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How You Find Out If Someone Was A Freemason?

By Emily Hutton
  • Last Updated: Jun 5, 2023

Freemasonry has sparked curiosity among many people due to its mysterious history and enigmatic rituals. But its secretive nature often leaves us wondering if our ancestors, family members, or even friends were part of this ancient brotherhood. 

Unraveling the secrets and decoding the hidden symbols of Freemasonry is no easy feat, but with a systematic approach, we can unveil hints of this prestigious affiliation. In this article, we’ll show you methods to find clues that can help you determine if someone was a Freemason.

freemason's hall

What Is Freemasonry?

Freemasonry is an organization classified as a fraternity which traces its origins back hundreds of years. It is a society of men who come together to engage in philosophical, moral, and social pursuits. Freemasonry is not a religious or political institution, but rather a fellowship that emphasizes certain values such as personal development, moral values, and charitable work.

The exact origins of Freemasonry are uncertain, as it has roots in various historical and philosophical traditions. The early foundations of the Masonic fraternity were influenced by stonemasons’ guilds, which were responsible for constructing medieval cathedrals and other stone structures. Over time, Freemasonry evolved into a more private society for like-minded professionals.

Freemasonry has a long history and has attracted members from various professions, social backgrounds, and religious beliefs. Throughout its existence, Freemasonry has been associated with many notable figures, including many prominent politicians, intellectuals, artists, and scientists. With all of these illustrious members, the Freemasonry organization has made massive contributions to society in different fields.

You should keep in mind that Freemasonry is a private organization, and its activities are often conducted behind closed doors. While some aspects of Freemasonry are public, much of its internal workings and rituals remain private and accessible only to its members.

Understanding The Freemasonry Hierarchy

If you want to find out if someone you are related to is or was a Freemason, you first need to understand their hierarchy. This is so that you know where to look for information regarding your relative.

The basic unit of Freemasonry today is the Masonic lodge, which is a local chapter where Freemasons gather for meetings, rituals, and fellowship. Each Masonic lodge is assigned a number and lodge name, usually inspired by a geographical location or a prominent Masonic figure. Lodges operate under the jurisdiction of a Grand Lodge or a similar governing body.

A Grand Lodge serves as the highest governing authority for Freemasonry within a specific jurisdiction, usually at the national or regional level. It sets the standards, rules, and rituals for any masonic lodge under its jurisdiction. In some countries, a United Grand Lodge oversees the lodges across the entire country.

Some Grand Lodges have websites or other ways to contact them for information regarding the organization. For example,  The Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of North Carolina has a homepage set up that houses a ton of educational resources about Freemasonry and the history of the Grand Lodge.

In many cases, your local lodge has membership registers going back a long time, though most older records have been lost to time, natural disasters, or just human carelessness. A Grand Lodge should have a more thorough recording of the Freemasons that were under its jurisdiction, though you may need to submit a more formal request if you want to ask a Grand Lodge.

old hall

How To Tell If Someone Was A Freemason

Determining if a relative was a Freemason can be challenging, especially if they did not disclose their membership or leave behind any explicit documentation. However, here are some steps you can take to investigate their potential affiliation:

  1. Look for Masonic symbols or regalia: Search through your relative’s belongings, such as jewelry, clothing, personal effects, or keepsakes. Look for items that display Masonic symbols, such as the square and compasses or the letter “G.” Masonic regalia, such as aprons, collars, or sashes, may also be stored among their possessions.
  2. Examine their personal documents for Masonic documents: Check your relative’s personal papers, such as diaries, journals, letters, or certificates, for any references to Freemasonry. Look for correspondence with Masonic lodges or invitations to Masonic events.
  3. Investigate their burial site: Freemasons often have distinct burial rites and traditions. Visit the cemetery where your relative is buried and look for any Masonic symbols or emblems on their gravestone. Masonic organizations might also have specific sections within cemeteries designated for Freemasons.
  4. Consult family and friends: Reach out to other family members, close friends, or acquaintances who may have known your relative well. Inquire if they have any knowledge or recollection of your relative’s involvement with Freemasonry. Sometimes, family members or close friends might have been aware of their membership.
  5. Contact local Masonic lodges: Reach out to local Masonic lodges in the area where your relative lived or was known to spend time. Explain your situation and provide any relevant details about your deceased relative, such as your relative’s town, county, the dates he resided in that area, and when you think he became a Freemason. Individual lodges may be able to assist you by checking their membership registers and Masonic records to see if your relative was indeed a Freemason. Fortunately, Masonic lodges are used to getting requests from genealogists regarding someone’s family history. Some Grand Lodges have a contact form set up specifically for those kinds of requests.
  6. Search genealogical records: Explore genealogical resources, such as online databases, historical archives, or public records, to see if there is any mention of your relative’s affiliation with Freemasonry. Some genealogical websites and services may provide information on Masonic memberships, connections, or other records. If you believe your relative was part of a nearby lodge, you may find out about his membership by searching your local library.

Remember that Masonic lodges value privacy, and they may have restrictions on sharing membership details. They will likely prioritize privacy concerns and may require proof of your relationship with the deceased before providing any information. It’s wise to respect their policies and procedures throughout your investigation.

Key Takeaways

In the realm of Freemasonry, uncovering the truth about someone’s affiliation is a challenging endeavor. However, if you step into this journey with patience and persistence, uncovering your family member’s connection to the Freemasons can deepen your appreciation and understanding for both your relative and the organization as a whole.

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