The following is a brief article that explains the origin of the cross/crown symbol. It is not a consideration of the ‘cross’ nor of ‘crowns’; but of this particular symbol depicting a gold prince’s crown hung over a cross (red in particular)
Many have quickly embraced these symbols only seeing a cross and a crown and assumed that these must be in honor of Christ. Many who desire to be identified as Christian disciples use these symbols as depicted in the illustration as a cover photo on their Facebook pages without fully knowing their origin.
MASONIC AND EASTERN STAR SYMBOLS by Ray Denslow
One Masonic symbol that appears to be Christian is the cross and the crown emblem. However, this is not the case.
Masonic author, Ray Denslow, reveals:
KNIGHTS TEMPLAR
“The Cross and Crown may be said to be confined almost exclusively to the historical degrees in Masonry as exemplified in the various orders of knighthood of York and Scottish rites. In Gaul we find the cross to have been a solar symbol when it had equal arms and angles; to the Phoenicians it was an instrument of sacrifice to their God, Baal; and to the Egyptians, the crux ansata was his symbol of eternal life.”’
In The Masonic Report we find more about this emblem:
“Question: What does Masonry’s emblem of the ’Cross and Crown’ actually symbolize?
“Answer: The ’Cross’ of Freemasonry is a philosophic- al cross, according to Albert Pike, ’Morals and Dogma,’ p. 771. It is philosophical in the sense that it represents the generating fecundating principle by the perpendicular shaft, and the matrix or womb of nature, the female producing principle. by the horizontal shaft. The philosophy of the Masonic cross is totally phallic.
“The ’Crown’ of this Masonic emblems is also phallic, it being the first emanation of the Cabalistic Sephiroth….”
A former Mason also explains:
“The other York Rite jewelry you may see is the Templar symbol….It is a large Maltese cross with a circle in the center. Inside the circle is a red Latin cross within a crown. Around the arms of the cross is the Commandery motto, ’In Hoc Signo Vinces.’ (In this sign, conquer!)
“Although this may seem harmless enough, the motto is originally attributed to the emperor Constantine, who used it in conjunction with a supposedly heavenly vision to begin the subversion and politicization of Biblical Christianity into the false, apostate Alexandrian cult….
“A similar shell game is played with the word ’sign.’… The sign Constantine referred to was NOT a Christian cross, but a kind of ’X’ which had both Christian and pagan associations. In modern magic, it is the sign of the slain and risen Egyptian god, Osiris (another version of the ’slain and risen’ Hiram Abif).
Again Masonry has downgraded Jesus and replaced Him with its own ‘christ’.”
Two other groups (both with Masonic connections) use the cross and crown. Charles Taze Russell was a Mason who started the Jehovah Witnesses. He used the red cross and other distinctive features of the Knights Templar logo.’”
This is a photo of an early Watchtower magazine cover. The two magnified areas on the right at the top show the cross/crown emblem on one side and a non-Christian knight figure on the opposite side.
The crosses on the tower, are magnified simply to show that the Watchtower Society at one time taught that Jesus died on a cross. See “Jesus was crucified upon the cross” Life (1929) p.216 and “The cross of Christ is the greatest pivotal truth of the divine arrangement, from which radiate the hopes of men.” The Harp of God (Rutherford) p.141. For over 50 years, Watchtower used the cross and taught that Jesus died on a cross. Since this time, the Watchtower makes the claim that Jesus died on a stake and that the cross is a pagan, idolatrous symbol. These claims are unfounded.
He also used the Masonic symbol of the winged sun-disk with snakes and he is ”buried near a pyramid with masonic symbols on its capstone.”
The pyramid is NOT Russell’s grave or gravestone, though it was put there as a tribute to him
The other group that uses the cross and crown emblem is Christian Science. This group was founded by Mary Baker Eddy in Massachusetts but Mason Henry Steele Olcott, who was co- founder of the Theosophical Society with Helena Petrovna Blavatsky,’” was an associate of Mary Baker Eddy.’”
Some Eddy Brothers held seances and it was at these seances that Blavatsky met Col. Henry Steele Olcott.’” Mary Baker Eddy herself had married a Mason and this was the only secret society which she allowed other Christian Science members to join.’” She even had some of her material published in the Freemason’s Monthly Magazine. Several people connected with Christian Science such as directors and board members and a number of the editors of The Christian Science Monitor were Masons.’” Even the presidents of the Mother Church in 1922-23 and 1923-24 were Masons.’”
Reference:
http://www.despatch.cth.com.au/Misc/LahayMasonic.htm
Jesus forwarned:
“False messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.” Matthew 24:24
As was stated previously, some have used this symbol unwittingly while others have deliberately introduced this symbol in order to subvert and politicize Biblical Christianity into the false, apostate worship.
brotherjohnsite.org 
I missed a bit, the crown supposedly represents the power of Freemasonry, with the cross at the angle of it being knocked over.
I would like to know your sources for the claim that Charles taze Russell was a Freemason as I know of. No such evidence
This post includes a quote of comments made by Masonic author, Ray Denslow in his book “Masonic and Eastern Star Symbols”.
“Two other groups (both with Masonic connections) use the cross and crown. Charles Taze Russell was a Mason who started the Jehovah Witnesses. He used the red cross and other distinctive features of the Knights Templar logo.’”
Mr Denslow made this comment and you need to look into his published work to find the answer to your question.
It would be hard to explain away the monument near his grave unless he had some Masonic affiliation.
I would not argue that Charles Russell was definitely fascinated by the Freemasons and interested in them, but as an ex Jehovah’s Witness and a current Freemason I have a very personal interest in the answer to this question to which I have not successfully found adequate evidence he was actually an official member hence why I was asking, it is to my knowledge that Charles actually wasn’t really a conformist and while he was quick to embrace a lot of ideas from religions and communities like the masons never actually had any interest in joining one hence why I am looking for more concrete proof than simply his use of their symbols and I will look into that resource
It is not uncommon for Masonic members to keep their membership secret.
Your comment highlights the most important issue for me. That is, Russell’s fascination with Freemasonry and his embracing of “ideas” from many religious communities.
Doing so undoubtedly had an impact on shaping the doctrines he preached.