Biography
Biographical Sketch of Hebbert Henderson
Grand Master 1934-1935
* * * *
By Ray S. Stewart, PM of
F. & A. M.
(This biographical sketch of
Hebbert Henderson was written in 1934 by Ray S. Stewart, PM of Lexington
Lodge # 1, F. & A. M. Thing change but yet remain the same.)
That the brethren throughout
the state may know their Grand Master more intimately, we supply this
short biography together with his fraternal affiliations:
Brother Henderson was born at Station Camp,
He was reared on a farm and received his education in public schools of
His close adherence to business won him rapid promotion, until 1929, he
was a cashier of this institution, filling that position until the
merging of this institution and others of similar character in Irvine in
1929, led him to accept a position with Union Bank and Trust Company as
assistant cashier. This position he held until February 15, 1932,
when he resigned.
Hebbert Henderson petitioned O. D. Henderson Lodge # 437, Station Camp,
Kentucky, July 23, 1910. He was elected to membership and received
the Entered Apprentice degree, August 27, 1910; was passed to the Fellow
Craft degree, September 24, 1910; and raised to the sublime degree of
Master Mason, October 22, 1910. On December 27, 1911; he was
elected Junior Warden; Senior Warden, December 27, 1912; Master,
December 27, 1913 serving in that capacity for one year.
He petitioned Richmond Chapter # 16, Royal Arch Masons, June 7, 1921 and
was exalted to the August Degree of Royal Arch Masons, October 6, 1921.
On October 2, 1923, he demitted from Richmond Chapter to become a
charter member of Irvine Chapter # 42, January 7, 1924 when he was
appointed the Principal Sojourner, and held that office until he was
elected High Priest, August 19, 1927. Following his retirement as
High Priest, he was elected treasurer, August 6, 1929 and served in that
capacity for many years.
March 13, 1924 he petitioned for and received the degrees in Richmond
Council # 71, R. & S. M. On February 10, 1925 he demitted to
become a charter member of Irvine Council # 92, R. & S. M., becoming the
first Deputy Master of this council on July 7, 1925. August 24,
1926 he was elected Thrice Illustrious Master of this council, serving
one year.
On
September20, 1921, he petitioned Richmond Commandery # 19, Knights
Templar, and on October 13, 1921, received all of the degrees in that
commandery. On March 4, 1924 he was elected Junior Warden, and was
regularly advanced each year until he became Eminent Commander, March 6,
1928. On November 17, 1923 he received the 32 degree in Indra
Consistory, A. A. S. R., in the
On May
22, 1922 he received the degrees in Irvine Chapter # 357, O. E. S.,
Hebbert Henderson is to a marked degree a well balanced man, a man sane
in all relations of life. It follows that he is hopeful and
optimistic. Cheerfulness and good nature are the very essence of
his being. He bears with him at all times the atmosphere of love
and sunshine. He is square, brave, and true; a great, tender
hearted manly man.
Hebbert Henderson has a personality that is harmonious and integrated,
whose mind is clear as a bell, whose heart is as pure and clear as the
lily, who is genuinely concerned with the truth at all times, whose
living is as the overflowing of pure spring water, and whose
essence is graceful unselfishness.
No sacrifice too great, no service too onerous when the good of humanity
is involved. He blends the splendid assets of server and leader.
Never too proud to perform the most menial duty; always brave and wise
enough to lead with valor and direct with wisdom.
He is a genial, gracious, kindly gentleman who treats all who come
within the circle of his influence, rich or poor, exalted or lowly, with
the same rare and exquisite courtesy.
Two
quotations from Brother Hebbert Henderson’s writings and speeches reveal
his soul to us:
“A True
Freemason is a free man; free from passion, free from prejudice, free
from selfishness, free from bigotry, free from the blind spirit of
intolerance.”
“If you
would fulfill your trust; if you would be of service to mankind, a
benefactor of the race, learn endurance of labor with the tools you
possess. Gird yourself for the battle that is on, and remember
always that he serves best who serves most. This world can be made
a better place in which to live. To do so demands high ideals, the
spirit of brotherhood, and the desire to make one’s own life count for
the good of all.”
We are
fully persuaded that Masons of Kentucky, in elevating to the highest
position of honor within their gift, Brother Hebbert Henderson, made no
mistake, and that when he shall have surrendered the reins of authority
to other hands at the end of his term of office, his record will be as
outstanding and as unselfish as have the records of his illustrious
predecessors.
(Special
thanks to Brother Roy Lee Henderson for his tireless efforts in
restoring a part of O.D. Henderson Lodge history)