The following was presented on May 23, 2025, by Education Officer Tom Lewis.
Benjamin Franklin: Freemason & Founding Father
from the Grand Lodge of Ohio and Freemanson.com
Ben Franklin was one of the most notable Freemasons in American history. Not only was he dedicated to the Craft and active for more than 60 years, he made a lasting impact on American society with his inventions, discoveries, and accomplishments.
Born January 17th, 1706, in Boston as the 15th of 17 children Bro. Franklin grew up with the intent of pursuing a career in journalism. He began by working for the first independent newspaper in the colonies and later continued to work for the Pennsylvania Gazette.
He was initiated in 1731 at St. John’s Lodge in Philadelphia. His writings spoke much praise for Freemasonry in America. lt is no surprise that Bro. Franklin soon made an impression on the Brothers of St. John's Lodge and was promoted through the chairs. He became Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania in 1734, only three years after his initiation to Masonry. He published The Constitutions of the Freemasons, the first Masonic book printed in America.
He visited various Lodges in America and Europe and was present at many important meetings. ln June of 1760 he was elected a Provincial Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of England and subsequently became a member of many Lodges in Europe.
Brother Franklin passed away on April 17th, 1790, at 84 years of age after much meaningful Masonic work. He is remembered for his whole life of service as a Mason, philosopher, ambassador, and inventor of hundreds of everyday gadgets that we use to this day. We are honored that we may call this incredibly influential Founding Father “Brother.”
