Grand Master

Brother William Morris Petry was born in Garrett, Kentucky, a small coal mining community in Eastern Kentucky, on April 10, 1927. His parents, Mell Petry and Joanne Coburn Petry, later relocated in Pike County, where Brother Petry was educated in the county school system. After graduating from Pikeville High School, Brother Petry furthered his education by attending Pikeville College, in Pikeville, Kentucky and La- Salle University Law School, in LaSalle, Illinois. Brother Petry received an Honorable Discharge from the United States Navy, following two years of service to his country. After completing his military service, Brother Petry returned to Martin, Kentucky, where he opened a furniture store, becoming a respected businessman and honored member of his community. Brother Petry married Willie DeRossett on October 6, 1956 and is the proud father of two children, Karen Petry and William Edward Petry. Brother Petry became a member of the Church of Christ of Martin, Kentucky in 1962. He is very active in his service to the church and has served as Sunday School Superintendent for several years. Brother Petry's Masonic career began on March 30,1963, when he was initiated as an Entered Apprentice in John W. Hall Lodge No. 950 at Martin, Kentucky. He was passed to the degree of Fellowcraft on April 27,1963 and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on May 25, 1963. Brother Petry held several offices in John W. Hall Lodge No. 950 and became Master of this lodge in 1968. He also served as District Deputy Grand Master for District No. 38 for the 1970-1971 term. Brother Petry became a charter member of Hadassah Chapter No. 575, OES at Martin, Kentucky. He and his family played a significant role in the formation and growth of this Chapter by not only providing support and inspiration, but by their attendance and participation. This family participation provided an example of the togetherness so vital to a new organization such as this. Brother Petry is also a member of the following Masonic organizations: Prestonsburg Chapter No. 182 R.A.M. Prestonsburg, Kentucky Ray G. Tipton Council Paintsville, Kentucky Paintsville Commandry Paintsville, Kentucky Lexington Consistry (Demitted from Indra Consistry) Lexington, Kentucky Oleika Temple (Ceremonies of A.A.O.N.M.S.) Lexington, Kentucky Brother Petry served the Grand Lodge of Kentucky as Grand Pursuivant in 1983. He was elected Grand Junior Warden in 1984, elevated to Grand Senior Warden in 1985 and Deputy Grand Master in 1986. He was elected and installed Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky on October 20, 1987. As Brother Petry completes his term in this high office and the burden of his duties to the Brothers of this Grand Lodge is passed into the capable hands of his successor, he can look back with pride at his accomplishments. He stated his goals to the craft at the onset of his term and has devoted himself to their fulfillment, with no thought of personal gain or glory, but only of improvement for the Masonic institution in Kentucky. As Brother Petry assumes his well deserved place of honor with the other distinguished Past Grand Masters of this Grand Lodge, to offer us guidance and inspiration in the coming years, we can only say; Thank you, Bosh, for a successful and rewarding year.