Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that has been in existence since the 1700s. It is widely known as one of the oldest and largest fraternal organizations in the world. Freemasonry has always had a strong commitment to service, charity, and philanthropy, and has long been associated with some of the most influential and notable members of society. From politicians to businessmen to celebrities, Freemasonry continues to attract people from all walks of life who share a common interest in helping others.
Notable Freemason Members in the United States include Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, John Hancock, Paul Revere, James Monroe, Andrew Jackson, and Harry S. Truman. Other famous Freemasons from the United States include golfer Bobby Jones and writers Mark Twain and Edgar Allan Poe.
Notable Freemason Members in the United Kingdom
The United Grand Lodge of England is the governing body of Freemasonry in the United Kingdom, with many notable and influential members. Here are some of the most famous Freemasons in the UK:
• King Edward VII: King Edward VII was a member of Royal Alpha Lodge No 16, which was founded in 1868. He was initiated into Freemasonry in 1868 and became a Grand Master in 1901. He is remembered for his involvement with many Masonic charities, such as the Royal Masonic Hospital.
• Winston Churchill: Churchill was initiated into Studholme Lodge No 1591 in 1908 and became a Past Grand Master of The United Grand Lodge of England in 1945. His mother was also a Freemason and he was very active with Masonic causes throughout his life.
• Sir Arthur Conan Doyle: Doyle was an author who wrote the famous Sherlock Holmes novels. He was initiated into Phoenix Lodge No 257 in Southsea, Hampshire, England on 8 March 1887 and later became Grand Master of The United Grand Lodge of England.
• Duke of Kent: Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, is the current Grand Master of The United Grand Lodge of England and has been since 1967. Before becoming Grand Master he served as Deputy Grand Master from 1965-1967.
• Prince William: Prince William is currently a member of Royal Alpha Lodge No 16 which his great-great-grandfather King Edward VII helped to found. He has taken part in many Masonically inspired events such as laying wreaths at cemeteries on Remembrance Sunday.
These are just some of the more famous Freemasons who have been associated with The United Grand Lodge of England over the years. They are all remembered for their contributions to both Freemasonry and society at large.
Notable Freemason Members in Europe
Freemasonry is one of the oldest and most well-known fraternal orders in the world. As such, it’s no surprise that some of its most famous members have come from Europe. From kings to artists, here are some of the most notable European Freemasons:
• King Edward VII of England: Edward VII was initiated into Freemasonry at the age of 22 and eventually rose to become Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England in 1874. He was known as an enthusiastic and active Mason throughout his life.
• Victor Hugo: The French author Victor Hugo was an influential Freemason who wrote extensively about the order in his works, including Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: The famous German composer was a long-time member of the Masonic Order, having been initiated into a lodge in Vienna when he was 25 years old. He composed several pieces specifically for Masonic rituals and celebrations.
• Giuseppe Garibaldi: The Italian revolutionary leader and national hero was also an important figure in the Masonic Order, being a member since 1844 and eventually rising to become Grand Master of Italy’s National Grand Lodge in 1861.
• Robert Burns: The Scottish poet Robert Burns is one of the most famous figures associated with Freemasonry, having been initiated into a lodge at Kilmarnock when he was 21 years old. He wrote several poems celebrating Masonry, including “Address to the Deil” and “The Rights of Man”.
These are just a few examples of some well-known European Freemasons – there are many more throughout history who have contributed to the order’s legacy both within Europe and beyond.
Notable Freemason Members in Australia
Freemasonry is a worldwide fraternal organisation that traces its beginnings to the late 16th century in England. Despite its age, it has continued to remain relevant in many countries including Australia. Here we will take a look at some of the most famous Freemason members in Australia who have made their mark on the organisation and beyond.
• Sir Charles Kingsford Smith – This pioneering aviator was one of the first members of the Royal Australian Air Force and is remembered for his daring and innovative flight across the Pacific Ocean from Oakland, California to Brisbane, Australia. He was also a member of Lodge Loyalty No. 565 UGLNSW & ACT and is remembered fondly by Freemasons around the world.
• Sir John Monash – This prominent Australian military commander was an important figure in World War I and later became a prominent Freemason. He joined Lodge St Kilda No. 48 UGLV in 1907 and was active in many different Masonic charities during his lifetime.
• Sir William McMahon – This former Prime Minister of Australia was a prominent Mason who joined Lodge Concord No 645 UGLNSW & ACT during his time as Prime Minister from 1971-1972. He is remembered for his staunch support of Freemasonry and its charitable efforts throughout his life.
• Sir Ronald Munro Ferguson – This prominent British politician was also an active Freemason who served as Governor-General of Australia from 1914-1920. Sir Ronald joined Lodge St John No 797 UGLNSW & ACT before coming to Australia and remained active with them throughout his time in office.
• Sir Edmund Barton – This former Prime Minister of Australia was an active Mason who joined Lodge Austral No 1 UGLNSW & ACT during his time as Prime Minister from 1901-1903. He is remembered for his strong support of Freemasonry throughout his life.
Freemasonry has had an important impact on Australian history, with many notable figures being involved with it over the years. These figures are remembered fondly by Freemasons around the world for their contributions to this ancient fraternity and their impact on society at large.
Notable Freemason Members in Canada
• The first Prime Minister of Canada, Sir John A. Macdonald, was a Freemason. He was initiated at St. Andrew’s Lodge in Kingston, Ontario, in 1844.
• A prominent Canadian politician and the longest-serving Prime Minister of Canada, William Lyon Mackenzie King was a Freemason as well. He was initiated into the fraternity at St. John’s Lodge in Kitchener, Ontario in 1904.
• The founder of Toronto and the Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada from 1806 to 1816, Sir John Graves Simcoe was also a Freemason. He joined the fraternity at Union Lodge No. 3 in 1776.
• Another notable Canadian who is a Freemason is the former Governor General of Canada and Supreme Commander of NATO forces during World War II, Viscount Alexander of Tunis.
• Famous Canadian musician and composer Glenn Gould was an active member of The Craft. He was initiated into St. John’s Lodge No. 20 in Toronto on June 30, 1978.
• The famous Canadian actor William Shatner is also a Freemason and he holds the rank of Kentucky Colonel from the state government of Kentucky for his work in promoting tourism.
• One more prominent member from Hollywood who is part of The Craft is Leslie Neilson who became a Freemason at St. Andrew’s Lodge No. 637 in Vancouver on April 2nd 1995.
• Canadian sportscaster Don Cherry has been an active member since 1985 when he joined King Solomon’s Lodge No 16 GRC (Grand Lodge Of Canada) located in Hamilton, Ontario.
Notable Freemasons in Politics
Freemasonry has existed for hundreds of years and has been an integral part of many political and social movements around the world. Many notable figures have been members of the Freemason brotherhood, including some of the most influential politicians throughout history. Here are some of the most famous Freemasons in politics:
• George Washington – The first President of the United States was a member of Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22 in Virginia and was appointed Grand Master by the Grand Lodge of Virginia in 1788.
• Benjamin Franklin – The Founding Father was one of the most influential Freemasons in American politics and held several positions within the organization, including Grand Master of Pennsylvania.
• John Hancock – The first signer of the Declaration of Independence was a member of St. Andrew’s Lodge in Boston and served as Grand Master from 1792 to 1794.
• Andrew Jackson – The seventh president was initiated into Harmony Lodge No. 1 in Tennessee in 1801 and served as Grand Master from 1822 to 1824.
• Winston Churchill – The British Prime Minister was initiated into Studholme Alliance Lodge No. 1591 in 1901 and became a life member shortly after his initiation.
• Giuseppe Garibaldi – The Italian revolutionary leader was initiated into La Candeur Lodge No. 2 at Marseilles, France, in 1844, and received his 33rd degree later that year from Albert Pike, Sovereign Grand Commander for the Southern Jurisdiction Scottish Rite Freemasonry.
These are just a few examples of some famous Freemasons who have left their mark on politics throughout history. Their influence is still felt today through their teachings, writings, and actions while they were alive, as well as through their continued legacy within Freemasonry itself.
Introduction to Freemasonry
Freemasonry is an international fraternity of men who believe in the principles of brotherly love, relief and truth. It is based on the belief that each man has a responsibility to make the world a better place. Freemasons strive to improve themselves morally and spiritually by studying ethical principles and practicing fraternalism, charity, and self-improvement. Freemasons have been around since the late 1600s, and have evolved into one of the largest fraternities in the world.
Notable Freemasons in the Arts and Entertainment
Freemasonry has had a long history of involvement with the arts and entertainment industry. Many notable figures from music, film, theater, television, and more have been members of Freemasonry throughout history. Here are some well-known Freemasons in the arts and entertainment industry:
• John Wayne: One of Hollywood’s most iconic actors was a member of Marion McDaniel Lodge No. 56 in Tucson, Arizona.
• Irving Berlin: The composer behind some of America’s most beloved songs was a member of Munn Lodge No. 190 in New York City.
• Duke Ellington: The legendary jazz musician was a member of Prince Hall Lodge No. 4 in Washington D.C., as well as several other lodges around the country.
• Will Rogers: This famous humorist was a member of Claremore Lodge No. 53 in Oklahoma.
• Bob Hope: The beloved entertainer joined Beverly Hills Lodge No. 528 in California during his career as an actor, comedian, radio host, and more.
• Gene Autry: This country music singer was also an actor who starred in more than 90 films throughout his career; he was a member of North Hollywood Lodge No 676 in California for over 50 years before his death in 1998.
These are just some examples of famous Freemasons who have made their mark on the arts and entertainment industry through their work – there are many more throughout history! By embracing their Masonic principles, these individuals achieved fame while also making an impact on society through charitable work and other activities that they were involved with through their membership with Masonic lodges around the country.
Notable Freemasons from the Military and War
Freemasonry has seen many members who have made a name for themselves in the military and war. From George Washington to Douglas MacArthur, some of the most notable Freemasons have served in the armed forces. Here are some of the most famous Masons who served in the military:
• George Washington: One of America’s most beloved Founding Fathers, George Washington was a Mason. He was initiated into Lodge No. 4 in Fredericksburg, Virginia, on November 4th, 1752, and was made Master Mason on August 4th, 1753. He later served as President of the Grand Lodge of Virginia from 1788 until his death in 1799.
• Douglas MacArthur: General Douglas MacArthur was one of America’s most decorated soldiers. He was initiated into Scottish Rite Freemasonry in New York City on October 28th, 1899. He later attained 33rd Degree Mason status in 1934.
• John J. Pershing: General John J. Pershing was an American military leader who led the Allied Forces during World War I. He was initiated into Lodge No. 21 in Lincoln, Nebraska on June 7th, 1889 and became a Master Mason two years later.
• Ulysses S Grant: Ulysses S Grant was an American soldier who fought in the Civil War and later became President of the United States from 1869-1877. He was initiated into Hiram Lodge No. 21 in Galena, Illinois on September 27th 1866.
• Andrew Jackson: Andrew Jackson served as a Major General during the War of 1812 and went on to become President of the United States from 1829-1837. He was initiated into Harmony Lodge No 1 in Nashville, Tennessee on October 19th 1822.
These are just some of the most famous Masons who have served their countries with distinction throughout history. Their contributions to their countries will never be forgotten and they will always be remembered as heroes by future generations.
Final Words On Freemasonry Notable Members
Freemasonry has a long history of notable members, going back hundreds of years. It remains as one of the most influential fraternal organizations in the world today, and continues to attract members from all walks of life. From famous politicians, authors, scientists, and artists to everyday people who just want to belong to something bigger than themselves, Freemasonry is an organization that can bring together people from all backgrounds and walks of life.
The common thread uniting all Freemasons is the belief in a Supreme Being and a desire to live a moral and ethical life. Through their activities, members are encouraged to continually strive for self-improvement in order to be better citizens and better people. By doing so, they can make a positive impact on their communities and on society in general.
Freemasonry has played an important role in the lives of many notable members throughout history. Whether it was providing comfort in times of need or inspiring growth through fellowship and education, Freemasonry has been a source of strength and guidance for many individuals. Its legacy continues today as it looks towards the future with optimism and hope that its values will continue to be embraced by generations to come.
In reflection, Freemasonry has been around for centuries, bringing together individuals from all walks of life under one common cause – the pursuit of morality through self-improvement, fellowship, and education. Its legacy remains strong today with notable members coming from across the globe with diverse backgrounds. As Freemasons look towards the future with optimism, we can rest assured knowing that its values will continue to be passed down from generation to generation for many years yet to come.