Freemasonry is an ancient and honorable fraternity composed of men dedicated to the principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth. Freemasonry has been around since the early 1700s and is one of the oldest fraternal organizations in existence. In this article, we’ll discuss some well-known Freemasons who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. Each individual on this list has demonstrated a strong commitment to service and has had a lasting impact on society. We hope this article will help to showcase some of the incredible accomplishments achieved by these remarkable men.
Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that has been in existence for centuries and there have been many notable Freemasons in history. Some of the most famous Freemasons include Founding Fathers of the United States such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and John Hancock. Other influential Freemasons include Mozart, the famous composer; Voltaire, the French philosopher; Winston Churchill, Britain’s wartime Prime Minister; John Wayne, the Hollywood actor; and Mark Twain, the American author. Many other world leaders and historic figures have also been members of Freemasonry including James Garfield, 16th President of the United States; James Monroe, 5th President of the United States; Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes; King Edward VII of England; Richard Carlile, a British political reformer and publisher; King Ludwig II of Bavaria; King Gustav III of Sweden; Giuseppe Garibaldi, an Italian patriot and statesman; and Napoleon Bonaparte.
Famous Freemasons in the United States
Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that has been around for centuries. It is a society of like-minded individuals who share a common set of values and beliefs. Throughout history, there have been many notable Freemasons who have made significant contributions to the United States. Here are some of the most famous Freemasons in the US:
• George Washington – Washington was a founding father of the US and was first president of the United States. He was an influential Freemason and served as Master Mason for the Fredericksburg Lodge in Virginia.
• Benjamin Franklin – Franklin was one of the most influential political figures during his time. He is considered to be one of America’s Founding Fathers and was instrumental in drafting the Declaration of Independence. He was also an active Freemason and became Grand Master of Pennsylvania’s Grand Lodge in 1734.
• Harry S Truman – Truman served as President from 1945-1953 and is known for his foreign policy decisions during World War II, particularly his decision to drop atomic bombs on Japan. He was a dedicated Freemason and rose through the ranks to become Grand Master of Missouri in 1940.
• Thurgood Marshall – Marshall served as an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court from 1967-1991 and is best known for his work on civil rights cases such as Brown v Board of Education which declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional. He became a Mason while attending Howard University Law School and eventually rose to become Grand Master of Maryland’s Grand Lodge in 1951.
• Dwight D Eisenhower – Eisenhower served as President from 1953-1961 and is best known for his leadership during WWII, when he commanded Allied forces in Europe prior to becoming president. He was initiated into the Masonic fraternity at Little Rock Lodge No 19 in Pennsylvania while serving as Supreme Commander Allied Forces Europe during WWII.
These are just some of the many famous Freemasons who have made significant contributions to American history and culture. Their legacy lives on today through their work, dedication, and commitment to making America what it is today – an example for other nations around the world to follow.
Influential Freemasons in Europe
Freemasonry is an organisation that has been around for centuries, with lodges all over the world. Some of the most influential Freemasons have been European, with many of them playing a major role in politics and other areas. Here are some of the most influential Freemasons in Europe:
• Adam Weishaupt – Adam Weishaupt was a German philosopher who was important to the development of Freemasonry. He founded the Order of Illuminati in 1776 and would become one of the most influential Freemasons in Europe.
• Sir Richard Steele – Sir Richard Steele was an English author and politician who was initiated into Freemasonry in 1703. He was an important figure in British politics and wrote several books on the history of Freemasonry.
• Voltaire – Voltaire was a French writer, philosopher, and historian who is considered one of the greatest minds of his time. He was initiated into a lodge in Paris in 1778 and became one of the most influential members of French Freemasonry.
• Casanova – Giacomo Casanova was an Italian adventurer and writer who became one of Europe’s best-known lovers. He joined a Masonic lodge in 1750 and would go on to become an influential figure within Italian Freemasonry.
• Benjamin Franklin – Benjamin Franklin was an American statesman, scientist, inventor, diplomat, and writer who played a major role in establishing both the United States and French Republics. He became a Mason in Paris in 1777 and would be instrumental in spreading Masonic ideals throughout Europe.
• Giuseppe Garibaldi – Giuseppe Garibaldi was an Italian revolutionary leader who played an important role during Italy’s unification process during 19th century. He joined a Masonic lodge at age 40 and quickly rose to become its Grand Master, becoming one of Italy’s most influential Masons ever since then.
These are just some examples of influential Europeans who have been part of or have had close association with Freemasonry over time.
Distinguished Freemasons of the 18th Century
The 18th century was a time of great change and growth for Freemasonry. It was during this time that many of the most prominent and influential figures in history became members of the order, including several Founding Fathers of the United States. This article will discuss some of the more well-known and respected Freemasons from the 1700s, who helped shape the organization into what it is today.
George Washington: One of America’s Founding Fathers and first President, Washington was initiated into Masonic Lodge No. 4 in Fredericksburg, Virginia on November 4, 1752. He was subsequently passed and raised to a Master Mason in 1753. Washington would later become a charter member and first Grand Master of Alexandria Lodge No. 22 in 1788.
Benjamin Franklin: The famous inventor and statesman was initiated into St John’s Lodge No. 1 in Philadelphia on September 1731, where he served as Master from 1734-1735. He later became Provincial Grand Master for Pennsylvania in 1734.
Paul Revere: Revere was initiated into St Andrew’s Lodge in Boston on December 10, 1760. He is best known for his famous “Midnight Ride” to warn colonists of an impending British attack during the American Revolution.
John Hancock: Hancock became a member of St Andrew’s Lodge in Boston on March 5, 1765 and served as its Master from 1769-1770. He signed his name prominently on the Declaration of Independence.
John Paul Jones: Jones was initiated into St Bernard’s Lodge No. 122 (now No. 121) at Kirkcudbright, Scotland on July 30, 1770 after serving aboard merchant ships throughout Europe. He later gained fame as an American naval commander during the Revolutionary War.
These are just a few examples of some prominent Freemasons who were active during the 1700s and had a great influence on both their respective societies at large as well as Masonry itself.
Well-Known Freemasons in Politics
Freemasonry has been a powerful force in the political landscape throughout history. From world leaders to U.S. presidents, there have been many notable Freemasons who have held positions of power and influence. Here are some of the most well-known Freemasons in politics:
• George Washington: One of the most influential Freemasons in history is America’s first President, George Washington. He was initiated into a Virginia lodge in 1752 and rose to become its Master Mason.
• Benjamin Franklin: Another Founding Father who was a prominent Freemason was Benjamin Franklin. He was an active member of the Philadelphia Lodge No. 2 and eventually became its Grand Master.
• John Hancock: The signer of the Declaration of Independence was also a Freemason, having been initiated into St. Andrew’s Lodge in Boston at the age of 20. He later served as Grand Master for several years.
• John Adams: Another Founding Father who was a prominent Freemason was John Adams. He joined St. Andrew’s Lodge No 3 in Boston and later served as Grand Master for several years.
• Thomas Jefferson: The third President of the United States was also a Freemason, having been initiated into Theodosia Lodge No 28 in Virginia at the age of 21.
• Andrew Jackson: The seventh President of the United States was also a prominent Freemason, having been initiated into Harmony Lodge No 1 in Tennessee at the age of 23.
• James K Polk: The eleventh President of the United States had an extensive career as a Freemason, having been initiated into Columbia Lodge No 31 at the age 21 and later becoming Grand Master in 1820.
• James Garfield: The twentieth President of the United States had an extensive career as a Freemason, having been initiated into Magnolia Lodge No 20 at 25 and later becoming Grand Master in 1876.
These are just some examples of well-known political figures who were members of Freemasonry and demonstrate its influence on politics throughout history.
Renowned Freemasons in Business and Industry
Freemasonry is one of the oldest fraternal organizations in the world, with a long and illustrious list of members. Freemasons have been at the forefront of many of the world’s leading industries, from banking to energy to entertainment. Here we take a look at some of the most famous Freemasons who have made their mark in business and industry.
• Thomas Edison – The inventor Thomas Edison was a Freemason who held membership in two lodges: Delta Lodge No. 23 in Port Huron, Michigan and St. Cecile Lodge No. 568 in New York City. He was also an honorary member of various lodges around the world.
• J.P Morgan – J.P Morgan was a powerful Wall Street banker who founded his own investment firm, J.P Morgan & Co. He was an avid Mason and became a member of Phoenix Lodge No. 218 in NYC.
• Warren Buffett – Warren Buffett is one of the wealthiest people on earth, with a net worth estimated at $80 billion as of 2019. He is also an active Mason and holds membership at Cyrene Lodge No. 326, located in Omaha, Nebraska.
• Henry Ford – The automotive pioneer Henry Ford was a member of Palestine Lodge No 357 located in Detroit, Michigan as well as several other Masonic bodies throughout his life.
• John D Rockefeller – The oil magnate John D Rockefeller was an active Freemason who held membership in Euclid Lodge No 360 located in Cleveland Ohio.
• William Randolph Hearst – William Randolph Hearst was an American newspaper publisher who founded Hearst Corporation. He was also an active Mason and held membership at Pacific Union Lodge No 374 located in San Francisco CA.
These are just some of the many renowned Freemasons who have been involved with business and industry over the years. It is no coincidence that so many successful businessmen and entrepreneurs come from this particular fraternity, as it instills its members with values such as integrity, honesty and hard work that are essential for success in any field or endeavor.
Famous Freemasons in the Arts and Entertainment
Freemasonry has long been associated with arts and entertainment. Many of the most prominent names in these fields have been members of this exclusive fraternity. Some of the more famous Freemasons in the arts and entertainment include:
- Actor/Comedian John Cleese
- Actor-Director Clint Eastwood
- Singer Harry Belafonte
- Writer Mark Twain
- Actor/Director Mel Gibson
- Singer/Songwriter Bob Dylan
John Cleese is perhaps best known for his work on the TV series Monty Python’s Flying Circus, as well as his roles in classic films such as A Fish called Wanda, Life of Brian, and The Meaning of Life. Cleese was initiated into the Freemasons at a lodge in London, England in 2002.
Clint Eastwood is one of Hollywood’s most well-known actors and directors. He has appeared in dozens of films and directed several critically acclaimed works, such as Unforgiven and Million Dollar Baby. Eastwood was initiated into the Freemasons at a lodge in California in 1988.
Harry Belafonte is an iconic singer and actor who is most well-known for his calypso music. He has appeared in several movies, including Carmen Jones and The World, The Flesh, & The Devil. Belafonte was initiated into the Freemasons at a lodge in New York City in 1981.
Mark Twain is one of America’s most beloved authors, known for his wit and satire. His works include The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and A Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur’s Court. Twain was initiated into the Freemasons at a lodge in New York City in 1861.
Mel Gibson is an award-winning actor/director who has appeared or directed some of Hollywood’s biggest hits, such as Braveheart and Signs. Gibson was initiated into the Freemasons at a lodge in California in 1986.
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Introduction
Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that has been around for centuries and is still going strong in many countries today. It’s a secret society with many prominent members, including kings, presidents, and other famous people. This article will discuss some of the most prominent Freemasons from around the world.
Sir Winston Churchill
Sir Winston Churchill was an influential British statesman who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1940 to 1945 and again from 1951 to 1955. He was also a Freemason, being initiated into the United Lodge of England in 1901.
George Washington
George Washington was an American statesman and soldier who served as the first President of the United States from 1789 to 1797. He was also a Freemason and was initiated into Alexandria Lodge No. 22 on November 4, 1752.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was an Austrian composer and musician who is widely considered one of the greatest composers of all time. He was also a Freemason and joined an Austrian lodge in 1784.
Friedrich Schiller
Friedrich Schiller was a German poet, philosopher, historian, and playwright who is considered one of the greatest German writers of all time. He was initiated into Strict Observance Lodge “Zur neugekrönten Hoffnung” in Weimar in 1780.
Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin was an American polymath and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He was initiated into St John’s Lodge No 3 in Philadelphia on June 24, 1731 at age 25.
Voltaire
Voltaire (François-Marie Arouet) was a French Enlightenment writer, historian, and philosopher who played an important role in shaping European thought during his lifetime. He joined Les Neuf Sœurs lodge in Paris on April 7, 1778 at age 64.
In Reflection On List Of Well Known Freemasons
Freemasonry is an amazing organization that has stood the test of time. Through its long history, it has produced some of the most influential and well-known people in the world. From politicians to entertainers, Freemasonry has had a lasting impact on society.
The list of well-known Freemasons is a testament to this legacy. It includes US presidents, military generals, scientists, authors, musicians and more. These men have all achieved great things in their respective fields and have left behind a legacy of achievement and success.
Their involvement in Freemasonry helped shape them into better men who were highly respected and admired by their peers and the general public. By following the principles of brotherly love, relief, truth and charity they were able to achieve greatness and create a positive impact on society.
Freemasonry continues to be an important part of many people’s lives today. The values it promotes – loyalty, respect for others, honesty and integrity – are still relevant today as they were centuries ago. The list of well-known Freemasons serves as a reminder that these values are timeless and should be embraced by everyone regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs.
It is clear that Freemasonry has had a profound impact on many individuals throughout history. These famous Freemasons serve as an inspiration to us all to strive for success while also remaining true to our core beliefs and values. By following their example we can all make this world a little better place for ourselves and for those around us.