Effects Of Anti Masonry On The Masonic Fraternity, 1826 1856

Effects Of Anti Masonry On The Masonic Fraternity, 1826 1856

Year: 1927

This Piece of Architecture , "Effects of Anti-Masonry on the Masonic Fraternity, 1826-1856" by Bro. Erik McKinley Eriksson, published in the February 1927 issue of The Builder Magazine , challenges the prevalent belief that the anti-Masonic movement following William Morgan's disappearance solely devastated the Masonic Fraternity. Eriksson argues that while anti-Masonry was a significant factor, it was not the exclusive cause of Masonry's decline in the 1830s. Eriksson asserts that both anti-Masonic detractors and Masonic historians have overgeneralized the impact of the movement, often pointing to specific instances like the temporary defunct status of the Grand Lodge of Michigan or the suspension of the Grand Lodge of Vermont as proof of widespread extermination. However, he highlights that twenty-three other Grand Lodges remained active, suggesting a more nuanced reality. He proposes several additional factors that contributed to the Fraternity's struggles: Pre-existing Internal Troubles: In some jurisdictions, Masonry was already in a weakened state due to internal issues even before 1826, with low representation at Grand Lodge communications. Cholera Epidemic: The widespread c