MWBro. Robert E. Hancock, Past Grand Master of Indiana, suffered an aneurism last Tuesday, after a hospital procedure that was intended to clear his arteries of blockages. As of this weekend, he remains in St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, paralyzed on one side, and unable to speak. He is able to breathe on his own, but is on a ventilator to make breathing easier.Anyone who knows Bob is aware of his larger than life persona. He was a controversial Grand Master back in 1998-99, making such *shocking* changes in Indiana Masonry such as requiring all lodge business meetings to open on the EA degree (like the rest of the Masonic world does outside of the US), and cementing ties between the Grand Lodge of Indiana and the newly recognized Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Indiana. Because of his actions, the Grand Lodge voted the following year to rescind several of his recommendations, and to prevent future grand masters from breaking existing GL law by edict.
In the last year, Bob has been traveling the state speaking on behalf of the Scottish Rite Valley of Indianapolis, and the idea that he is unable to speak is almost unthinkable.
Bob's family has asked for the prayers of all who know him, but request that friends not call at this time.
