Freemasonry is a fraternal organisation that has been around for centuries, and today it still boasts a significant number of members across the world. Famous present-day Freemasons include many well-known figures from politics, business, the media and other public arenas. These individuals have chosen to join and support the fraternity of Freemasonry in order to benefit from its teachings, ideals and values. This article will look at some of these famous present-day Freemasons and explore why they have chosen to become part of this secretive organisation.
Famous present day Freemasons in the United States include actor and filmmaker Bob Zemeckis, former US President Gerald Ford, singer and songwriter John Legend, former US President Ronald Reagan, musician Pat Boone, and baseball Hall of Famer Hank Aaron. Other notable Freemasons in the United States include astronaut Neil Armstrong, writer Mark Twain, former US President Harry Truman, inventor Thomas Edison, scientist Albert Einstein and actor John Wayne.
Notable Freemasons in Britain
Freemasonry is a fraternity with a rich history and many notable members. Its members are men of all walks of life, from different backgrounds and professions. In Britain, there are many famous Freemasons whose names have become iconic in their respective fields. Here are some of the most famous British Freemasons:
• Sir Winston Churchill: Churchill was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during World War II. He was initiated into Freemasonry in 1901 and rose to be the Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England in 1940.
• William Ewart Gladstone: Gladstone was a four-time Prime Minister of Britain who served multiple terms between 1868 and 1894. He was made a Mason in 1865 and served as Grand Master from 1875 to 1880.
• Sir Arthur Conan Doyle: Doyle was an author best known for creating Sherlock Holmes, one of literature’s most iconic characters. He was initiated into the Masonic Order in 1887 and eventually became Grand Master of the Order in Scotland from 1900 to 1907.
• Albert Einstein: The world-renowned physicist, who is widely regarded as one of the most influential scientists ever, joined Freemasonry in 1924 while living in London.
• Rudyard Kipling: Kipling was an author best known for his works such as The Jungle Book and Kim, both written while he was living in India. He became a Mason in 1885 while living there and rose to become Deputy Provincial Grand Master for Bengal in 1895.
• Edward VII: Edward VII was King of Great Britain from 1901 until his death in 1910. He had been initiated into Freemasonry by his father, Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Kent, when he was 20 years old and eventually became Grand Master himself before he ascended to the throne.
These are just some examples of famous British Freemasons whose legacies live on today through their work or their leadership positions within the fraternity itself.
Introduction
Freemasonry is a fraternal organisation with a rich and diverse history, with members across the Commonwealth Nations. This article will look at some of the most notable Freemasons from the Commonwealth nations.
Lord Baden Powell
One of the most famous Freemasons in history is Lord Baden Powell, founder of the Scout Movement. He was initiated into Lodge St George’s in 1885, while serving in India. His achievements as a Freemason included becoming Grand Master of South Africa in 1910 and being knighted by King Edward VII for his services to humanity.
Field Marshal Montgomery
Field Marshal Montgomery, 1st Viscount Montgomery of Alamein was one of the most prominent British Freemasons. He was initiated into Lodge Brotherly Love No 44, Malta in 1925 and became Grand Master of Derbyshire in 1951. He was also an active member of several other Masonic orders including Royal Arch Masonry and Knights Templar.
Sir Winston Churchill
Sir Winston Churchill was another highly respected British Freemason who joined Lodge Studholme Alliance No 1591 in 1901 while he was Prime Minister. He remained an active member throughout his life and held many important positions in the fraternity including Grand Master of England from 1915 to 1921.
Sir Ernest Shackleton
Sir Ernest Shackleton is best known for leading three expeditions to Antarctica between 1908 and 1922. He was initiated into Lodge Union No 87 Ireland, while he served as a Second Lieutenant in the army during 1896-97. He went on to become a Provincial Grand Master for South Wales.
General Sir Arthur Currie
General Sir Arthur Currie was one of Canada’s most distinguished military commanders during World War I and served as Grand Master of Canada from 1927-1930. He joined Lodge St Andrew’s No 16 Scotland, while he served as an officer cadet at Royal Military College, Kingston Ontario during 1897-98.
In Reflection
These are just some examples of notable Freemasons from the Commonwealth countries who have made major contributions to society through their work and dedication to the Masonic brotherhood. They serve as shining examples that hard work and dedication can lead to great success regardless of one’s background or circumstances.
Famous Freemasons in Europe
Freemasonry is a centuries-old fraternal organization that has had a great influence on European societies and many notable figures throughout history. Here are some of the most famous Freemasons in Europe:
• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: One of the most revered composers in history, Mozart was initiated as a Freemason in December 1784. He wrote several Masonic works, including his opera The Magic Flute.
• Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: This German writer and statesman was initiated into the Masonic lodge at Weimar in 1780. He is known for his plays, poetry, and other works.
• Benjamin Franklin: This American statesman and diplomat was an important figure during the American Revolution and was a member of several Masonic lodges in France. He also wrote extensively on Masonic philosophy.
• Arthur Conan Doyle: The creator of Sherlock Holmes was initiated into a Scottish lodge in 1887 and quickly rose to prominence within the fraternity. He wrote several works that featured Masonic themes.
• Giuseppe Garibaldi: This Italian revolutionary was an ardent advocate of Italian unification and joined the Masonic lodge in Marseilles in 1844. He is considered to be one of the most influential Freemasons of all time.
• Sir Winston Churchill: The iconic British Prime Minister was initiated into a London lodge in 1901 and remained active until his death in 1965.
Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that has been around for centuries. It is composed of members who share a common belief in the principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth. Freemasonry has had an influence on many aspects of life, including politics, business, and culture. In Asia, Freemasonry has had a long and important history. Here are some of the most notable Freemasons in Asia:
• Sultan Abdul Hamid II: Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1876 to 1909, Abdul Hamid II was one of the most influential Freemasons in Asia. He was initiated into the Order of Strict Observance in 1867 and rose to power as Grand Master of all Masonic lodges in Turkey.
• Sun Yat-sen: A Chinese revolutionary leader and political theorist who founded the Kuomintang (KMT) political party and served as its first leader from 1912 to 1925. Sun Yat-sen was made a Mason at Victoria Lodge No. 455 in Hong Kong on April 24th 1895.
• Aga Khan III: Heir to the Ismaili throne and leader of the Nizari Ismaili Muslims from 1885 until his death in 1957, Aga Khan III was initiated into Freemasonry at St John’s Lodge No 476 EC on December 29th 1914. He later became Grand Master of India’s United Grand Lodge in 1937-1938.
• Subhas Chandra Bose: An Indian political leader who served as president of the Indian National Congress from 1938 to 1939 and founded the Indian National Army during World War II. Bose was initiated into masonry at Theosophical Lodge No 239 EC on May 28th 1915.
• Mahatma Gandhi: A preeminent political and spiritual leader of India during the Indian independence movement whose philosophy inspired civil rights movements around the world. Gandhi was initiated into masonry at Palette Cross Lodge No 271 EC on April 17th 1920 but resigned shortly after due to his opposition to secret societies such as Freemasonry.
• Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi: Better known as Mahatma Gandhi, he was an influential figure in India’s struggle for independence against British colonial rule during the mid-twentieth century. Gandhi was made a Mason at Palette Cross Lodge No 271 EC on April 17th 1920 but resigned shortly after due to his opposition to secret societies such as Freemasonry.
• Jawaharlal Nehru: India’s first Prime Minister after its independence from Britain, Nehru was made a Mason at King George V Lodge No 3361 ECSL in London on July 16th 1924.
Prominent Freemasons in Africa
Freemasonry is an ancient fraternal organization with members all over the world. It is believed to have originated from the stonemasons and cathedral builders of the Middle Ages. In Africa, Freemasonry has a long history, with lodges dating back to the 18th century. Here are some of the most prominent Freemasons in African history:
• John Chilembwe: John Chilembwe was a Nyasaland (now Malawi) Baptist minister and teacher who led a popular revolt against British colonial rule in 1915. He was initiated into Masonic Lodge No. 4157 at Blantyre in 1903 and served as its Worshipful Master.
• Dr. Kwame Nkrumah: Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was the first president of Ghana and one of the most important figures in African nationalism. He was initiated into Prince of Wales Lodge No. 1419 at Accra in 1948, and later became a Grand Master of Ghana’s Grand Lodge.
• Jomo Kenyatta: Jomo Kenyatta was Kenya’s first president after independence, and is widely regarded as the father of the nation. He was initiated into Kenya Lodge No. 5456 at Nairobi in 1961, becoming its Worshipful Master two years later.
• Patrice Lumumba: Patrice Lumumba was a Congolese independence leader and short-lived prime minister who is considered by many to be an early Pan-Africanist hero. He was initiated into Grand Orient de Belgique Lodge No 468 at Matadi in 1957, where he remained active until his death three years later.
• Julius Nyerere: Julius Nyerere was Tanzania’s first president after independence, serving from 1962 until 1985 when he retired voluntarily from office. A strong advocate for Pan-Africanism, Nyerere joined Kilimanjaro Lodge No 7782 at Dar-es-Salaam in 1962.
These are just some examples of prominent Masons who have made their mark on African history over the past two centuries or more. While much about Freemasonry remains shrouded in mystery and speculation, it is clear that it has played an important role on the continent for many years now – particularly when it comes to promoting education, charity, and social reform among its members.
Famous Latin American Freemasons
Latin America has a proud history of Freemasonry, and there are many famous people from the region who have been members of this ancient fraternity. Here are some of the most well-known Latin American Freemasons:
• Juan Perón: The former Argentine president was a member of the Grand Orient of Argentina and played an active role in the promotion of Freemasonry in his country.
• Che Guevara: The famous revolutionary leader was a member of the Grand Lodge of Cuba, and is said to have been inspired by his Masonic ideals.
• José de San Martín: A revered freedom fighter in Argentina, San Martín was initiated into Freemasonry in 1811 and went on to become a Grand Master of the Grand Orient of Argentina.
• Benito Juárez: The former Mexican president was a member of the National Grand Lodge, where he rose to become its Most Worshipful Grand Master.
• José Gervasio Artigas: Uruguay’s national hero was a renowned Freemason who fought for independence from Spanish rule. He became a high-ranking officer in the National Grand Lodge and is buried in Montevideo’s Masonic cemetery.
• Simón Bolívar: The liberator of South America was one of the most influential figures in Latin American history and he was also an active member of several lodges throughout his life.
These are just some of the famous Latin American Freemasons who have left their mark on history, but there are many more who have contributed to their countries’ development through their involvement with Freemasonry.
Celebrated Freemasons from Australia and New Zealand
Freemasonry has been a prominent part of society in Australia and New Zealand for centuries. It is a fraternal order that has long been associated with strong ethical principles and a commitment to community service. Throughout history, there have been many Freemasons who have become celebrated figures in their respective countries. Here are some of the most famous Freemasons from Australia and New Zealand:
• Sir John Monash – Sir John Monash was an Australian civil engineer, soldier, and university administrator who served as the commander of the Australian Corps in World War I. He was a dedicated Freemason who joined the United Grand Lodge of Victoria in 1877.
• Sir Edmund Barton – Sir Edmund Barton was an Australian politician who served as the first Prime Minister of Australia from 1901 to 1903. An active Freemason, he was initiated into Lodge Austral No. 568 in 1879 and eventually rose to become Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of New South Wales.
• Ernest Rutherford – Ernest Rutherford was a pioneering New Zealand physicist who is widely regarded as one of the fathers of modern physics for his work on nuclear structure and radioactivity. He was initiated into Lodge Taieri No. 46 in 1894 while studying at Canterbury College.
• Sir Charles Kingsford Smith – Sir Charles Kingsford Smith was an Australian aviator who achieved worldwide fame for being the first person to fly across the Pacific Ocean from North America to Australia in 1928. He was an active Freemason, being initiated into Lodge Coronation No. 541 in 1924.
• Sir William Fox – Sir William Fox was a prominent New Zealand statesman who served as Prime Minister from 1869 to 1872. He joined St John’s Lodge No. 2228 in 1865 and eventually rose to become Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England.
These notable individuals are just a few examples of famous Freemasons who have made significant contributions to their respective countries over the years. They serve as an inspiration to all those who seek to uphold the values associated with Freemasonry: justice, integrity, charity, and brotherly love.
In Reflection on Famous Present Day Freemasons
The contributions of famous present day Freemasons to society are not to be understated. From their thoughtful philanthropy to their dedication in upholding the values of Freemasonry, these men have helped shape our world for the better.
Their work and commitment have been inspiring, and they have provided a blueprint for future generations to follow.
As we look back upon the legacy of these men, it is important that we remember the importance of their ideals and practices.
We can learn from their example and strive to continue their good works in order to make our world a better place.
It is also essential that we recognize the importance of Freemasonry in today’s society. This tradition has provided countless individuals with a sense of purpose and belonging, which has allowed them to live more meaningful lives.
Freemasonry can be used as a platform for positive change, and its members should be encouraged to use it as such.
We should also recognize the importance of educating ourselves about Freemasonry so that we can take full advantage of its teachings and principles.
In reflection, we must remember that famous present day Freemasons have left an indelible mark on history and society at large, and they should be remembered for all they have done for us. Their legacy should provide us with a sense of hope as well as an impetus for positive change and growth in our own lives. We should strive to carry on their good works, using them as inspiration for our own successes in life.