IN MEMORIAM & CELEBRATION
In Memoriam MWB William J. Hill Grand Master of Missouri 1982-1983 by Dr. J. C. Montgomery Jr, Past Grand Master
PGM “Bill” Hill was a prime example of what the noted commentator Tom Brokaw called “The Greatest Generation.” It was fitting that before his death he was able to share in an “Honor Flight” and return to scenes he had known in the terrible days of 1944-45 when Allied Forces finally drove to victory in Europe. Bill Hill was a member of the 35th Division whose shoulder patch of the blue and white Santa Fe Cross mingled with the red of sacrifice from the hedgerows of Normandy through France, Holland, Belgium. and into Germany. Other facets of MWB Hill’s life were also typically American. Born in Coffeyville, KS, he was educated in the Kansas City public schools. His was a Masonic heritage, as his maternal grandfather was Master Mason in Scotland. and his father and other relatives were Masons. Bro. Hill became a DeMolay at age 16 in Mother Chapter where Frank S. Land was Advisor. Later Bro. Hill’s DeMolay career would include national responsibilities in that Order. Following war time service Bro. Hill, as did many returning military. pursued his higher education, attaining the Juris Doctor degree. He worked for two years on the Kansas City Public Service Company legal staff, then devoted the rest of his professional career to private law practice. Bro. Hill was a Master Mason for sixty years, beginning his Masonic journey in Ivanhoe Lodge No. 446 in 1955, serving as Master in 1963, a year later becoming DDGM of the (then), 22nd Masonic District. He was next appointed to the important Grand Lodge Jurisprudence Committee and in time served as its chairman. In 1974 Grand Master page 23
Walter L. “Bud” Walker appointed RWB Hill to the advancing Grand Lodge line as Senior Grand Marshal. Five years later our future Grand Master became a member of the Masonic Home Board. He served as Board President in1980-81. Under his leadership studies concerning the fiscal potential for a western unit of the Masonic Home and professional fund raising and education programs for the Home were initiated.
MWB William J. Hill Grand Master of Missouri 1982-1983
In 1982, he became Missouri’s 136th Grand Master. His term was characterized by far-reaching programs and emphases such as the “Penny-a-Day” and leadership promotion in the area conferences. Several of the Past Grand Masters have described his leadership as “classy,” using that word in the best sense. Still Grand Master Hill never forgot the common, precious touch of brotherliness. Another “Past Grand” recalls how MWB Hill drove long miles on top of a crowded professional schedule to bring “peace and harmony” to a troubled lodge. Grand Master Hill’s Masonic contributions extended beyond the Grand Lodge. He was a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason and served four years as Personal Representative in the Valley of Kansas City for the then SGIG Earl K. Dille. He was a member of York Rite Bodies in Kansas City and was secretary and Sovereign of Mary Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine. He was also a member of Ararat Shrine. The Freemason