Revolutionary Brotherhood: Freemasonry and the Transformation of the American Social Order, 1730-1840 (Published for the Omohundro Institute of Early American ... History and Culture, Williamsburg, Virginia)

In the first comprehensive history of the fraternity known to outsiders primarily for its secrecy and rituals, Steven Bullock traces Freemasonry through its first century in America. He follows the order from its origins in Britain and its introduction into North America in the 1730s to its near-destruction by a massive anti-Masonic movement almost a century later and its subsequent reconfiguration into the brotherhood we know today. With a membership that included Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Paul Revere, and Andrew Jackson, Freemasonry is fascinating in its own right, but Bullock also places the movement at the center of the transformation of American society and culture from the colonial era to the rise of Jacksonian democracy. Using lodge records, members' reminiscences and correspondence, and local and Masonic histories, Bullock links Freemasonry with the changing ideals of early American society. Although the fraternity began among colonial elites, its spread during the Revolution and afterward allowed it to play an important role in shaping the new nation's ideas of liberty and equality. Ironically, however, the more inclusive and universalist Masonic ideas became, the more threatening its members' economic and emotional bonds seemed to outsiders, sparking an explosive attack on the fraternity after 1826. American History In The First Comprehensive History Of The Fraternity Known To Outsiders Primarily For Its Secrecy And Rituals. Steven Bullocks Traces Freemasonry Through Its First Century In America. He Follows The Order From Its Origins In Britain And Its Introduction Into North America In The 1730s To Its Near-destruction By A Massive Anti-masonic Movement Almost A Century Later And Its Subsequent Reconfiguration Into The Brotherhood We Know Today. With A Membership That Included Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Paul Revere, And Andrew Jackson. Freemasonry Is Fascinating In Its Own Right, But Bullock Also Places It At The Center Of The Transformation Of American Society And Culture From The Colonial Era To The Rise Of Jacksonian Democracy. Using Lodge Records, Members' Reminiscences And Correspondence, And Local And Masonic Histories. Bullock Links Freemasonry With The Changing Ideals Of Early American Society.--jacket. Introduction. Understanding Salem Town's Fraternity -- Ch. 1. Newton And Necromancy: The Creation Of The Masonic Fraternity -- Ch. 2. The Appearance Of So Many Gentlemen: Masonry And Colonial Elites, 1730-1776 -- Ch. 3. Where Is Honour? The Rise Of Ancient Masonry, 1752-1792 -- Ch. 4. According To Their Rank: Masonry And The Revolution, 1775-1792 -- Ch. 5. A New Order For The Ages: Public Values, 1790-1826 -- Ch. 6. An Appearance Of Sanctity: Religion, 1790-1826 -- Ch. 7. Preference In Many Particulars: Charity And Commerce, 1790-1826 -- Ch. 8. In Almost Every Place Where Power Is Of Importance: Politics, 1790-1826 -- Ch. 9. Into The Secret Place: Organization And Sacrilization, 1790-1826 -- Ch. 10. The Lion And The Crows: Antimasonry, 1826-1840 -- Epilogue: Losing The Right To Reverence: Masonry's Decline And Revival -- A Note On Masonic Sources. Steven C. Bullock. Published For The Omohundro Institute Of Early American History And Culture, Williamsburg, Virginia. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Acknowledgments 8 CONTENTS 12 List of Illustrations 16 Part One. Colonial Masonry 28 Chapter One: Newton and Necromancy 30 Chapter Two: The Appearance of So Many Gentlemen 71 Part Two. The Revolutionary Transformation 104 Chapter Three: Where Is Honour? 106 Chapter Four: According to Their Rank 130 Part Three. Republican Masonry 156 Chapter Five: A New Order for the Ages: Public Values, 1790-1826 158 Chapter Six: An Appearance of Sanctity: Religion, 1790-1826 184 Chapter Seven: Preference in Many Particulars: Charity and Commerce, 1790-1826 205 Chapter Eight: In Almost Every Place Where Power Is of Importance 241 Chapter Nine: Into the Secret Place: Organization and Sacrilization, 1790-1826 260 Chapter Ten: The Lion and the Crows: Antimasonry, 1826-1840 298 Epilogue. 330 A Note on Masonic Sources 342 Notes 346 Index 428 Traces Freemasonry through its first century in America. The text follows the order from its origins in Britain and its introduction into North America in the 1730s to its near-destruction by a massive anti-Masonic movement and its reconfiguration into the brotherhood we know today.