EducationBurlington Lodge No. 66 Donates $1,000 to the 4-H Western Heritage Project

Burlington, Kansas (June 23, 2021)—The Kansas Masonic Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to benefiting Kansas communities, has partnered with Burlington Lodge No. 66 to donate $1,000 to the 4-H Western Heritage Project. The project combines a comprehensive study of the Old West with the fastest-growing shooting sports discipline in the world, Western action shooting, in order for 4-H members and adult leaders to understand and experience the history and culture associated with the Old West while promoting gun safety and personal responsibility.

Founded in 1868, Burlington Lodge No. 66 is a Kansas Masonic lodge dedicated to Freemasonry, the oldest surviving fraternal organization in the world. The lodge has more than 90 members and supports various local organizations within the community, including the Coffey County Cancer Support Group, God’s Storehouse, an organization providing food and clothing to families in need, and the East Central Kansas Economic Opportunity Corporation’s (ECKAN) Christmas Program. This year will mark the lodge’s first contribution to the 4-H Western Heritage Project as it seeks to continuously support local causes that benefit the community. 

“Burlington Lodge No. 66 is joining forces with Lebo Lodge No. 152, Neosho Lodge No. 27, and Hebron Lodge No. 314 to serve as major sponsors for the 2021 National 4-H Western Heritage Conference and Invitational Shoot,” said Burlington Lodge No. 66 Secretary Daniel Allen. “The conference will take place on August 3, 2021, through August 6, 2021, in Ellsworth, Kansas.”

To help further their mission of supporting the local community, the Brothers at Burlington Lodge No. 66 have partnered with the Kansas Masonic Foundation to provide a monetary donation of $1,000 to the 4-H Western Heritage Project in Coffee County, Kansas. Not only does the project connect today’s youth with the values and traditions of the past, enhance learning by participation in living-history scenarios, and instill an investigative interest in the American Frontier, but it also provides safety instruction for handling firearms and encourages life-skill development. 

The funds raised by Burlington Lodge No. 66 and the Kansas Masonic Foundation will help support  4-H members competing in this year’s National 4-H Western Heritage Conference and Invitational Shoot, 13 of which will represent Coffey County. Competitors will complete a written history test, portray their “Old West” persona by wearing era-specific clothing, and participate in a marksmanship event using firearms from the historical Old West. A formal donation will be made to John Torrence, one of the founding members of the 4-H Western Heritage Project, and all supporting Coffey County Kansas Masonic Lodges will be recognized at the conference as event sponsors. 

About the Kansas Masonic Foundation:
As the philanthropic arm of Kansas Masons, the Kansas Masonic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to benefiting Kansas communities and supporting fellow Masons and their families. Since its inception, the foundation has invested more than $50 million in Kansas communities and individuals through funding academic, scientific, and charitable endeavors. For additional information about the Kansas Masonic Foundation and to get involved, click here.