RR is correct. There is no solid evidence that Russell was a Mason. In one speech I recall he referred to himself as a Mason, but considering the context it is no different than former US President John F. Kennedy saying in German that he was a Berliner. To put it another way, both were inferring that they agreed with the ideas/principals of the Masons/Berliners. One doesn't have to be a member to do that.
It is worth noting that not ONE of Russells "original" and unique teachings are taught by the modern WTS. His "no hellfire" and "no trinity" doctrines are not unique to the religion. His teachings on 1914 were not at all like the current WTS views on the subject. His teachings on the "Great Company" (Great Crowd) CLASS are totally different from what is taught today.
Fred Franz tried a number of times to resurrect Russell's "Mystery" doctrine, but never succeeded, although he hinted at it in one of his phantasmagoric books on Revelation.
Farkel
It is worth noting that not ONE of Russells "original" and unique teachings are taught by the modern WTS. His "no hellfire" and "no trinity" doctrines are not unique to the religion. His teachings on 1914 were not at all like the current WTS views on the subject. His teachings on the "Great Company" (Great Crowd) CLASS are totally different from what is taught today.
Fred Franz tried a number of times to resurrect Russell's "Mystery" doctrine, but never succeeded, although he hinted at it in one of his phantasmagoric books on Revelation.
Farkel