Freemasons

No

The pyramid and "all seeing eye" are defiantly two.

Yes, he was. Abingdon Lodge #49 in Virginia. He was also a proud Shriner and member of the Scottish Rite.

Yes

I wouldn't say there is a strong resemblance, but there is a slight resemblance. The many Masonic ceremonies are longer and more detailed than the Mormon Temple ceremonies.

Most of the Mormon Temple ceremonies are very basic: Baptism simply involves a person being immersed in the water following a short prayer. Confirmations and ordinations are just a blessing with hands layed on the subject's head. Sealings are simply a couple or family kneeling at an altar while a blessing is pronounced on them. The longest and most detailed ceremonies are the washing and endowment, which are similar to some of the ceremonies of the Tabernacle described in the Old Testament. (for example see Exodus 29:4-9 and Leviticus 8:6-13)

Most of the Masonic ceremonies are very different from the Mormon ceremonies. The only similarity to Masonry is in the basic format of the Mormon Endowment ceremony, in which one learns information through symbols, covenants not to reveal that knowledge, and then is tested on that knowledge through recitation before advancing. The actual symbols, and the knowledge and information given is completely different between the Masons and the Mormons.

As for why they are similar, there are many theories but no hard facts. One of the theories is that God revealed to Joseph Smith the covenants and knowledge, and charged him to teach it to the people. Since Joseph had a Masonic background, he knew that that way of teaching was effective and adapted it to fit his needs. Another is that Masonry, coming out of the building of ancient temples, was originally the same as the Mormon ceremony but has changed in the thousands of years since it was created. Of course there is also the theory that Joseph made the whole thing up, although the purpose for him doing so is not evident.

Hazing is strictly prohibited in a Masonic Lodge.

Unless a person states that he is a member of the freemasons, it is hard to know for sure.

If it looks like a fish, swims like a fish, smells like a fish, has horns like a fish, has legs like a fish and eats grapefruit like a fish--most likely it's a fish.

See the related link.

Shrine membership lists are not public records.

Unless a person specifically says that he is a member of the Freemasons, it is difficult to say one way or another whether he is.

All numbers can possibly have a symbolic meaning. Nine, being the square of three, can be considered as having the symbolism of the number three only redoubled. Specific interpretations of such things are left to the individual.

Women are not Masons. Only men can be part of the Masonic Lodge. So, she is not. Women belong to Eastern Star and to belong must have a husband, father, or close male relative who is a Mason.

There are no negative effects of being a Freemason.

Yep!

I own a 1900 year masons sword from a massachusettes brother hood of the free masons

There is no such thing as Masonic Lodge Money.

Yes, he was raised a Master Mason on November 9th, 1920, in Federal Lodge #1, Washington, D.C.

Freemasons are allowed in the military.

They don't. The word "free" in the word "freemasonry" means what it says. The Freemasons are an organization which has always been, and still is, in favour of freedom of thought. Masons have a great diversity of religious and political perspectives, which other Masons treat with great respect, far more than non-Masons. Even when differences of thought might make men enemies, Freemasonry contains principles and rules of procedure which allow them to remain friends despite their differences.

The enemies of Freemasonry, on the other hand, have usually been those who insist on uniformity of thought and punish those whose ideas are nonconformist or heretical.

You might very well ask yourself whether the people who told you that "Freemasons control minds" are not trying to control your mind by telling you that. What evidence did they provide which would rationally support such a statement?

The only way to tell if someone is or is not a Freemason is if there is a public record of their membership. Some members keep their membership quiet and their lodges respect their confidentiality. That is their right. But in most cases Masons are proud of their membership and are quite prepared to tell you which Lodge they joined and when.

It is impossible to know anything about anyone's Masonic membership by looking for secret hand signs in a person's public appearances, or watching their handshakes.

Nobody knows who this person even is. He must be a friend of yours. You should ask him.

If you are a Master Mason in good standing, you simply need to ask a Shriner for a petition.

It is hard to know for sure, unless they advise they are. It is doubtful though.