The following education program was presented on February 4, 2025.
John Wayne: One-of-a-Kind Talent and Freemason
Northern Masonic Jurisdiction Scottish Rite Blog
John Wayne was a larger-than-life figure and one of the biggest Hollywood stars of the 20th century. Off the screen, John Wayne the Freemason was devoted to the craft, finding comfort in the todge with his brethren. Through his accomptishments as an actor and a Mason, he left his mark on countless lives, changing the film industry forever.
John Wayne was born Marion Robert Morrison in Winterset, lowa, on May 26, 1907. His family moved to Catifornia in 1914. Wayne excelled in school and played high school football. He was President of the Latin Society and a member of the Order of DeMoLay. He earned a football scholarship to the University of Southern Catifornia. After leaving school he landed a job with Fox Film Corporation. He starred in many films, mostly Westerns, and had a very successfut 40-year career. He showed a commitment to the Armed Forces by performing for troops through the USO.
John Wayne was drawn to fraternaI organizations throughout his life: DeMotay, Trojan Knights and Sigma Chi at the University of Southern California. He followed in his father’s footsteps and became a Freemason in 1970. He relished the time spent among his Brothers, remarking that he felt at home in the Lodge as if his fame melted away. His home Lodge was McDaniel Lodge #56 in Tucson, Arizona. He also became a member of the York Rite and Al Mataikah Shrine Temple in Los Angeles, as well as a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason.
He was an advocate for Cancer prevention, and the John Wayne Cancer Foundation was created to support research, to create education programs, and to raise awareness. He died of stomach cancer in 1979. Brother Wayne accomptished many great things in his life, but this last effort to aid humanity is his most moving accomptishment. It is a testament to his character and commitment as a Freemason that he woutd hetp relieve the pain of others even after his death. He was awarded the Presidentiat Medat of Freedom in 1980 and will be remembered by his countrymen and Brothers for decades to come as a great Mason and an American hero.
