Grand Master

The purpose of a biography is to leave for posterity a record of one's life and deeds. Yet, in our recollections of those we love and admire most, we are often unable to recall those first meetings. I am, however, fortunate that I kindly remember April 20, 1944, when I first met Brother Downard. It is because of this I may naturally begin to write, hoping to relate at least in part, the man, the husband, the father, the Mason. Time and space will not accord a detailed account of Brother Harold's personal accomplishments, his dedication to Church, country, family and his unyielding faith in the principles of Masonry. These shall certainly be recorded in that larger book. It is therefore my intention to provide a synopsis of the life of our Grand Master. Our Illustrious Grand Master was born Harold William Downard on May 9, 1922 to parents Harold and Myrtle Downard at Brooksville, Kentucky. Brother Downard attended the public schools and later graduated from Brooksville High School. Shortly after graduation, he joined the U. S. Navy, where he served in the Pacific Theatre of Operations. Subsequent to his military service, Brother Downard was employed by Reynolds Metals Company, from which he retired in 1982. Brother Downard was married to Leona "Jodie" Fryear on December 31, 1950 and they have been blessed with two daughters and two grandchildren. It is only appropriate that I make a brief comment concerning Mrs. Downard. During the years I have known Brother Downard, he has traveled extensively throughout Kentucky. Brother Downard has done so with no personal motive, only his love for the Fraternity in mind. Throughout all his endeavors toward the Fraternity, Mrs. Downard has done nothing but provide support. While Brother Downard is about to complete his term as our Grand Master, I deem it appropriate to proclaim to Mrs. Downard, that through her support, Brother Downard has held high the tenets of Masonry and has cared well for this Grand Lodge. It is my special desire that those Masons who know her, say "Thank You", and it is unfortunate everyone has not had the opportunity to know this very special lady. As is with most Masons everywhere, Brother Downard is actively involved in Church work. In 1959, Brother Downard united with the Eastwood Christian Church, Eastwood, Kentucky, where he now resides. During the years he has served as Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, and presently is serving as Church Treasurer. Whether implied or inferred, there exists a special relationship between the Church and Freemasonry. I believe Brother Downard's sincereity to this relationship was best stated by him when he once commented, "Except for the opportunity to serve my God and his Church, I can think of no greater honor than serving as Grand Master." Certainly no one could more profoundly express his ideals, except by living them. How often we find that in those individuals who seemingly assume the most responsibilities are also those who may be counted on to do well in all their endeavors. Our retiring Grand Master exemplifies this axiom. His zeal and enthusiasm for Freemasonry has become evident to all who have come in contact with him over the years. Brother Downard's Masonic Record speaks for itself. It is replete with activity and service to promote the welfare of the institution of Freemasonry. During his year as Grand Master, Brother Downard has conducted himself as he has throughout his life. A man of strong character and exemplary habits, Brother Downard has always conducted himself with complete candor and courage. When facing the many decisions which must be made by every Grand Master, I have never known Brother Downard to determine which decision might be most expedient. He has handled each situation with marked care and sincere concern for not only what may be in the best interest of our Grand Lodge, but also what may be in the best interest of each individual Mason. Yet, throughout the trials and tribulations which accompany each Grand Master, Brother Downard has remained courteous and considerate with an abundance of kindness and good fellowship. Brother Downard has utilized every avenue to promote greater enthusiasm among the Craft. He initiated the "You Asked For It" Conference, which was received with great enthusiasm. He instituted the Lodge of Excellence Award, which provided Lodges with even greater activity. Through his monthly messages in the Masonic Home Journal Brother Downard truly focused our attention on the principles of Freemasonry. These messages were no idle commentaries, but rather provided insight as to who our Grand Master is and what he stands for. In his messages he discussed Divine Wisdom, Power. Justice, Mercy, necessity, liberty, omnipotence, free will, good, evil, light, darkness and the ultimate law of the brotherhood of man. I feel there are many adjectives to describe our retiring Grand Master. Brother Downard is endowed with sincerity, ability, a courteous and considerate manner, sympathetic heart, an optimist and above all, integrity. It is my everlasting hope that I have provided sufficient information enabling one to further appreciate our Grand Master and his teachings. We have been taught by Brother Downard by both word and example, that material things are transient, merely temporal. Only the spiritual remains. That mysterious cement of friendship binding us to our families, our friends and those treasured companions of truth and honor. Brother Downard has taught Masonry can be a way of life. Robert Frost once said: "Nothing gold can stay." Brother Downard's life has echoed this theme. Our goals in life and our satisfactions cannot be found in material possessions, but in family and friends. Brother Downard has truly been an effective teacher. Through our further associations with him, we shall continue to learn. Masons everywhere can be so very thankful that the biography of our Illustrious Grand Master is not yet complete. Masonic Record Blue Lodge Master Mason, February 27, 1960, Sunset Lodge No. 915: Master, 1969. Grand Representative to South Australia: Committee on Homes, 1971; District Deputy Grand Master, District No. 16, 1972; Grand Lodge Ritual Advisory Committee — Chairman, 1974; Grand Tiler, 1978; Grand Senior Deacon, 1979; Grand Sword Bearer, 1980; Grand Junior Warden, 1981; Grand Senior Warden, 1982; Deputy Grand Master, 1983; Grand Master, 1984. Scottish Rite Louisville Consistory, November 7, 1964, Lexington Consistory; Master of Kadosh, 1979-1980; Decorated Knight Commander of the Court of Honor, 1975; Founder and Past President of the North Central Kentucky Scottish Rite Club; Coroneted an Inspector General Honorary of the Thirty-Third Degree, 1979. York Rite CHAPTER: Shelby No. 2, R.A.M., November 12, 1965; High Priest, 1969 and 197L Charter High Priest, Iroquois No. 193, R.A.M., 1980-1981. Grand Chapter, R.A.M.: Home Committee, 1970- 1971-1979-1980; Inspector; 1975-1976-1977; Area Coordinator, 1980- 1981; Chairman of Chapter U.D. Committee, 1978-1979. COUNCIL: Harry S. Walters No. 101, R.&S.M., November 12, 1965; Illustrious Master, 1970; Charter Illustrious Master, Sword & Trowel Council No. I l l , 1980-1981: Grand Council, R.&S.M., Grand Steward, 1972-1973; Inspector, 1974-1975-1976-1977-1979-1980; General Grand Council Award, 1977. COMMANDERY: Shelby Commandery, June 18, 1966; Commander, 1968 and 1970; Eye Foundation Committee, 1970-1971; Deputy Instructor, Area No. 5, 1981. Eastern Star Member of Middletown Chapter No. 319, Order of the Eastern Star, 1963. Order of The Amaranth Member of Friendship Court No. 22; Royal Patron, 1963 and 1965; Grand Royal Patron, 1966; Deputy Supreme Royal Patron, 1985. Other Masonic Affiliations Member Kosair Temple and Oleika Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S.; Member of Sovereign Order of Knight Preceptor, 1985; Philalethes Society, Kentucky Chapter; Life Member and Past President, Society of Past Masters of North Central Kentucky; Holy Order of High Priesthood, 1969; Kentucky Council of Anointed Kings, Order of the Silver Trowel, 1970.