Famous Freemasons

Throughout history, Freemasons have shaped the world as leaders, artists, scientists, and visionaries

Explore 37 notable Freemasons who made their mark on history

Showing 37 Masons

US Presidents

George Washington

1732-1799

1st President of the United States

Father of the United States and Commander of the Continental Army. Initiated in 1752, he remained an active Mason throughout his life and was inaugurated as President while wearing Masonic regalia.

Lodge:

Alexandria Lodge No. 22, Virginia

United States

Key Achievements:

  • Laid the cornerstone of the US Capitol in Masonic ceremony (1793)
  • First President of the United States
  • Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army
US Presidents

Benjamin Franklin

1706-1790

Founding Father, Scientist, Diplomat

One of the most influential Founding Fathers. Became a Mason in 1731 and served as Grand Master of Pennsylvania. His Masonic connections extended across the Atlantic to France.

Lodge:

St. John's Lodge, Philadelphia

United States

Key Achievements:

  • Grand Master of Pennsylvania (1734)
  • Signed the Declaration of Independence
  • Invented the lightning rod and bifocal glasses
US Presidents

Theodore Roosevelt

1858-1919

26th President of the United States

Known as the "Trust Buster" and conservationist President. Initiated in 1901 while serving as Vice President, just weeks before becoming President.

Lodge:

Matinecock Lodge No. 806, Oyster Bay, NY

United States

Key Achievements:

  • 26th President of the United States
  • Nobel Peace Prize winner (1906)
  • Created the National Park System
US Presidents

Franklin D. Roosevelt

1882-1945

32nd President of the United States

Led America through the Great Depression and World War II. Raised to Master Mason in 1911 and remained active in Masonry throughout his four terms as President.

Lodge:

Holland Lodge No. 8, New York City

United States

Key Achievements:

  • Only President elected four times
  • Created the New Deal programs
  • Led US through World War II
US Presidents

Harry S. Truman

1884-1972

33rd President of the United States

One of the most dedicated Masons to serve as President. Rose to become Grand Master of Missouri and received the 33rd degree of the Scottish Rite.

Lodge:

Belton Lodge No. 450, Missouri

United States

Key Achievements:

  • Grand Master of Missouri (1940-1941)
  • 33° Scottish Rite Mason
  • Made decision to use atomic bomb
US Presidents

Gerald Ford

1913-2006

38th President of the United States

The last President known to be a Freemason. Raised in 1949 and received the 33rd degree Scottish Rite in 1962.

Lodge:

Malta Lodge No. 465, Grand Rapids, MI

United States

Key Achievements:

  • 38th President of the United States
  • 33° Scottish Rite Mason
  • Only President not elected as President or Vice President
World Leaders

Winston Churchill

1874-1965

Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

Iconic British leader who guided Britain through World War II. Initiated in 1901, though he later became inactive in lodge activities due to political demands.

Lodge:

Studholme Alliance Lodge No. 1591, London

United Kingdom

Key Achievements:

  • Prime Minister during WWII
  • Nobel Prize in Literature (1953)
  • Led Britain to victory in WWII
World Leaders

Simon Bolivar

1783-1830

Liberator of South America

Known as "El Libertador," he freed six South American nations from Spanish rule. Freemasonry's ideals of liberty and equality greatly influenced his revolutionary vision.

Lodge:

Initiated in Cádiz, Spain

Venezuela

Key Achievements:

  • Liberated Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Panama, Bolivia
  • First President of Gran Colombia
  • Founded the Republic of Bolivia (named after him)
World Leaders

Giuseppe Garibaldi

1807-1882

Italian Revolutionary Leader

Unified Italy through military campaigns. Served as Grand Master of the Grand Orient of Italy and was one of the most prominent Mason revolutionaries.

Lodge:

Grand Orient of Italy

Italy

Key Achievements:

  • Grand Master of Grand Orient of Italy
  • Unified Italy
  • Led the famous "Expedition of the Thousand"
World Leaders

King Edward VII

1841-1910

King of the United Kingdom

Served as Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England for 27 years before becoming King. One of the most senior royals in Masonic history.

Lodge:

Grand Master of UGLE

United Kingdom

Key Achievements:

  • Grand Master of UGLE (1874-1901)
  • King of United Kingdom and British Dominions
  • Modernized the British monarchy
World Leaders

King George VI

1895-1952

King of the United Kingdom

Father of Queen Elizabeth II. Led Britain through WWII. Was Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Scotland and active in English Freemasonry.

Lodge:

Navy Lodge No. 2612, London

United Kingdom

Key Achievements:

  • King during World War II
  • Past Grand Master of Scotland
  • Subject of the film "The King's Speech"
Musicians

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

1756-1791

Composer

One of the greatest composers in history. Initiated in 1784, his Masonic membership deeply influenced his music, including "The Magic Flute" (Die Zauberflöte).

Lodge:

Zur Wohltätigkeit, Vienna

Austria

Key Achievements:

  • Composed over 600 works
  • The Magic Flute - Masonic opera
  • Masonic Funeral Music (K. 477)
Musicians

Joseph Haydn

1732-1809

Composer

Father of the Symphony and String Quartet. Initiated in 1785 into the same lodge as Mozart. His Masonic connections influenced his later choral works.

Lodge:

Zur wahren Eintracht, Vienna

Austria

Key Achievements:

  • Father of the Symphony
  • Father of the String Quartet
  • Composed 104 symphonies
Musicians

Duke Ellington

1899-1974

Jazz Musician & Composer

Legendary jazz composer and bandleader. Member of Prince Hall Freemasonry, the historically African American branch of Freemasonry.

Lodge:

Social Lodge No. 1, Washington D.C. (Prince Hall)

United States

Key Achievements:

  • Composed over 1,000 pieces
  • Presidential Medal of Freedom
  • Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
Musicians

Nat King Cole

1919-1965

Singer & Jazz Pianist

Legendary vocalist known for his smooth voice. A proud Prince Hall Mason who achieved success during a challenging era for African American artists.

Lodge:

Thomas Waller Lodge No. 49 (Prince Hall)

United States

Key Achievements:

  • First African American to host national TV show
  • "Unforgettable" - signature song
  • Grammy Hall of Fame inductee
Musicians

Count Basie

1904-1984

Jazz Bandleader & Pianist

One of the greatest jazz bandleaders of all time. A Prince Hall Mason who led his orchestra for nearly 50 years.

Lodge:

Wisdom Lodge No. 102 (Prince Hall)

United States

Key Achievements:

  • Led Count Basie Orchestra for 50 years
  • Nine Grammy Awards
  • Presidential Medal of Freedom
Writers

Voltaire

1694-1778

Writer & Philosopher

Enlightenment philosopher and writer. Initiated shortly before his death in 1778, with Benjamin Franklin assisting in his initiation ceremony.

Lodge:

Les Neuf Sœurs, Paris

France

Key Achievements:

  • Leading figure of the Enlightenment
  • Wrote "Candide"
  • Champion of civil liberties
Writers

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

1749-1832

Writer & Statesman

Germany's greatest writer and a polymath. Initiated in 1780, Masonic themes appear throughout his masterwork "Faust."

Lodge:

Amalia Lodge, Weimar

Germany

Key Achievements:

  • Wrote "Faust" - German literature masterpiece
  • Wrote "The Sorrows of Young Werther"
  • Served as Privy Councillor of Weimar
Writers

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

1859-1930

Author

Creator of Sherlock Holmes. Masonic references appear throughout his detective stories, reflecting his own membership.

Lodge:

Phoenix Lodge No. 257, Portsmouth

United Kingdom

Key Achievements:

  • Created Sherlock Holmes
  • Wrote 60 Sherlock Holmes stories
  • Knighted in 1902
Writers

Rudyard Kipling

1865-1936

Author & Poet

Nobel Prize-winning author. His poem "The Mother Lodge" beautifully describes the brotherhood of Freemasonry.

Lodge:

Hope and Perseverance Lodge No. 782, Lahore

United Kingdom

Key Achievements:

  • Nobel Prize in Literature (1907)
  • Wrote "The Jungle Book"
  • Wrote "Kim" and "If—"
Writers

Mark Twain

1835-1910

Author & Humorist

America's greatest humorist and author of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Raised a Master Mason in 1861.

Lodge:

Polar Star Lodge No. 79, St. Louis

United States

Key Achievements:

  • Wrote "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn"
  • Wrote "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer"
  • Father of American Literature
Writers

Oscar Wilde

1854-1900

Writer & Playwright

Celebrated Irish writer known for his wit. Initiated at Oxford University in 1875.

Lodge:

Apollo University Lodge No. 357, Oxford

Ireland

Key Achievements:

  • Wrote "The Picture of Dorian Gray"
  • Wrote "The Importance of Being Earnest"
  • Famous for his witty aphorisms
Scientists

Buzz Aldrin

1930-present

Astronaut

Second person to walk on the Moon. Carried a Masonic flag to the lunar surface during Apollo 11 mission.

Lodge:

Clear Lake Lodge No. 1417, Texas

United States

Key Achievements:

  • Second person to walk on the Moon
  • Carried Masonic flag to the Moon
  • 33° Scottish Rite Mason
Scientists

John Glenn

1921-2016

Astronaut & Senator

First American to orbit Earth. Later served as US Senator from Ohio.

Lodge:

Concord Lodge No. 688, Ohio

United States

Key Achievements:

  • First American to orbit Earth
  • US Senator from Ohio (1974-1999)
  • Oldest person to fly in space at 77
Scientists

Alexander Fleming

1881-1955

Scientist

Discovered penicillin, revolutionizing medicine. His discovery has saved countless millions of lives.

Lodge:

Santa Maria Lodge No. 2682, London

United Kingdom

Key Achievements:

  • Discovered penicillin (1928)
  • Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine (1945)
  • Knighted in 1944
Scientists

Edward Jenner

1749-1823

Physician & Scientist

Pioneer of smallpox vaccine. His work laid the foundation for immunology and has saved more lives than any other medical discovery.

Lodge:

Royal Faith and Friendship No. 270, Berkeley

United Kingdom

Key Achievements:

  • Invented smallpox vaccine
  • Father of Immunology
  • Eradicated smallpox worldwide
Entertainers

John Wayne

1907-1979

Actor

Iconic American actor and symbol of rugged masculinity. Became a Master Mason in 1970 and received the 33rd degree.

Lodge:

Marion McDaniel Lodge No. 56, Tucson

United States

Key Achievements:

  • Academy Award for "True Grit"
  • Starred in 170+ films
  • 33° Scottish Rite Mason
Entertainers

Clark Gable

1901-1960

Actor

Known as the "King of Hollywood." Star of "Gone with the Wind" and many classic films.

Lodge:

Beverly Hills Lodge No. 528

United States

Key Achievements:

  • Academy Award for "It Happened One Night"
  • Star of "Gone with the Wind"
  • Known as "King of Hollywood"
Entertainers

Will Rogers

1879-1935

Entertainer & Humorist

Beloved American humorist, actor, and social commentator. Known as "Oklahoma's Favorite Son."

Lodge:

Claremore Lodge No. 53, Oklahoma

United States

Key Achievements:

  • Most popular celebrity of 1930s
  • Starred in 71 films
  • Famous newspaper columnist
Entertainers

Harry Houdini

1874-1926

Magician & Escape Artist

Greatest magician and escape artist in history. His dedication to exposing fraudulent spiritualists aligned with Masonic values of truth.

Lodge:

St. Cecile Lodge No. 568, New York

United States

Key Achievements:

  • World's greatest escape artist
  • Debunked fraudulent spiritualists
  • Pioneer of modern magic performance
Business

Henry Ford

1863-1947

Industrialist

Founder of Ford Motor Company. Revolutionized manufacturing with the assembly line. Raised a Master Mason in 1894.

Lodge:

Palestine Lodge No. 357, Detroit

United States

Key Achievements:

  • Founded Ford Motor Company
  • Invented the assembly line
  • Made automobiles affordable for middle class
Business

Dave Thomas

1932-2002

Entrepreneur

Founder of Wendy's fast food chain. Known for his philanthropy, especially the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.

Lodge:

Sol. D. Bayless Lodge No. 359, Fort Wayne

United States

Key Achievements:

  • Founded Wendy's restaurants
  • Created Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
  • 33° Scottish Rite Mason
Military

General Douglas MacArthur

1880-1964

General of the Army

Five-star general who commanded Allied forces in the Pacific during WWII. Oversaw reconstruction of Japan.

Lodge:

Manila Lodge No. 1, Philippines

United States

Key Achievements:

  • Supreme Commander of Allied Powers in Japan
  • Medal of Honor recipient
  • Commanded UN forces in Korean War
Military

General Omar Bradley

1893-1981

General of the Army

Last surviving five-star general. Known as the "Soldier's General" for his concern for enlisted men.

Lodge:

West Point Lodge No. 877, New York

United States

Key Achievements:

  • Commanded 1.3 million troops on D-Day
  • First Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff
  • 33° Scottish Rite Mason
Sports

Arnold Palmer

1929-2016

Professional Golfer

Legendary golfer who popularized the sport. Known as "The King" of golf.

Lodge:

Loyalhanna Lodge No. 275, Latrobe, PA

United States

Key Achievements:

  • Won 7 major championships
  • Won 62 PGA Tour titles
  • Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient
Sports

Sugar Ray Robinson

1921-1989

Professional Boxer

Considered pound-for-pound the greatest boxer of all time. Won world titles in two weight classes.

Lodge:

Joppa Lodge No. 55 (Prince Hall), New York

United States

Key Achievements:

  • World Welterweight Champion
  • 5-time World Middleweight Champion
  • Record of 173-19-6
Sports

Shaquille O'Neal

1972-present

Basketball Player

One of the greatest NBA players ever. Became a Prince Hall Mason in 2011, continuing his commitment to community service.

Lodge:

Widows Son Lodge No. 28 (Prince Hall), Boston

United States

Key Achievements:

  • 4-time NBA Champion
  • NBA Most Valuable Player (2000)
  • 15-time NBA All-Star

About Famous Freemasons

Freemasonry has attracted men of extraordinary talent and vision throughout its 300+ year history. From the founding fathers of the United States to Nobel Prize winners, from legendary musicians to pioneering astronauts, Freemasons have consistently been at the forefront of human achievement.

What unites these diverse individuals is not fame or power, but a shared commitment to the Masonic principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. Many credit their Masonic membership with providing a moral compass and a network of like-minded individuals dedicated to personal improvement.

Note: This list represents a small sample of notable Freemasons throughout history. Freemasonry does not actively recruit members or seek publicity through famous members. These individuals became Masons of their own free will and accord, seeking the same fraternal bond available to all good men.

Interested in Joining This Brotherhood?

Freemasonry welcomes good men from all walks of life. Find a lodge near you to learn more.