In celebration of Kansas Mason’s Day on Friday, March 18, national, state and local dignitaries joined the Grand Lodge of Kansas to rededicate the cornerstone of the State Capitol Building.
In addition to the rededication, Governor Brownback signed a proclamation making March 18, 2016, Kansas Mason’s Day, in appreciation and recognition of the Brotherhood’s philanthropic work during more than a century in the Sunflower State.
Chartered in 1856, five years before Kansas became a state, Freemasonry in Kansas is a brotherhood fraternity representing fellowship, integrity, leadership, and philanthropy, an ideology that early Masons used to help build the state and the Kansas State House. On Oct. 17, 1866, Masons placed the original cornerstone for the State Capitol.
Known for organizing the popular East-West Shrine Bowl band camp that features more than 200 star high school students from across the state, there are nearly 18,000 Kansas Masons representing 225 lodges across the state. A large proponent for cancer research, the Kansas Masons have donated more than $25 million to the University of Kansas Cancer Research Center. University and technical college students in Kansas have been the beneficiaries of more than $5 million in scholarships, and Kansas Masons have pledged to invest another $20 million in new programming to support Kansans and Kansas communities throughout the state.
About the Kansas Masonic Foundation, Inc.
The Kansas Masonic Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) Foundation benefiting Kansans and Kansas communities. The Kansas Masonic Foundation was founded in 1966 to encourage philanthropy from Kansas Masons, their family and friends for charitable, educational and scientific programs. One hundred percent of all donations go toward the various charitable programs. For more information, visit kansasmasonic.foundation.
About the Grand Lodge of Kansas
The Grand Lodge of Kansas is the governing body of Freemasonry in Kansas, formed March 17, 1856, five years before Kansas’ statehood. Freemasonry is the oldest, largest and most widely recognized fraternal organization in the world. Freemasons are men, age 18 and over, of good character who strive to improve themselves and make the world a better place. Kansas Freemasonry has nearly 18,000 Kansas Masons and 225 Lodges. For more information, visit kansasmason.org.