Books on Freemasonry

Antimasonic books & pamphlets from the 19th and early 20th century

Freemasonry is a secret society, still with us today, heaped in rituals and mysteries. Freemasonry's critics have attacked it as a business cult, a satanic religion and a political conspiracy, willing to assassinate its enemies. Freemasonry's defenders tell us it is nothing more than a benevolent and charitable fraternal brotherhood. The antimasonic books to be re-published and some modern works on Freemasonry suggest:

Freemasonry was formed and continues to work to "dupe the simple for the benefit of the crafty" (pg. 33, Proceedings of the U.S. Anti-Masonic Convention, 1830)
Freemasons have quietly exerted influence in American business, the press/media, and the government for hundreds of years
Freemasonry's value system and organizational structure can be used to conceal immoral, illegal and violent acts, probably including the cover-up of the conspiracy to assassinate President John F. Kennedy.

A significant fracture in the Masonic code of silence occurred in the United States in the early 19th century. On September 14, 1826 William Morgan, a stonemason living in Batavia, New York, was abducted by Freemasons in an attempt to stop the publication of his expose, Illustrations of Freemasonry. His badly decomposed body was found roughly one year later in Oak Orchard Harbor and identified by his wife and dentist. The failure of the courts to effectively punish the perpetrators gave rise to a grassroots political movement concerned over the ability of Freemasons to obstruct justice, subvert the law and manipulate the media.

An Account of the Savage Treatment of Captain William Morgan, by Edward Giddins (partial text available) A Freemason and participant in the conspiracy makes a statement of the facts within his knowledge.

The Proceedings of the United States Anti-Masonic Convention (Address to the People of the United States pamphlet is In Stock) documents the 1830 antimasonic party convention, where citizen representatives from across the nation met to report on their research into Morgan's murder, report on the true nature of Freemasonry, establish a national press free of Masonic control and nominate a presidential candidate without Masonic obligations.

Letters on the Masonic Institution, by John Quincy Adams (pamphlet of the Preface only is In Stock) is a compilation of the letters written by our sixth President after Morgan's murder. Topics include Freemasonry, the Antimasonic Party and a refutation of assertions by Freemasons that his father was a member of the order.

Mask for Treason: The Lincoln Murder Trial, by Vaughan Shelton (See your local library) is one of several books which suggest John Wilkes Booth was aided in his assassination of President Lincoln by a larger conspiracy including Freemason and Secretary of War Edwin McMasters Stanton. Lincoln's asserted policy of reconciliation and return to normalcy after the close of the war endangered the power and ambition of men who stood to benefit from perpetuating the crisis. While this book does not focus on Masonic leadership in the conspiracy, modern Masonic histories show that some of the players, identified by Mr. Shelton as conspirators, were in fact members of the fraternity.

Anti-Masonic Scrap Book, by the National Christian Association (partial text available) is a compilation of late 19th century pamphlets and other materials developed by the National Christian Association, when it became clear that the earlier antimasonic movement had failed to stop the spread of Freemasonry in the United States, only driven it further undercover.

Hawaii's Story by Hawaii's Queen (See Your Local Library) hints at how Hawaii's rulers embraced Masonic brotherhood and met with American and British leaders, only to have their country taken from them after western commercial interests had established enough power to crush the local population. Queen Liliuokalani wondered why Scottish rite Mason and KKK racist Albert Pike turned his back on her after her country was seized.

The Crucifixion, by an Eye-Witness (partial text available) claims to provide the text of a letter, written by an eye-witness to the crucifixion of Christ, proving that Jesus Christ was a Mason. This seems to be an early version of an effort by Masonic mythologists, which appears to continue to this day, to link Christ to Masonry. A modern book along the same lines is Holy Blood, Holy Grail by Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh, and Henry Lincoln.

Masonic Salvation: Freemasonry Exposed: The subject treated from a Bible standpoint. Showing the difference between Masonic religion and Bible salvation, by Fred Husted (partial text available) is an early 20th century antimasonic pamphlet written by a former Freemason turned Christian Fundamentalist. It provides an accessible analysis of the religious constructs of Freemasonry, including the resurrection of "Hiram Abiff" a Masonic Christ figure and the role model for all Freemasons.

May Catholics be Masons? by Reverend Joseph I. Malloy, C.S.P. (pamphlet is in Stock) is an early 20th century antimasonic pamphlet published by the Paulist Press, a publishing arm of the Catholic Church. Explains a 200+ year Catholic Church policy forbidding membership in Freemasonry, "under pain of excommunication". It also describes a systematic program, conducted by Freemasons, to exclude non-masons from career advancement.

The Ku Klux Klan in the City by Kenneth T. Jackson (See Your Local Library) deals with 'the largest and most significant of the three Klan movements. The Invisible Empire of the 1920's was neither predominantly southern, nor rural, nor white supremacist, nor violent.' It did, however, denounce 'Catholicism, integration, Judaism, immigration, and internationalism as threats to traditional American values.' It was, as was the case in the earlier violent post Civil War KKK movement, founded by an active Mason and the membership was frequently Masonic. This book provides some good citations to support the linkage between Masons and the KKK movement.

Berlin Hears Ford Is Backing Hitler (See Your Local Library) is the December 20th 1922 New York Times report on Freemason Henry Ford's financial backing for Adolf Hitler. Masonic historian Allen E. Roberts notes in his book Freemasonry in American History, " In September 1940, when receiving the 33rd degree of Scottish Rite Masonry, he {Ford} said, 'Masonry is the best balance wheel the United States has, for Masons know what to teach their children.'" Clearly, Ford's support for Adolf Hitler was no impediment to his advancement to the highest levels of Masonry.

The Genetics of Schizophrenia by Franz J. Kallmann, M.D. (See Your Local Library) is a book financed by 'The Supreme Council 33rd degree, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, U.S.A.', which was written to "establish a dependable basis for the clinical and eugenic activities of psychiatry." Masons share with Germany's WWII Nazis an interest in population control and genetic manipulation. The NAZI notion of 'Supermen' and the Masonic notion of an elite membership and 'profane' masses flow from the same ideological roots. The main difference is who gets to play superman and who gets to die.

Freemasonry as the Secret, Political Weapon of Jewish-English Imperialism, World Service Bulletin of October 1, 1940 (Partial Text Coming) is a NAZI propaganda publication focused on 'International Correspondence for Enlightenment on the Jewish Question' that discusses Freemasonry at length. The Nazi's did turn against Freemasonry, but only because they believed Jewish-English imperialists controlled it. The Nazi's embraced the basic structure of Masonry and created their own secret society, the Thule Society, which promoted Germanic ideals and imperialism. Masonic social control and fascism fit together like hand and glove.

The Occult Roots of NAZISM: Secret Aryan Cults and Their Influence on NAZI Ideology by Nicholas Goodrich-Clark (Partial Text Coming) is a serious historical work by an Oxford University Ph.D. While Mr. Goodrich-Clark fails to discuss the ideological relationships between Nazism and Freemasonry he does discuss the racist-elite "Order of the New Templars" and the role of Freemason Rudolf von Sebettendorff in the Thule Society. The Thule society influenced both the ideology and the imagery of the NAZI party. In fact the Swastika was taken from Thule society symbolism.

In God's Name, by David A. Yallop (In Stock) is an award winning investigative report into the death/murder of Pope John Paul I, linking it to the Masonic 'P2' lodge. This book is a worldwide best seller (five million copies) and winner of the 'Crime Writer's Gold Dagger Award' for the best non-fiction book of the year in 1984. Masons dismiss the 'P2' lodge as a rogue element. Don't believe them.

Christianity and American Freemasonry, by William James Whalen (Backordered) is a modern book on Freemasonry offered by Our Sunday Visitor, a Catholic press. Discusses Freemasonry, its origins and history and the Catholic Church's position on Freemasonry. Also discusses the role of Freemasons in establishing the Klu Klux Klan. The book is flawed because it accepts the traditional Masonic assertions that the organization is in decline.

Declaration on Masonic Associations, by Pope John Paul II (Complete Text) states "the Church's negative judgment in regard to Masonic associations remains unchanged since their principles have always been considered irreconcilable with the doctrine of the Church and therefore membership in them remains forbidden. The faithful who enroll in Masonic associations are in a state of grave sin and may not receive Holy Communion." Pope John Paul II may have been compelled to sign this document by Church traditionalists. Pope John Paul II appears to be a supporter of Opus Dei a Catholic secret society akin to Freemasonry.

All Politics is Local, by former Speaker of the House Tip O'Neill (See Your Local Library) makes it clear in a brief remark that he, along with many other American Catholics, isn't listening to the Papal bans on joining the Masons. Tip says, "I say politicians should join organizations - the Knights of Columbus, the Elks, the Kiwanians, the Masons". Irish American Catholics are a fascinating example of a group that has moved from being the victims of cabalistic repression by Orange Order Protestant Lodges in Ireland to being participants in the same kind of cabalistic repression directed against African Americas in the United States. See the book "The Invention of the White Race: Volume One, Racial Oppression and Social Control" by Theodore W. Allen for a scholarly analysis of the Irish model of social control based on racial oppression. Also see "How the Irish Became White" by Noel Ignatiev.

Jack the Ripper: The Final Solution, by Stephen Knight (In Stock) produced evidence the Ripper murders were a Masonic cover-up involving the highest levels of British government and the monarchy. This book is an important investigative effort suggesting the levels of influence at which the senior members of the Masonic brotherhood operate and their indifference to the bounds of law.

The Brotherhood: The Secret World of the Freemasons, by Stephen Knight (In Stock) is an objective investigative report into modern English Freemasonry and raised concerns over scandals and corruption linked to the modern fraternity. Mr. Knight also discusses Freemasonry in the United States and other parts of the world. In this book he identifies American Presidents Lyndon Johnson, Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan as Freemasons.

Of Mason Men: Tatler, July/August 1986, by 'Russell Russell' (Partial Text Coming) discusses "What is the influence of British Freemasonry? Are they overgrown schoolboys playing games? Deeply devious conspirators? Or nationwide club of power-crazed OAPs? RUSSELL RUSSELL investigates, with the help of the secret Masonic black book." The article understates Masonic misbehavior, but does provide both some insight into Masonic favoritism and a valuable listing of powerful Masons in England. The author used the pseudonym, RUSSELL RUSSELL, out of fear of Masonic reprisals, "In spite of the pioneer work of Stephen Knight and Martin Short there was still very real fear of Freemasonry. There still is fear. A critical comment about Freemasonry can cost you your employment your family and even your life. Russell Russell is now editor of a national newspaper under his own name."

The Stalker Affair: The Shocking True Story of Six Deaths and a Notorious Cover-Up, by John Stalker (Special Order) discusses the investigation into allegations that the Royal Ulster Constabulary had a secret but official "shoot to kill" policy against suspected members of the Irish Republican Army (IRA). The popular press has suggested that "powerful members of the Masonic Order in the Manchester Police and the RUC" conducted "smear campaigns and false accusations" against the investigating officer, John Stalker, to help block his investigation.

Inside the Brotherhood: Further Secrets of the Freemasons, by Martin Short (In Stock) carries on Mr. Knight's research into modern English Freemasonry and gives additional information on American Freemasonry. "Relying on first-hand evidence wherever possible, the book examines the extent to which Masonic oaths of mutual aid and secrecy have contaminated the fraternity, aroused mounting hostility from churches, politicians and public, and provoked charges of corruption in key areas of the law, local government, education, the medical profession, business, the armed forces, the Civil Service, and the secret services." (from jacket liner)

Orders to Kill: The Truth Behind the Murder of Martin Luther King, by William F. Pepper (In Stock) describes how elements within United States government agencies and led by people, essentially owned by wealthy corporate interests, planned coordinated and executed the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr.. Dr Perry notes: "The power and influence of this corporate faction extends across all branches of government into virtually every agency and department. Government policies and activities in the service of these powerful private economic interests have, where those interests required, continually lied, and deceived the people as to the true state of events at home and abroad. Thus the enormous power and wealth of the government has been used for purposes and ends which all too often have been directly contrary to the interests of the masses of Americans." While Dr. Pepper does not explore any connection to Freemasonry, some of the people he identifies as players in the conspiracy are known members of the Masonic fraternity.

J Edgar Hoover: The Man and the Secrets by Curt Gentry (In Stock) hints at the significance of Freemasonry in the American security establishment. "At Hoover's direction, a charter was obtained for the Bureau's own Masonic lodge, the Fidelity Chapter. Membership and attendance at the Monday-night meetings were 'voluntary,' but those who aspired to higher positions soon realized that associating with the director on this one semisocial occasion was almost a prerequisite to advancement... One result was that for many years, few Catholics rose to the top offices in the Bureau of Investigation. There were also, with the solitary exception of Hoover's second in command, Harold 'Pop' Nathan, no Jews." There are also Masonic lodges in the CIA and in many (most?) local police force.

Silent Coup: The Removal of a President, by Len Colodny and Robert Gettlin (In Stock) While not a book about Freemasonry, it does address the events, which brought down the Nixon Presidency (paving the way for acknowledged Freemason, Gerald Ford - notes Acacia Press). This book challenges the prevailing mythology that the removal of Richard Nixon was a triumph of America's 'Liberal' political system. Nixon's problems, probably, had more to do with his efforts to negotiate peace with China and the former Soviet Union than with Watergate.

Lundy: The Destruction of Scotland Yard's Finest Detective, by Martin Short (See Your Local Library) describes the acceptance of professional criminals in Masonic lodges and the destruction of the career of an honest non-Masonic police officer, who threatened the Masonic axis between criminals and detectives. Lundy endured six years of relentless pressure from unfounded 'corruption probes' and 'mendacious attempts to discredit him' before falling into clinical depression and leaving the force.

Trick or Treason: The October Surprise Mystery, by Robert Parry (Backordered) While not a book about Freemasonry, it does address the events, which brought down the Carter Presidency (paving the way for alleged Freemason, Ronald Reagan - notes Acacia Press). It also discusses other scandals defining the historical legacy of the Reagan/Bush administrations. Mr. Parry's persistence in pursuing these stories has caused him to be shunned by traditional news outlets.

Who Will Tell the People: The Betrayal of American Democracy, by William Greider (Backordered) shows "the realities of power in Washington today, uncovering the hidden contours of relationships that link politicians and the rich and subvert the needs of ordinary citizens...The public's belief that the government serves 'a few big interests' is not mistaken." Once again, this is not a book on Freemasonry but does suggest the existence of a powerful elite in the United States, which shapes policy and perception.

How to Respond to the Lodge, by L. James Rongstad (See Your Local Library) is a pamphlet produced by The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, Board for Congregational Services. In explaining why Freemasonry is incompatible with Christian belief he states, "Christians need to openly share with others what we have learned of the love of God in Christ Jesus our Savior. We will play no games with the truth, nor will we hold secrets about what the truth is."

Al-Islam Christianity & Freemasonry, by Mustafa El-Amin (See Your Local Library) is a book produced by a follower of Iman Deen Mohammed, and "the pure teachings of Al-Islam based on the Holy Qur'an and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammed Ibn Abdullah (PBUH)." In explaining why Freemasonry is incompatible with Muslim belief he states, "Those who conceal and hide knowledge that God has freely given for the benefit of humanity are no less thieves and robbers."

Freemasonry in the Police and the Judiciary: Volume I, by the Home Affairs Committee of the British House of Commons, 1996-97 Session (In Stock) is a formal government investigation of Freemasonry. This weak political document is only important because its final recommendation states that, "police officers, magistrates, judges, and crown prosecutors should be required to register membership of any secret society and that the record should be available publicly," A remarkable concession to a concerned British public and a key component to any effort to control secret societies like the Masons. Now let's see if the recommendation gets enacted into law.

English Public Schools and Ritualistic Imperialism by P. J. Rich (Special Order) is an extraordinary set of books that describe how English Public Schools, which are in fact private schools for the elite, and Freemasonry served as a ritualistic cultural training ground for the administrators of the British Empire. The author is a Masonic historian with membership in the Royal Historical Society describing how Masonic ritualism was a foundation for Britain's undemocratic authoritarian system of rule. The books seek to defend these institutions from attack by the labor party and advocates using the schools to create a new international 'cultural hegemony' using ritualism to 'unite people around democratic values'. Mr. Rich, like most Masons, just doesn't understand that real democratic process and secret societies are fundamentally incompatible. His proposals seek to put a 'democratic' facade on a global system of authoritarian rule. His real objective is protecting the basic structure of repressive social control by a delusional self-serving elitist cabal. Most revealing is a dust jacket citation by noted 'Liberal' Edward Said, who called the book "marvelous". Said's support of this book speaks volumes about the loyalties of the elitist 'Liberal' establishment.

Division Over King's Death, as His Life is Honored by Kevin Sacks (Partial Text Coming) is an April 3 1998 New York Times article describing African-American resistance to the effort by Dexter and Coretta Scott King to reopen the investigation into the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. Many of the African-American's resisting reopening the investigation, like Julian Bond and Dr. Benjamin Hooks, are 'good-old-boy' Masons. Andrew Young, another Mason, wants a 'truth commission', that will allow the guilty to go unpunished. Jesse Jackson, yet another African-American Mason, hasn't made any serious waves on this issue either. African-American Masons in leadership positions may be uncomfortable about exposing the, almost certain, involvement of their white Masonic brothers in the assassination of non-Mason Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. Masonic African-American leaders will probably NOT be willing to risk their personal positions of privilege by seeking to have white Masons punished for their crimes. This helps explain why the civil rights movement has essentially collapsed since the assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Masonic brotherhood isn't about truth or justice. Freemasonry is all about protecting brother Masons and yourself.

Partners in Power: The Clintons and Their America by Roger Morris (Available from Amazon.com) briefly notes President Clinton's participation in a Masonic youth organization as a 'Master Counselor of the Masonic Demolay'. It also implicates President Clinton in participating in 'a multibillion-dollar Arkansas gunrunning and drug-smuggling ring'. This was part of the Reagan/Bush/CIA operation to fund the Contras, now linked to the explosive growth in the use of crack-cocaine in the United States. Clinton's support of the Contra operation probably helped get him the presidency. Of course, the current effort to impeach Clinton has little to do with his womanizing and nothing to do with his role in helping the Contras. It far more likely the sources of Mr. Clinton's political problems are the same those described for Richard Nixon in the book Silent Coup:The Removal of a President. Like President Nixon, Clinton isn't falling in line with a foreign policy supported by the CIA and military establishment on issues like trade with China. The media circus over Clinton's womanizing is just another sideshow for the gullible.

Cover-Up in Oklahoma -plus- Testimonial of Murrah Bombing Survivor: Jane Graham (Available from Amazon.com) "uses eyewitness accounts, expert testimony and extensive live local newscast footage to prove, contrary to the story promoted by the government and the mainstream media, that explosive charges were placed inside the Murrah Federal building. The presence of bombs within the Murrah Federal building raises disturbing questions about who had the access needed to place bombs inside a protected Federal building. In Testimonial of Murrah Bombing Survivor: Jane Graham a federal government employee and the head of her local union describes unfamiliar workmen inside the building days before the blast. These workmen had architectural plans, wiring and other materials, that fit the description of explosives. Some of these unfamiliar workmen were in GSA attire. Ms. Graham has been unable to get the government to either identify these workmen or to act upon her testimony." This video does not discuss the Masons, but does implicate FBI, whose leadership was compelled by J. Edgar Hoover to join a Masonic lodge.

American Freemasonry: A Delusional Cultural Foundation for Repressive Social Control (work in progress) is the beginning of a book we hope to publish about American Freemasonry.

Thoughts on Freemasonry, links to the JFK assassination conspiracy cover-up and challenges to social justice

Based on the writings of these antimasonic authors, we find:

The first Grand Lodge of Freemasonry was founded in England in 1717. The creation of this lodge is a milestone in the transformation of what was a trade guild into a secret society. Freemasonry was instituted, "to dupe the simple for the benefit of the crafty." (pg. 33, Proceedings of the U.S. Anti-Masonic Convention, 1830).
Masonic rituals teach a value systems that can be viewed as a religion or cult. In the past Masonic authors have described Freemasonry as a "universal religion" which encompasses all faiths. The religious aspects appear to be an amalgamation of religious beliefs and myths taken from Christianity and Egyptian sun worship. Freemasonry has been condemned by many Christian faiths, but Masons have blunted or reversed many of these condemnations as the membership has successfully worked to marginalize or eliminate opponents and position themselves in the leadership of many religious organizations. Modern Freemasonry continues to use religious constructs, but denies being a religion.
Freemasons are intensely focused on maintaining secrecy and will retaliate against those who violate their oaths or transgress against brother masons. The legend of Hiram Abiff, the Masonic Christ figure, describes how Hiram was killed while keeping a Masonic secret. His brother Freemasons killed Hiram's assaulters and raised Hiram from the grave. Freemasons are encouraged to model themselves after Hiram and hold their Masonic secrets. If they remain true to their oaths, like Hiram, they can expect to be avenged for attacks and rewarded for their fidelity to the brotherhood. While cases exist suggesting the murder of opponents of Freemasonry, Masonic rituals state "the more effective penalty for doing anything displeasing to Masonry is to be shunned by the entire Brotherhood, a penalty adequate to bring a man to ruin, the more certainly so as Freemasonry expanded in every profession and every branch of society" (pg. 31, The Brotherhood, Stephan Knight, 1984).
Freemasonry has traditionally had many ranks or degrees and has been rigidly hierarchical. Master Masons were "sworn to obey all the edicts, whims, etc., of those high and mighty grand sublime Sublimities" (pg. 24, Masonic Salvation, Fred Husted, circa 1910) above them. Furthermore, Freemasons held: "The covenant is irrevocable. Even though a Mason may be suspended or expelled, though he may withdraw from the lodge, journey into countries where Masons cannot be found or become a subject of despotic governments that persecute or a communicant of bigoted churches that denounce Masonry, he cannot cast off or nullify his Masonic covenant (oath of obligation). No law of the land can affect it. No anathema of the church can weaken it. It is irrevocable" (pg. 56, Masonic Salvation, Fred Husted, circa 1910).
In the past Freemasons were sworn to show favoritism in advancing the interests of brother Freemasons. The royal arch mason swore, "I will promote a companion royal arch mason's political preferment, in preference to another of equal qualifications" (pg. 9, The Address of the U.S. Anti-Masonic Convention, 1830). From the first obligation of the thrice illustrious knight of the cross, the candidate under oath received the following injunctions: "You promise to lead a life as upright and just, in relation to all mankind, as you are capable of; but in matters of difference, to prefer the interests of a companion of the order... to any mere man of the world" (pg. 10, The Address of the U.S. Anti-Masonic Convention, 1830). Masons claim their oaths no longer overtly promote favoritism, but many Masons would not deny that Masonic credentials can be weighed in selecting candidates for employment or promotion. It is also clear that many people join Masonry for the social and economic advantages that flow from membership.
While not overtly encouraged to participate in criminal activity, Freemasons were sworn to protect their brother Freemasons should they engage in immoral or criminal conduct. The royal arch mason swore, " I will aid and assist a companion royal arch mason, when engaged in any difficulty, and espouse his cause, so far as to extricate him from the same, if in my power, whether he be right or wrong... A companion royal arch mason's secrets, given me in charge as such, and I knowing him to be such, shall remain as secure and inviolable, in my breast as in his own, murder and treason not excepted, &c" (pg. 9, The Address of the U.S. Anti-Masonic Convention, 1830).

In summary, according to Freemasonry's critics, Freemasonry is a brotherhood or more aptly a cult which mandates secrecy and obedience within its ranks, affords protection and advancement of the interests of its members, punishes its enemies and turns a blind eye to criminal behavior committed by its members against non-members. Freemasonry provides a value system and an organizational structure that works to put brother Freemasons in positions of power in all organizations and can be used by its members for the most immoral and illegal purposes. Its foundation appears to rest upon the willingness of its members to selfishly exchange their ethics for personal advantage. Its strength appears to lie in a pervasive presence, unseen by those outside the brotherhood, working in concert to protect and expand their wealth and power.

Masons might protest and point out the significant charitable acts done by the brotherhood. Millions for charity! But are millions significant compared to the sums that might be realized by the level of influence suggested. The Cali drug cartel in Columbia gave millions for charity as they pocketed billions. Like the Cali cartel, it might pay to invest a little for public relations purposes. They may also assert the organization and oaths have changed and its power diminished, but recent events suggest the power and the immoral, unethical and potentially violent character of the Masonic leadership remains unchanged.

It should also be noted, none of the works presented here speak of a conspiracy lasting thousands of years or hidden mystical purposes for the United States or the world. Certainly those works exist and can encourage all kinds of speculation over the lodge. Freemasons may promote this kind of speculation both to aggrandize themselves and to mislead both elements within the membership and their opponents. Some of the wildest speculation about Freemasonry may indeed be sponsored by the Freemasons, as seemed to occur after the William Morgan incident. If there is a devil in Freemasonry, he appears to be a con man first. As Mr. Knight pointed out in his book, The Brotherhood, "the investigator has to face the problem of organized secrecy and 'disinformation' "(pg 5).

Freemasons have played an important role in the United States, however the character of that role is far from altruistic, as Masonic historians would have you believe. From the time of the American Revolution Masonry has been a tool of America's business leadership and has advanced a social, political and economic agenda to serve a wealthy minority. Upon piercing a lot of Masonic mythology you will find, Masonry has consistently worked to retard the popular notion of democratic majority rule and the Masonic leadership has always been willing to use coercion and violence to achieve their objectives. Masonry has evolved from a self-serving business fraternity to become an important tool of the essentially totalitarian business leadership of this country. Masonry's liberal facade masks an organization that is profoundly repressive toward any threat to the interests of the America's business leadership.

In the book, The Brotherhood, Mr. Knight discussed Freemasonry in the United States and other parts of the world. As Mr. Knight documented, many American presidents from both the Republican and Democratic parties have been Freemasons. They include recent presidents Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford and Lyndon Johnson.

Notably absent from Mr. Knight's list was President John F. Kennedy. As a Catholic, traditional adversaries of Freemasonry, it would be unlikely President Kennedy was committed to the Masonic old boy networks. President Kennedy clearly threatened entrenched Masonic elements within business and government with his policies toward Cuba/Russia/Vietnam, his challenges to powerful institutions (CIA & FBI), and his support of black leaders representing some of the poorest Americans. If we believe the lone assassin theory critics, who assert the complicity of then Vice President Lyndon Johnson in the cover-up of the Kennedy assassination conspiracy, we have a clear Masonic link to the assassination conspiracy cover-up. A Masonic scholar, A. E. Roberts identifies Lyndon Johnson, J. Edgar Hoover, Earl Warren and Warren Commission members Gerald Ford and Se. R.B. Russell as 'known' Masons in his book, Freemasonry in American History.

The identified Masons represented the leadership of the Kennedy assassination investigative effort. It is impossible to reliably tell how many other members of the Warren Commission and the investigative staff were masons because no published records of membership exist. The 'known' masons would have been able to influence the selection of all the people allowed to participate in the investigation.

If we believe the early 19th century critics of Freemasonry, how would we expect Freemasons to respond to a Kennedy assassination conspiracy involving brother Freemasons? Most Freemasons might never be aware of the conspiracy and could respond according to their individual feelings. If they were made aware of a Masonic link, Royal Arch Freemasons would be bound by their oaths to maintain their brothers' secrets, "murder and treason not excepted" and warn their brothers of any threat of exposure. Royal Arch Freemasons could be expected to defend their brother Freemasons and support any cover-up of the conspiracy. Royal Arch Freemasons would use all the tools available to them to frustrate, confuse and discredit anyone to challenge their story. Literally millions of American Freemasons of all ranks could be called upon, as needed and with few questions, to quietly work to remove any threat to the assassination conspirators and their control of the government. Those Freemasons who were called upon to help would keep their Masonic secrets and could expect to be rewarded for their fidelity to Freemasonry. Any Freemasons who violated their Masonic confidences would invite the wrath of the brotherhood.

Inside the Brotherhood, By Martin Short carries on Mr. Knight's research into English Freemasonry and gives additional information on American Freemasonry. In it he suggests the racist Klu Klux Klan was created by American Freemasons around 1860 and revived in 1915 "by a new generation of Masons". He notes, "It seems that wherever Masons have common political aims, but cannot pursue them through Freemasonry, they set up parallel public movements" (pg. 239, IB). He also describes how the OSS, later to become the CIA, reintroduced Freemasonry into Italy after WWII as a tool: "to prop up a sickly democracy threatened by Soviet-inspired destabilization and the prospect of a communist election victory" (pg. 399, IB). From 1970 through 1981 a far right Italian Masonic lodge, P2, with links to Ronald Reagan, the Republican party, the CIA, British Intelligence and British Freemasonry are now believed to have been preparing for a coup against "clerico-Communists", should they seize power (pg. 399-401, IB).

The suggestion of Masonic influence or control of business interests, the press, and both political parties, has broad implications to all Americans. It raises concerns about fairness in the workplace, when Freemasons favor their brothers in career advancement. It challenges our assumptions about the independence of our press and its ability to serve as a watchdog for the public interest. It begs questions about the motivation and honesty of a government, which is working to further consolidate wealth and power into the hands of the few. When the Republican leadership warn the Democratic leadership of initiating a "class war" by resisting, even slightly, their efforts to further consolidate wealth, haven't they acknowledged the existence of a class structure within the United States.

"The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist"

quote from the 1995 film, "The Usual Suspects"

Last updated 9/17/98