Grand Master

Brother Richard F. (Dick) Short was born in Somerset, Kentucky on August 24, 1957. He is the son of Richard Stark and Eloise Yvonne Short, Jr. Brother Short was educated in the Somerset School System and has been a member of Langdon Street Baptist church since childhood. Brother Short has three sons, all of which are members of Somerset Lodge #111, and five grandchildren. Brother Short married Bonnie Hansell on October 1, 1994. Brother Short and Bonnie are both retired and currently live and farm in Eastern Pulaski County.

After petitioning Somerset Lodge #111 in Somerset, Kentucky, and elected to receive the degrees, Brother Short was initiated as an Entered Apprentice on November 30, 1979, passed to the Degree of a Fellow Craft on January 4, 1980, and on February 1, 1980, he was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason in Somerset Lodge #111.

Brother Short served our country for 6 years as a United States Marine. He entered service in August 1974. He served as a Combat Engineer and, upon his honorable discharge, had risen to the rank of Staff Sargent (E-6). After his honorable discharge, Brother Short was employed by the California Highway Patrol where he served in many positions such as Road Patrol, Flight Paramedic and Public Affairs Officer until his retirement in August 2007.

After his retirement, Brother Short returned to his farm in Somerset, Kentucky and proceeded to become active in Somerset Lodge #111. Serving as Senior Steward in 2009/2010 Brother Short advanced through the chairs and was elected Master of Somerset Lodge #111 on December 27, 2013. Brother Short was elected secretary of Somerset Lodge #111 on December 27, 2014 and has served Somerset Lodge #111 as secretary since that time.

Brother Short is a member of Hiram Bassett Lodge of Research #994; Marlin White Lodge of Research #997; Scottish Rite, Valley of Lexington; Somerset York Rite Chapter #25, Council #68 and Commandery #31; Oleika Shrine Temple and the Appalachian Past Masters Society.

Brother Short served the Grand Lodge of Kentucky as District Deputy Grand Master for District #22 in 2015-2016, Committee on Veterans Affairs 2016-2017 and 2019-2020 and Grand Tiler 2017-2018 At the 221st Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky on October 20, 2020, he was elected by the Craft to the office of Grand Junior Warden. He was advanced to Grand Senior Warden at the 222nd Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky on October 19, 2021, and then to Grand Deputy Grand Master at the 223rd Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky on October 18, 2022. On October 17, 2023, Most Worshipful Richard F. Short was elected and installed as Grand Master of Masons in Kentucky. Believing that history is a crucial part of our masonic lodges, Grand Master Short returned 65 old charters to lodges across the state during the 32 district meetings held in 2024. These charters were from lodges that had either gone defunct, consolidated or merged with other lodges. The Past Grand Master's jewel, which he proudly wears, was originally the jewel of Past Grand Master Thomas E. Dicken, 1973-1974. As Grand Master, he has always been faithful to the Craft and Masonry. He has been that mason, 24 - 7. May the Grand Architect of the Universe continue to be with him.