Grand Master

This document is to serve as the official Masonic biographical record for Gary C. Rose who served as the 209th Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, F.&A.M. during the 2018-2019 Masonic Year.

BIRTH AND LINEAGE

Grand Master Rose was born in Mt. Sterling, KY on January 5, 1948 to Wilma Clay Cecil Rose and Robert Clinton Rose. His maternal grandparents were Edna Miller Cecil and Jefferson Flavius Cecil. His paternal grandparents were Nellie Taylor Rose and Grant B. Rose.

FAITH

Brother Rose is of the Christian Faith, Disciples of Christ.

FAMILY MASONIC HISTORY

Brother Rose has a rich history of family members belonging to the Masonic Fraternity. His father was a Master Mason belonging to Mizpah Masonic Lodge #507 and was Past Master of this lodge and served as District Deputy Grand Master in 1956. His paternal grandfather, Grant B. Rose, was a Master Mason belonging to Mizpah Masonic Lodge #507 and was a Past Master of this lodge. His maternal grandfather, Jefferson Flavius Cecil, was a Master Mason belonging to Mizpah Masonic Lodge #507. Jefferson Flavius Cecil's father, Edward Flavius Cecil, and his father, Samuel W. Cecil, were both Charter Members of Mizpah Masonic Lodge #507.

EDUCATION

Grand Master Rose attended private kindergarten at Hazel Green Academy at age four. Upon turning five years old he attended Amyx Elementary School which was a one room school located near Helechawa, KY where he attended grades one through three. He attended Hazel Green Public School grades four through 6, which was a four room school. Upon completion of the sixth grade he attended Hazel Green Academy completing grades seven through twelve. His mother was one of his teachers at Hazel Green Academy. After receiving his high school diploma, he attended the University of Kentucky receiving a Bachelor of Arts/Law and a Juris Doctorate Degree. Brother Rose completed the last year of his Law Degree after five and one half years of military service in the United States Air Force. He graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Law in May 1977. He graduated from the University of North Dakota, at Grand Forks, in May of 1976 with a Master's Degree in Public Administration.

MILITARY SERVICE

Brother Rose enlisted in the United States Air Force in May of 1971 and soon completed basic training and officer training school. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in September of 1971. Brother Rose was a Combat Crew Commander in the 321st Strategic Missile Wing and in June of 1972 was stationed at Grand Forks Air Force Base as a Minuteman Missile Combat Crew Deputy Commander. He was rapidly assigned to the Standardization and Evaluation Division and was upgraded to a Combat Crew Commander. He was discharged in the summer of 1976 having attained the rank of Captain, with a Regular Commission.

VOCATION

Brother Rose practiced law in the 39th Judicial District of Kentucky, consisting of Breathitt, Wolfe, and Powell Counties. He served as Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney for five and one half years, Wolfe County Attorney for two terms, Assistant Wolfe County Attorney for one term. He was the first Trial Commissioner on the Wolfe District Court from January through June 1978. He also served as Master Commissioner, Special Commissioner, and Domestic Relations Commissioner, in many circuit court cases. Brother Rose served as a firefighter for fifteen years and was the Director of Emergency Services for Wolfe County for several years.

MASONIC MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS

Brother Rose is an active fifty year member of Mizpah Masonic Lodge #507 and Cox Masonic Lodge #464 both of which are located in Wolfe County, Kentucky. He is also a member of the Marlin White Lodge of Research #997. He received his Entered Apprentice Degree, was passed to the degree of Fellow Craft, and raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason in 1969. These degrees were conferred by friends and family in Mizpah Masonic Lodge. Brother Rose is a member of the York Rite Bodies of Morehead, KY. (Chapter #168, Council #45 and Commandery #53). He was awarded the Knight Mason by Highland Council #104 and is also a member of the Highland York Rite College #134. He also is a member of the Scottish Rite, having completed the fourth through thirty-second degrees in the Orient of North Dakota later transferring membership to the Valley of Lexington, Orient of Kentucky. Brother Rose was awarded the K.C.C.H honors by the Valley of Lexington. Brother Rose is a Noble of the Mystic Shrine belonging to Oleika Shrine in Lexington, KY. He is also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Paulina Chapter, located in West Liberty, KY. Brother Rose served in several appointed positions in the Grand Lodge of Kentucky during his Masonic Career. He served as Grand Pursuivant in 1992-93, served as District Deputy Grand Master for District #33 and served on Appeals Committee, Trials Committee, and Trial Oversight Committee for Area 3. He earned a Master Ritualist Pin which was awarded in 2014.

GRAND MASTER'S JEWEL WORN

Grand Master Rose proudly wears the Grand Master's Jewel previously worn by Past Grand Master James W. Elam, of Highland Lodge #311, a longtime family friend and mentor.

EXTENDED FAMILY AND THEIR MASONIC AFFILIATIONS

Brother Rose was blessed with three loving daughters, their esteemed spouses, and 3 excellent grandsons. Julie Rose Rogers (Freddie, Mizpah Masonic Lodge #507, Cox Masonic Lodge #464, and O.E.S.)

Gary Grant Rogers (DeMolay) and Connor Ray Rogers Amy Rose Terry (O.E.S) (Wade, Mizpah Masonic Lodge #507, Cox Masonic Lodge #464, and O.E.S.) Isaac Terry Staci Rose (O.E.S.)