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FAMOUS MASONS
Throughout history there have been many notable Freemasons involved in a broad variety of activities. Here are 15 you may not have known were Freemasons.
Edwin Eugene (Buzz) Aldrin, Jr.
The words "Supreme Council, 33°, Southern Jurisdiction, USA" were stitched on a handmade silk Masonic flag that Aldrin, the first Mason on the moon, carried with him on his space mission.
Mark Twain
Twain became a Master Mason shortly after joining the Polar Star Lodge No. 79, A.F.&A.M. in St. Louis, where he was initiated in 1861.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Mozart, a Freemason, composed a number of Masonic musical pieces over his lengthy career, beginning in 1784. He belonged to the Austrian Zur Wohltätigkeit (Charity) Lodge.
The Ringling Bros
I am sure you have heard of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. All the bothers were Initiated, Passed, and Raised between 1890-1891, in Baraboo Lodge No. 34, WI where their aprons are on display still today.
Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.
Jackson was initiated in 1987, the same year he attained the rank of Master Mason. He still engages in civil rights discrimination and work with the Masons to this day.
Harry Houdini
The illusionist Houdini, who was born in Hungary and is best known for feats like his suspended straitjacket escape, was a Freemason as well.
John Wayne
One of the most famous actors of all time, Wayne, also known as The Duke and born Marion Robert Morrison, followed his father's footsteps in 1970 and joined the Freemasons in Tucson, AZ.
General Douglas MacArthur
It is hardly unexpected that many military leaders were Masons given the history of the order. Samuel Hawthorne bestowed upon General MacArthur the extremely rare distinction of being made a Mason "at sight."
Theodore Roosevelt
Many of the 26th president's letters, some of which make reference to his Masonic activities, have been digitally preserved at the Theodore Roosevelt Center. On the occasion of the anniversary of Washington's initiation, President Roosevelt wrote the Pennsylvania Grand Lodge in 1902. He discussed some of his personal motivations for becoming a Freemason.
Shaquille O’Neal
Bro Shaquille O'Neal is one of the most famous athletes of the modern age. He's also a Brother of the Craft. Bro. O'Neal was made a Mason at sight in June of 2011 by M:.W:. Frederick B. Summer - the then Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts F&AM
Sugar Ray Robinson
One of the most well-known boxers in American history is Sugar Ray Robinson.
His 173 wins, 19 losses, and 6 draws in boxing are nearly unmatched in the sport's history.
A a Prince Hall Freemason, Sugar Ray joined Joppa Lodge #55 during his time in New York. He is noted as being a Freemason alongside fellow boxer Jack Dempsey.
Steve Wozniak
Steve Wozniak, a co-founder of Apple and one of the Freemasons' most well-known modern members, joined in 1980 in California.
General James Doolittle
This Freemason, a natural and talented pilot, was in charge of the risky "Doolittle Raid" on Tokyo in 1942. This specific bombing attack probably contributed to the Pacific War's shorter duration by forcing the Empire of Japan to keep a large fighting force in reserve to protect their hitherto "untouchable" nation. He was the leader in this action, earning him the Medal of Honor. He was a member of Hollenbeck Lodge no. 319 in Los Angeles, ca
John Elway
The Denver Broncos' executive vice president of football operations and two-time Super Bowl champion didn't indicate interest in becoming a Freemason until his football career was over, but he eventually joined South Denver- Lodge No. 93 as a "perpetual member," which is another way of saying lifetime member. He was initiated on June 28, 2002.
Scottie Pippen
Scottie Pippen, an American former professional basketball player. He played 17 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA), winning six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls. Scottie Pippen is a Brother of Unity Lodge No.454 (Grand Lodge of Arkansas) PHA
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