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
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 […]
Debunking 5 Common Myths about Freemasons
If you ask us, “What is the most frustrating thing Freemasons have to deal with?” many of us will reply, “All the myths and misinformation out there about Freemasonry.” The fact is, ever since Freemasonry was formally founded at the Grand Lodge of England in 1717, Masons have had to deal with a host of […]
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 […]
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 […]
Why Charles Lindbergh Was a Mason
Here’s how you become an American hero: You come from Midwest stock and are known all your life as quiet and reserved. At the age of just 25 in 1927, you become the first person to ever fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean—with virtually no navigation equipment—in a plane, The Spirit of St. Louis, described […]
5-Minute Book Review: “Freemasons for Dummies”
Have you ever thought to yourself, “I wish there were a clear introduction to Freemasonry … one that would deepen my own understanding and that I could share with others?” Well, here it is. Hailed by the readers of Fraternal Review magazine as one of the “10 Best Masonic Books of the Millennium,” Freemasons for […]
