Franklin - Jason H. - SML 72

July is a time for celebration and an opportunity to reflect upon our unique freedoms as Americans. Freemasons should pause and take note of some of our fellow brethren who helped create and shape our nation. That is exactly what the brothers and guests of Sandia Mountain Lodge #72 did this past July 6th at the lodge's monthly educational lecture. "Benjamin Franklin - Founding Father and Mason" was the topic.  Franklin is perhaps the single most important individual upon whom the outcome of the American Revolution hinged. Yet, upon examination of his long and amazingly productive and adventurous life, Franklin faced his share of setbacks. Always strong-willed and willing to work incredibly hard, Franklin always seemed to find the path to fame and influence. If fate would have dictated differently, it is completely possible that in his 20s, he may have become England's first professional swim coach!  Ah, what getting on a ship headed back to Philadelphia can do!   

Franklin's 84 years are filled with such vast achievements it seems impossible that one man could manage to do all he did - in the 18th century no less.  He was the first celebrity figure of the American Colonies, gaining fame for his hypothesis on the electrical nature of lightning in the early 1750s. Some twenty-five years later, this continued fame would serve Franklin well as he played that incredibly precarious game of diplomatic chess with France and the rest of Europe to get support for the American cause.  Of all his great achievements - Declaration of Independence, Continental Congress representative from PA, Treaty of Paris, Constitutional Convention, co-founder of the American Philosophical Society, etc; he was most proud of his work as a printer.  Yes, Franklin was a humble man and was able to gain the respect of others for this reason - and his impeccable honesty in business.

Franklin followed another avenue for most of his life. An avenue that brought him much satisfaction and some important political contacts as well! That avenue was Freemasonry.  Franklin is one of very few people to be a Grand Master of a lodge in the Americas and Europe (France) as well.  Masonry has changed considerably over the past 200+ years. Yet, its tenants of brotherly love and charity have never faded and still remain at the core of our fraternity. This is something that I'm sure would please Dr. Franklin today.  Franklin once remarked to a friend and fellow Mason that he felt Freemasonry to be the best hope for mankind.  

I encourage my fellow brothers to take a little time and improve your zeal for our institution my learning about some of the great men of our past who happen to hold the distinction of "Freemason". If you are interested in learning more about Benjamin Franklin, I recommend the following biographies:

"Benjamin Franklin - A Biography" by Ronald W. Clark

Or,   

"The First American - the Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin" by H.W. Brands

-Jason Hilligoss