Revolutionary Brotherhood: Freemasonry and the Transformation of the American Social Order, 1730-1840

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Overview

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 ...

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Overview

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.

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Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher
[A]ssuredly will be recognized as a landmark in the field.

Journal of Social History

The book's strength is its placement of Masonry in a variety of surrounding intellectual contexts.

Journal of Southern History

Any further inquires into the order of Freemasons in America will turn to this book as their starting point.

Journal of American History

[Bullock's] research is exhaustive, his argument learned and subtle, his prose clear, and his insights numerous.

Pennsylvania History

Bullock does an outstanding job linking Masonry to larger social and political developments.

Journal of the Early Republic

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Product Details

Table of Contents

Contents

Acknowledgments List of Illustration List of Tables Introduction: Understanding Salem Town's Fraternity Part I: Colonial Masonry
1. Newton and Necromancy: The Creation of the Masonic Fraternity I. The Remains of the Mysterys of the Ancients II. The Augustan Style III. An Honour Much Courted of Late
2. The Appearance of So Many Gentlemen: Masonry and Colonial Elites, 1730-1776
I. The United Party for Virtue II. The Greatest Order and Regularity III. A Very Harmless Sort of People Part II: The Revolutionary Transformation
3. Where Is Honour? The Rise of Ancient Masonry, 1752-1792
I. The Good Old Way II. The Mason's Arms III. The Country People
4. According to Their Rank: Masonry and the Revolution, 1775-1792
I. Great Trubles amonge Masons II. Free and Independent III. The Cares and Fatigues of the Soldier's Life Part III: Republican Masonry
5. A New Order for the Ages: Public Values, 1790-1826
I. Temples of Virtue II. The Great Instrument of Civilization III. Around the Enlightened World
6. An Appearance of Sanctity: Religion, 1790-1826
I. Neutral Ground II. Dedicated to the Worship of God III. Spiritual Masonry IV. Cavils, Objections, and Calumnies
7. Preference in Many Particulars: Charity and Commerce, 1790-1826
I. The Most Charitable and Benevolent of the Human Race II. Bound to Regard You as a Mason
8. In Almost Every Place Where Power is of Importance: Politics, 1790-1826
I. The Most Influential and Respectable men II. We Have Nothing to Do with Politics III. Men of All Parts of the Union Mingling Together
9. Into the Secret Place: Organization and Sacrilization, 1790-1826
I. The Lodge of Instruction II. The Rugged Road III. The Thick Veil Part IV: Masonry and Democracy
10. The Lion and the Crows: Antimasonry, 1826-1840
I. The Concentration of Great Numbers on a Single Point II. A Stupendous Mirror III. These Desperate Fanatics Epilogue: Losing the Right to Reverence: Masonry's Decline and Revival A Note on Masonic Sources Notes Index

Illustrations
1. George Washington
2. Masonic Temple
3. The Temple of Solomon
4. The Five Points of Fellowship
5. Les Free Masons
6. The Second Grand Anniversary Procession
7. Lodge Summons, Philadelphia Ancient Lodge No. 2
8. Saint Peter's Lodge Night
9. Membership Certificate, Rising States Lodge
10. Prostyle Temple
11. Tracing Board
12. University of North Carolina Cornerstone
13. Freemason's Heart Supported by Justice and Liberty
14. Membership Certificate, Alexandria Lodge
15. Tavern Sign
16. Advertisement, J. T. Jacobs and Co.
17. The Master's Carpet
18. The Fifth Libation
19. The Chamber of Reflection
20. The Masonic Minstrel
21. The Living Arch Three times Three
22. The Living Arch
23. Masonic Penalties
24. Antimasonic Apron
25. Master Mason's Certificate

Tables
1. Occupations of Modern Masons, Boston, and St. John's Members, Philadelphia, 1750-1770
2. Occupations of Ancient Masons, St. Andrew's Lodge, Boston, and Lodge No. 2, Phladelphia, 1752-1775
3. Summary of Occupations of Ancient and Moderns
4. Boston Masons in 1771 Provincial Tax
5. Philadelphia Masons in 1756 City Tax
6. Occupations of Port Royal Lodge Members
7. Public Offices of Port Royal Lodge Members
8. Military Ranks of Members of Three Lodges
9. Military Ranks of Lodge No. 19 (Ancient), Pennsylvania Artillery
10. Occupations Listed in Lexington Kentucky, Directory, 1806, and of Lodge Members, 1794-1810
11. Age at Membership of Jordan Lodge Members, Danvers, Massachusetts, 1808-1827
12. Occupations of Members of Ark Lodge, Geneva, New York, and Jordan Lodge Members, Danvers, Massachusetts, 1807-1827
13. Occupations of St. Andrew's Lodge, Boston, and Lodge No. 2, Philadelphia, 1790-1820
14. Occupations of Members of Holland Lodge No. 9, New York City, 1787-1800
15. Public Offices Held by Ark Lodge Members, Geneva, New York, 1807-1819
16. Residential Distribution of Masons, 1794-1827
17. Occupations of Members of St. Andrew's Royal Arch Chapter, Boston, 1769-1823
18. Occupations of Philadelphia Masons, Harmony Chapter No. 52, and Knights Templars, Union Chapters Nos. 1 and 2, and St. John's Commandery No. 4, 1795-1831
19. Occupations in Geneva, New York, Higher-Degree Bodies, 1812-1819
20. New Members, St. Andrew's Lodge, Boston, 1822-1843
21. Lodges Represented at New York Grand Lodge Annual Communications, 1827-1840

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