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Freemasons have over six-million members worldwide, and despite being in its fifth-century the group remains shrouded in mystery.  The one thing that is public about the masons is their member list -- and some of the most powerful people in the world were at one time part of the club.
The following is a list of 13 powerful members -- some living, some not -- who took the secret vow.

Benjamin Franklin became a member after starting his own society

Benjamin Franklin became a member after starting his own society
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Franklin became a member of Saint John's Lodge in Philadelphia, a few years after starting his own society -- the Leathern Apron Club.
His membership in the order and time spent as Grand Master of Pennsylvania didn't interfere with his role as hero of the Revolutionary War, Founding Father, and inventor.
Initiated: 1730

George Washington performed Mason rites when breaking ground at the Capitol

George Washington performed Mason rites when breaking ground at the Capitol
Image: Wikimedia
The first President of the United States of America had a strong relationship with the Masons.
He was given the rank of Master Mason less than a year after initiation, and he performed Masonic rites at the laying of the U.S. Capitol's cornerstone on September 18, 1793.
Initiated: November 4, 1752.

Somehow Mozart became a Mason and composed 600 pieces of music

Somehow Mozart became a Mason and composed 600 pieces of music
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Austrian composer and son of a Freemason, Mozart created a number of masonic musical numbers during his prolific career. He was a part of the Zur Wohltätigkeit (Charity) Lodge, Austria.  Initiated: December 14, 1784.

Simón Bolívar was a 33rd degree mason

Simón Bolívar was a 33rd degree mason
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South American liberator and political leader Bolivar is one of the great heroes of the struggle for independence from the Spanish Empire.  His lodge, the Masonic Lodge “Lautaro” out of Cadiz, Spain, was also home to many other South American founding fathers. In April 1824, Simón Bolívar was given the 33rd degree of Inspector General Honorary.
Initiated: 1803

Mark Twain joined a St. Louis lodge

Mark Twain joined a St. Louis lodge
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Literary giant Mark Twain was a member of the Polar Star Lodge No. 79, A.F.&A.M. in St. Louis, and became a Master Mason within a few months of joining.
At one point suspended for not paying his dues, Twain was reinstated a short while later.
He resigned from the order in 1867, but did visit another lodge the following year.
Initiated: May 22, 1861

Winston Churchill contributed to Freemasonry his entire life

Winston Churchill contributed to Freemasonry his entire life
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Along with being a two time British Prime Minister and honorary citizen of the United States, Churchill was a member of the Studholme Mason Lodge No. 1591 in England.
He had a family history with the Masons, as well as many Mason friends, but he personally had little to do with the order outside of limited social engagements. He resigned from his lodge in 1912, but continued to contribute to Freemasonry throughout his life.
Initiated: May 24, 1901

The founder of Turkey Mustafa Kemal Atatürk surrounded himself with Masons

The founder of Turkey Mustafa Kemal Atatürk surrounded himself with Masons
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The reformer and creator of the Republic of Turkey, Ataturk surrounded himself with Freemasons throughout his career.
During the fight for independence, six of his seven high ranking military staff officers were Freemasons. He was a part of Lodge Veritas in Salonica, which was overseen by the French Grand Orient.
Initiated: 1907

Franklin D. Roosevelt was an honorary member

Franklin D. Roosevelt was an honorary member
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