Freemasonry has a complex history with numerous historical details that are often not widely known. Over the centuries, Freemasonry has faced various criticisms from former members or individuals denied membership into the fraternity (refer to the Leo Taxil post on this website). These critiques have aimed to create divisions within the fraternity or discredit it. In certain cultural contexts, these criticisms can lead to tension between the general public and the fraternity. For example, it is common to encounter negative discussions about Freemasonry through social media or video platforms. Rumors and misinformation about Freemasonry are prevalent in today’s digital age. Although times have changed, the methods used to spread falsehoods about Freemasonry remain similar to those used in the 18th century.
On September 3, 1724, the London Daily Post published a notice announcing a new fraternal organization called the “Anitent (Ancient) Noble Order of the Gormogons,” founded by Philip, Duke of Wharton. The Gormogons were a secret society intended to rival Freemasonry but was short-lived. Its goal was to ridicule Freemasonry and create division among the public. The announcement read:
” Whereas the truly ANTIENT NOBLE ORDER of the Gormogons, instituted by Chin-Qua Ky-Po, the first Emperor of China (according to their account), many thousand years before Adam, and of which the great philosopher Confucious was Oecumenicae Volgee, has lately been brought into England by a Mandarin, and he having admitted several Gentlemen of Honour into the mystery of that most illustrious order, they have determined to hold a Chapter at the Castle Tavern in Fleet Street, at the particular request of several persons of quality. This is to inform the public, that there will be no drawn sword at the Door, nor Ladder in a dark Room, nor will any Mason be reciev’d as a member till he has renounced his Novel Order and been properly degraded. N.B. — The Grand Mogul, the Czar of Muscovy, and Prince Tochmas are entr’d into this Hon. Society ; but it has been refused to the Rebel Meriweys, to his great Mortification. The Mandarin will shortly set out for Rome, having a particular Commission to make a Present of the Antient Order to his Holiness, and it is believ’d the whole Sacred College of Cardinals will commence Gormogons. Notice will be given in the Gazette the Day the Chapter will be held.”
The Gormogons are first heard of in a notice published in the London Daily Post for September 3, 1724
You can read about this short-lived organization here: https://freemasonry.bcy.ca/anti-masonry/gormogons.html
Another article written by Philip, Duke of Wharton a couple of weeks later can be read here from The Plain Dealer No. 51 titled: Fallacia Alia aliam trudit. TEREN. Interpreted as: “Deceit – One deceit pushes another.”
(From Terence.)
Can be found here: https://freemasonry.bcy.ca/history/the_plain_dealer.html
