Was the former Governor of Illinois, Rod Blagojevich, ever expelled from Masonry after his felony conviction and incarceration?
OP stated or implied that Blago was a Freemason. The Famous Freemasons section of the Downers Grove, IL website states that George Ryan was/is a Mason. Blago is not listed. Here’s the link. https://www.grovemasoniclodge.org/index.php/secrets/famous-freemasons
That's nice - but there are no footnotes. My (extensive) experience of web sites like this is they use all sorts of uncited sources to compile their lists and hence are not reliable. In this instance they do actually cite a source - Source: usnews.com - and I have seen several instances where very reputable newspapers incorrectly say men are Freemasons when they are not. This would not meet my burden of proof when researching famous Freemasons.
W Well I can see one non-Mason on there straight away which is Louie Armstrong. The Knights of Pythias are not Freemasonry.
Sadly it’s not just the media, many Freemasons are too keen to believe claimed famous members. A recent couple are John Entwistle of the Who and Freddie Mercury, neither of whom were actually members.
I think the reason for it is that Famous members can be seen as legitimizing Freemasonry and also can demonstrate diversity.
I don't get it either, although there are some interesting historical Freemasons the rest of it is just a distraction really.
Its the same basic reason that people in general has an obsession with celeberties. Freemasons dont live in a bubble and are influenced by the society they live in.
Having a “celebrity” in the lodge seems like it would be more of a hassle than anything, if nothing else their schedule would preclude them from being particularly active.
The worshipful masters from two different lodges here in the north side of Chicago mentioned it. Interestingly enough one of the worshipful masters actually has a criminal conviction on his record. I just thought that was something that disqualified someone from becoming or remaining a mason.
Two different worshipful masters from two different lodges on the north side of Chicago mentioned it.
Being well aware of how these things happen I would have asked them about their source. Masters are no less likely to be mistaken than anyone else.
Well, that's the way it's supposed to be. But it's probably who he knows and how many in lodge are willing to look the other way. You don't want to give a buddy the boot.
You see? Here is the kind of statement where, if I was in conversation with a person, I would ask them to clarify their source. As unless it has come first hand from a trustable source it is just "idle gossip". One of those things that a good Freemason should refrain from getting involved with.
