In the grand tradition of stage magic, a handful of names shine brighter than the rest: Harry Kellar, Howard Thurston, Harry Houdini, Charles Carter and Harry Blackstone Sr. Masters of illusion, pioneers of theatrical wonder and, perhaps surprisingly to some, all proud Freemasons.
Behind the dazzling performances, globe-trotting tours and packed theatres was another shared bond: fraternity. Many of the world’s greatest magicians found inspiration, friendship and fellowship within Freemasonry, embracing its principles throughout their remarkable careers.
For these legendary performers, magic was more than deception and spectacle. It was presentation, discipline, mystery and brotherhood — values that often mirrored the traditions of Freemasonry itself.
Harry Kellar: The Patriarch of American Magic
Harry Kellar (1849–1922) is often regarded as the father of modern American magic. More than simply a brilliant illusionist, Kellar established a magical lineage that shaped generations of performers.
Kellar famously passed the mantle of “Greatest American Magician” to fellow Freemason Howard Thurston. That tradition would later continue through Dante (Harry Jansen), Lee Grabel and eventually Lance Burton.
One particularly touching chapter in Kellar’s life involved his friendship with Harry Houdini. Long after retiring from the stage, Kellar was persuaded by Houdini to perform one final public appearance at a benefit show supporting the families of American soldiers lost during the sinking of the troop ship Antilles during the First World War.
At the conclusion of the performance, Kellar was carried from the stage as thousands in the audience sang Auld Lang Syne – a fitting farewell to one of magic’s true pioneers.
Kellar also possessed a wonderful sense of humour. After surviving a shipwreck in the Bay of Biscay, one of the few possessions recovered from the sea was his Masonic diploma. Kellar later joked that it had been “inspected and approved by Grand Master Neptune.”
Howard Thurston: Master Showman and Travelling Brother
Howard Thurston (1869–1936), Kellar’s chosen successor, combined extraordinary showmanship with deep involvement in Freemasonry. He was initiated into Manitou Lodge No. 106 in New York in 1907, later receiving the 32° and becoming a Noble of Mecca Shrine Temple.
Thurston often included subtle Masonic references within his performances. In one routine, he jokingly instructed the audience to say the magic words “Hiram Abif” to make two animals mysteriously change places – a discreet wink to fellow Freemasons watching in the audience.
Reflecting on his travels, Thurston once remarked:
“What a wonderful thing for a stranger to be able to meet the best men of the community as a brother and a friend.”
It was a sentiment shared by many travelling performers whose careers constantly took them from city to city and theatre to theatre.
Harry Houdini: Escape Artist and Loyal Brother
Harry Houdini (1874–1926), born Erich Weiss, remains perhaps the most famous magician and escape artist in history. Fiercely protective of his magical secrets, Houdini nevertheless spoke openly and proudly of his Masonic membership.
He was initiated into St. Cecile Lodge No. 568 in New York in 1923 and quickly progressed through the degrees. He later joined both the Scottish Rite and the Shrine.
Houdini also supported Masonic causes through performance, including a major benefit show for the Valley of New York which filled the 4,000-seat Scottish Rite Cathedral and raised thousands of dollars for charitable work.
Despite his fearless public image, Houdini respected the advice of older magicians. Harry Kellar reportedly warned him never to attempt the deadly bullet catch illusion following the tragic death of fellow magician Chung Ling Soo (William Ellsworth Robinson), who was killed performing the dangerous effect in 1918. Houdini wisely listened.
When Houdini died in 1926, his funeral reflected the many worlds he inhabited – Jewish, theatrical, fraternal and Masonic – with full Masonic rites forming part of his final farewell.
Charles Carter: The Global Illusionist
Charles Carter (1874–1936), better known as Carter the Great, began his career as both a magic journalist and practising lawyer in San Francisco. Facing fierce competition in America, Carter took his elaborate illusion show abroad and became an international sensation.
Known for spectacular productions and grand theatrical style, Carter performed throughout Asia, Australia, Europe and South America, building a reputation as one of the world’s foremost illusionists.
His former San Francisco mansion still survives today as a foreign embassy — a quiet but elegant reminder of one of magic’s golden-age performers.
The Great Raymond: Escapes, Rivalries and Brotherhood
Maurice Raymond, known professionally as The Great Raymond, was another prominent magician associated with Freemasonry. A skilled escape artist and theatrical performer, Raymond maintained a well-known professional rivalry with Houdini during the height of their careers.
Following his retirement from performing, Raymond toured Masonic temples throughout the United States delivering lectures about his remarkable life in magic.
One of his more unusual stories involved a performance in Ecuador where he reportedly used genuine shrunken heads as part of his stage presentation — a reminder of the exotic and sometimes bizarre nature of early twentieth-century illusion shows.
Other Notable Masonic Magicians
Freemasonry’s influence within the magical world extended far beyond the most famous names. Other distinguished magicians associated with the Craft included:
John Henry Anderson (1814–1874), famous for popularising the bullet catch illusion.
Alexander Herrmann (1844–1896), celebrated worldwide as “Herrmann the Great.”
Frederick Eugene Powell (1856–1938), admired for his elegant sleight of hand.
Chung Ling Soo (William E. Robinson, 1861–1918), whose tragic death became one of magic’s most famous cautionary tales.
Dante (Harry Jansen, 1883–1955), one of the last great touring illusionists of the vaudeville era.
Okito (Theo Bamberg, 1875–1963), renowned for his precision and refined style.
A Living Tradition
The connection between Freemasonry and magic continues to this day.
In 2000, Mill Valley Lodge No. 356 hosted Masonic magician David Lowenstein, who performed under the stage name Michael Tomofeev, during their Pillars of the Community dinner. His performance celebrated both the art of illusion and the enduring values of the Craft.
To honour these legendary magical brethren, the lodge’s vaudeville-era green room remains decorated with original lithographs of famous magicians — preserving the memory of the performers who helped shape the Golden Age of Magic.
Conclusion
The connection between magic and Freemasonry runs far deeper than coincidence. Both worlds are built upon symbolism, discipline, tradition and the careful preservation of mystery.
For many of history’s greatest illusionists, Freemasonry provided friendship, moral guidance and fraternity during lives spent travelling from theatre to theatre across the world. In return, these magicians brought wonder, imagination and astonishment to audiences everywhere.
Perhaps that is why the relationship between magicians and Freemasons feels so natural. One seeks enlightenment through ritual and brotherhood; the other creates amazement through performance and illusion.
Together, they formed a truly magical brotherhood.