Most Excellent Grand High Priest
Peter James Bruton, KYCH
Peter James Bruton, KYCH, was born on June 3, 1963, in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Raised in a modest two‑bedroom row home, he spent his early years surrounded by family before relocating to Florida, where he continued his education in the Seminole County Public Schools system.
His introduction to Freemasonry began in the early 1980s following the passing of his uncle, Willie James Bruton. During this period, his stepfather formally adopted him, legally giving him the Bruton name. While attending Savannah State College, he encountered Freemasonry, though the time was not yet right for him to pursue membership.
In 1996, his interest was renewed, leading him to petition Jupiter Lodge No. 22, Prince Hall Affiliated, in Orlando, Florida. He was initiated as an Entered Apprentice in March 1997, passed to Fellowcraft, and raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on June 21, 1997. From the outset, Brother Bruton distinguished himself through diligence, study, and service, ultimately serving as Worshipful Master from 2006 to 2007.
In 1998, he was exalted into the Holy Royal Arch in Bethel Chapter No. 37, where he began his service as Secretary and later presided as Excellent High Priest from 2005 to 2006. His pursuit of further light led him into the Cryptic Rite, where he became a Companion of Nero Council No. 5 and served as Thrice Illustrious Master from 2009 to 2010. He continued his York Rite journey as a Sir Knight of Mars Hill Commandery No. 11, serving as Eminent Commander in 2011.
His Masonic affiliations expanded further with membership in Malta Temple, A.E.A.O.N.M.S., and City Beautiful Consistory No. 297, where he became a Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret. In 2014, he accepted invitation into Union Priory No. 6.
The Companions of the Most Excellent Union Grand Chapter elected him Grand Treasurer in 2014, entrusting him with increasing responsibility over the years. His dedicated service culminated on April 21, 2026, when he was elected Most Excellent Grand High Priest during the 123rd Annual Grand Convocation.
Across the Grand Bodies, he has served with distinction:
Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge
- District Deputy Grand Master (2010–2015)
- Grand Junior Deacon (2013–2015)
Most Excellent Union Grand Chapter
- Grand Royal Arch Captain (2005–2010)
- District Grand Instructor (2011)
- Grand Treasurer (2014–2017)
- Grand Scribe (2019–2020)
- Most Excellent Grand High Priest (2026–Present)
Most Illustrious Union Grand Council
- Right Illustrious Grand Steward (2008)
- Right Illustrious Grand Captain of the Guard (2014)
Beyond his Masonic labor, Peter Bruton is a devoted husband and father. He married Lisa Thompson on April 8, 2000, and together they share two sons, D’Andre and Devan. He is actively working to establish a charitable organization in honor of his mother, D.A.B. Co., with the goal of achieving 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.
Despite the many honors he has received, he remains grounded in service. As he states in his original biography, “Of all the honors bestowed upon him in Freemasonry, his most cherished Masonic title is simply Brother.” Above all, the title he values most—and considers his greatest accomplishment—is Dad.