The Universal Language of Freemasonry - ArchiMeD - Johannes ...

672
Chapter 8 - Categorization of Rituals
To the advertisers in The Eastern Star World, May, 1926, p. 52: an "exceptional quality in
purchasing power" is promised since the readers of this Masonic magazine constitute
"potential, high-class buyers of reliable merchandise."
8.3 Insurance and Financial Support
It was obvious when the principle of life insurance had become
established that lodgism would seize upon it to popularize secret society
methods. That has been done and hundreds of insurance orders have
been organized, have taxed their members for a few years and then died,
while scores of them still exist, some tottering to their fall and all of
them destined to extinction. While they last, most of them have men
elected to read prayers, have solemn lectures given, and along with this
have the initiations in order that they may have fun at the expense of the
men they invite to join. 1642
In order to deal with the problem of insurance fraternities, the history of
economy in America in the late 1800's has to be considered, especially the social
conditions. Since the state did not provide insurance for the population, and the
development of private insurance companies was still in its infancy, the
fraternities tried to fill this market niche. It is not astonishing that many people
were drawn into fraternal orders that had thrown out this bait. The question
remains, why the necessity of secret rituals and oaths? Blanchard has raised this
problem at the beginning of the 20 th century:
Why does mutual insurance need secrecy? It does not need secrecy,
secrecy needs mutual insurance. [...] If secret societies wish to act as
insurance companies why do they not pull down their blinds, open
offices instead of lodgerooms, print statements instead of rituals,
prayers and burial services, and go into business like honest men? 1643
1642 Blanchard, p. 182.
1643 Ibid, p. 50.