It is with immense honor and humility that I stand before you today as the newly elected Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky Free and Accepted Masons. Words cannot fully convey my gratitude for the trust you have placed in me to lead this cherished fraternity that has profoundly shaped my life.

I couldn’t have made it to this day without all the support from all the brothers from around state.

My journey began with the encouragement of two dedicated Masons—Scott Watts and Claude Parker from Salt River Lodge #180. I vividly recall the day when their license plates on their cars in my driveway sparked a conversation as they laid tile in our new home. I asked them a questions about the lodge and the shrine and Their words about service, community, and caring for children ignited a desire within me to join a brotherhood devoted to uplifting others.

I am deeply thankful to my mentors of Salt River Lodge, Brother Tony Walls, who guided me with patience and wisdom through my degrees and proficiencies. Tony, your steadfast support, along with that of your wife Linda, has meant the world to both Amber and me. Also, to Brother Daryl Vires who was a guiding light to many of us at Salt River Lodge. Salt River Lodge #180 will always be my Masonic home, where I was raised as a Mason.

I am equally grateful for my family at Fern Creek Lodge #955, where I was honored to serve as Master in 2014 and 2015, and as secretary for several years, as well as a member of the Marlin White Lodge of Research # 997.

The brothers of Salt River and Fern Creek Lodges paved the path for me, nominating me as Grand Junior Warden and setting me on this transformative journey.

Throughout my Masonic life, I have been guided and encouraged by several mentors. Brother Mel Mullins of Fern Creek Lodge # 955  was a pillar of support as I advanced through the chairs at Fern Creek, and his friendship, along with that of his wife Helen, is a gift I will always treasure. I am also grateful to Most Worshipful Past Grand Masters Arnold Wyatt and Charlie Jewell, who twice installed me as Master of Fern Creek Lodge. The friendships Amber and I have built with Arnold and Betty Wyatt, Charlie and Donneta Jewell, and Mel and Helen Mullins—enriched over weekly dinners—have brought great joy to our lives.

My sincere appreciation goes to MWPGM Wilson Wilder, who entrusted me as his District Deputy in District 13 in 2015, and to MWPGM Tim Sanders, who appointed me as his Grand Marshal in 2018. Both of you provided opportunities to serve the craft that have strengthened my heart and dedication. I am also grateful to Brother Tim Vanderhoof and his wife Dora, whose encouragement has inspired me to seek new avenues for service.

To our dear friends, PGM / RWGS Donald Yankey and Janice and PGM / RWGT Keith Dreier and Debbie, thank you all for your unwavering support, encouragement and behind-the-scenes help in countless ways. Your friendship is invaluable—even when you are not in sight, we know you are always by our side.

To all the Grand Masters and Grand Lodge officers I have served with or under—Wilson Wilder, Tim Sanders, Darren Wilson, Dick Short, and Mitchell May—your guidance over the years has been invaluable.

I would be remiss not to mention Past Grand Master John Moyer and his wife Pauline, whose encouraging calls, cards, and letters have made a lasting impact on so many of us.

To my family— To my brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Rhonda Martin, your steadfast support through the years has carried me through every challenge. Thank You!

To my lovely wife, Amber Martin, who has stood by my side through years of travel and absence. Amber, your patience, love, and understanding are the foundation on which I stand. Thank you for being my loving wife and best friend through this journey, I love you!

No Grand Master, secretary, or Grand Lodge officer could fulfill their duties without the steadfast support of our grand lodge secretaries. They are truly the backbone of Kentucky Freemasonry. My heartfelt thanks go to Roberta Douglas, Jamie Paulley, and Debbie Ballinger for their tireless dedication and service to the craft.

As I serve the craft this year, the All-Seeing Eye will accompany me on my travels—a symbol that holds many meanings, but for me, it serves as a reminder of the ever-watchful presence of the Good Lord. It is through His guidance that we are given choices, and it is upon us to choose the path of light, to uphold our obligations, and to live by the teachings of the Bible. By doing so, we become better Masons, spouses, community members, and leaders—true pillars of society.

Let us all strive to “BE THE VISION”—to live so that others may see the great works we do in our communities and feel called to join us. Our future is bright, especially as we nurture and support our youth groups—the DeMolay young men, the Job’s Daughters, and the young women of the Rainbow Girls—who are the next generation of leaders in our communities and Masonic bodies.

Today, as I accept this office, I do so with humility, love, and a deep sense of responsibility. I love and appreciate you all and vow to serve the craft of Kentucky with respect, integrity, and devotion. Serving the Grand Lodge of Kentucky is both a privilege and a solemn responsibility, one that I approach with deep respect and a spirit of service. As we move forward together, I pledge to honor the traditions that have shaped our fraternity, while embracing opportunities for growth and unity. Let us continue to build on the legacy of those who came before us, fostering brotherhood, compassion, and integrity in all that we do. With gratitude for the support and inspiration you have given me, I look forward to working side by side with each of you to strengthen our lodges, serve our communities, and uphold the highest ideals of Masonry. Together, may we ensure that our beloved fraternity remains a beacon of light, hope, and fellowship for generations to come

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for this opportunity to serve. May the Grand Architect of the Universe bless each of you, our families, and this great fraternity.

So mote it be.

Fraternally Thine,

Luke Martin
Grand Master 2025-2026