Was Joseph Smith, Founder of LDS, a Freemason?

[*freedom*]

If so, what degree was he? I thought he made it to the 33rd degree, but perhaps it was 32nd??

[Purified]

Joseph Smith was not a member but his father was. The book of Mormon was actually the Freemason handbook stolen by Smith

http://www.freemason.org/cfo/may_june_2001/mormon.htm

[Pirate AM™ (Not Hated)]

33rd degree in the scotish rite (the only one that grants that number of degrees) is an honorary degree, given for massive community service or outstanding contributions to humanity; it is not a degree that you "earn" like other degrees. It is also given to non-Masons.

In the Freemasons, there are only three degrees, after you get your 3rd degree you can go on and join other organizations or "rites", these do not make you any "higher" or more "powerful", they are just additional learning.

Joseph Smith grew up in a highly masonic town while Masonry was the "in thing" i.e. just like now most men belong to one or more sports leagues.

His home town, while he was likely there, was where one of the most notorious Masonic scandals happened, so it is very likely that he was deeply involved or very aware of Masonry.

It is also very evident to any Mason that LDS is strongly based on Masonry. Just a look at their undergarments, shows the 3 major symbols of masonry; the beehive is also a Masonic symbol. Aprons, even if they are green, are also Masonic in orgin as are many of the Mormom Rituals.

[Uncle Remus 54]

Yes he was.

[B.O'REilly]

He was a conman and childbride lover.

[Truth_plain_and_simple]

He was a Freemason of the 33rd degree. There is some speculation that his final words were a plea in hopes that some of the mob that were after him were Freemasons and would help him.

[Brother G The Mormon]

Joseph Smith joined the Masons a few years before he was martyred. He made it to the 33rd degree I do believe and did use the ceremonial or ritual part of masonry for the LDS temple rites but the doctrines in the ceremony between Masonry and LDS are different and about 18 years ago the LDS church took out most of the Masonic ritual part of the ceremony.

[non spinner]

google the church in Nauvoo.

nice windows.

http://www.mrm.org/topics/mormon-temple/nauvoo-pentagrams

[1 out of 6.5 billion]

He was another pothead.

[hibby76]

Yes he was. The highest level which is, I believe, 33.

Incidentally there were many of his freemason brothers in the Mob that killed him.