Eleanor Finch
The Founding Fathers of America are revered for their role in creating the country, but many were also Freemasons. George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Paul Revere, John Hancock, and John Marshall are some of the notable founding fathers who were also Freemasons. While the exact number is debated, it is believed that about 13 of the 39 signers of the US Constitution were Freemasons. This percentage is even higher than the proportion of Freemasons among the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, which stands at around 9. The political agenda of the Freemasons during this formative period in American history remains a subject of scholarly interest and investigation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Freemasons who signed the US Constitution | 9, 13 or 14 |
| Names of Freemasons who signed the US Constitution | Gunning Bedford Jr., John Blair, David Brearly, Jacob Broom, Daniel Carrol, John Dickinson, Benjamin Franklin, Rufus King, and George Washington |
| Number of Freemasons who signed the Declaration of Independence | 9 |
| Names of Freemasons who signed the Declaration of Independence | William Ellery, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, Joseph Hewes, William Hooper, Robert Treat Paine, Richard Stockton, George Walton, and William Whipple |
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What You'll Learn
Benjamin Franklin was a Freemason
Benjamin Franklin, born in Boston in 1706, was one of the most notable Freemasons in history. He was initiated into Freemasonry in 1730 or 1731 at St. John's Lodge in Philadelphia. Before his initiation, Franklin wrote about Freemasonry in his work for the Pennsylvania Gazette. After he became a member, his writing style changed, and his tone shifted towards praise for Freemasonry, especially in Pennsylvania.
Franklin was intensely interested in Freemasonry and dedicated to the craft. He was not merely a lodge member but a Freemason who was willing to contribute to the welfare of the fraternity. He held several offices within the Freemasons fraternity, including Grand Master of Pennsylvania in 1735, and Provincial Grand Master of Pennsylvania in 1749. He also published The Constitutions of the Freemasons, the first Masonic book printed in America. This book was based on Anderson's Constitutions, which was first published in England and contained Masonic history, charges, and regulations.
Franklin was a devoted Freemason who occupied places of official prominence within the fraternity. He was a leader of men and nations, and he took to heart the principles of the ancient craft. He was also an active Mason for 60 years, leaving a lasting impact on American society with his inventions, discoveries, and accomplishments.
Benjamin Franklin was one of about thirteen of the thirty-nine men (33%) who signed the US Constitution and were also Freemasons. Other notable founding fathers who were Freemasons include George Washington, Paul Revere, John Hancock, and Chief Justice John Marshall.
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George Washington was a Freemason
It is believed that about 33% of those who signed the US Constitution were Freemasons. One of the most notable of these was George Washington, who was initiated into the Fredericksburg Lodge of Freemasonry in Virginia in November 1752, when he was 20 years old. He paid the lodge two pounds and three shillings to join. Washington went on to become the first President of the United States, and his inauguration included several Masonic elements, such as taking his oath of office on a Bible from St. John's Lodge.
Washington's Masonic membership continued to be important throughout his presidency. He exchanged letters with many Masonic local lodges and state grand lodges, and met delegations of Freemasons during his visit to Rhode Island in 1790 and his 1791 tour of the southern states. In 1793, he presided at the Masonic ceremonial laying of the United States Capitol cornerstone, wearing Masonic regalia.
Washington's funeral in 1799 included a Masonic procession, and brothers of Alexandria Lodge performed Masonic rites. He was buried with his Masonic apron, and his widow, Martha Washington, sent a lock of his hair to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, where it remains to this day.
Washington's legacy as a Mason is still celebrated today. The George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria, Virginia, was dedicated in 1932 and is open to the public. Washington himself best summarised his relationship with Freemasonry in a letter to the brethren of King David's Lodge in 1790:
> 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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Freemasons' political agenda
Freemasonry has long been a subject of fascination and controversy, with many questioning the political agenda and influence of this secretive society. It is believed that about 33% of those who signed the US Constitution were Freemasons, and understanding their motives has been a subject of academic inquiry. While the specifics of their agenda remain unknown, we can piece together some aspects from historical context and the core principles of Freemasonry.
At its core, Freemasonry is about creating a better man and a better world, with a focus on equality, freedom of thought and religion, and social progress. These ideals are reflected in the actions of some of the Founding Fathers who were Freemasons, such as their push for separation from Great Britain to ensure religious freedom. Notably, Freemasons are thought to have had more progressive views on slavery and women's rights than most people during that time.
The Masonic Lodge, the basic organisational unit of Freemasonry, aims to maintain harmony and bring men of different faiths and beliefs together in unity. While politics and religion are generally avoided within the Lodge to prevent disharmony, Freemasons are encouraged to subdue their passions and come together despite their differences. This separation of Freemasonry from political and religious dogma has been a key principle since its early days, emphasising Enlightenment values of human reason, freethought, and intellectual liberty.
However, Freemasonry has not been without its critics and opponents. It has faced opposition from religious institutions like the Catholic Church and certain Islamic countries, sometimes due to anti-Semitism or conspiracy theories. Additionally, in the early days of English Freemasonry, the British royalty was concerned about potential political agendas and made efforts to eliminate politics from the craft. Despite these efforts, Freemasons have continued to hold influential positions in governments, as seen in Austria in the 1970s, and their impact on political and intellectual life, especially in countries like France, has been significant.
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Founding Fathers who were Freemasons
Several of the Founding Fathers of the United States were Freemasons. Freemasons are men who strive for equality, freedom of thought and religion, and a better tomorrow. While there is no evidence of a shared political agenda, Freemasons are thought to have viewed issues such as slavery and women's rights differently from most of their contemporaries.
It is believed that about 13 of the 39 men (33%) who signed the US Constitution were Freemasons. However, the exact number is unclear, with some sources suggesting a higher or lower total.
George Washington
Washington is one of the most famous Freemasons among the Founding Fathers. He is one of the fourteen US presidents known to have been Freemasons. He received the Master Mason degree and is depicted wearing his Masonic apron, which held great significance for him.
Benjamin Franklin
Franklin is considered by many to be the most important Freemason from the revolutionary period who never became president or vice president. He was a member of the St. John's Lodge, Tun Tavern, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and served as the Past Provincial Grand Master of Pennsylvania. Franklin's Masonic career began in 1727 when he organised the "Leathern Apron Club" as a secret society in Philadelphia.
John Hancock
Hancock was initiated into Freemasonry in 1762 at the Marchants Lodge in Quebec City, the first civilian lodge established in Canada. He later affiliated with St. Andrew's Lodge in Boston upon his return to the colonies. Hancock went on to become the first governor of the commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1780, serving nine terms until his death in 1793.
Paul Revere
Paul Revere led a Massachusetts chapter of Freemasons.
William Ellery
While there is no definitive proof, there is a record of a \"William Ellery\" being made a Mason in St. John's Lodge of Boston in 1748. Ellery is known to have attended various Masonic events, and his name appears on the list of members without any indication of withdrawal or death.
Other Notable Freemasons
Other Founding Fathers who are believed to have been Freemasons include Gunning Bedford Jr., John Blair, David Brearly, Jacob Broom, Daniel Carrol, John Dickinson, Rufus King, George Walton, William Whipple, Elbridge Gerry, William Hooper, Richard Stockton, and Matthew Thornton.
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Number of Freemasons who signed the Declaration of Independence
Freemasons are individuals who strive for equality, freedom of thought and religion, and a better tomorrow. Many of America's founding fathers were Freemasons, including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Paul Revere, John Hancock, and Chief Justice John Marshall.
Out of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, it is believed that nine were Freemasons. These men were:
- William Ellery
- Benjamin Franklin
- John Hancock
- Joseph Hewes
- William Hooper
- Robert Treat Paine
- Richard Stockton
- George Walton
- William Whipple
It is important to note that while these individuals were Freemasons during their lifetime, they may not have been Freemasons at the time of signing the Declaration of Independence in 1776. For example, there is some debate about whether William Ellery was a Freemason, but records indicate that a "William Ellery" was made a Mason in St. John's Lodge of Boston in 1748.
Additionally, the definition of a Freemason can vary, and it may be important to consider whether these individuals received the Master Mason degree. While the exact nature of their involvement in Freemasonry may vary, the impact of these men on the founding of the United States and the ideals of freedom and equality is undeniable.
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Frequently asked questions
It is believed that about 13 of the 39 men (33%) that signed the US Constitution were Freemasons.
The following men who signed the US Constitution were also Freemasons:
- Gunning Bedford Jr.
- John Blair
- David Brearly
- Jacob Broom
- Daniel Carrol
- John Dickinson
- Benjamin Franklin
- Rufus King
- George Washington
- John Blair
- David Brearly
- Jacob Broom
- Daniel Carroll
- William Ellery
Yes, many of the Founding Fathers were also Freemasons. Some of the more notable Founding Fathers who were also Freemasons include:
- George Washington
- Benjamin Franklin, who led the Pennsylvania chapter
- Paul Revere, who led a Massachusetts chapter
- John Hancock
- Chief Justice John Marshall, who greatly influenced the shaping of the Supreme Court
Freemasons were men that strived for equality, freedom of thought and religion, and making tomorrow's America better than today.
Fourteen US presidents have been Freemasons.
