A Small Technicality

Bernard Pierre Magnan (1791-1865) was a French statesman and soldier who supported Napoleon III in his successful coup d'etat of 1851. Magnan's loyalty won the Emperor's enduring support and, in return he appointed Magnan Marshal of France.  Then, in 1862, Napoleon had Magnan installed as the Grand Master of the Grand Orient de France (GODF).  Many objected to the appointment due to a "small technicality" - at the time of his installation as Grand Master, Magnan was not a Freemason!

(Napoleon's motive in having Magnan installed as Grand Master was to have him monitor the GODF for any signs of subversion against the Emperor's regime. No definitive records indicate Magnan ever officially became a Mason; however he did claim having higher degrees and also became involved with the suspect Ancient and Primitive Rite of Masonry - "Memphis-Mizraim," helping to establish the "Sovereign Sanctuary of America, 33-95°.")