‘Much in Dan Brown’s Book Not True’

Mark Tabbert of George Washington Masonic Memorial tells us what he thinks of Dan Brown’s latest effort.

The last time Dan Brown wrote a book, the whole world was looking up Jesus’ heirs and Leonardo da Vinci. Now, with the success of The Lost Symbol, it’s the turn of the Masonic Society. Mark Tabbert, director of Collections, George Washington Masonic Memorial in Alexandra, Virginia, tells us what he thinks of Brown’s latest effort. (The memorial makes a cameo appearance in the book, as Robert Langdon dashes around to preempt a security crisis.)

Q How accurately has Dan Brown depicted the society of Freemasons?

A Fair, not perfect, but the book is a thriller, not an exposé or a research paper.

Q Did he consult you or prominent office bearers of the fraternity for the book?

A No idea. He certainly visited several Masonic buildings and read plenty of books about Freemasonry.

Q Has he spilled any secrets that he should not have, such as drinking wine from a skull in an initiation ceremony?

A No—not even close. Whatever he writes about is slightly off or from old and long dead rituals. And this specific rite is not accurate.

Q Do you believe there is a secret pyramid hidden away in Washington DC?

No —but I believe in faith, hope and charity and ‘the brotherhood of man under the Fatherhood of God’.

Q Was George Washington a brother of the 33rd or highest order?

A No, he was not a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason and none of the founding fathers were. The 33rd degree did not exist until after 1800. 

Q How can one become a member?

A Ask a Freemason. Contact a lodge or grand lodge. They each have their own requirements. (Check masonindia.org for eligibility criteria.)

Q Is Dan Brown a member? If not, are you planning to offer him membership?

A He is a citizen of New Hampshire, it is up to Mr Brown to contact his local lodge and ask to join in New Hampshire.

Q Are women allowed to be members?

A There are Masonic lodges of women and lodges with both men and women as members, but these lodges are not recognised by the vast majority of regular lodges.

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