Part II – read Part I here
Founding a new lodge: The personal and collective journey
The decision to found a new lodge is both a personal and collective undertaking.
“I came into it a bit like a virgin birth”, our interviewee told, “After I left my former lodge at my own request, some siblings, who were also unhappy in their lodge, contacted me to ask if I would be interested in founding a lodge. What they lacked was a Master Mason who wanted to take on the role of Worshipful Master [a Master Mason responsible for guiding the lodge]. Since I had already held this position in my old lodge, I was asked if I could imagine this role in a new lodge. Many discussions followed, also to find out how we all tick and whether there was even a possibility of bringing this baby healthily into the world. The founding of a new lodge never depends on one person; all members must yearn to make this wish come true. Then it works.”
His personal journey and experiences in previous lodges profoundly influenced his decision to found his own:
“The lodge’s founding was not planned. I left my lodge without knowing how I would continue in Freemasonry. At that time, I only knew that I could no longer find any added value in my old lodge. I think it was the right time to leave my old lodge, and I was rewarded with the task of co-founding a new lodge. I am very grateful to be able to take a leading role in this task.”
Balancing Freemasonry with life
Balancing the demands of Freemasonry with other aspects of life requires careful prioritization.
“Freemasonry offers guidance for this. It sets the priorities as follows: the family comes first, followed by the means of livelihood (this can also mean studying). But in third place is already Freemasonry. A Freemason is expected to regularly attend temple work and devote a significant portion of their free time to Freemasonry and their siblings. It sounds a bit harsh at first, but those who have truly understood Freemasonry will see this not as a burden but as an enrichment. It is about setting priorities,” I was told.
The practicalities of founding a lodge
Founding a lodge involves several practical steps, from finding suitable members to choosing a name and location.
“The most important thing when founding a new lodge is the siblings who want to establish it,” our interviewee said. “Everyone must pull together and be willing to make some financial sacrifices. If there is unity and harmony among the siblings, one need not fear the difficulties that come with founding a lodge.”
Choosing a name for the lodge is a symbolic act:
“There are several possibilities, for example, many lodges have a bird rising from the ashes in their lodge name, probably a reference to the fact that the members wanted to indicate a new beginning when naming the lodge. Lodges are also named after places to which the siblings have a connection. Famous personalities are also quite helpful when naming the lodge. Since Freemasonry is not a protected brand, the imagination is unlimited as long as it remains within the Masonic context.”
Finding a suitable location can be challenging, especially considering financial constraints.
“The best location is the one the lodge can afford,” he stated, “Since all costs are borne by the siblings, the cost question is of crucial importance. Generally, the newly founded lodge tries to find accommodation in an existing lodge building. However, it can also happen that no resources are available, or it is not desired to work under one roof with the new lodge. Then begins the search for a suitable location, which comes with the mentioned difficulties.”
Despite careful planning, unexpected challenges can arise.
“Actually, during the entire planning and implementation phase, I had the most problems justifying our endeavor and dealing with baseless accusations. The bureaucracy itself is manageable”, he told and further stated, “As it is so nicely said in Freemasonry: Unperturbed by the noise of the world, the Freemason follows his path… So I also kept it that way during this time.”
Legally, the requirements for founding a lodge are straightforward:
“Freemasonry is committed to respecting and obeying the laws of the respective country. Therefore, it is not necessary to create special legal requirements for Freemasons. Many lodges are listed as associations to enjoy legal status.”
Obtaining the necessary permissions involves aligning with a Grand Lodge.
“No permits are necessary. The goal of a newly founded lodge is to belong to a Grand Lodge that aligns with the lodge’s ideals. This requires the patent of the Grand Lodge, which recognizes the new lodge as a full member.”
The organizational structure of a new lodge is planned carefully:
“Quite simply, after the new lodge has received its Masonic light, the lodge begins its ritual work. The individual functions have already been determined in advance. It is attempted to structure the lodge so that each sibling has the opportunity to contribute according to their abilities. From then on, elections are held at regular intervals, in our case every three years, during which the offices may be newly assigned.”
Ensuring adherence to rituals and traditions is crucial for the lodge’s identity:
“Each lodge is primarily responsible for the adherence to rituals and customs. Of course, the Grand Lodge also keeps an eye on us and ensures that the lodges do not deviate from the prescribed path. Each lodge feels connected to a rite and has committed, in agreement with the Grand Lodge, to follow this rite. This obligation is usually fulfilled.”
Documenting and formalizing the lodge’s recognition involves key steps. “As soon as a lodge is recognized as a perfect and just lodge by a Grand Lodge and is a member of it, it is under its protection. Besides the patent and the protocol of the lighting ceremony, no other documents are required,” the Master Mason explained.
Looking back and forward
Reflecting on the journey, my interviewee noted that while the process was challenging, it ultimately was rewarding.
“After we decided to found a new lodge, things developed as expected, and the anticipated side-swipes from the outside did not fail to materialize. Ultimately, however, we were lucky to be approached by a Grand Lodge asking if we could imagine becoming a member of them. With great joy and gratitude, we accepted the invitation,” I was told.
Attracting the right kind of members is a natural process.
“Here, too, it applies: Whoever truly seeks will find what they are looking for. We do not proselytize; we do not advertise, and we do not promise miracles. Those who seek Freemasonry will find it. This somewhat challenging access to Freemasonry also separates the wheat from the chaff beforehand. In most obediences, Masonic-themed evenings take place, which can significantly facilitate the approach to Freemasonry. Perhaps one will be approached by Freemasons there, and one thing leads to another,” he said.
The long-term vision for the lodge is one of unity and perseverance.
“Freemasonry must not weaken; it must continue to exist. Without lodges and their siblings, this would not be possible,” he stated.
Lodges differ from one another in subtle ways.
“Fundamentally, a distinction is made between regular Freemasonry, which follows English customs, and liberal Freemasonry, to which I also belong. Regular Freemasonry does not differ (or only minimally) from liberal Freemasonry in its teachings! Otherwise, the lodges differ in the ritual they use in their lodge work. There are different teaching methods used in Freemasonry. Ultimately, most lodges decide for themselves which ritual they want to work with. This is done with the consent of the Grand Lodge.”
Interaction between lodges is an essential aspect of Masonic life.
“By siblings visiting each other during their temple work. There are also annual grand festivals where Freemasons from different lodges meet and exchange ideas.”
Ensuring the longevity and growth of the lodge requires leadership and commitment.
“As everywhere, it is known that the fish starts to rot from the head, so it is important that the Master Masons of a lodge lead by good example. The growth of a lodge depends not least on the commitment of the lodge’s siblings. A lodge working with joy is more likely to grow than one that is only artificially kept alive. Unfortunately, such lodges are becoming more and more common.”
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been significant, disrupting Masonic activities and causing a decline in membership in all lodges.
“I think Corona has had a significant impact on Freemasonry. Almost all lodges complained about a decline in membership. Not because so many siblings died, but because we could no longer meet in person. A Zoom meeting does not even meet the basic requirement to truly work masonically.”
The most fulfilling aspect of founding the lodge was seeing the realization of their efforts.
“For me, the most sublime moment was when, during a ceremonial work, the patent of our lodge was handed over to me by our Grand Lodge. That was when I truly realized what we had achieved. We succeeded in giving Freemasonry a new lodge, and this fact makes me very happy.”
For those considering founding their own lodge, he offers this advice:
“To carefully choose one’s companions, as the success depends on everyone involved.”
Founding the lodge also deepened his perspective on Freemasonry.
“In any case, we have pledged to treat each other in a more fraternal manner and to give Freemasonry the place in our lives that it deserves. Our aim is to emerge strengthened and in fraternal unity from our temple work.”
Finally, he reflects on the rewarding moments since founding the lodge.
“The most rewarding moment was when I realized with what zeal and commitment my siblings participated in the implementation of our project. From that point on, I knew we would succeed, and indeed we had to succeed, not to disappoint our siblings.”
Looking forward, his long-term goal for the lodge is clear:
“May our lodge withstand every storm and may the banner of Freemasonry always wave above it, for the good of Freemasonry and for the good of humanity. This is what I wish for our lodge.”
Edited by: Steven London & James Sutton
