Trial of a Thousand Stabs

Jonathan Blanchard’s war against secret societies caused him no little personal trouble. He was quick to see Masons as the cause for most of the conflicts in his life.

In 1868, Jonathan published an indictment of leading Congregationalists. He blamed Masonic influence for their role in his failure to secure funds for Wheaton College’s new building. When the men denied Blanchard’s accusations, Jonathan asked for a hearing before an impartial panel.

To Jonathan’s bitter disappointment, the arbiters found him in the wrong. The result of Jonathan’s censure caused some to doubt the wisdom of his tireless crusade against secret societies. Many also urged the fiery preacher to moderate his tirades against influential religious leaders. His inability to compromise was financially detrimental to the well being of the College he had worked so hard to build.