Freemasonry in AMERICA was "torpedoed" by one man in 1826. Then Freemasonry in AMERICA all but died Mormonism was born as a new religion in 1830 seemingly from the ashes of Freemasonry. As it turned out, Freemasonry unknowingly provided inspiration and direction for Mormonism to develop and grow. The secretive fraternity of Freemasonry and the secretive religion of Mormonism grew using the same tenants. The world now benefits from the growth and services of both organizations.