EP 111 Were Early Strongmen Masons? Catholic Encyclopedia and Masonic Origins

Were any of the early strongmen from the 1900s through the 1950s Masons?In EP 111 of Masonic Muscle, I ask listeners to help investigate whether any of the old-time strongmen, physical culturists, lifters, and Iron Game pioneers had Masonic connections.If you know something, send it to me.Then I read a small portion of the Catholic Encyclopedia article on Freemasonry from 1910 and share what it says about the Craft. Even though the article is over a century old, it is serious, detailed, and well-written according to the documentation available at the time.This episode asks:How can Masons study outside criticism, old encyclopedias, and forgotten physical culture history without becoming defensive or lazy?We discuss:early strongmen from the 1900s–1950sold-time physical culturepossible Masonic strongmenthe Iron Game and Freemasonrylistener research leadsthe Catholic Encyclopedia article on FreemasonryCatholic views of Masonry in 1910why outside sources matterUniversal Manual of Freemasonry by HanbachMackey’s Encyclopedia of FreemasonryCoil’s Encyclopedia of FreemasonryMasonic origins and source comparisonA serious Mason should not be afraid to read what critics wrote about Freemasonry.He should read it carefully.Define the terms.Check the sources.Compare the claims.Look for bias.Look for useful facts.Look for what is being emphasized and what is being ignored.The same goes for old-time strength history.If there were early strongmen who were Masons, that is worth knowing. It helps connect physical culture, discipline, Brotherhood, self-improvement, and the Masonic Muscle philosophy.If you know whether any early strongmen were Masons, write to me at:[email protected] Masonic Muscle on Instagram:@masonicmuscleFollow Masonic Muscle on Facebook.Subscribe and follow Masonic Muscle on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.