Red Skelton

Brief Biography

Honored Freemason, patriot and philanthropist. Il. Bro. Richard Bernard “Red” Skelton 33^o, Geourgas Medalist was born July 18, 1913 and died of pneumonia on September 17, 1997.  In the 84 years of his life, he perfected his craft as a comedian, working in medicine shows, burlesque, showboats, circuses and vaudeville.  He became an MGM movie star as well as a radio star.  Red was among the first to recognize the potential of TV.  He starred on Television in its early days from 1951 through 1971.

Red was inducted into the International Clown Hall of Fame in 1989.  He became an accomplished painter.  He is primarily known for his paintings of clowns. Il. Brother Skelton has raised countless sums of money for the Shrine Hospitals and has been an inspiration for the members of the International Shrine Clown Association.

Masonic Biography

Honored Freemason

Red was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in Vincennes Lodge No. 1 on September 20, 1939.  He joined the Scottish and York Rites as well as the Shrine.  He was coroneted an Inspector General Honorary Thirty-third Degree by the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the Scottish Rite on September 24, 1969.  . Red was awarded its highest honor, the Gourgas Medal on July 14,.1995.  This came as a recognition of his activities as a Freemason, philanthropist and patriot.

Why did he become a Mason

This patriot and Brother was inspired to become a Mason, by a Mason’s act of kindness.  When he was a young boy selling newspapers, a gentleman paid for one with $5.  Red asked why he was so generous and learned it was because he was a Mason.  Red vowed to become a Mason as a result.

Patriot and Dramatic Actor

He was an unabashed patriot.  In addition to his thoughtful and moving rendition of the Pledge of Allegiance, which is attached below for your inspiration and pleasure, Red also composed a march, entitled “Red’s White and Blue”.   One of his more famous skits is of a young boy watching a Fourth of July Parade..

Also included is the trailer for the final movie he made for MGM, entitled, “The Clown”.  It showed his capacity for dramatic acting,  Through the magic of Youtube many of his skits and several interviews of this remarkable Brother can still be enjoyed.

As he said at that end of each performance, “Good night, and God bless”.