As part of Vulcan International, this gavel has traveled around the globe. It began its journey in October 2006 when it was used at the bi-annual meeting of the four Vulcan Lodges in England.
The “Vulcan Square Centenary” meeting was held at the Grand Temple of Mark Masons Hall in London. Vulcan Lodge #3181 hosted this event with the Metropolitan Grand Master of London in attendance.
From left to right: SD John Gregory, SW Michael Hitchcock, Ray Gregory our oldest member and father of John; WM Frank Stout, Chaplain Colin Seeds, JW Eric Blackwell, and JD Trevor Harrison.
In January 2007 the gavel journeyed from London to Vulcan Lodge #4382 located in Alferton, England where it was used in opening and closing Lodge.
Then in February 2007, the Master and brethren of Alferton traveled to Middlesbourgh, England and presented the gavel to Vulcan Lodge #4510.
In June 2007 it continued its pilgrimage, by being presented to the Master of Vulcan Lodge #5757 located in Blackhill, England. After this stop, it returned to the “colonies”.
In November 2007, at its next pause to rest and refresh, the gavel took part in the annual wild game feed hosted by Vulcan Lodge #74 in Vulcan, Alberta, Canada. John Hart, the Grand Master of Alberta used the gavel to open the festivities with brethren from 19 other Lodges present.
Then on March 4, 2008 the gavel’s search for light continued to Vulcan Lodge #498, in Bristow, Iowa. Brother Wayne Shireman from Vulcan #229 presented the gavel for this meeting where it was used to open and close the lodge.
On March 14, 2008 the gavel then made its shortest journey by traveling from Walnut to Salina, Kansas for the 2008 Annual Meeting of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons in Kansas. The Most Worshipable Jimmie Grassie, Grand Master of Kansas, opened the afternoon session of Grand Lodge with the gavel.
As of April 1, 2008, the Vulcan Traveling Gavel has journeyed over 15,000 miles and been used in seven different Lodges, in three different countries, and by three Grand Masters. It has now found its way into your Lodge. We ask that you assist in spreading the fraternal bonds that this gavel represents by carrying it to another worthy Lodge. We request that the gavel be in your possession no more then ten days, as we would like to present the gavel at Grand Lodge annually and in the course of the year, we would like to see the gavel reach at least 40 Lodges across the area.
If you are unable to assist in this goal, please contact Vulcan Lodge #229 and we will come and pick up the gavel. However, we would request that if unable to carry out this mission that your Lodge make a $100 donation to the Kansas Masonic Cancer Research Foundation (please donate even if you do pass it on). Those Lodges that have donated are marked below ($100).
Date Lodge and Lodge Location the Gavel was Presented To:
1) October 2006 Vulcan # 3181 in London, England
2) January 2007 Vulcan # 4382 in Alfreton, Derbyshire, England
3) February 2007 Vulcan # 4510 in Middlesbrough, England
4) June 2007 Vulcan # 5757 in Blackhill, Durham, England
5) November 2007 Vulcan # 74 in Vulcan, Alberta, Canada
6) March 04, 2008 Vulcan # 498 in Bristow, Iowa
7) March 21, 2008 Kansas Grand Lodge at Salina, Kansas
Estimate that 15,000 miles have been traveled after coming back from Grand Lodge to date.
8) April 10, 2008 Erie #76 in Erie, Kansas 10 miles
9) April 15 Altamont # 69 in Altamont, Kansas 29 miles
10) April 17 Chetopa # 73 in Chetopa, Kansas 21 miles
Dale Rowten (Adams) receives from Rod Trimble (Cheptoa)
11) April 24 Adams # 63 in Oswego, Kansas photo 10 miles
Charles Sweeton (Baxter) receives from Dale Rowten (Adams)
12) May 5 Baxter # 71 in Baxter Springs, Kansas 30 miles