Presidents of the United States
Brother Master Masons
Fourteen of the past U.S. Presidents were Brother Masons. They hailed from many different religions, backgrounds, and occupations. Their zeal for this fraternity and uncompromising belief in hope, charity, & relief paved the way for this great country and Freemasonry.
President George Washington
Fredericksburg Lodge No. 4, A.F.&A.M.
Brother George Washington was the 1st President of the United States. He was born on February 22, 1732, in Westmoreland County, Colony of Virginia. Brother Washington was a General in the Army, and later grew into the occupations of surveyor and planter. He adopted the Anglican/Episcopal religion, and was married to Martha Dandridge Custis Washington. After being home schooled, Brother Washington went on to be the Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, the President of Constitutional Convention, and later the 1st President of the United States. He is known as "The Father of His Country", and in recognition of his accomplishments, his face is carved on Mount Rushmore and printed on the one-dollar bill and quarter. He served terms in office with no Party affiliation from 1789 to 1797, with his Vice-President John Adams. Brother Washington passed to the celestial Lodge above on December 14, 1799, in Mount Vernon, Virginia. For more information on Brother George Washington, please visit Fredericksburg Lodge No. 4, A.F.&A.M. and The George Washington Masonic Memorial.
Masonic Record of Brother George Washington:
His Masonic history is so rich that a Short Talk Bulletin (Vol.10, No.2, February 1932) was necessary for a bare outline. Washington was initiated, passed and raised in The Lodge at Fredericksburg, Va., (now No.4 on the Virginia Register) on November 4, 1752, March 3, and August 4, 1753. He was made an honorary member of Alexandria Lodge No.39, June 24, 1784. When his Lodge gave up its Charter under the Provincial Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania to accept one from the Grand Lodge of Virginia to become No.22, April 28, 1788, Washington was named as Charter Worshipful Master, and was re-elected Master December 20, 1788. He was made and Honorary Member of Holland Lodge No. 8, New York, 1789.**
President James Monroe
Williamsburg Lodge No. 6, A.F.&A.M.
Brother James Monroe was the 5th President of the United States. He was born on April 28, 1758, in Westmoreland County, Colony of Virginia. His occupations were farmer and lawyer. He graduated from the College of William and Mary, and went to become the Governor of Virginia. Among his accomplishments were the implementation of the Monroe Doctrine and the signing of the Missouri Compromise. The Monroe Doctrine closed America to any further colonization, while the Missouri Compromise forbade slavery above the southern border or Missouri. He adopted the Episcopalian/Deist religion, and was married to Elizabeth Kortright Monroe. He served terms in office under the Democratic-Republican Party from 1817 to 1825, with his Vice-President Daniel D. Tompkins. Brother Monroe passed to the celestial Lodge above on July 4, 1831, in New York, New York. For more information on Brother James Monroe, please visit James Monroe's Ash Lawn-HighLand and Williamsburg Lodge No. 6, A.F.&A.M.
Masonic Record of Brother James Monroe:
The original records of Williamsburg Lodge No.6, Williamsburg, Va., show that he was recommended as a fit person to be admitted a member of this lodge and the motion recorded. On November 9, 1775, he was “preferred, received and balloted for; passed and accepted and entered an apprentice. His dues were paid through October 1780, but no record shows as to when he was raised. Tradition states that he received the Master’s Degree in a Military Lodge during the revolution, and also credits him membership in Kilwinning Cross Lodge No.2, Port Royal, Va.**
President Andrew Jackson
St. Tammany Lodge No. 1
Brother Andrew Jackson was the 7th President of the United States. He was born on March 15, 1767, in Waxhaw, South Carolina. At the age thirteen, Brother Jackson joined the Continental Army, made his way up the ranks and was elected to General of the Tennessee militia. He attended law school in North Carolina, making the practice of law his main occupation. Brother Jackson is credited as the founder of the Democratic party, and was the first US Representative from Tennessee. The portrait of his likeness is on the US twenty dollar bill. Unfortunately, Brother Jackson was instrumental in signing the Indian Removal Act, which tragically forced migration of thousands of Native Americans. He was elected and served as Grand Master of the Tennessee Masonic Lodge in 1822 & 1823. He adopted the Presbyterian religion, and was married to Rachel Donelson Jackson. He served terms in office under the Democratic Party from 1829 to 1837, with his Vice-Presidents John C. Calhoun and Martin Van Buren. Brother Jackson passed to the celestial Lodge above on June 8, 1845, near Nashville, Tennessee. For more information on Brother Andrew Jackson, please visit the home of Andrew Jackson, The Hermitage.
Masonic Record of Brother Andrew Jackson:
At the first meeting of Tennessee Lodge No.2 (originally No.41, N.C.) March 24, 1800, in Love’s Tavern, Knoxville, Tennessee, Jackson was present as a member of Harmony Lodge No.1, Nashville, Tennessee (originally No. 29, N.C.). Past Grand Master Comstock of Tennessee, noted historian, believes Jackson was made a Mason in Harmony Lodge No.1. The Grand Lodge of Florida elected him an Honorary Member January 15, 1833. He was elected Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Tennessee and served from October 7, 1822, to October 4, 1823. Past Grand Master Comstock also believes that Jackson was a Royal Arch Mason, receiving these degrees, as was the custom in early days, under the authority of the Blue Lodge Warrant. He served the Grand Chapter of Tennessee as Deputy General Grand High Priest at its institution, April 3, 1826, but no record exists of his affiliation with any Chapter. He acted as Senior Warden at the first meeting of Greenville Lodge No.3 (formerly No.43, N.C.), September 5, 1801; while President, assisted Washington’s Mother Lodge to lay the cornerstone of a monument to Washington’s Mother at Fredericksburg, Va. (May 6,1833); assisted in the Masonic laying of the cornerstone of Jackson City (across the river from Washington, D.C.) January 11, 1836; attended the Grand Lodge of Tennessee in 1839, and the same year visited Cumberland Chapter No.1 of Nashville, to assist in installation of officers.**
President James Knox Polk
Columbia Lodge No. 31 F.&A.M.
Brother James Knox Polk was the 11th President of the United States. He was born on November 2, 1795, in Pineville, North Carolina. He attended the University of North Carolina, earning a doctorate degree in law, and practiced law as his primary occupation. Brother Polk's influence on this country is very distinguished: he was the Governor of Tennessee, a US Representative, and Speaker of the House. As President, he extended the nation's boundaries to the Pacific Ocean after the Mexican War. He adopted the Presbyterian/Methodist religion, and was married to Sarah Childress Polk. He served terms in office under the Democratic Party from 1845 to 1849, with his Vice-President George M. Dallas. Brother Polk passed to the celestial Lodge above on June 15, 1849, in Nashville, Tennessee. For more information on Brother James Polk, please visit Columbia Lodge No 31, and the North Carolina History Project.
Masonic Record of Brother James Polk:
Initiated in Columbia Lodge No. 31, Columbia, Tennessee, June 5, Passed August 7, and raised September 4, 1820. In October he was he was elected Junior Deacon, and Junior Warden December 3, 1821, but there is no record of his having been Master. In 1825 he received the Royal Arch Degree in Lafayette Chapter No. 4, Columbia, Tennessee. June 24, 1840, he attended the feast of St. John the Baptist celebrated by Columbia Lodge No.8 and Hiram Lodge No.7 at Nashville, and marched with them in procession to a church for Divine Services. May 1,1847, he assisted in the Masonic laying of the cornerstone of the Smithsonian Institute, Washington, D.C.**
President James Buchanan
Lancaster Lodge No. 43 F.&A.M.
Brother James Buchanan was the 15th President of the United States. He was born on April 23, 1791, in Cove Gap, Pennsylvania. He attended Dickinson College, and practiced law as a primary occupation. Brother Buchanan served as a member of the House of Representatives five times, served as Senator of Pennsylvania, and was the Secretary of State to President Polk. As president, he faced the challenge of saving the Union and keeping the country together. Decisions of the Supreme Court regarding slavery divided the Union, causing seven states to secede near the end of his term, forming the Confederate States of America. Brother Buchanan adopted the Presbyterian religion, but was the only president never to have married. He served terms in office under the Democratic Party from 1857 to 1861, with his Vice-President John C. Breckinridge. Brother Buchanan passed to the celestial Lodge above on June 1, 1868, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. For more information on Brother James Buchanan, please visit Lancaster Lodge No 43 and Lancaster History.
Masonic Record of Brother James Buchanan:
At twenty-three years of age, he petitioned Lodge No.43 (the lodge had no name) of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and was elected and initiated December 11, 1816; both passed and raised on January 24, 1817. He was elected Junior Warden December 13, 1920; Master December 23, 1822, and was installed March 12, 1823. He was appointed First District Deputy Grand Master for Lancaster, Lebonon and York Counties, December 27, 1823. May 20, 1826, he was exalted in Royal Arch Chapter No.43 (also no name) of Lancaster. Thirty-two years later he was made a Life Member by his Lodge. He delivered the address in the Masonic dedication of the statue of Washington, Washington Circle, Washington, D.C., February 22, 1860.**
President Andrew Johnson
Greenville Lodge No. 119
Brother Andrew Johnson was the 17th President of the United States. He was born on December 29, 1808, in Raleigh, North Carolina. Although he had no formal education, he was an expert tailor, and provided many years of service to our country. Brother Johnson was a Senator from Tennessee, Governor of Tennessee, and became the president upon President Lincoln's death. Among his accomplishments were the abolishment of slavery by the 13th Amendment in 1865, and the purchase of Alaska from Russia. Unfortunately, due to an attempt by the president to remove then Secretary of War, Edwin Stanton, impeachment proceedings were initiated for high crimes and misdemeanors. President Johnson is the first president to be impeached by the House, but acquitted by the Senate. Brother Johnson adopted the Christian religion, and was married to Eliza McCardle Johnson. He served terms in office under the Democratic National Union Party from 1865 to 1869. He was one of only four presidents who did not have a vice-president. Brother Johnson passed to the celestial Lodge above on July 31, 1875, in Carter's Station, Tennessee. For more information on Brother Andrew Johnson, please visit the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site.
Masonic Record of Brother Andrew Johnson:
He received the degrees in Greenville Lodge No.119 at Greenville, Tennessee in 1851; is supposed to have been a Chapter Mason but the name of the Chapter and date of exaltation are unknown; was Knighted in Nashville Commandery No.1, Nashville, Tennessee, July 26, 1859, and, the First President to become a Scottish Rite Mason, received those degrees in the White House June 20, 1867, from Benjamin B. French, 33 Deg. and A.T.C. Pierson, 33 Deg., both active members of the Supreme Council, S.J. At the cornerstone laying of the Baltimore Temple some one suggested that a chair be brought to the reviewing platform for him. Brother Johnson refused it, saying: “We all meet on the level.” **
President James Abram Garfield
Magnolia Lodge No. 20 F.&A.M.
Brother James Abram Garfield was the 20th President of the United States. He was born on November 19, 1831, in Orange Township, Ohio. Fatherless at the age of two, Brother Garfield drove canal boats on the Erie Canal to earn enough money to pay for his education. He attended Williams College in Massachusetts, and Western Reserve Electric Institute (later Hiram College) as a professor. His occupations were teacher, minister, and General in the armed services. He was a US Representative from Ohio who campaigned for the presidency in English and Spanish. Brother Garfield is credited with attacking political corruption within the New York Customs House, and returned prestige and honor to the office of the President. He adopted the Disciples of Christ religion, and was married to Lucretia Rudolph Garfield. He served terms in office under the Republican Party in 1881 for only six and a half months, with his Vice-President Chester Alan Arthur. Brother Garfield was assassinated on July 2nd, 1881, and passed to the celestial Lodge above on September 19, 1881, in Elberon, New Jersey. For more information on Brother James Garfield, please visit James Garfield Presidential Avenue.
Masonic Record of Brother James Garfield:
Initiated November 19, 1861, in Magnolia Lodge No.20, Columbus, Ohio. Passed two weeks later, he waited almost three years (due to military service) for his raising, November 22, 1864, in Columbus Lodge No.30, Columbus, Ohio, by request of his mother Lodge. He demitted August 1, 1865, and joined Garrettsville Lodge No.246, Garrettsville, Ohio, October 10, 1866, serving as Chaplain in 1868 and 69. On May 4, 1869, he became a Charter Member of Pentalpha Lodge No.23, D.C.. In Washington he was exalted in Columbia Chapter No.1, April 18, 1866; received the Templar degrees, May 18, 1866, in Columbia Commandery No.2, and the 14th degree, Scottish Rite, January 2, 1872. The degrees from the 6th to the 13th were communicated to him by Albert Pike, Sovereign Grand Commander of the Rite for the Southern Jurisdiction. Hanselmann Commandery No.16, Cincinnati, Ohio, made him an Honorary Member July 19, 1881; after he was assassinated.**
President William McKinley, Jr.
Winchester Hiram Lodge No. 21 A.F.&A.M.
Brother William McKinley, Jr., was the 25th President of the United States. He was born on January 29, 1843, in Niles, Ohio. He attended Allegheny College, and later attended a law school in Albany, New York. Although he did not graduate, he was admitted to the bar in Warren, Ohio, and practiced law as his primary occupation. He served in the 23rd regiment of the Ohio Volunteer Infantry and fought in the Civil War. Brother McKinley also served as the Governor of Ohio for two terms and a US Representative. Under his administration, the US acquired Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines as US territories. He was instrumental in making gold the standard of our money system, and his likeness is on the five-hundred dollar US currency. Brother McKinley adopted the Methodist religion, and was married to Ida Saxton McKinley. He served terms in office under the Republican Party from 1897 to 1901, with Vice-Presidents Garret A. Hobart and Theodore Roosevelt. Brother McKinley was assassinated on September 6th, 1901, and passed to the celestial Lodge above on September 14, 1901, in Buffalo, New York. For more information on Brother William McKinley, please visit The William McKinley Memorial and Winchester Hiram Lodge No. 21.
Masonic Record of Brother William McKinley:
He was made a Mason in Hiram Lodge No.21, of Winchester, Virginia. He was elected and initiated May 1st; passed May 2nd; and raised May 3 rd, 1865. He demitted the same day he was raised, affiliating with Canton Lodge No.60, of Canton, Ohio, August 21, 1867, Only to become a Charter member on June 2, 1869, of Eagle Lodge No.431, of the same city, which afterwards changed its name to William McKinley Lodge No.431. He received the Royal Arch Degree in Canton Chapter No.84, December 28, 1883; was made a Knight Templar in Canton Commandery No.38, December 23, 1884; elected a Life Member of Washington Commandery No.1, D.C. December 23, 1896, and became an Honorary Member of the Illinois Masonic Veteran Association, October 26, 1898.**
President Theodore Roosevelt
Matinecock Lodge No.806 F.&A.M.
Brother Theodore Roosevelt was the 26th President of the United States. He was born on October 27, 1858, in New York, New York. He attended Harvard University, and was best known as a soldier, president, historian, author, and rancher. There are quite a number of civil offices he's held: US President, US Vice-President, Governor of New York, New York State Assemblyman, Police Commissioner of New York, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, and Colonel of the Rough Riders. Additionally, he is credited as the founder of the Boone and Crocket Club and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Brother Roosevelt assumed the president's office upon the assassination of President McKinley, making him the youngest US President. As president, Brother Roosevelt was known for his conservation efforts by doubling the number of National Parks. He also won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1906 for his aid in ending the Russo-Japanese War. Brother Roosevelt adopted the Dutch Reformist religion, was initially married to Alice Hathaway Lee Roosevelt (d. 1884), and later Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt. He served terms in office under the Republican Party from 1901 to 1909, with Vice-President Charles W. Fairbanks. Brother Roosevelt passed to the celestial Lodge above on January 6, 1919, in Oyster Bay, Long Island, New York. For more information on Brother Theodore Roosevelt, please visit the Almanac of Theodore Roosevelt and Matinecock Lodge No. 806.
Masonic Record of Brother Theodore Roosevelt:
He was initiated January 2nd, passed March 27th and raised April 24, 1901, in Matinecock Lodge No.806, Oyster Bay, New York. Pentalpha Lodge No. 23, D.C., made him an Honorary Member April 4, 1904, as did the Illinois Masonic Veterans Association in 1903. Roosevelt’s interest in the Fraternity was often expressed and his visits to Lodges were not only in this country, also abroad. November 5, 1902, he attended the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania celebration of Washington’s initiation in Philadelphia; in Washington, D.C., February 21, 1903, he honored the Masonic ceremonies of laying the cornerstone of the army War College with his presence; May 26, 1903, he broke ground for a Masonic Temple at Spokane, Washington; April 14, 1906, he attended the Masonic cornerstone laying of the House of Representative’s Building in Washington, D.C.**
President William Howard Taft
Kilwinning Lodge No. 356 F.&A.M.
Brother William Howard Taft was the 27th President of the United States. He was born on September 15, 1857, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He attended Yale University, and later attended Cincinnati Law School. He practiced law as his primary occupation, and later became a professor. Brother Taft served as the Secretary of War under President Theodore Roosevelt and was the first Civil Governor of the Philippines. Among the highlights of his political career are the establishment of the federal income tax and the appointment as Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court. He pioneered the fight against big business monopoly by initiating eighty antitrust suits. Brother Taft adopted the Unitarian religion, and was married to Helen Herron Taft. He served terms in office under the Republican Party from 1909 to 1913, with his Vice-President James S. Sherman. Brother Taft passed to the celestial Lodge above on March 8, 1930, in Washington, D.C. For more information on Brother William Taft, please visit Kilwinning Lodge No. 356 and The White House Presidents.
Masonic Record of Brother William Taft:
Unique among Masonic Presidents, he was made a Mason “at sight,” at Cincinnati, Ohio, February 18, 1909, in an Emergent Lodge called together for the purpose. At five O’clock in the afternoon Grand Mast Charles S Hoskinson personally administered the obligations and esoteric instructions. That evening Taft witnessed the Master’s degree conferred by Kilwinning Lodge No.356, of Cincinnati, which elected him to membership April 14, 1909.**
President Warren Gamaliel Harding
Marion Lodge No. 70 F.&A.M.
Brother Warren Gamaliel Harding was the 29th President of the United States. He was born on November 2, 1865, in Blooming Grove, Ohio. He attended Iberia College (Ohio Central College), graduated with a bachelor's degree, and pursued the profession of editor & publisher. At the age of 19, he purchased the Marion Star in 1884, and became an active leader in business, fraternal, and civic affairs. Brother Harding served as a Lieutenant Governor and US Senator from Ohio. He won the first presidential election in which women could vote (1920), and was the first US President to speak to the Nation via radio address. Brother Harding adopted the Baptist religion, and was married to Florence Mabel Klling Harding. He served terms in office under the Republican Party from 1921 to 1923, with his Vice-President Calvin Coolidge. Following the first-ever presidential visit to Alaska, Brother Harding passed to the celestial Lodge above on August 2, 1923, in San Francisco, California. For more information on Brother Warren Harding, please visit Warren G. Harding Home and The Ohio Judicial Center.
Masonic Record of Brother Warren Harding:
He was initiated in Marion Lodge No.70, Marion, Ohio, June 28,1901, when thirty-six years of age, but was not passed until August 13, 1920, nineteen years later. He was raised August 27, 1920. Albert Pike Lodge No.36, Washington, D.C., made him an Honorary Member and presented him with a Gold Membership Card at the White House May 4, 1921; Marion Chapter No.62, Marion, Ohio, exalted him January 13, 1921; Marion Council No.22, elected him to the Cryptic Rite but he died before receiving it; March 1, 1921, Marion Commandery No.36, conferred upon him the Red Cross, Malta and Temple Degrees. January 5, 1921, he received the Scottish Rite Degrees from the 4th through 32nd in Columbus, Ohio. The Supreme Council of the Northern Jurisdiction elected him to receive the 33 deg. September 22, 1921. The degree was to be given him a year later, but he could not attend on account of Mrs. Harding’s illness. He died before the session of 1923. Aladdin Temple of the Shrine, Columbus, Ohio, created him a Noble (the first President to receive the Red Fez) January 7, 1921. Almas Temple, Washington, D.C. elected him an Honorary Member March 21, 1921; the Imperial Council of the Shrine elected him an Honorary Member June 1923; Kallipolis Grotto, Washington, D.C. made him a Prophet at the White House May 11,1921, presenting him with a Gold Life Membership Card. Evergreen Forest No.49, Milford, Delaware, made him a Tall Cedar, June 9, 1923, and Washington Chapter No. 3, National Sojourners, presented him with a Gold Badge of Membership at the White House, May 28, 1923.**
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Holland Lodge No. 8 F.&A.M.
Brother Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the 32nd President of the United States. He was born on January 30, 1882, in Hyde Park, New York. He attended Harvard University, and later attended Columbia Law School. He practiced law as his primary occupation, and was also a banker. As the fifth cousin to Brother Theodore Roosevelt, he admired public service through politics. He was elected to the New York Senate and was appointed by President Wilson as the Assistant Secretary of the Navy. In 1928, Brother Roosevelt was elected as the Governor of New York. At age 39, he was health stricken with polio, and with much courage and rehabilitation, he was once again on his feet with the use of crutches. Brother Roosevelt, later known as 'FDR', was the longest serving US President, elected to four consecutive terms, or twelve years and one month. His presidency was continuously challenged by the Great Depression, World War II, and Failed Banking. He is credited with creating the Social Security System, controls for banks and public utilities, and the establishment of the Tennessee Valley Authority. He is remembered by his likeness on the US dime, and for his famous words, "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself." Brother Roosevelt adopted the Episcopalian religion, and was married to Anna Eleanor Roosevelt. He served terms in office under the Democratic Party from 1933 to 1945, with Vice-Presidents John N. Garner, Henry A. Wallace, and Harry S. Truman. Brother Roosevelt passed to the celestial Lodge above on April 12, 1945, in Warm Springs, Georgia. For more information on Brother Franklin Roosevelt, please visit the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum and Holland Lodge No. 8 F.&A.M.
Masonic Record of Brother Franklin Roosevelt:
He was initiated in Holland Lodge No.8, New York City, October 10th, passed November 14th and raised November 28, 1911. He received the Scottish Rite degrees in Albany, New York, February 28, 1929. He was a member of the Grotto (Poughkeepsie, New York) and Tall Cedars (Warwick, New York. He was “Right Worshipful” having been accredited the representative of the Grand Lodge of Georgia near the Grand Lodge of New York September 22, 1930. He attended Architect Lodge No.519, of New York City, February 17,1933, where he raised his son Elliott to the Sublime Degree and made an address in which he stressed the importance of Masonic principles to this Nation, and his faith in the Americanism of the Ancient Craft.**
President Harry S. Truman
Belton Lodge No. 450 A.F.&A.M.
Brother Harry S. Turman was the 33rd President of the United States. He was born on May 8, 1884, in Lamar, Missouri. He attended the Kansas City School of Law; however, his primary occupations were soldier, farmer, and men's clothier. He served in our country as a private in the National Guard of Missouri and a Colonel in the US Army Officers' Reserve Corps in the First World War. He was elected the judge of Jackson County and also served as a US Senator from Missouri. Brother Truman assumed the presidency of the United States upon the death of President and Brother Franklin Delano Roosevelt, in the middle of World War II. He ordered and authorized the use of atomic bombs to end the war, and ordered troops into the Korean War. He undertook the most extensive renovation of the White House to date, and for many years lived across the street from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Brother Turman adopted the Southern Baptist religion, and was married to Elizabeth Virginia Wallace Truman. He served terms in office under the Democratic Party from 1945 to 1953, with his Vice-President Alben W. Barkley. Brother Truman passed to the celestial Lodge above on December 26, 1972, in Kansas City, MIssouri. For more information on Brother Harry Truman, please visit the Harry S. Truman Library & Museum and Belton Lodge No. 450.
Masonic Record of Brother Harry Truman:
For the second time in the 169 year history of the United States of America, a Past Grand Master of Masons was elevated to the office of President. He was made a Mason in Belton Lodge No.450, of Missouri, March 9, 1909, and served as Junior Warden in 1910. In 1911, he organized Grandview Lodge No.618 and served as its first Worshipful Master. Later, he was its Secretary, and again, in 1917, its Master. From 1925 to 1930, he served the Grand Lodge as District Deputy Grand Master and District Deputy Grand Lecturer, and in 1930 was appointed Grand Pursuivant, and progressed regularly until his elevation as Grand Master in 1940. On November 21, 1941, he received from Grand Commander Melvin M. Johnson, 33 deg, of the Northern Supreme Council, the Gourgas Medal for distinguished service to Masonry. Humanity and Country.**
President Gerald Rudolph Ford, Jr.
Malta Lodge No. 465 F.&A.M.
Brother Gerald Rudolph Ford, Jr., was the 38th President of the United States. He was born on July 14, 1913, in Omaha, Nebraska. His birth name was Leslie Lynch King, Jr., but was renamed by his stepfather Gerald R. Ford, Sr., in 1917. He attended the University of Michigan, at which he excelled in football. He was offered NFL contracts from the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions, of which he declined, and was later accepted to Yale University Law School. Brother Ford served our country in the United States Navy, fought in World War II, and was honorably discharged from the Navy as a Lieutenant Commander. He returned to Michigan, and practiced law as his primary occupation. He continued his pursuit of public office as the US Representative from Michigan for twenty-five years. By virtue of the 25th Amendment, Brother Ford was nominated to be Vice-President by President Nixon. He assumed the presidency of the United States upon President Nixon's resignation. He is the only US President never elected as president or vice-president. Brother Ford is credited with signing the Federal Election Campaign Act and the Privacy Act of 1974, and was the first president to visit Japan. Brother Ford adopted the Episcopalian religion, and was married to Elizabeth Anne Bloomer Ford. He served terms in office under the Republican Party from 1974 to 1977, with his Vice-President Nelson A. Rockefeller. Brother Ford passed to the celestial Lodge above on December 26, 2006, in Rancho Mirage, California. For more information on Brother Gerald Ford, please visit the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum and Ararat Shrine Temple.
Masonic Record of Brother Gerald Ford:
He was initiated into Masonry in Malta Lodge No.465, Grand Rapids, Michigan, on September 30, 1949. Columbia Lodge No.3 of the District of Columbia conferred the Fellowcraft and Master Mason degrees as a courtesy to Malta Lodge No.465. He became a Master Mason on May 18, 1951. He became a member of the Scottish Rite in the Valley of Grand Rapids, A.A.S.R., Northern Jurisdiction, in 1957, and was coronetted an Honorary 33 deg S.G.I.G. in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October 26, 1962. He is also a Shriner, Saladin Temple, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and an Honorary Member of DeMolay Legion of Honor.**
**Source:http://www.masonicworld.com/education/files/artoct02/our_masonic_presidents_short.htm