Ronald Reagan: Freemason Or Not?

"Going to college offered me the chance to play

football for four more years."

~Ronald Reagan

Over Ronald Reagan's long career as both an actor and a politician, he had been involved with events and charitable causes supported by Freemasonry and the Shriners.  He is often listed as a Freemason, or a member of the Shrine.  Now Freemasons thought a great deal of Ronald Reagan without question, but President Reagan was never a Freemason himself.

Now here's where people get confused.  On February 11, 1988, the Grand Master of Washington, D.C. presented President Reagan with a "Certificate of Honor" which said that President Reagan's life was a testament to his firm belief in brotherly love, relief, and truth, and his service to the public has broadened the applications of temperance, fortitude, prudence, and justice to the benefit of all mankind. But the certificate was given to Reagan to acknowledge his life's work--he was not made a Mason by the Grand Master of Washington, D.C.



Freemasons present Reagan with certificate in Oval Office in 1988

 A little later, both the Scottish Rite and Shriners followed suit and honored Reagan for his contributions.  The two Scottish Rite Grand Commanders (Northern Jurisdiction and Southern Jurisdiction) jointly gave President Reagan a Scottish Rite Certificate, and the Imperial Potentate gave him a Shrine certificate giving him "honorary membership" in both organizations--but again, he was not made a Mason.

Great American?  Yes.  Freemason?  Unfortunately, no.

~TEC

Supreme Council, 33° Annual Meeting in Chicago

It's been a month since Valerie and I took that amazing trip to Chicago.  Valerie took over 400 pictures, not to mention what the others took and have shared with us.  I thought I'd share a few of my favorites from that remarkable four days.  It's such a great honor.  I'm truly blessed by the friends I've made in life--especially those I've met in the years since I became a Master Mason.  Thank you all.

TEC, 33°

My Illustrious Journey To Chicago

Michael Brandenburg, Scott Niccum
& Todd Creason before degree ceremony

Along with two others from the Scottish Rite Valley of Danville, Illinois I received the 33rd and Last Degree from the Scottish Rite Supreme Council NMJ on Tuesday at the historic Merle Reskin Theatre in Chicago. There are not adequate words to describe my experience there. It was an incredible moment that I’ll never forget—both moving and humbling. I was fortunate to be part of a small group that was called up on stage to receive my ring. It was a great honor to be ringed by the Illustrious Robert O. Ralston, 33°.

And I’ll never forget at the dinner afterwards, when Valerie and I were introduced for the first time as “The Illustrious Todd E. Creason, 33° and Lady Valerie.” What an incredible journey Freemasonry has taken me on.

Valerie & I at Illinois Dinner

It was an amazing weekend. I met new friends, ate great food, and enjoyed a lot of laughter—especially after the Illustrious William J. Hussey, Jr. 33° arrived. I’d like to thank everyone at the Valley of Danville for affording me this tremendous honor. I’d also like to thank those that came along on the trip from the Valley of Danville and helped make it so memorable—John Larsen, 33°, Brian Pettice, 33°, Jerry Askren, 33°, Paul Noerenberg, 33°, William J. Hussey, 33°, Doug Goodwine, 33°, James L. Tungate, 33°, Noel C. Dicks, 33°, and Bruce Rhinehart, 33°. I hope I didn’t forget anybody.

Mike Brandenburg and I seem kinda
relieved--don't we?

I’d also like to congratulate the other two newly ringed Brothers from Valley of Danville—the Illustrious Michael Brandenburg, 33° and Lady Pam, and the Illustrious Scott Niccum and Lady Marie.

Most especially, I’d like to thank all of you that have read my books. I never dreamed when I started writing that it would snowball into anything like this. Those books have opened many doors for me, and afforded me some very unique opportunities, and it’s because of the support and enthusiasm of my friends and Brothers, and my faithful readers.

Thank you all.

~TEC, 33°