Did you know Harry Houdini was a Freemason?
Yes! Harry Houdini was an iconic American magician, stunt performer, and escape artist. He was also a Freemason, being initiated into the fraternity in 1912. He used his skills to create illusions and escapes that had never been seen before, and he was a master of self-promotion. He is remembered today as one of the greatest showmen of all time. Houdini was also a passionate advocate for Spiritualism, a movement which sought to demonstrate the existence of life after death. He famously exposed many of its fraudulent practitioners, often to their embarrassment. Houdini was an active Freemason, and his involvement with the fraternity was an important part of his life. He was a member of St. Cecile Lodge No. 568 in New York City, and was a dedicated and enthusiastic participant in many of the fraternity’s rituals and ceremonies. He was also a well-known speaker in the Masonic community, often giving lectures on the subject of magic and the occult. In addition to his Masonic activities, Houdini was an advocate for various charitable causes throughout his life, including the founding of the American Humane Society. He was also a keen supporter of Jewish charities and was a vocal opponent of anti-Semitism.
List of other Distinguished Freemasons.
1. George Washington – First President of the United States and a Freemason
2. Benjamin Franklin – Founding Father of the United States and a Freemason
3. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Composer and Freemason
4. John Jacob Astor – Businessman and philanthropist, and a Freemason
5. Winston Churchill – British Prime Minister and Freemason
6. Dwight D. Eisenhower – 34th President of the United States and Freemason
7. Harry S. Truman – 33rd President of the United States and Freemason
8. John Wayne – Actor and Freemason
9. John Hancock – American Revolutionary War leader and Freemason
10. Lewis Latimer – Electrical engineer and inventor and Freemason