Robertson County HFH was chartered as a HFH affiliate in November 1996. On August 3, 1997, this affiliate completed and dedicated its first house, which was built in 9 days! The house was built for Brother Marty Groves, his wife Patty and their children Brandon, Brandy and William, ages 14,12 and 6. Brother Groves, who is a member of Greenbrier Lodge #753 works as a Robertson County Deputy Sheriff and is coordinator of the D.A.R.E. program. Daughter Brandy is ill with cystic fibrosis--she had been hospitalized during most of the time while the house was being built, and was released from the hospital the day prior to the dedication. The family had been living in a small old house, which aggravated Brandy's health problems. Brandy had a long standing wish for a bedroom of her own; this came to the attention of the local Dream Makers Foundation, who worked with Robertson County HFH to make this dream a reality. Countless volunteers from local Churches and Civic groups were joined by over 50 brethren and Eastern Star sisters and contributed donations of materials, money, food for workers and 150 hours of sweat equity. Brother Ralph Baggett (District 7 Chairman), Brother Walter Lee (Robertson County Chairman), Brother Robert Tod (WM Greenbrier Lodge #753), and Brother Jim Purviance (W.M. Western Star Lodge #9) organized efforts and also worked on site. Brother Walter reports that while working on the house as an operative builder he was asked for Petitions for the Three degrees by several HABITAT volunteers.

In March 1998, at the request of Past Grand Master John Palmer, Brother Groves addressed the Grand Lodge during its annual session. He expressed his gratitude for HABITAT, and discussed how it has greatly benefitted his family. He urged all Masons to get involved in some way with a local HABITAT affiliate.

BACK ROW: Bro. Walter Lee, Bro. Jim Purviance, Patty and Bro. Marty Groves, Bro. Tom Boduch
FRONT ROW: Bro. Ralph Baggett, Brandon, Brandy and William Groves