MASONIC BIOGRAPHIES FRINGE FREEMASONS FAMOUS FREEMASONS

Annie Wood Besant October 1, 1847 - September 20, 1933 Social reformer and freethinker, Annie Besant née Wood wrote many articles on issues such as marriage and women’s rights for Charles Bradlaugh's National Reformer. In 1877 she wrote a book advocating birth control, The Law of Population and later published The Link, promoting women’s rights. Elected to the London School Board in 1889, she initiated a programme of free meals for undernourished children and free medical examinations for elementary school students. She opened the Central Hindu College, Benares, in 1898, later receiving the honorary degree of D.L. by the Benares Hindu University. A vocal supporter for Indian Home Rule, she was interned by the British authorities during the first world war. In 1917 she was installed as President of the Indian National Congress party. Annie Besant introduced International Co-Freemasonry into England with the consecration of Lodge Human Duty No. 6, London, on September 26, 1902 by officers of the Supreme Council Le Droit Humain. She was co-founder of the Order of the Temple of the Rosy Cross (OTRC) in London, in 1912 and was elected president of the Theosophical Society from 1907 until her death in 1933. Freemason, irregular [PHOTO] Source: A short biography of Dr. Annie Besant, Curuppumullage Jinarajadasa (1877?-1953 ) pp. 43-45. Adyar : Vosanta Press, 1932. pp. 73. ; 8o. A brief history of the founding of Co-Freemasonry, A lecture given at Canonbury Masonic Research Centre on 27 September 1999 by Jeanne Heaslewood.

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