Masonic Lodge
With Freimaurerloge (from English lodge , hut ',' box '; althochdeutsch loubjà , arbor') is on the one Bauhütte (or lodges temple hereinafter) in the Masons congregate there, according to their usages to " work ". On the other hand, the associations themselves are called that.
Meeting place
According to its task, the meeting place is a quiet, protected space and is equipped with symbols of brotherhood , light and truth . The place where a lodge is located is also known as the Orient .
Union
Johannislogen
The patron saint of the so-called Johannislogen is John the Baptist . These lodges work in the three grades of apprentice , journeyman and master . All Freemasons, regardless of their degree or duties, see themselves as brothers with equal rights and make decisions in their lodge democratically . Especially in continental European lodges the lecture (so-called drawing ) on Masonic or other topics belongs to temple work .
High grade lodges
In addition to the three degrees of the St. John's lodges, there are also high-grade systems that “ process ” a different number of other degrees in their own lodges that are independent of the St. These degrees are not intended to supplement the Johannis degrees, but aim to deepen the teachings of the apprentice, journeyman and master degree. Therefore, today they are called stages of knowledge or perfection. A member of a high degree system will always meet other Freemasons at the same level (and vice versa), there is no hierarchy.
organization
Inner organization
The Masonic lodges in Germany are usually organized like civil associations, i. H. they are headed by a chairman ( master of the chair ) and his deputy (first and second overseer). As stipulated by law for registered associations, a treasurer and secretary are also elected. Together these officials form the board of directors of the lodge (council of officials). In addition, other members are entrusted with special tasks: the speaker (a specialty of continental boxes), the conductors (more rarely also conductors in the north German area, responsible for the house and catering), the gift curator, music master, archivist, master of ceremonies, plus committees (e.g. admission committee, court of honor).
During the ritual work, some of the officials have special tasks; so the work is directed by the master from the chair , while the overseers head each part of the brothers (divided into two columns).
External organization
Freemasonry, which is widespread internationally, does not have a central management body, but is divided into individual members, e.g. Partly independent lodges that come together in umbrella organizations ( grand lodges / grand orients ) and thus recognize each other. These umbrella organizations, in turn, need to be recognized by older umbrella organizations in order to be recognized as grand lodges of Freemasonry in other countries. The result is a system that has evolved over time, in which the recognized lodges are numbered in chronological order. Mutual recognition is intended to ensure that a Freemason can visit a lodge anywhere in the world.
Regular district boxes in Germany
literature
- Karl Heinz Francke, Ernst-Günther Geppert: The Freemason lodges in Germany and their grand lodges 1737–1985; Register and register . Edition Quatuor Coronati, Bayreuth 1988, ISBN 3-925749-05-5 .
See also
- Masonic lodges in Hanover
- Bibliotheca Masonica August Belz
- Masonic library of the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Library - Lower Saxony State Library
- Propaganda Due , Italian Masonic Lodge
- Minerva to the three palms , Masonic Lodge in Leipzig
Web links
Individual evidence
- ^ Website of the Johannis Masonic Lodge "Zum Morgenstern" Hof
- ↑ Grand Stewards' Lodge ( Memento from May 31, 2015 in the Internet Archive ) (English)
- ↑ Encyclopedia of Freemasonry by Albert G. Mackey (English)