and see the inviting new lodge hall.... [more]

Grand Lodge
Grand Lodge was held at the Salina Masonic Center, a very impressive building. The Grand Master, Allan L. Hurlburt, conducted the meeting with aplomb. The ceremonies were well done.There were over three hundred Master Masons in attendance.I for one am glad to have been there. I may even go again n... [more]

Remember God in your youth before you become old
How many times as a Master Mason did I hear these Verses recited without understanding the meaning? Many believe Solomon is the author of Ecclesiastes. In Verses 1-7 the author is directing his message to the young telling them to remember God in their youth before they become old. The following... [more]

What I Get Out Of Being A Mason
The following article is from The Royal Arch Mason Magazine, Fall 2004. It is written by Dennis R Block, Chaplain and was presented at the Roanoke Council #1, R&SM, Raleigh NC on January 10, 2004.What I Get Out Of Being A Mason. People have asked me from time to time, what do I get out of bein... [more]

Past Grandmaster of Kansas William J. (Bill) Brown
It is with great sadness that we report the death of Most Worshipful William J. (Bill) Brown. Past Grand Master of Kansas - 1993 Funeral services will be held at the Clearwater Methodist Church in Clearwater, Kansas on Monday, November 1, 2004 at 10 AM. Burial - Kincaid, Kansas Cemetery at 4 PM... [more]