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San Francisco once had its own celebrity who happened also to be a Mason: his name was Joshua Abraham Norton. Origin Norton was born on 4 February 1818 into a Jewish family in England. His parents came from wealthy families; his father was a successful farmer and merchant, while his mother came from a highly … Read more
Michael Carbis, although a historical figure, is not widely known in history. Early Life Born to Michael Carbis and Mary Ann Solomon in Kenwyn, Cornwall, England in 1831, Carbis was the fourth of eleven children. He was christened on 3 April 1831 in Chacewater, Cornwall, England. When he was 16 years old, they were living … Read more
Various groups throughout the world oppose Freemasonry. These are mostly composed of some governments and some religions. Why do they oppose Freemasonry? William Morgan and Léo Taxil We have briefly discussed Morgan and Taxil elsewhere on MasonicFind. Here are brief summaries for each: Roman Catholic Church As mentioned in the above-linked article, the Roman Catholic … Read more
When thinking about heroes of the American Revolution, the name Joseph Warren is not typically the first to come to mind. However, Warren may be a contender against Samuel Adams for the title “Father of the American Revolution.” General Life Events Warren was born on 11 June 1741 in Roxbury, Massachusetts (which at that time … Read more
Many people I have talked with say that the idea that the origin of Freemasonry could be Chinese is an outrageous idea. However, I have researched this quintessentially British institution and found that even in Victorian times, several historians, and diplomats who were based in China, also thought that Freemasonry had a Chinese origin. Two … Read more
Traditional societies have considered that the imitation of exemplary models was the best way to endow human activity with a transcendent meaning. In this way, all human behavior had to find an exemplary model previously established by the Divine or by supernatural beings (gods, angels, saints, heroes). Any foundational act, from the enthronement of a … Read more
St. Paul, Nebraska, is a small town about 20 miles north of Grand Island. The town has its own lodge, St Paul No. 82; the town also has an incredibly famous alumnus, Grover Cleveland Alexander. Youth Alexander was born on 26 February 1887 in Elba, Nebraska. Marriage and Military Draft Just after being traded from … Read more
Benjamin Franklin is one of the more celebrated Founding Fathers of the United States of America. Among other things, he is famous for having discovered electricity, for inventing bifocal glasses, and for assisting in convincing Congress to vote for American Independency. Benjamin’s Franklin Youth Franklin was born in Boston, Massachusetts on 17 January 1706 to … Read more
One of the conspiracy theorists’ favorite whipping boys relative to Masonry is Albert Pike, a well-respected author and famous Mason. Youth Pike was born on 29 December 1809 in Boston, Massachusetts. He was raised as a Christian and attended an Episcopal church. Freemasonry Pike was initiated an Entered Apprentice and passed to the degree of … Read more
There are two extremely common ideas that many (if not most) non-Masons hold about Freemasonry: that Freemasonry is a political force, and/or that Freemasonry is a religion. The Nature of Masonry The purpose of Freemasonry is to make good men better; not for one to be better than others, but rather for one to be … Read more
One category of the secrets that we as Freemasons are obligated to keep are our modes of recognition. These were traditionally used to verify whether a stranger from another land was a Mason or not. So what are these modes of recognition for Freemasons? Without revealing them, I will explain the nature of these and … Read more
As in many subjects, Freemasonry has its fair share of popular authors. One such author is Manly P Hall. Early Life and Publications Hall was born on 18 March 1901 in Peterborough, Ontario. Like many esoteric authors, Hall’s works seem to have been based on a deep research of ancient traditions and attempts to apply … Read more
Throughout the year, we celebrate various holidays. It may surprise you to learn that St. John the Evangelist’s day (December 27th) is significant to Freemasons in the United States of America and possibly elsewhere around the world. History of St. John the Evangelist The following is a portion of a brief Biblical history of St. … Read more
One of the reasons why so much mystery surrounds Freemasonry is because of all the gossip and rumors floating around claiming Freemasonry is some nefarious, malignant force, religious and/or political. Where do these rumors come from? Why is it that Masonry has been and continues to be a convenient scapegoat? The following is a relatively … Read more
As Samuel Hemming, the first Senior Grand Warden of the United Grand Lodge of England once put it; Freemasonry is a system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols. Today, we’re taking a closer look at the most recognized masonic symbols (32, to be exact) and give you an explanation of what they … Read more
One of my personal favorite crime stores ever has to be the story of Jack The Ripper. Today, we’re taking a closer look at the allegations that claim Jack the Ripper was a Freemason. Who Was Jack The Ripper? Jack the Ripper was an identified serial killer who murdered five women in London in 1888. … Read more
It’s often asked what positive contributions to society Freemasons have achieved throughout history. Well, as it turns out, Freemasonry (through the many great men in its ranks), has contributed a LOT. We covered the brilliant scientists who were Freemasons in a recent post, but today we’re taking a look at what their inventions were, so … Read more
As you may know already, modern-day/speculative Freemasonry (as it is known and practiced today across the world) comes from the ancient guilds of operative stonemasons. Today, we’re taking a break from talking about Masonic history. Instead, we’re going to take a look at how the ancient stonemasons built the many architectural wonders and cathedrals that … Read more
George Washington, a Founding Father and 1st President of the United States of America once said; ‘Freemasonry is an institution founded on eternal reason and truth; whose deep basis is the civilization of mankind, and whose everlasting glory it is to have the immovable support of those two mighty pillars, science and morality.’ The importance … Read more
Which members of the Royal Family are also Freemasons? In this article, I’m going to share with you the history of Freemasonry in the United Kingdom, as well as some Notable Royal Family members who are (or were at one point) members of Freemasonry. Let’s get started as there’s plenty to cover… The Dawn Of … Read more
One of the most-loved, most-admired Freemason and President will forever be George Washington. Seeing how George Washington is such a celebrated and decorated figure in both US and Masonic history, today we’ve decided to dig a bit deeper and bring forth 8 facts about Brother George Washington (related to his involvement in Freemasonry). A question … Read more
Freemasonry & Hollywood. What’s the connection here? Well, Freemasonry has been present in Hollywood since the early 1900s. For a large part of the twentieth century, masons held a prestigious societal position in the organization of the city and landscape. Over the years, there have been many notable changes. The membership level has shrunk. During … Read more
Freemasonry can be found all over the world, but what about in a strict communist country like China? All of this (and more) will be answered below. Let’s get started… The History of Freemasonry in China The Chinese culture doesn’t restrict a person from joining Freemasons. However, Freemasonry in Mainland China is outlawed by the … Read more
One of the most admired/most quoted men in the world has got to be the charming gentleman, Winston Churchill. But was Winston Churchill a Freemason? In this article, we’ll be sharing 7 Masonic facts about Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill, British Prime Minister, Army Officer, author, and an all-around great guy (depending on who you ask). … Read more
Can a Muslim become a Freemason? Is Freemasonry allowed in Islamic countries or is Freemasonry haram? Today, we’re taking a closer look at the (sometimes complicated) relationship between Islam and Freemasonry, and you’d be surprised to know how far back these two actually go. If you’re looking to learn more about how Freemasonry is viewed … Read more
There’s a certain intrigue about “secret societies”. They elicit strong feelings of curiosity, interest, and fascination mostly fueled by Hollywood movies, media coverage, and wild “conspiracy theories“. Although I would argue Freemasonry is not a secret society, but rather “a society with secrets”; it’s also one of the most prominent and most popular “secret societies” … Read more
You can’t talk about the American Revolution without mentioning the involvement of many individuals who also happen to be Freemasons. In this article, we’re taking a closer look at the state of Freemasonry before, during, and after the American Revolution (1775–1783). To close it off, we’ll also be highlighting the generals who were also Freemasons … Read more
“When man reaches new worlds, Masonry will be there!” Those were the comments made by Buzz Aldrin – the second man ever to step on the moon – in a 1969 interview with The New Age magazine. Is Buzz Aldrin a Freemason? The Masonic Flag That Went To The Moon Knowing that Buzz Aldrin would … Read more
Interested in joining and becoming a Knights Templar? Actually, you can. Becoming a Knights Templar isn’t a complicated issue at all, but it is indeed a unique and exceptional way to transform your life. You’ll get to understand the purpose of life and take a firm stand for what is right for your country and … Read more
When & how did King Solomon die? King Solomon is one of the most prominent figures of history. He was the second son of King David and Bathsheba and appointed as Ling at the young age of 12. Some historians claim that Solomon was actually the 17th of 19 sons of David, not the second. … Read more