It seems that Masons almost always write only about those Presidents of the United States who were known to be Masons, but neither of the first father and son Presidents belonged to the Craft.  In fact, the son, John Quincy Adams, our sixth Chief Executive, is the only President who was an outspoken opponent of Masonry.  Both Adams' were one-term Presidents. John Quincy Adams entered The White House in 1825, just prior to the outbreak of the anti-Masonic storm generated by the Morgan Affair at Batavia, New York.  He was generally considered to be an “Opposition President,” because he opposed the annexation of Texas, he opposed slavery, and he opposed the War with Mexico.  But he was most vocal and outspoken in his opposition to Freemasonry, although his reason for such strong antipathy is unknown.

Ironically, John Quincy Adams was sandwiched between two Masonic Presidents, serving between the terms of James Monroe and Andrew Jackson.  In fact, he owed his election to Henry Clay, a Past Grand Master of Kentucky, who directed 37 votes to him in the convention, thus defeating Andrew Jackson for the nomination that year.  Nonetheless Adams wrote and distributed numerous articles and tracts against the Freemasons, including pretended expositions of the ritual and ceremonies, and his stature as former President gave much weight to his writings in some circles.

His father, John Adams, President from 1797 until 1801, while not enamored with Freemasonry, was more reasoned and objective in his regard of it.  His rationality may have been engendered by the support that was afforded him and his policies by Freemasons during his term of office.  During his  administration the war between Britain and France was causing problems for the United States on the high seas and internally, where factions developed within the U.S. on this issue.

Further, in France, the ruling group, known as the Directory, had refused to receive the American envoy and had suspended commercial relations with the United States.  There was also an attempted bribery incident in Paris in the spring of 1798 that the United States deemed to constitute an insult of Congress.  Congress responded to these threats on the high seas and the alleged insult by appropriating funds to build three new frigates, authorizing the raising of a provisional army and passing the Alien and Sedition Acts, to frighten foreign agents out of the country.

At that time there was also a frenzied state of public mind in France (and in other parts of Europe as well),that many attributed to Masonry operating under the name of Illuminism.  France had attempted to banish every vestige of revealed religion from her domain and had gone so far as to have inscribed over the gates of her church yards that death was an eternal sleep.  False tongues were heard to attribute these acts to Masonry, and to infer that Masonry designed to overturn all human governments. Against this backdrop of current events, on July 12, 1798, the Grand Lodge of Maryland called a special meeting and unanimously adopted a motion to present an address to the President.  This address stressed that while “it is a maxim of the Masonic Fraternity, and which is most religiously adhered to, never to interfere in Political subjects – yet, if ever there was a season which could justify a deviation from this maxim, the present is that season:…when the dangers of War threaten our country.”  It was known that Adams would call upon George Washington again if the United States went to war against France, and they were of the opinion that Washington would again save the day.  The address goes on to stress the obedience of the Fraternity to the laws of the land and to its government, and ends by asking Adams to “Accept, Sir, our grateful thanks for those patriotic exertions in support of the independence and honor of our Nation, which we have uniformly witnessed from you….” Adams reply, in part, written on July 18th, 1798, reveals some of his own feelings about Masonry.  Therein his tolerance, in contrast to that of his son, is revealed as follows:

“To the Free Masons of the State of Maryland:

Gentlemen:  I thank you for this generous and noble address.  The zeal you display to vindicate your Society from imputations and suspicions of being inimical to regular Government and Divine Religion, is greatly to your honor.  It has been an opinion of many considerate men as long as I can remember, that your Society might some time or other, be made an instrument of danger and disorder to the world.  Its ancient existence and universal prevalence, are good proof that it has not heretofore been applied to mischievous purposes, and in this country I presume that  no one has attempted to employ it for purpose foreign to its original institution.  But in an age, and in countries where morality is, by such numbers, considered as a mere convenience, and Religion a lie, you are better judges that I am, whether ill uses have been, or may be made of Masonry.

Your appeal to my own heart, and your declaration that I shall there find your sentiments, I consider as a high compliment, and feel a pride in perceiving and declaring, that the opinions, principles and feelings expressed, are conformable to my own.  With you – I fear tat no hope remains, but in preparation for the worst that may ensue.  Persevere, Gentlemen, in revering the Constitution which secures your liberties – in loving your country – in practicing the social as well as the moral duties – in presenting your lives with those of your fellow citizens, as a barrier to defend your independence.  And may the Architect, all powerful surround you with walls impregnable, and receive you, finally /your country happy, prosperous and glorious) to mansions eternal in the Heavens.  With heartfelt satisfaction, I reciprocate your most sincere congratulations on an occasion the most interesting to Americans. ….

John Adams
Philadelphia, 18th of July, 1798”

CLICK HERE FOR FIRST PAGE

COPYRIGHT POLICY

A very sincere effort was made to avoid using any copyrighted material, without permission, in the creation of this web site. If you discover something that is yours without giving you due credit, please let me know and due credit will be given or the item will be replaced.