Why did many Americans distrust the Freemasons during the Anti-Masonic Movement?

During the Anti-Masonic Movement in the United States, distrust of Freemasons stemmed from several factors:

• Secrecy and Exclusivity: The Freemasons were viewed as a secret society, which opponents believed was undemocratic and potentially dangerous. This suspicion was amplified by the mysterious disappearance of William Morgan in 1826, a bricklayer who claimed to be revealing Masonic secrets. Rumors spread that he had been murdered by Masons.1
• Religious Opposition: Freemasonry, while not a Christian institution, requires belief in a Supreme Being and the immortality of the soul. This led to opposition from organized religion, particularly the Roman Catholic Church. Some lodges were accused of prejudice against Jews, Catholics, and non-whites.23
• Political Exploitation: The public outcry against Freemasonry provided a potent issue for politicians. The Anti-Masonic Party emerged as the first American third party, using condemnation of Masonry's secrecy and exclusivity as a platform.1