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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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"
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
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"
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)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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—"
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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"
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.