It’s a pretty amazing historical fact: Even though our U.S. presidents came from very different backgrounds and stations in life, nearly 1 out of 3 of them shared one important thing in common: they were Freemasons.
What drew these outstanding American leaders—these 15 presidents—to Freemasonry? What values did they embrace as Freemasons that empowered their rise to the heights of American political power?
Shared Values & Leadership
Richard Fletcher, a Past Masonic Grandmaster of Vermont, argued in an online Voice of America article that it is no coincidence that numerous U.S. presidents—including early presidents George Washington and James Monroe—were Freemasons.
“Freemasons were deeply involved in the creation of this country because a great underpinning of Freemasonry is the right of people to choose their own leaders, the right of people to think for themselves, [and] the right of people to vote,” Mr. Fletcher wrote.
A Thirst for Education & Human Rights
Freemasons had also long embraced public education—the right of people to learn irrespective of one’s income level or background—and this became a foundational value of many of America’s Founding Fathers who also were Freemasons. As Mr. Fletcher wrote: “You do not have to become a Freemason to become a good president, but I believe some of our great presidents have been Freemasons. And I think there is more than coincidence to this. They were men who believed in freedom. They were men who believed in human rights. They were men who believed in education. They were men who believed you could think for yourself.”
A Passion for Service
Freemasons are drawn to opportunities for leadership because of many of our core values, including integrity, responsibility, compassion, and a commitment to self-improvement. These values are also key elements of effective leadership more generally, both in service to our local community and to our nation more broadly. Freemasonry also places a strong emphasis on ethical conduct and moral principles like truth, justice, and charity, which are crucial for building trust and making sound decisions as a political leader. Self-reflection and growth are also strongly encouraged within Freemasonry, and these values help members develop their personal character and leadership abilities—key qualities recognized in all great U.S. presidents.
A Final Word from George Washington
Of all the 15 U.S. presidents who were Freemasons, probably George Washington best articulated what he viewed as the connection between his Freemason membership and his role as president of the United States. In 1790 he wrote: “Being persuaded that a just application of the principles on which the Masonic Fraternity is founded must be promotive of private virtue and public prosperity, I shall always be happy to advance the interests of the Society, and to be considered by them as a deserving brother.”
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