I have been researching Charles T Russell. I'm just getting a bit disatisfied of hearsay one way or another.
I have basically found out that the chances of him being a Freemason are divided by a lot of confusion. He did a talk where he discussed Freemasonry but by the word of other Masons in the room he knew little about the subject matter. There is a lot of controversy that surrounds what the Freemason’s believe themselves and where their tradition stems from [Some say Solomon’s temple]. So it could equally be false.
Also, it was said he was a Knights Templar not a Freemason but to get the position of Knights Templar you first have to be a Freemason. He also denounced the Freemason beliefs in public but also tried to use them to get Freemasons to follow his beliefs by using similarities between his beliefs and there’s.
Apparently, the pyramid that is found by his grave does not have Masonic connections according to what I’ve read; it’s just a symbol of mystery. His fanatical interest in The Great Pyramid obviously explains much about why it’s there. What I don’t understand is why is there a symbol connected to Freemasonry on it. [The cross and crown]. Is there evidence of this being a Masonic symbol? Also I am wondering did the Freemasons have connections with the occult?
I have found out that a very controversial figure by a JW’s standards formed the foundation of their organisation. He believed in the measurements of The Great Pyramid foretold events that happened after it was built like Jesus birth and 1914 amongst many other things. He also believed that the prophets of old would come back to earth like Abraham, they even built houses for them. He also believed that the angels inspired him directly in his work. Which, supposedly the WTBTS does not agree with.
This is just what I’ve researched and read. If anyone has done any research themselves and knows of any more evidence on the Freemason matter or on Russell himself I would appreciate it.