Norburn Hyatt lived his life in Buncombe County, and as a Blue Lodge Mason for over 57 years. He first began his Masonic career in the summer of 1960 when he inquired about the Masonic fraternity to his brother-in-law. Shortly thereafter he was elected to receive the degrees and was initiated at Mount Herman Lodge #118 in Asheville on his birthday at the age of 32 in 1960. Norburn’s leadership qualities were quickly recognized and he was soon appointed to the officer line and was subsequently elected as Master of Mount Herman Lodge in 1969. Shortly after joining the Masonic Fraternity, he was elected to receive the Scottish Rite Degrees in 1961 and was decorated with the rank of Knight Commander Court of Honour in October 1969. Continuing his steadfast enthusiasm in the Scottish Rite, he was coroneted an Inspector General Honorary of the 33rd° in October of 1973. He was also appointed to the North Carolina Grand Lodge line, and June of 1985 he was elected as Grand Master of Masons of North Carolina. He was appointed as the Personal Representative to the Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the Orient of North Carolina for the Valley of Asheville in 1985, a position in which he served for 17 years. In addition to these Masonic organizations, Norburn served on many Grand Lodge committees, as a member of the Asheville York Rite, the Oasis Shrine, and was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, where he served as Worthy Patron of Esther Chapter No. 12.

During his Masonic career, Norburn had many honors bestowed on him. He was elected as an honorary member of Vance Lodge #293, Dunn’s Rock Lodge #267, St. Patrick’s Lodge #617, Nichols-West Asheville Lodge #650 and Black Mountain Lodge #663. He was also a Charter member of Veritas Lodge #769 in Asheville.