

      (copy of article in New Age Magazine, July, 1988 slightly 
revised to show current condition as of January 1, 1989)

The Nobles of the Kena Shrine Temple in Fairfax, Virginia, have 
developed and electronics bulletin board dedicated to receiving 
storing and exchanging Masonic information. Called "Hiram's 
Oasis" the one year old computer bank provides access to all 
Brethren who are "on line" with their own computer and telephone 
modem.  All a brother has to do to use this free service is dial 
(703) 938-4990 using N,8,1 protocol.   Instantly, he will be 
connected to a gathering place, in computer terms, a data base 
dedicated to Masonic information  By using this first ever 
electronic bulletin board for Freemasons, Brethren can make 
announcements, ask questions, get answers store or receive 
articles, search Masonic records and in effect, tap into a large 
and growing mass of data on all aspects of Masonry current and 
past. 
     Further the Nobles of Kena Temple have formed a Kena 
Computer Club so Nobles, their friends and families can learn 
about computers and gain a comfortable familiarity with their 
use.  Even for those who do not own a computer, these 
enthusiastic Brethren can provide an easy introduction to 
computer technology in general and the new electronic bulletin 
board in particular.  The instant access and duplication 
possibilities of this innovative service are sure to spur new 
interest in Masonic lore and history among present Brethren.  
Perhaps as important, the public bulletin board will provide 
information for non-Masons.  Presently, for instance, the board 
has several bulletins describing Masonry,  and M.W. Brother Henry 
Clausen's "If you want to be a Mason, you have to ask".  In 
keeping with Masonic tradition, no esoteric work is ever 
permitted on the board which is in full and careful compliance 
with all the rules of the Grand Lodge of Virginia regarding this 
matter.  The service has a listing of Lodges and Appendant Bodies 
within 50 miles, their meeting places and times and whom to 
contact.
     To share in this free service from your own home or office, 
all you need is a computer and a telephone modem.  For further 
information on how to become part of and benefit from this 
promising new endeavor, call Brother Preston Burner at (703) 938-
8999 or write him at 2500 Flint Hill Road, Vienna, Virginia, 
22181-5449.   

(This article is available for download as NA87-001.ART from the 
board and the comma separated format of MSA's list of Masonic 
Periodicals in the U.S. is available as MSAPERDC.USC)
