From the earliest days of Freemasonry, symbolism has served as a language—one that teaches, challenges, and inspires without relying solely on words. Within the Scottish Rite, Masonic symbolism continues to shape the journey of learning, helping members reflect on timeless principles such as integrity, justice, tolerance, service, and reverence. But these symbols are not abstract […]
Masonic History & Tradition
What Freemasons Should Know about the Historical Jesus
You’ve heard about him your entire life. You may even worship him as the Son of God and/or as someone whose world-famous teachings you seek to follow. But have you ever wondered specifically about Jesus’ time here on earth? Well, historians have for centuries, and they have come to some fascinating conclusions that can enrich […]
Why Great American Author Mark Twain was a Freemason
You’re probably heard his name your whole life: Mark Twain. (Real name: Samuel Langhorne Clemens.) But did you know that the famously independent, crusty, deep-thinking Mark Twain was a Freemason—one who greatly admired and helped to promote the values of the Brotherhood through his world-famous books and other writings? Early Ties to Freemasonry World-famous for […]
Why Movie Star John Wayne was a Freemason
When you think “John Wayne,” you think “Famous Hollywood Actor.” You think “The Ultimate Cowboy.” You think “Red-White-and-True-Blue Patriot.” But did you know he also was a very devoted Freemason? Let’s take a moment to see why. Humble Roots in Iowa and California Born in Winterset, Iowa, on May 26, 1907, the man the world […]
Why 15 U.S. Presidents Were Freemasons
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 […]
The Surprising Connection of Freemasonry to Thanksgiving
When you think of Thanksgiving, do you think immediately of Freemasonry? Maybe not? Well, it turns out you should! Because two Freemasons—including U.S. President and Freemason George Washington—had a huge impact on the American version of the Thanksgiving holiday we celebrate today. In fact, President Washington and one of his Brothers in Freemasonry, Brother Elias […]
Great American Freemason Musicians
It’s a fascinating question: What is the connection of music and musicians to personal character and values? And why have there been so many great American musicians who were also great Freemason musicians? Let’s take a moment to shine the concert spotlight on this intriguing and rarely explored topic. The Musician / Mason Connection Psychologists […]
Great Mason Athletes of the 20th and 21st Centuries
From Scottie Pippen to Arnold Palmer to Ty Cobb, some of the world’s greatest athletes have been Masons. Let’s take a moment to look at some other great Mason athletes, and how the values of the Brotherhood were reflected in their personal character. Shaquille O’Neal A big man with a big heart, “Shaq” is not […]
Caldwell’s Ornate Scottish Rite Jewels Featured at Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library
In December 1867, Edward Holland Caldwell (1844-1872) of Mobile, Alabama, received the fourteenth degree at the newly established Mobile Lodge of Perfection #1. The following year he received the eighteenth degree, and later, the thirty-second degree. Caldwell’s handsome jewels for the eighteenth and thirty-second degrees survive and are now part of the collection of the […]
How Freemasonry Came to North America
It’s a pretty impressive line-up. When we speak about Masons in Colonial America, we’re talking about some of the greatest Americans who ever lived. Men like George Washington … Benjamin Franklin … Thomas Jefferson … and Paul Revere. But how and why did Freemasonry come to North America in the first place? A Scotsman in […]
