The Masonic Information Center (MIC) was founded in 1993 by a grant from John J. Robinson, well-known author, speaker, and Mason. Its purpose is to provide information on Freemasonry to Masons and non-Masons alike and to respond to critics of Freemasonry.
Inquiries about Freemasonry to the MIC come from around the world – by phone, fax and email. The inquiries vary from information on how to become a Mason, to wanting more information about the Fraternity, answering specific questions about the ritual or Masonic protocol and genealogy.
The founding visionary of the Masonic Information Center, John was a former Marine, a farmer, a business executive, and an author with a special interest in the history of Medieval Britain and the Crusades.
During his lifetime he was a member of the Medieval Academy of America, The Organization of American Historians, and the Royal Over-Seas League of London. He also headed a family trust dedicated to historical research and publication.
Robinson first began studying Freemasonry in the early 1980s and came to the attention of Masons with his book “Born in Blood: The Lost Secrets of Freemasonry” presenting a believable explanation for a connection between the Knights Templars and modern-day Masons. A second book, “Dungeon, Fire and Sword: The Knights Templar in the Crusades” soon followed. He soon found himself regularly speaking to Masonic and non-Masonic groups: the former having a profound interest in his findings while the latter often concerned about perceived secrecy and imagined wrong-doings.
In 1993, Robinson published “A Pilgrim’s Path: One Man’s Road to the Masonic Temple” in which he described his experiences with Masons and those against them. Masonic authors praised the work as comprehensive and profound. As a result of his interactions with Masons, he ultimately petitioned a lodge and became Brother Robinson – as explained in his book. Regretfully, not long afterwards, he became ill and passed to the celestial lodge above.
The Masonic Information Center is a lasting tribute to his interest in and acceptance of Freemasonry as a way of life.