Grand Master

Patton R. Hart of the Louisa area was installed as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, Free and Accepted Masons, on October 18, 2005 in Louisville, Kentucky for the 2005-2006 Masonic year.Selecting the theme, "Soar New Horizons," the Grand Master has been bringing his professional and fraternal experience as well as his enthusiasm to Kentucky's premier Masonic office.Born in Louisa, Kentucky, Hart graduated from the University of Kentucky with degrees in Secondary Education and Health Sciences with an emphasis in Health Care Administration. He is employed by Three Rivers Medical Center as the Director of Human Resources. He serves on the hospital administrative staff where he also oversees Marketing and Community Relations.He was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason with Apperson Lodge #195 in January 1981 and served the lodge as its Master in 1993. He served the Grand Lodge of Kentucky as District Deputy Grand Master for District 37 in 1995-96. He has also served as Chairman of the Youth Activities Committee, elected Grand Junior Warden in October 2002 and progressed steadily through the elected line as Grand Senior Warden, Deputy Grand Master and until his election as Grand Master. During his year of service as Grand Master, the National Masonic Renewal Committee asked Brother Hart to serve a three year term as a member with the committee as it supports the mission of the Conference of Grand Masters of North America. Hart has provided service and leadership within the family of Freemasonry by his involvement and contributions in York Rite, Scottish Rite, Order of the Eastern Star, the Shrine and the Order of DeMolay. In addition to his service to the Masonic lodge, he is a member and Past High Priest of the Louisa Chapter #95, R.A.M. serving the Grand Chapter of KY, R.A.M. as Grand Master of the First Veil; Everett Council #65, R. & S.M. serving the Grand Council of KY, R. & S.M. with the Youth Committee; Ashland Commandery #28, K.T. serving the Grand Commandery as the Knights Templar Eye Foundation State Finance Coordinator; St. Bernard Conclave, Knights of the Red Cross of Constantine, Royal Order of Scotland and an Officer in the Divan with El Hasa Shrine in Ashland.Through his involvement with the Scottish Rite, Hart is active with the Valley of Covington in the Delta Lodge of Perfection as Senior Warden. He received his 33rd Degree in November 2005. Hart has served the Grand Chapter of Kentucky, Order of the Eastern Star as Worthy Grand Patron during the year 1999-2000 and recently completed his term of service as a member of the Board of Governors serving as Chairman in 2004-2005. He is currently a General Grand Chapter Committee Member as Kentucky's Visioneer for the General Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star.Hart has a distinguished background of service to the Order of DeMolay. He is a Senior DeMolay and Past Master Councilor of Owen R. Meadors Chapter in Ashland, Kentucky. He is a Past State Master Councilor of Kentucky, Past Grand Commander of the H. Pell Brown Memorial Court of Chevaliers and Past Dean of the Cecil S. Hume Preceptory. Hart has served Owen R. Meadors as Chapter Advisor and is currently serving as Chairman of the Advisory Council. He has been honored with the Degree of Chevalier, Kentucky DeMolay of the Year, the Cross of Honor, the Legion of Honor and the Guild of the Leather Apron as Advisor of the Year for Kentucky DeMolay. He has served Kentucky DeMolay as State Athletic Director, State Conclave Director and currently serves as the Associate Executive Officer for Programs and Operations. Hart is serving as an Active Member of DeMolay International in the office of Grand Senior Councilor. He has held membership or leadership positions on various International Committees including Alumni, Convention Planning, Congress and Ritual, Regalia, Honors & Awards. He is also a Frank S. Land Fellow for DeMolay International. Hart and his family attend the Buchanan Chapel United Methodist Church. He has also been active as a volunteer and leader in his community with American Cancer Society Relay for Life, Lawrence County Septemberfest Board, United Way and Rotary International as a Past Assistant District Governor of District 6740. He presently serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Community and Technical College Foundation of Ashland, Inc.