Freemasonry and the Book of Mormon

• In 1830, at the time Joseph Smith, Jr. published the Book of Mormon, the United States was enveloped in an anti-Freemasonry movement sparked by the disappearance of William Morgan in 1826 from western New York. It was widely suspected, but never proven, that Morgan, a former Freemason who had threatened to publish Masonic rituals, was kidnapped and killed by Masons.
• Some observers purport to see allusions to Freemasonry in the Book of Mormon (e.g., Gadianton Robbers, secret societies).

The relationship between Freemasonry and Nauvoo Mormonism

• Evidence suggests that in 1838 Joseph Smith married Lucinda Morgan, widow of William Morgan, who caused the anti-Freemasonry movement by his disappearance in 1826.
• Joseph Smith, Jr. became a Freemason on March 15, 1842.
• On May 4, 1842, Smith instructed other LDS Church leaders "in the principles of and order of the Priesthood, attending to washings, anointings, endowments, and the communication of keys pertaining to the Aaronic Priesthood, and so onto to the highest order of the Melchizedek Priesthood...." (History of the Church, vol. 5, pg. 1, May 4, 1842). See Endowment (Mormonism).

Freemasonry and modern Mormonism

• There is no official statement by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as to whether Freemasonry is compatible with Mormonism.
• However, see the following statement by the Salt Lake Tribune: "There is no specific Mormon prohibition of Masonry, but church spokesman Don LeFever said the church discourages it members from joining it or similar groups. 'The church strongly advises its members not to affiliate with organizations that are secret, Oath- bound, or would cause them to lose interest in church activities.'" (Section D1, Monday Feb. 17, 1992).

External links

• The Masonic Moroni: Exploring the Historical Relationship Between Early Mormonism & Freemasonry.
• Anthony W. Ivins, The Relationship of "Mormonism" and Freemasonry (Salt Lake City, UT, Deseret News Press, 1934). online version
• No Help for the widow's son A look at parallels between Mormonism, the Book of Mormon and Masonry. Also contains a legend that has striking parallels to early Mormon history and the Laban account in the Book of Mormon.