Fraternal Orders

William Branham, Freemasonry, and the Hidden Fraternal Roots of the Message

William Branham’s ministry developed within a social world shaped by fraternal orders, political activism, and revivalist religion. Using primary sources, photographs, and Branham’s own statements, the summary traces how lodge culture, secrecy, and authority patterns intersected with the Message and later charismatic movements.

Sante Davidson

George DeArk

Masonic

William Branham's early services were held in the Masonic Temple in Jeffersonville, IN. George DeArk, Sante Davidson, and other ranking members of the Billie Branham Pentecostal Tabernacle were involved with the Masonic Order of Odd Fellows. Branham's sister, Deloris Branham Filer, was a member of the Eastern Star.

Jeffersonville Ku Klux Klan

During the prohibition-era Jeffersonville of William Branham's childhood, a war was raging between the illicit gambling, entertainment, and liquor industry and local government. Otto Wathen and the R. E. Wathen Distilleries was supplying liquor to the Cincinnati and Chicago mob under the disguise of a medicinal license, and Wathen had allegedly cooperated with several individuals to produce liquor using illegal liquor stills on private property. Local law enforcement could do little to stop the illegal activity, and some claimed that the local government turned a blind eye to the criminal activities.