Quotable Quote: "You have to think offensively and defensively and see where your opponent is going to go. Your mind has to be totally aware of the whole situation. That doesn't come the first time you play.”
The Ringling Bros
Best known as: Entertainers
Initiated, Passed, and Raised: All of them between 1890-1891
Member of: Baraboo Lodge No. 34, WI
Eddie Murphy (Confirmed- not a Freemason. Confused with Audie Murphy who is a war hero and also an actor)
Best known as: A comedian
Initiated: Unknown
Member of: NorthHollywood Lodge No. 542, CA (see note below)
Quotable Quote: “In reality, all men are sculptors, constantly chipping away the unwanted parts of their lives trying to create a masterpiece.”
Note: Though Eddie Murphy is listed as a Freemason in numerous Masonic websites (including Wikipedia's list of Famous Freemasons). I couldn't find any record of the date when he was Initiated, Passed, and Raised. I also wonder if some people have just confused him with Freemason Audie Murphy (1924-1971) of Hollywood Lodge No. 542, CA.
EDIT (June 25, 2012): Bro. Jeff M., a member of North Hollywood Lodge No. 542 and Ken Butters confirmed that I (and wikipedia) have confused Audie Murphy with Eddie Murphy. Audie Murphy and not Eddie Murphy is a member of North Hollywood Lodge No. 542 where they have a special room dedicated in his memory.
John Molson
Best known as: Founder of Molson Breweries
Initiated: Date unknown but he is known to have served as the Worshipful Master of St. Paul's Lodge from June to December 1791 and from June 1795 to June 1796.
Member of: St. Paul's Lodge, No. 374
Antoine-Joseph "Adolphe" Sax
Best known as: The inventor of the Saxophone
Initiated: Unknown
Member of: Loge Les Vrais Amis de L'Union
Note: His petition for initiation was found in the archives of the Lodge "Les Vrais Amis de l'Union" but no other record of his membership exists.
Richard J. Gatling
Best known as: The inventor of the Gatling Gun
Initiated: Unknown
Member of: Center Lodge No. 23, Indianapolis, Ind
J. C. Penny
Best known as: Founder of JCPenney
Initiated: April 18, 1911, P. May 19, 1911, R. June 2, 1911
Lodge: Wasatch Lodge No. 1 F&AM Utah
Samuel Colt
Best know as: The inventor of the Revolver
Initiated: Unknown
Member of: St. John’s Lodge No. 4, Pythagoras Chapter No. 17, Washington Commandery No. 1, all of Hartford, CN
Frederick Louis Maytag
Best known as: Inventor of the automated washing machine
Initiated: I. April 23, P. May 14, R. Sept 13, 1887
Member of: Newton Lodge No. 59, Newton, Iowa
Louis Armstrong
Best known as: Jazz musician
Initiated: Unknown
Member of:Montgomery Lodge No. 18, Lodge of Montgomery No. 18, PHA, New York, NY (membership disputed. see notes below)
Note: According to historians, Louis Armstrong may have been a member of numerous "Masonic" groups but none of them are recognized by the Prince Hall Grand Lodge.
Actor Ramon Reyes is a Freemason Coastal Lodge #57 Connecticut.
Gerald Edgar
November 07, 2013
Mbr Mosaic #125 AF&AN @ Dubuque, Iowa
Re: Mick D – How Do I become a Mason?
yes, two Masons need to sign your Petition for the Degrees in Freemasonry. So if you do not know a Mason (undoubtedly some of your friends, neighbors &/or co-workers are Masons but not all wear Mason emblems such as rings, buckles, lapel pins, etc), just find your closest Masonic Lodge Hall. Many note their meeting times/dates in newspapers or their front door. Stop by 30" or so before a meeting and introduce your self. Many hold occasional “fellowship” nights for prospects.
You can also contact your local Lodge via their Internet site OR if they do not have one, contact the Grand Lodge of your State. They will have a local Mason(s) contact you. Good luck!
Mick D
July 24, 2013
How does one become a freemason? I heard that two masons have to recommend you as the first step. What if I don’t know any freemasons? I see a masonic temple frequently and I have become interested in doing something to better myself. Thank you!
James e christopher
February 22, 2013
I belong to mt.olive #83 in gulfport,ms
Jes7Os
January 21, 2013
OMG, this is so evil.
I never knew that so many (famous) people would choose that evil way, but you reap what you sow.
No matter what you’re planing, you won’t succeed.
It’s no more a secret.
Jeff M.
June 25, 2012
I am also a member of North Hollywood Lodge 542, and Bro. Audie Murphy was a member of our Lodge, not Hollywood Lodge, which has met in Encino, CA since the 30’s. We have honored him with a special room dedicated to him.
Ken Butters
March 06, 2012
You should really delete Eddie Murphy, he’s not a Mason. It’s just confusion between him and Audi Murphy. You should post Audie’s profile as he was a fine Mason and an American war hero, and actor.
FraternalTies
February 17, 2012
Bro. Robert, so is Eddie Murphy a member or people just confused him with Audie Murphy?
Robert
February 15, 2012
Lodge 542 is North Hollywood Lodge and I am a member.
FraternalTies
February 14, 2012
Thanks for the info Mike! I’ll include Bro. Keith in Part 2.
Ramon Reyes
December 06, 2013
Actor Ramon Reyes is a Freemason Coastal Lodge #57 Connecticut.