Resumen La masonería se ha caracterizado por la organización de asociaciones filantrópicas, en especial de ayuda para niños o los hospitales gratuitos. No obstante, la caridad hacia otros masones desde la logia, sea de base informal, personal o de pequeños grupos, carece de mayores estudios socio-históricos, a pesar de haber sido un precedente clave de las instituciones modernas de beneficencia. Por consiguiente, en esta investigación se analizan los “pagos” ocasionales, individuales o grupales de los masones, en efectivo o especie, para socorrer a sus hermanos en situaciones de peligro o necesidad financiera. Este tipo de prácticas se generalizaron a escalas globales, convirtiéndose en uno de los elementos de identificación básicos entre los masones. La atracción masónica de ayudas económicas amplió la expansión internacional de las redes masónicas de ultramar durante el cambio de siglo del XIX al XX.

Abstract This article addresses the general question, ‘Why did men become, and remain, freemasons during the Nineteenth century?’ It identifies a wide range of motivations, influencing different men, in different places, at different times. However, it draws particular attention to the significance of the support and re-assurance aspects of membership that were given to members during times of insecurity and adversity, as well as the potential for economic and social networking. These aspects were of significance for all classes and occupations but appear to have had particular appeal to those in mobile trades and those undertaking long distance migration or emigration. These issues are explored by a focus on two particularly mobile occupational groups - mariners and miners. Evidence is presented to show that very large numbers in these occupations became masons predominantly to seek informal ‘insurance’ while travelling and to exploit networking opportunities en route and at final destination.