MOGMBHunt
BRUCE HARMON HUNT 1913-1995
Picture courtesy of Missouri Lodge of Research Archive
Grand Master, 1960-1961
BIOGRAPHY
From Missouri Lodge of Research:
Bruce Hunt was born January 29, 1913 in Forest City, Missouri the son of George Sherman and Laura Duree Hunt. His maternal grandfather. Albert Harmon Duree, was a member of Joplin Lodge NO 335 and served three times as its Master. He received his education in the public schools of Kirksville, with the exception of his last year. He was graduated from New Bloomfield High School in 1931.
Brother Hunt began the study of mechanical dentistry and became the owner of Superior Dental Laboratory in Kirksville, which he operated from 1931-1945.
Brother Hunt brought national recognition to Missouri in every branch of Freemasonry, particularly the York Rite, His wide acquaintance, dignity, decorum and ability to make proper Masonic introductions, has established him on of the the nation's leading Master of Ceremonies.
Bruce Hunt held a commercial pilot's license with both instructor and instrumental ratings. At the advent of the war, he became an Instructor in the War Training Program and instructed in primary, liaison, indoctrination, cross country and instrument training. His aviation career also included an active participation in organizing an air unit for the Missouri State Guard, in which he was commissioned a Major and served as Executive Officer for two years,
Brother Hunt was initiated in Adair Lodge No 366 on December 10, 1035, passed January 14, 1936 and raised March 7, 1936, He served as Master of the Lodge in 1940. He served the Grand Lodge as DDGL from 1940-1946 and in 1950. He was appointed Grand Sword Bearer in 1950, Masonic Home Board, 1957-1961 and was elected Grand Master in 1960.
While in office as Grand Master he was immediately confronted with a series of circumstances which showed his ability to lead. Harold L Reader, the revered Grand Secretary for many years resigned in the spring. Two weeks after his election, his friend and mentor, Ray V. Denslow died and Bruce was appointed Grand Secretary/Recorder of the York Rite in Missouri. Being elected he moved the Grand York Rite office from Trenton to Kirksville.
Brother Hunt was Charter member of the Missouri Lodge of Research and served as Master in 1956.
He was a member of Caldwell Chapter No 53, RAM in Kirksville and served as High Priest in 1941. He served as Grand Lecturer of the Grand Chapter RAM from 1946-1960 and Grand Secretary from 1960-1995. He was made an Honorary Grand High Priest in 1978.
Brother Hunt was a member of Kirksville Council NO 44, Cryptic Masons and serves as Master i 1942. He was Grand Master of the Grand Council in 1952, Grand Lecturer from 1952-1960 and Grand Recorder from 1960-1995.
He was a member of Ely Commandery No 22 Knights Templar and served as Commander in 1944. He served as Grand Recorder of the Grand Commandery from 1960-1995
Brother Hunt was a member of the Scottish Rite, Valley of St Louis receiving the degrees in 1957 and being recognized KCCH in 1961. He was a member of the Red Cross of Constantine and served as Sovereigh of St Chrysostom Concalve No 36 in 1952.
He was a member of the Supreme Council, Order of Demolay, Grand Council, Allied Masonic Degrees USA serviing as Grand Master in 1961 and the Grand College of Rites.
He was a member of Moila Shrine, Knights York of Cross of Honor, Missouri Priory No 17, Allied Masonic Degree, Kilwinning Council, National Sojourners, Kansas City, Order of the Eastern Star, White Shrine of Jerusalem, Societas Rosicruciand in Civitatibus Foederatis, Virginia Chapter, Masonic Order of the Bath, Ancient Order of Corks, Knight Masons of Ireland, Order of Constructor Masons, Latin America, Fellow of the Grand College of Rites.
Grand Master Hunt passed away in 1995 and on December 19, 1995, Past Grand Master Dale C. Motter conducted Masonic Funeral Services.
