Strength: Principles, Persecution, and Expansion

Ideals & Philanthropy
Freemasonry’s strength lay in the close bonds it nurtured through ritual and secrecy outside of traditional ties of family, faith, and profession. In seeking social harmony, the brotherhood emphasized tolerance, accepting men of different spiritual and political beliefs in reaction to centuries of bloody religious wars and persecution in Britain and Europe. It brought together nobles and artisans, clergy and merchants, the native-born and foreigners who were attracted to the positive self-image, social capital, and broad network it offered. Though primarily Christian, some Jews, free persons of color, and Native Americans were initiated into the fraternity, but mostly in separate lodges or parallel orders like Prince Hall Masonry for African Americans. 

Masonic benevolence supported brethren and their families during illness or death with visits, funds, schooling, or a dignified burial, so important to their moral trajectory. Charitableness did not stop at the lodge door. Masons raised money to build schools, orphanages, and community centers that benefited non-Masons, too. English lodges contributed funds to the fledgling colony of Georgia. 

Persecution and Expansion
The secrecy of masonic rituals was always problematic, beginning with the Pope’s ban against freemasonry in 1738. Suspicious outsiders read masonic rhetoric literally and condemned the brotherhood as heretical, violent, and anti-establishment, despite its published constitutions that refuted those charges. While it might seem contradictory to present the hostility to freemasonry as a strength, the deep sense of persecution instilled by Masons likely intensified their fraternal bonding. 

Freemasonry’s global expansion was facilitated by its concept of travel. Exploring other cultures, in body or mind, was considered beneficial to cultivating tolerance of others and unfamiliar customs. The lodge system offered welcome and comfort when far from home. Professions that required extensive travel, such as the military, trade, sea-faring, and theatre, had substantial membership in freemasonry’s first centuries.