Masonry, also known as Freemasonry, is a fraternal organization that has been around for centuries. It is a society of men who practice certain principles of morality, and its members are known as Freemasons or Masons. The list of famous Masons includes some of the most influential people in history. These men have made their mark on the world in various ways, from political leaders to entrepreneurs and artists. This list contains some of the most iconic names in history and provides an insight into the influence that Masonry has had on our society.
1. George Washington – 1732-1799: He was a Revolutionary War General and the first President of the United States. He was also a high-ranking Freemason and served as the Worshipful Master of his lodge in Alexandria, Virginia.
2. Benjamin Franklin – 1706-1790: This Founding Father was a scientist, author, and inventor. He was a very prominent Freemason and held various Masonic offices, such as Grand Master of Pennsylvania.
3. James Monroe – 1758-1831: The fifth President of the United States was also a Freemason, joining in 1819 at Hiram Lodge No. 21 in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
4. Andrew Jackson – 1767-1845: The seventh President of the United States was initiated into Freemasonry in 1801 at Harmony Lodge No. 1 in Tennessee.
5. James Buchanan – 1791-1868: The fifteenth President of the United States joined Lodge No 43 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1816 at the age of 25 and later became Grand Master of Pennsylvania from 1822 to 1824.
6. Henry Clay – 1777-1852: This prominent statesman served as Speaker of the House and Secretary of State under President John Quincy Adams and Secretary of State under President John Tyler. He joined Lexington Lodge No 1 on June 11th, 1806 and later became Grand Master Mason for Kentucky three times between 1820 and 1840s.
7. Thurgood Marshall – 1908-1993: The first African American Supreme Court Justice was also a Freemason, initiated into Friendship Lodge #36 in Baltimore Maryland on May 24th 1930 at the age of 22 years old..
List Of Famous Masons From The United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has a long history of masonry, with many prominent individuals having been members of the Freemasons. From renowned politicians to celebrated actors, the list of famous masons hailing from the UK is quite extensive. Here are some of the most notable:
• John Aislabie: A British politician who served as Chancellor of the Exchequer from 1718 to 1721.
• William Wilberforce: An English politician who was instrumental in leading the abolitionist movement in Britain in the late 18th century.
• Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington: One of Britain’s most celebrated military leaders and statesmen who led Britain to victory over Napoleon at Waterloo.
• Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson: A British naval commander who was instrumental in securing a series of victories for Britain during the Napoleonic Wars.
• Benjamin Disraeli: A British statesman and Prime Minister who is credited with modernising Britain’s economy during his tenure as Prime Minister from 1868-1880.
• George V: The King of Great Britain and Ireland from 1910 to 1936 and Emperor of India from 1911 to 1936.
• Edward VIII: The King of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from 1936-1937 until his abdication in favour of his brother George VI.
• Winston Churchill: One of Britain’s greatest wartime leaders and Prime Ministers who led Britain through World War II and is credited with helping save Europe from Nazi Germany.
• Richard Attenborough: An acclaimed British actor, film director, producer, and philanthropist who won multiple Academy Awards for his work on films such as Gandhi (1982) and Jurassic Park (1993).
List Of Famous Masons From France
France has a long and proud history of Freemasonry, with many renowned figures from the country’s past having been members of the Masonic brotherhood. Among these are some of France’s most famous citizens, including statesmen, scientists, writers and philosophers. Here is a list of some of the most notable Masons from France:
• Jean-Jacques Rousseau – Rousseau was one of the most important figures in the Enlightenment period, and his writings had a profound impact on French society. A member of several Masonic lodges in Paris, he was an active advocate for Freemasonry and wrote extensively about its principles.
• Voltaire – The celebrated philosopher and writer was another great champion of Freemasonry during the Enlightenment. He joined a Masonic lodge in 1778 and wrote about its principles frequently in his works.
• Benjamin Franklin – The American statesman spent considerable time in France during the American Revolution, and while there he became a prominent member of the Loge des Neuf Soeurs lodge in Paris. He was highly respected by his French Masonic brethren for his accomplishments as an inventor and scientist.
• Marquis de Lafayette – A close friend to both Benjamin Franklin and George Washington, Lafayette was one of the leading figures in the American Revolution who also played an important role in French politics during this period. He joined several Masonic lodges during this time including La Concorde Lodge in Paris.
• Alexandre Dumas – One of France’s best-known writers, Dumas joined a lodge based at the Grand Orient de France headquarters in Paris called La Loge des Chevaliers Bienfaisants de la Cité Sainte (Knights Beneficence Lodge). He wrote several plays which featured Masonic themes including Les Chevaliers de la Table Ronde (The Knights of Round Table).
• Victor Hugo – Hugo is one of France’s greatest authors, famous for works such as Les Misérables and Notre-Dame de Paris. He was initiated into Masonry in 1841 at La Loge des Chevaliers du Globe lodge located at Grand Orient de France headquarters.
In addition to these renowned figures there have been many other lesser-known Masons from France who have had considerable influence on their country’s culture and society over time. Freemasonry continues to be an influential force today with numerous lodges throughout France where like-minded individuals can meet to discuss ideas and help each other to grow spiritually and intellectually.
List Of Famous Masons From Germany
Germany has had a long and proud history of Freemasonry. Throughout the years, many famous Germans have been members of the fraternity. From politicians to scientists, these men have helped to shape the nation and contribute to its success. Here are some of the most famous Masons from Germany:
• Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: One of the most influential figures in German literature, Goethe was a Mason for much of his life. He was initiated into Freemasonry in Weimar in 1780 and went on to become an important figure in both German and European Masonry.
• Karl Marx: The founder of Marxism was also a Mason. He joined the Lodge “Humanitas” in Cologne in 1842, but his membership was short-lived as he soon left for Paris and then London. Nonetheless, he maintained a strong interest in Masonic ideals throughout his life.
• Wilhelm II: The last Emperor of Germany was also a Mason. He joined the order at the age of 21 and became Grandmaster of Prussian lodges in 1889. He remained an active member for many years until his abdication from power in 1918.
• Albert Einstein: One of the world’s greatest scientists, Albert Einstein was an enthusiastic Mason from 1911 onwards. He served as Grand Master of his lodge from 1933-1935 until it was disbanded by Nazi authorities.
• Otto von Bismarck: The first Chancellor of Germany was a Freemason for many years before taking office. He joined Lodge “Zur Eintracht” in Berlin 1851 and remained an active member until his death in 1898.
These are just some of the most famous Masons from Germany that have helped shape the nation and its history over time. Whether you are interested in politics, science or literature, there is something for everyone amongst this list!
List Of Famous Masons From Canada
Canada has a long and proud history of Freemasonry. From politicians to prominent businessmen, many of the nation’s most influential figures have been members of the Freemasonic brotherhood. Here is a list of some of Canada’s most famous Masons:
• Sir John A MacDonald – The first Prime Minister of Canada was a member of Victoria Lodge No. 263, in Kingston, Ontario. He was initiated in 1860 and went on to become Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Canada in 1867.
• William Lyon Mackenzie King – The longest-serving Prime Minister was a member of St John’s Lodge No 541 in Kitchener, Ontario. He was initiated in 1912 and served as Grand Master from 1915 to 1917.
• Sir Charles Tupper – He was one of the Fathers of Confederation and later served as Prime Minister from 1896-1898. Tupper was a member of St Andrew’s Lodge No 16 in Amherst, Nova Scotia, where he had been initiated in 1851.
• Sir Wilfrid Laurier – The seventh Prime Minister was also a Mason, having been initiated into St George’s Lodge No 549 in Montreal in 1874. He went on to serve as Grand Master from 1896 to 1900.
• General Arthur Currie – One of the most successful generals during World War I, Currie was also an important Freemason who had been initiated into Occident Lodge No 12 in Vancouver, BC in 1898.
• Vincent Massey – The first Canadian-born Governor General was an active Freemason who served as Grand Master from 1936 to 1938 and founded Massey College at the University of Toronto—a college designed for postgraduate students—in memory of his father Hart Massey, who had also been a Mason.
These are just some examples of famous Masons from Canada who have left their mark on history through their service to their country and commitment to their Masonic ideals.
Famous Masons from Australia
Freemasonry has a long history in Australia, with members of the fraternity having had a significant impact on the development of the country. Here is a list of some notable Masons from Australia:
• Sir Henry Parkes – Parkes was an Australian politician who served as the Premier of New South Wales for five separate terms. He was also a member of the Grand Lodge of New South Wales and is widely regarded as one of the most influential Freemasons in Australian history.
• Sir John Forrest – Forrest was another prominent Australian politician who served as Premier of Western Australia. He was initiated into Freemasonry in 1875 and went on to become Grand Master of Western Australia in 1897.
• Sir Edmund Barton – Barton was an Australian lawyer and politician who served as the first Prime Minister of Australia from 1901 to 1903. He was a member of Lodge No. 177 in Sydney and is remembered for his commitment to advancing Freemasonry in Australia.
• Sir Frederick William Mordaunt – Mordaunt was an Australian naval officer and politician who served as Governor-General from 1923 to 1930. He was initiated into Freemasonry at Lodge No. 321 in England and later became Grand Master of Victoria in 1924.
• Edward Flood – Flood was an Australian journalist, businessman, and philanthropist who founded The Herald newspaper in Melbourne which is still published today. He belonged to several Masonic lodges during his lifetime, including Lodge No. 645 in Melbourne.
• Thomas Bavin – Bavin was an Australian politician who served as Premier of New South Wales from 1927 to 1930. He belonged to several Masonic lodges during his career, including Lodge No. 2549 in London.
These are just some examples of famous Masons from Australia, but there are many more who have had a lasting impact on the country’s development throughout its history.
List Of Famous Masons From The Netherlands
The Netherlands is a country with a strong Masonic history. Over the years, many prominent figures in Dutch society have been members of the Masonic Order. Here is a list of some of the most famous Masons from the Netherlands:
• Willem Einthoven: Willem Einthoven was a Dutch physiologist and Nobel Prize winner. He was a member of the Masonic Order in Leiden, Holland.
• Johan de Witt: Johan de Witt was a Dutch statesman who served as Grand Pensionary of Holland from 1653 until his death in 1672. He was an active Freemason and served as Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of Holland from 1675 until his death in 1676.
• Cornelis de Witt: Cornelis de Witt was a Dutch politician and military leader who served as Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies from 1743 until 1750. He was also an active Freemason and became Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of Holland in 1751.
• Jan Six: Jan Six was an Amsterdam-based merchant and art collector who, along with his brother Constantijn, played an important role in establishing the city’s art trade during the 18th century. He was also a Mason and wrote several books on Masonic philosophy and ritual.
• Willem III: Willem III, also known as William III, was King of England, Scotland and Ireland from 1689 to 1702. He was also Grand Master of several Masonic lodges throughout Europe during his reign.
• Roger Casement: Roger Casement was an Irish patriot who fought for Irish independence during World War I. He is noted for his connections to both Irish Nationalism and Freemasonry; he joined several Masonic lodges throughout Europe during his travels in support of Irish independence.
• Hendrikus Colijn: Hendrikus Colijn served as Prime Minister of the Netherlands from 1925 to 1926 and again from 1933 to 1939. He was an active Freemason during this period and served as Provincial Grand Master for North Holland between 1932 and 1940.
These are just some of the most prominent Masons from The Netherlands over recent centuries; many more have had a significant impact on Dutch society through their involvement with Freemasonry. Although Masonry remains controversial among some groups within society, it has nonetheless played an important role in shaping modern day The Netherlands through its influence on prominent individuals such as those mentioned above.
List Of Famous Masons From Italy
Freemasonry in Italy was first established in the early 18th century, and has since produced some of the most influential figures in the country’s history. Here is a list of some of Italy’s most famous Masons:
• Giuseppe Mazzini: He was an Italian patriot, philosopher, and statesman. He was one of the key figures of the Italian Risorgimento and one of the founders of modern Italy. He was initiated into Freemasonry in 1844.
• Gioacchino Rossini: A composer from Pesaro, he was a prolific opera writer and wrote some very famous works such as The Barber of Seville and William Tell. He was initiated into Freemasonry in 1811 at La Resurrezione Lodge in Bologna.
• Giuseppe Garibaldi: An Italian general, politician, and nationalist who played a large role in unifying Italy during the Risorgimento. He joined Freemasonry when he was living in Montevideo, Uruguay in 1843.
• Giuseppe Verdi: An Italian composer from Parma who wrote several operas including Nabucco, Rigoletto, La Traviata, Il Trovatore and Aida. He became a Mason at La Concordia Lodge in Busseto on October 10th 1860.
• Arturo Toscanini: An Italian conductor from Parma who conducted several orchestras including La Scala Orchestra and NBC Symphony Orchestra. He became a Mason at Loggia Ildebrando da Castello Lodge on June 11th 1920.
• Ernesto Nathan: An Italian mayor of Rome from 1907 to 1913 during which time he pushed for major reforms to improve the city’s infrastructure and sanitation systems. He was initiated into Freemasonry at Loggia Ercole di Roma Lodge on October 11th 1882.
• Pietro Badoglio: An Italian soldier who led the country during World War II as Prime Minister after Benito Mussolini’s fall from power in 1943 until 1945 when he made peace with the Allies on behalf of his country.
Final Words On List Of Famous Masons
The list of famous Masons is remarkable, with many outstanding figures throughout history having been members of the Freemasonry. From renowned scientists like Benjamin Franklin to iconic political figures such as George Washington, this list is both expansive and impressive. It serves as a reminder that membership in the freemasonry is no small achievement and that those who do join are amongst some of the greatest minds in history.
At its core, freemasonry is an organization devoted to self-improvement and learning through charitable work, making it an attractive proposition for many. The fact that so many illustrious people have been part of it only further reinforces this notion.
For anyone interested in becoming a Mason themselves, there are numerous lodges around the world, each with its own unique history and culture. There is also an abundance of resources available online for those seeking to learn more about the organization’s history and philosophy.
No matter which way you look at it, the list of famous Masons serves as a testament to both their achievements and those of Freemasonry itself. It will be interesting to see which names continue to be added to this impressive roster over time!