The Secretive World of the Freemasons

Freemasonry is one of the most mysterious and controversial organizations in the world. With centuries of history, secret rituals, and an endless stream of rumors, it has fueled more conspiracy theories than almost any other group. Passed down from generation to generation, its traditions make it difficult to know what is legend, what is outdated, and what still happens today.

You may have noticed their lodges in your city—buildings with strange symbols carved above their doors. You’ve probably heard whispers about hidden ceremonies. But who are the Freemasons really, and what goes on behind those closed doors?

Here are some of the most intriguing facts about the Freemasons.

Origins

The Freemasonry we recognize today took shape in London in the early 1700s. Its roots go back to medieval stonemason guilds, but over time the membership expanded beyond builders. In 1717, the first Grand Lodge was founded for “gentlemen masons,” and suspicions immediately followed.

Ordinary townspeople saw men from many different backgrounds entering and leaving the lodge. Rumors spread—what were they plotting, and what could they all possibly have in common? Freemasons themselves insist they are not a secret society. Members may openly say they belong, but they are forbidden from revealing the order’s rituals.

Famous Members

Throughout history, many influential figures have been Freemasons: George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Winston Churchill, Mozart, Davy Crockett, Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Houdini, Gerald Ford, Henry Ford, John Wayne, and even Colonel Sanders. The fact that such diverse figures—from presidents to performers—were united in the same brotherhood only fuels speculation about what they discussed behind closed doors.

Belief in God

In the United States, joining the Masons requires belief in a higher power. Members don’t have to follow a particular religion, but they must acknowledge the existence of God or some divine presence.

Women in Freemasonry

In the U.S., Freemasonry is strictly male. In Europe, however, some lodges do accept women, though rules vary.

One curious case comes from Kentucky in the mid-1800s. Catherine Babington, fascinated by the lodge next door, secretly spied on meetings for more than a year. When she was finally discovered, the Masons detained her for a month before swearing her to secrecy so she couldn’t reveal their rituals. She was never officially admitted into the order, nor allowed to attend again.

The Masonic Symbol

The square and compass, the best-known symbol of Freemasonry, comes from the tools of medieval stonemasons. Its exact meaning changes depending on the lodge, but it universally represents discipline, morality, and craftsmanship.

Suspicion, Condemnation, and Power

By the 18th century, most Freemasons were wealthy merchants, bankers, and businessmen. Their secrecy, combined with rituals steeped in Christian symbolism, drew harsh criticism from religious leaders.

In 1738, Pope Clement XII issued a decree against Freemasonry, and in 1890 Pope Leo XIII went further, calling it “the kingdom of Satan.” Yet the order continued to grow, particularly in the United States.

Paranoia even sparked an anti-Masonic political party. Though eight members of Congress were elected under its banner, their movement faltered in 1828 when Andrew Jackson—himself a Mason—defeated their presidential candidate.

The prominence of men like Jackson, combined with secretive ceremonies, convinced many that Masons were manipulating society from behind the scenes. Conspiracy theories about Masonic influence still persist—most famously, the belief that the “All-Seeing Eye” on the U.S. dollar bill is proof of hidden control.

Masonic Lodges

Lodges have their roots in medieval guild halls, which served as rest stops, hospitals, and meeting places for traveling stonemasons. Today, they function more like private clubs.

A typical lodge includes offices for administration, a main hall for meetings, and a lounge for socializing. Some historic lodges also preserve artifacts from famous members—for example, the House of the Temple in Washington, D.C. displays the flag astronaut Buzz Aldrin carried to the Moon.

Grand Lodges, or “Grand Orients,” oversee collections of lodges in a given region. Their authority is limited, and local customs vary, meaning rituals, ranks, and ceremonies often differ widely.

William Morgan

In the 1820s, a man named William Morgan attempted to join the Freemasons but was rejected. Soon after, he announced plans to publish a book exposing their secrets. Before the book appeared, Morgan mysteriously disappeared. Many believe the Masons had him killed to protect their order, though his fate remains a mystery to this day.

Persecution by the Nazis

Adolf Hitler considered Freemasonry a threat, believing it was a tool of Jewish influence. During World War II, between 80,000 and 200,000 Freemasons were executed under the Nazi regime.

Communism and Freemasonry

In 1922, the Soviet Union banned all secret societies, including Freemasonry. It disappeared from most communist states, including China. Cuba, under Fidel Castro, took a softer approach: Masons were kept under strict government control but not expelled.

Freemasonry in Muslim Countries

In 1980, Saddam Hussein outlawed Freemasonry in Iraq, accusing it of spreading Zionist principles. Most Muslim-majority countries have also banned it, though exceptions exist—Turkey, Morocco, Malaysia, and Lebanon still allow Masonic lodges.

Anders Breivik

The Norwegian extremist Anders Breivik, responsible for the 2011 mass killings, was himself a practicing Mason.

What Happens at Masonic Meetings

Though details vary from lodge to lodge, Masonic meetings usually follow a similar structure. They open with routine business like paying bills and voting. Ceremonies often include prayers, a flag ritual, and symbolic reminders of moral duty, such as the Bible, the square, and the compass.

The core of the gathering is usually initiation ceremonies, where new members advance through three main degrees. Because lodges are largely independent, the exact rituals differ widely.

Masonic Signs

For centuries, Freemasons have used signs, words, and gestures to identify one another. Over time, many of these have been exposed in books and pamphlets, forcing lodges to change or adapt their methods. Different lodges use different codes, adding to the air of mystery.

Conspiracy Theories

Freemasonry has inspired countless conspiracy theories, most of which fall into three main ideas:

1. That Freemasonry is its own religion, with a god that conflicts with traditional faiths.

2. That secret, higher-ranking leaders run occult rituals or control positions of political power.

3. That a global Masonic authority exists, directing all lodges and influencing world events—from wars to financial crises.

Some even claim that the Freemasons were behind the assassination of John F. Kennedy.

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The Enduring Mystery

From medieval guild halls to modern conspiracies, Freemasonry has always been surrounded by secrecy, suspicion, and fascination. Whether seen as a brotherhood of tradition or a shadowy influence on world affairs, the Masons remain one of history’s most enduring mysteries.