Why were middle- and upper-class city dwellers drawn to the Masonic order in the early nineteenth century?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Middle- and upper-class city dwellers were drawn to the Masonic order in the early nineteenth century because the order's elaborate code of deference between ranks offered members an escape from the disorderliness of the urban environment. This strict hierarchy provided a sense of order and structure that was lacking in the chaotic city.

Why Were Middle- and Upper-Class City Dwellers Drawn to the Masonic