[2] At the 1899 convention, Hearn was in his hotel room when Congressman William S. McNary knocked on his door on the evening following the first session.

[11] During his second visit the following February to confer the third degree, a banquet was held in his honor and he met with Archbishop Próspero Alarcón.

[11] As Supreme Knight, he was instrumental in raising funds to endow a chair of American history at Catholic University of America.

[12][10] As Supreme Knight, Hearn also oversaw the institution of the Fourth Degree of the order[4][15] and was involved in Catholic anti-deformation efforts.

[4][17] He was also called upon by the Vatican to oversee several charitable works, including the Knights' project to build playgrounds for children in Rome.

[18] Benedict's successor, Pope Pius XI, insisted that the facilities be open to all regardless of religion, a prospect which pleased Hearn, and donated a parcel of land for the project, that he could see from his apartment in the Vatican.

[19] As Hearn was preparing to shut down the Order's work in Europe in the early 1920s, he reported back that Pope Benedict's request came as a surprise to him.

[20] Following the request, he proposed that the Knights should establish a headquarters in Rome where English speaking tourists could be received and at least two athletic fields with showering facilities to be overseen by Italians.

[22] Hearn, who had already announced his intention to retire following the completion of a project in Rome, returned to the United States in the early 1930s.