< Back to the lodge

AMERICAN MASONS WHO SHAPED THE WORLD

IN THE MID- TO LATE- 20TH CENTURY, OUR COUNTRY’S MASONS LED THE WAY FOR LASTING CHANGE

Following World War II, the final century of the second millennium heralded new technologies, communications platforms, and cross-cultural awareness. It was also a time of landmark political and social events, including rebuilding countries decimated by the war, a national movement for African-American civil rights, and the rise and fall of the Cold War. These are some of the American Masons who made an indelible imprint upon this period of time – and whose influence continues to resonate within our lives today.

DUKE ELLINGTON (1899-1974)
Jazz Composer and Band Leader
Prince Hall  


NORMAN VINCENT PEAL (1898-1993)
Minster, Author of “The Power of Positive Thinking”
Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of New York                    

CECIL B. DEMILLE (1881-1959)
Film Actor, Director, and Producer
Prince of Orange Lodge No. 16, New York


JOHN GLENN (1921-2016)
U.S. Senator and the First Man to Orbit the Earth
Concord Lodge No. 688, Ohio

ALEX HALEY (1921-1992)
Journalist, Author of “Roots”
Prince Hall                                                      


IRVING BERLIN (1888-1989)
Composer and Songwriter
Munn Lodge No. 190, New York

THURGOOD MARSHALL (1908-1993)
First African-American U.S. Supreme Court Justice
Prince Hall                                                  

HARRY S. TRUMAN (1884-1972)
33rd U.S. President
Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Missouri

EARL WARREN (1891-1974)
U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice, California Governor
Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of California


REV. JESSE JACKSON (1941-)
U.S. Senator, Civil Rights Leader
Prince Hall

BUZZ ALDRIN (1930-)
Astronaut, Second Man to Walk on the Moon.
Montclair Lodge No. 144, New Jersey


DOUGLAS MACARTHUR (1880-1964)
Famed U.S. Military General
Manila Lodge No. 1, Philippines

AUDIE MURPHY (1925-1971)
Actor, Most Decorated Soldier of World War II
Heritage Lodge No. 764, California


JOHN WAYNE (1907-1979)
Actor, Congressional Gold Medal Recipient
Marion McDaniel Lodge No. 56, Arizona

GERALD FORD (1913-2006)
38th U.S. President
Malta Lodge No. 465, Michigan