Mark Tabbert, I don't know of any specific evidence explicitly linking the first "Worthy Patriarchs" to Freemasonry. But the Sons are often compared to Freemasons in the literature produced by enemies of "secret societies." For example, see John Lawrence, Plain Thoughts on Secret Societies. 3rd ed. Circleville, Ohio: Printed at the office of the Religious Telescope, 1852. This might explain the origin of such a rumor (if this turns out to be just a rumor). Hope that helps. Jon -- ================================================= Jon Miller Department of English The University of Akron Akron, OH 44325+1906 office phone: 1-330-972-9717 email: <[log in to unmask]> home page: <http://www.uakron.edu/english/miller> =================================================