Celebrating Lambda Chi’s Legends & Leaders
by Chuck Peyser • June 2009 • 5 Comments •
Editor’s Note: The following is reprinted from the Lambda Chi Alpha: A Historical Perspective.
“Dad” Krenmyre: Inspiration Personified
Jerry Homer Krenmyre was the only man to serve as an officer of Theta Kappa Nu throughout its history. He was elected Grand Oracle at the Springfield founding, a post he held until elected Grand Chaplain at the 1938 Grand Chapter. He then served as Associate Historian for more than two decades — from the union until his death.
“Dad” stated that his only claim to national prominence was that — like Lincoln — he was born in a log house. He assembled the largest collection of Lincoln lore in the Midwest. “Good luck” hit the family when he was young and he was compelled to work his way through high school. He built his first barn at the age of 17; after eight years of successfully operating a construction company in southern Iowa, he entered college at Iowa Wesleyan. His favorite extracurricular activity was forensics; he won all his intercollegiate debates unanimously. After graduation he did four years’ work in rural sociology at the University of Iowa as preparation for rural church work. His official occupation was pastor of rural Methodist Episcopal churches, but he was a popular speaker on the Chautauqua and Lyceum circuits with many return engagements.
“Remember the race between the tortoise and the hare? The tortoise kept his mind on going until he got there. He didn’t know where he was going but he was on this way. The tortoise had more hope than hop. The tortoise had finishing strength. The tortoise said, “Always at it will win any man’s race.”
Krenmyre was a large man, raw-boned in appearance and careless in dress. He was a spellbinding speaker putting forth a homespun philosophy. The audaciousness of his “corn-belt mannerisms” attracted most people, but a few so-called sophisticated members of the Fraternity were at times appalled by his “crudities.” “Dad” attracted many because of his ability to discuss fraternity matters without personal jealousy or rancor. He was responsible for the Theta News during its first decade, and a regular contributor through 1938. He might be described as combining the easy rapport of Warren Cole, the idealistic pedagogy of Jack Mason (although on an experiential rather than intellectual base), and the ever-present nose-for-news of Linn Lightner. The esteem in which this good and gentle man was held is indicated by the assignment shared with Jack Mason at the union: to design the new ritual and emblems.
“Dad” was a Mason and a Shriner and somehow found time to lecture to these groups in the Midwest as well as contribute to Masonic journals. His son Lewis was initiated into Theta Kappa Nu at Iowa Weslyan.
Tom Earp Says:
June 2nd, 2009 at 3:44 pmThank you for your insite. It is always entersting to hear about Our History!
Thank you for your input!
Tom Earp.
In ZAX,
Tom Earp Says:
June 2nd, 2009 at 4:12 pmNow Brother Pyser, how does our relationship, how does our attendance have anything to do with Rene de Anjou?
I am reading a book discussing the Knights of the Templar Mount and did not use it as it were. Oh, as the Knights Templar but the early usage for them. I have not gotten that far yet.
They were from a sect that were from a true Jewish sect of the time of Soloman The King of Isriel(SIC).
So, it would be intersting if some others would check this out?
There is/was Family who became the Knights of Templar and brought the Treasure of King Solomon to us?
As I understand it, there were Nine only.
Skip Hocker Says:
June 4th, 2009 at 9:42 amBrethren:
if you were to explore this further, you would find the relationship between the Knights Templar, the Freemasons and our beloved Lambda Chi Alpha; I am a member of all these bodies, a Past Master of a Masonic Lodge and a Past Commander of Knights Templar.
Freemasonry has its origins at the building of King Solomen’s Temple and Templary eminated from that as well.
As a “Past Master” of my Lodge of Freemasons, the very first degree I conferred was to my son, also a Lambda and he was astounded at the similarities of the two rituals. If you were to explore the history and background of John (Jack) Mason, you would find that he was a 32 degree Freemason and there is little doubt in my mind that the tenents and ritual of Lambda Chi Alpha were based upon Masonic philosophy, principles and custom.
Tom Earp Says:
June 4th, 2009 at 12:05 pmBrother Hocker, I would love to converse with you about this being a 32 Scottish Rite. This is an interesting book and maybe while fiction, there are a lot of similaritys early on in the book and when it mentioned Hugh de Anjou, it peaked my interest. Of course this goes back to 1066 in the beginning and the Frankish Kings of France and England.
Please if you see this, email me:
hoyotomas@aol.com
Tom Earp Says:
June 6th, 2009 at 2:39 pmI just had the privilege of talking with Brother Bill Whitmore of Gamma Zeta on the phone today.
He is History of not only Gamma Zeta but of LXA.
At his age of 79, while he may not remember everything, he is still a working Brother of LXA today. He is like others of LXA who are working from Historic times and still working for us.He is us as a Fraternity of LXA just as we are as individual Brothers.
God Bless our fellow Brothers such as Bill Whitmore.
In ZAX,
Tom Earp
LX Z 1