Freemasonry in Turkey
THE HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY IN TURKEY
by V.W Bro. Celil Layiktez P.Asst. G. M.
Lodge Zeytin Dali No. 146 Grand Lodge of Turkey
Editor of TESVIYE (The level)
The Masonic Magazine of the Grand Lodge of Turkey
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Note: The archives of lodges in Turkey, prior to the foundation of the Grand Lodge in 1909, were in the hands of foreign obediences. These documents were lost due to wars, persecution, fires etc. I was able to reconstruct the history of Freemasonry in Turkey through a research in the archives of the Grand Orient de France, preserved from the Germans during the occupation in the Bibliothèque Nationale Française (1890 pages microfilmed), plus the archives of the Grand Lodges of England, Ireland and Scotland. The Greek and Italian Masonic archives had been destroyed during the German occupation.
1721 - 1826
A lodge which name is lost, operated in Istanbul, somewhere near the Galata tower, during the reign of Osman III (1703 - 1730). The lodge was founded probably c. 1721 by Levantines (mainly Genoese people) living in the tower quarters.
The first known Turkish Mason is Sait Çelebi, ambassador to France and later grand vizier. The French officer, Count de Bonneval, after some intrigues in the French Court during the reign of Louis XIV, immigrated to England and later came to Turkey to reorganize the Turkish army. Count de Bonneval took a Turkish name and became Kumbaraci Ahmet Osman Pasha. It is said that he was a mason. Another known mason in this period is Ibrahim Müteferrika, who together with Sait Çelebi, started the first printing press used by Muslim subjects of the Ottoman Empire. (The Christians and Jews had their printing presses).
In the Phanar archives (The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate) a French Masonic ritual translated into Greek in 1747, was found by Bro. Andrea Rizopoulos.(1)
10 years after the excommunication of freemasonry by Clement XII, in 1748 Mahmud I, under the pressure of his Christian subjects and also the Muslim clergy, which thought that the Pope would not charge a fraternity with atheism in vein, outlawed freemasonry in the Ottoman Empire. An English lodge was sacked by the police, but as the British ambassador gave notice in due time, the list of members had been rescued. In the Vatican archives, there is a letter by the Pope congratulating the French Cardinal Tencin, and wishing that the same could be done in Naples.
According to Gould, the British Consul in Aleppo, Alexander Drumond had been appointed as District Grand Master for the Orient by the Grand Lodge of England. Later in 1764, Dr. Dionysios Menasse had been appointed District Grand Master for Asiatic Turkey and Armenia.
In 1786 a second charter had been given by the lodge Saint Jean d'Ecosse in Marseilles to the Lodge Saint Jean d'Ecosse des Nations Réunies in Izmir. The first charter had been lost during the big Izmir fire. According to the correspondence, this lodge had been consecrated after 1751 and before 1778. The lodge was closed in 1826.
In the last decade of the 18th Century, Selim III's step mother and counsellor in his foreign policy, Nakshidil Sultan (Wife of Abdulhamit I and mother of Mahmud II) was the cousin of Josephine, Napoléon's wife. Under her influence, lodges from different obediences prospered in the Empire. But in 1826, Mahmut II abolished the Janissaries to create a modern army and outlawed the order of the Bektashis to which they all belonged. As Freemasonry was described as a "kind of Bektashism", it was also closed and known freemasons were sent into exile.
1826 - 1856
Mustafa Reshit Pasha, Grand Vizier, had promulgated the Reform Edict of 1839. It is said that he had been initiated while he was Ambassador to London. No evidence has been found for this initiation. His lodge is not known and as there were no family names at the time, the names of Reshit and Mustafa should be scanned, and even if found, it still could be someone else. His good friend, the British Ambassador to Istanbul, Lord Reading, was a known freemason.
After 1839, with the unofficial permission by the Grand Vizier, Freemasonry had a slow revival in Turkey.
The Crimean War
The arrival of British, French and Piemontise expeditionary forces and diplomats in Istanbul and Izmir in 1856 led to an explosion of lodges under different obediences.
In 1857 the short lived Grande Loge de Turquie was founded in Izmir, by the Grand Orient of France. After the end of the Crimean War, with the departure of foreigners, this grand lodge came to an end.
The creation of an irregular Irish Grand Lodge
In 1856, Captain Atkinson, an Irish officer in the 47th British Regiment, claiming to possess an Irish warrant created three lodges in Izmir and then "The Grand Lodge of the Ancient and Honourable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of TURKEY". (The Constitution of this grand lodge is in the Irish archives.) This was a fraudulent commercial enterprise. Atkinson initiated 200 masons and then disappeared with the funds.
The creation of the District Grand Lodge of Turkey (English Constitution)
The irregular masons, initiated by Captain Atkinson, started to visit or join English and French lodges. There was literally a panic in London and in a swift move, Grand Master Lord Zetland ordered the foundation of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Turkey, in Istanbul, the first Provincial Grand Master being the British Ambassador Sir Henry Bulwer. The consecration ceremony took place on the 24th June 1862 in the Embassy.
The Supreme Council of Turkey (1861)
The founder (1861) and first Sovereign Commander of the Scottish Rite in Turkey (1864) was Prince Abdülhalim Pasha, or shortly, Halim Pasha, Brother of the Khedive (Governor of Egypt, attached to the Ottoman Empire) and uncle of the Khedive Ismail Pasha under whose rule the Suez Channel had been opened. Halim Pasha was also Grand Master of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Egypt (English Constitution). In 1869 this Supreme Council has been recognized by the American Southern Jurisdiction.
The extinction of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Turkey
In 1869 Lord Bulwer had been recalled to London. The above mentioned Halim Pasha was in exile in Istanbul. Having good relations with the Sultan, he was proposed as Provincial Grand Master. But as his proficiency of the English language was not sufficient, an American, John Peter Brown, Secretary at the American Embassy and known writer and researcher of the Islamic mysticism was elected in his place. Hyde Clark, the P.D. Regional G.M. in a letter to a Bro. Harvey (2) in London, proposed that two Grand Masters should be elected together, Peter Brown for the current management of the Grand Lodge and Halim Pasha for his relations with the court. This proposition was not carried on.
After Brown, in 1873 Bro.Stephen Scouloudi has been elected Grand Master. The Provincial Grand Lodge was run inefficiently. Dues were not or could not be collected. In 1884 when Scouloudi resigned, no one was elected in his place. At that time there were 4 English Lodges in Istanbul and 7 in Izmir.
Lodges at the end of the 19th Century
At the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th , there were 11 English, 7 Scottish, 2 Irish, 1 Polish, 2 Spanish, 5 German, 15 Italian, 2 Greek, 6 French, 1 Hungarian lodges plus a few chapters attached to the English, Scottish and Irish lodges in Istanbul, Izmir and Thessalonica alone. {There were many lodges in the rest of the big cities of the Empire too (in the provinces of Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Bulgaria, Romania and Macedonia and also in different cities of Anatolia) but as they were irrelevant in the creation of the Grand lodge of Turkey, I did not include them in this study.}
Constitutional Monarchy
Three sons of Sultan Abdulmedjit, the Princes Murat (later Sultan Murat V) and two of his brothers, Nurettin and Kemalettin had been initiated in the French Lodge Prodoos. Five Grand Viziers, including Midhat Pasha who masterminded the first Constitutional Monarchic regime, Turkish ambassadors to European countries and foreign ambassadors to Turkey, famous freedom writers and poets were members of this lodge. Louis Amiable, French Lawyer and politician, writer of the history of the Lodge "les Neufs Soeurs" cradle of the Encyclopedists in Paris before the Revolution, was the Orator of the Lodge. (He was in Istanbul on contract to reorganize the Turkish Bar Association).
After the suicide (?) of Sultan Abdulaziz, Prince Murat acceded to the throne on the 30th May 1876, but due to a mental illness, was deposed three months later and his brother Abdulhamit was enthroned, after bargaining with Bro. Midhat Pasha, and thus promising to start the constitutional process. He was not long to go back on his promise.
On the 5th February 1878 Abdulhamit sent Grand Vizier Bro. Midhat Pasha in various exiles, finally to Taif (port city of Yemen, then a province of the Ottoman Empire) arranging his death by poisoning there. On the 13th February 1878 Abdulhamit adjourned the parliament indefinitely, starting a period of absolute despotism which lasted 30 years.
Cleanti Scalieri, W.M. of the lodge Prodoos plotted a bloody but unsuccessful kidnapping of Murat V from the Ciragan Palace, to restore him on the throne. (Articles by Bro. Rizopoulos and myself in the Ars Quator Coronatorum Volumes 104 and 107).
A Masonic political party : Union and Progress, created according to the model of the "Carbonaries" in Italy.
After the model of Young Italians, Young Germans, Young Swiss, the Young Turks organized in Paris with the aim of bringing back the constitutional monarchy. But the Young Turks talked a lot but did not act. 5 Freemasons, military students in the faculty of medicine started a revolutionary party which later took the name of Union and Progress. Their model was the Italian paramasonic revolutionary society, the "Carbonaries".
In the second half of the 19th century, the main European powers had obtained an immunity for their subjects living in the Ottoman Empire. This immunity system was called "Capitulations". The Turkish police did not have the right to search a house belonging to a foreign subject. Thus, the members of Union and Progress in Thessalonica plotted their revolution in Italian, French and Spanish lodges gathering in houses belonging to foreigners. To get around the Capitulations, the police organized a robbery in the temple of the lodge Macedonia Risorta, were the archives were kept, to obtain the members' lists, but a freemason in the police force tipped in time the Worshipful Master of the lodge. The frustrated policemen took revenge on the furniture of the temple. The police tried also to harass the members, waiting in the street for them to leave the building.
Abdulhamit and Freemasons
Abdulhamit knew very well what Freemasonry was about. As stated above, three of his brothers were freemasons. The princes Kemalettin and Nurettin were in line for the throne. Most of the European powers were governed by freemason kings and ministers. For these reasons, Abdulhamit did not want to alienate the Freemasons. On one side, while persecuting the revolutionary lodge members of the Italian, French and Spanish lodges in Thessalonica, he gave large donations to the charity efforts of English Lodges in Istanbul.
He even planned the creation of a Grand Lodge in Istanbul, of which he would be the Grand Master. This lodge would act as a senate, assembling the leaders of the different warring communities in Istanbul, (mainly Turkish intellectuals, the members of the Italian, Levantine, Greek, Armenian and Jewish communities). This project was never realised but shows the intricacies of the way Abdulhamit's mind worked.
The second Constitutional Monarchy
A great number of high ranking officers were Freemasons and also members of the Union and Progress Party, low ranking officers were not required to become Freemasons to be accepted into the Union and Progress Party, but they hoped to get a quicker promotion if they would be initiated first.
The action of the Union and Progress Party, and its threat to invade Istanbul with the armies stationed in the Thrace, obliged Abdulhamit to promulgate once more the Constitutional Monarchy on the 23rd July 1908.
The reaction was not long to come. On the 31st March 1909 the fundamentalists took the control of Istanbul.
The freemasons in the Thrace, mainly from Thessalonica organised an army of reservists. Almost all officers were Freemasons. There were too many officers, some joined the expeditionary force as ordinary soldiers. The army took back Istanbul from the fundamentalists, there were bloody battles and hangings, and Abdulhamit was dethroned by a committee of 5 deputies, all of them Freemasons.
As a result to all this, Freemasons became the hate center of fundamentalist Islam.
The Masonic State.
According to the French historian Thierry Zarcone, the period from 1908 to 1918 could be called "The Masonic State". The Union and Progress Party in power used Freemasonry in its foreign relations. Deputations of mason parliamentarians went to Italy, France, Hungary and Germany. The Freemason deputies claimed that with their effort, democracy, that is the French slogan of liberty, equality and fraternity was prevailing now in Turkey and that the European powers should be of assistance. The Albanians had revolted against the Ottoman rule and the Italian parliament was about to vote an aid program for the rebels, but after the intervention of the Grand Lodge of Turkey, the Italian Freemasons in the parliament were effective and the motion did not pass.
11 months later, at the end of 1911, after Italy's expedition to Libya (which was Ottoman territory at that time), the same scenario was repeated, but naturally this time the Grand Orient of Italy could not act against its own government. In answer to the letter from the Grand Lodge of Turkey, the Grand Master issued a very general statement on the 29th September 1911 ("Per l'Ingresso di Tripoli", Rivista Massonica, 1911, No. 15-16) and the relations between the Italian And Turkish Grand Lodges were severely affected.
The Creation of the Grand Lodge of Turkey (Ottoman Grand Orient)
On the 3rd March 1909, the dormant Supreme Council of Turkey (1861) was revived. This Supreme Council first consecrated 4 Turkish lodges. These 4 lodges plus 3 Italian, 2 French, 1 Spanish and 2 Egyptian lodges (One of them, Resne, English Constitution) assembled to form the Grand Lodge of Turkey on the 13th July 1909, and elected its first Grand Master, the Minister of the Interior Mehmet Talat S. Pasha, who later became Grand Vizier (Prime Minister). This Grand Lodge was consecrated by the Supreme Council.
The closing of lodges in 1935
This Grand Lodge gave charters to a total of 66 lodges, mainly in Turkey but also in Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Greece, Lebanon and Palestine.
In 1935, the year when Freemasonry decided to hibernate, 6 ministers, the President of the Parliament, more than 60 deputies and many state governors, were Freemasons, Ataturk's private doctor, M. Kemal Oke, was a Past Grand Master.
In 1935 the English, Germans and Russians transformed Turkey into a vast stage for propaganda and espionage. The Nazi propaganda machine was also stressing the Judeo-Masonic danger. The Ministry of the Interior, Sukru Kaya, a 33º Scottish Rite Mason, in order to curb these activities passed a law from parliament closing all clubs and societies. Freemasonry was not mentioned in the text, but the minister warned his brothers that it would be wiser to stop the activity of Freemasonry by its own free will. That's how things happened and the reason why Freemasonry was able to recover its buildings after the war.
All lodges did not close. The Supreme Council continued its activity behind closed doors, even chartered 3 new lodges. Craft lodges met at the homes of brothers. The police showed a knowing tolerance to all this, with the tacit approval of the President of the Republic Ismet Inonu, who even gave a little financial aid to the Supreme Council.
The awakening (1948)
Turkey wanted to be accepted to the U.N. The Turkish diplomats were told that Turkey was a totalitarian state, and that even Freemasonry was closed, as it was under all the totalitarian regimes.
The President approached his personal doctor, Supreme Grand Commander (Scottish Rite) M. Kemal Oke, the same doctor who looked after Kemal Ataturk, and told him that the time to resume official working had come.
In 1948 lodges, under the Supreme Council, started to labour in Istanbul and Izmir, and in 1949 in Ankara.
A troubled period started with lodges trying to liberate themselves from the Supreme Council's rule. The Grand Lodges of Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir were created, and finally those three grand lodges united on the 16th December 1956 to create a totally independent Grand Lodge of Turkey.
International Recognition
After the initial recognition by some American and European Grand Lodges, in 1959 an official deputation by the Grand Lodge of Scotland visited Turkey. The recognition process was delayed to 1963, due to the military coup of 1960.
Most of the regular grand lodges had recognized the Grand Lodge of Turkey, but England and Ireland. In order to satisfy them, the Grand Lodge of Turkey was reconsecrated by the Grand Lodge of Scotland in 1965. (That is why our Grand Officers' regalia is green). In 1970 the Grand Lodges of England and Ireland recognized the Grand Lodge of Turkey.
The schism of 1965
Friction was continuous between the Supreme Council and the Grand Lodge.
At the end of 1964, The Grand Secretary, on his own, gave a letter to Bro. Suleyman Demirel, stating that he was not a freemason. The Grand Secretary was the Senior Warden of the lodge in which Demirel had been initiated in 1955. Demirel used this document against the fundamentalist wing in his political party, was thus elected to the Presidence of the party and reigned on Turkish Politics until 2000, when he retired as President of the Republic.
In the 1965 Grand Master elections, the Bro. who issued this letter was elected, in spite of the Supreme Council's secret opposition. The Supreme Council preferred the election of a Bro. who would be obedient to them and tried to cancel these elections. This led to a lot of turbulence in the ranks of Turkish Freemasons. Finally a schism occurred, with a small group of brothers creating a separate Grand Lodge, which later attached itself to the French Grand Orient. Today this irregular grand lodge has about 3000 members and is in relations with a Turkish Women's Grand Lodge. This is a rather new outfit and has a few hundred members, organized in all major cities in Turkey.
Today the Grand Lodge of Turkey has about 180 lodges with 12000 active members. It is recognized by all the regular grand lodges and is active, promoting freemasonry in the Balkans, Russia and ancient Soviet republics.
We have a research Lodge which is publishing a quarterly research magazine "Mimar Sinan" (Sinan the Architect). Since 1991, I am publishing the bi-monthly Masonic magazine TESVIYE (level), in the name of the Grand Lodge of Turkey.
09/04/2001
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Notes
(1) Bro. Rizopoulos' article was published in the Turkish Masonic research Magazine, Mimar Sinan No. 118.
(2) I could not decipher his family name
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Turkish Masons Rebuilt a School
Date: Tue, 1 May 2001Dear Brethren,
I thought I should share my joy upon the recent charitable activity of my GL with my list brethren. On Sunday 29 April 2001 GL of F&A Masons of Turkey inaugurated a primary school in Derince which was built with the donations of Brethren from Turkey and from some other jurisdictions. As you might remember, beside other towns and cities in NW Turkey, Derince was hit by the devastating earthquake in August 1999.
The ceremony was attended by GM MW Demir Savacýýn GLOs, brethren from Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir and Eskisehir, Governor of Kocaeli Province and Mayor of
Derince and other dignitaries. The festive event was covered by the media.
It was happily observed that the people of Derince reacted very favourably to this Masonic charity event.
Cevad Gurer, GLO Ozgurluk Lodge # 154 , GL of Turkey F&AM
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The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons: Assistance Should Not Make the Donor Proud or the Recipient Meek
The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons hands over the primary school in Derince to the Education Ministry with a ceremony.
The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons builds a new school in Derince to replace the one substantially damaged during the Aug. 17 earthquake. The Republic Primary School is opened with a ceremony on April 29.
Some of the activities of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons so far have been to give scholarships to poor but talented young people, to provide assistance for the victims of natural disasters, families of martyrs and massacre victims as well as foundations geared to national defense and health providers.
The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons organizes a panel called "The Role of Education in Creating a Clean Society" in Istanbul on April 30.
Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons Chairman Demir Savascin: One of the aspects of Masonic education is the 'universality' of thought. But this universality certainly does not cancel 'national allegiance.' It provides for the globalization of humane ideas
'You become friends with everyone and have no enemies. A Mason seeks to forgive even if he is derided. He seeks to show the true path gently and with understanding even to people that attack him unfairly' .
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There are things that everyone may do sometimes; we don't know much about a topic and our words are based on hearsay. And, if we have a stubborn personality, we get "aggressive" as we seek to convert the other to our thoughts with our incomplete information and the confidence of the uneducated. There is a saying that "one fool dropped a stone in the well and a thousand intelligent men could not take it out." This is the kind of adventure that the Freemasons have. Freemasonry has always been mentioned as a mysterious phenomenon leading to incredible speculations and wild images. What the Masons do in their meetings has always been a point of curiosity. People who watched them with interest from outside sometimes embarked on the adventure of seeking the secret behind the mysterious curtain.
Coupled with lack of education, mystery led to a mistaken perception. A number of well-known social figures have been accused by saying, "They are Freemasons." Being a Mason has been put on a par with atheism. The Masons, who believe that this attitude is partly spurred by their silence and introversion, decided to open to the world. In order to put an end to the prejudice that spread through the grapevine, the Masons are now moving toward expressing themselves to the public by making use of changing technology.
Freemasons from past to present
In the context of this decision, there were meetings in Turkey to promote Freemasonry. They opened their doors to demonstrate that allegations of being a secret organization in Turkey were baseless. We first found out that the literal meaning of masonry was the art of building walls. In the 18th century, masons worked like architects and engineers of our day. The feudal lords of the time allowed the stone masons to move freely within their land so that they could go on with their business. Hence the term "Freemason." The masters educated the apprentices who then proceeded on the path to mastery. The apprentices, the experienced apprentice workmen and the masters used symbols to indicate their ranks. In a way, these symbols facilitated their efforts when they looked for jobs. Gradually schools that trained people in this area were opened in Europe. They started to accept to their midst those who were not from their profession. The Freemasons particularly solicited thinkers, for they believed that there was a gap in this area. They called them accepted Masons. Masonry thus turned from a vocational association to an intellectual organization. This is how the historical story of the "Free and Accepted Masons" starts.
The Turkish Masons announced to the public that they did not function as a secret organization. They stated that to the contrary, they were established according to the Associations Law, were open to public auditing and had a fixed address. They had no administrative or financial links with Masonic organizations in other states. They said that their goal was to introduce people with humanistic aspirations to one another. We found out that the goal of Freemasonry was to strengthen the ties of friendship and love between all human beings, to exalt the human personality, and contribute to the free and peaceful development of humanity.
Since no one with self-awareness would say, "I am a perfect person," the people who believe in Freemasonry do not say, "I am a Mason," and do not speak about other Masons. Does this behavior not indicate self-knowledge and modesty?
The unity of men
People who believe in Freemasonry all over the world have to adhere to some principles. The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons also has principles. The first one is belief in God. The Masons who believe in the eternal life of the spirit, defend respect for the laws of their countries and for human beings and seek to side with the just and the righteous. Their goal is to promote brotherly love without any religious, national and linguistic discrimination. They don't oppose scientific development even as they claim that world peace can be protected through love, honesty and straightforwardness. In a sense, Freemasonry unites the efforts of people who accept its principles and vow to work for its ends.
Let's add before we forget that women cannot be Freemasons (!). This fact and their exclusion from meetings could furnish material for another article. "Only men with civil rights, older than 21-years, who have good morals, are free, honorable and enlightened can be accepted as Freemasons. If they lose any one of these traits, they are expelled." Speaking about the absence of women, they say: "When it is only for men, women are curious. If it had been only for women, would men not have been curious?" And, so defend their century-old tradition.
The Masons build a school
In line with the Masonic principle of helping one's brother, the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons rebuilt the Republic School that was demolished in the Aug. 17 Marmara earthquake. The Republic School was reopened with a ceremony on April 29 with the presence of a large group of guests.
Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons Chairman Demir Savascin said the following in his opening speech:
"Starting on Sept. 24, 2000, we promised that the construction of a school would be completed in four months and 15 days. The construction was completed on Feb. 15 with the understanding and sacrifice of the respectable governor, the district authorities, National Education Directorate and our Masonic brothers and citizens. We decided to also equip the school and put it into operation. We finished our plans and made the school operant in only seven months ..."
Savascin continued his speech by giving excerpts from various speeches by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk on national education. Saying, "My wish from God is that he will help us raise an educated generation in line with the wishes of the great Leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk," he thanked everyone who participated through their hard work and sacrifices to the construction of the Republic Primary School on behalf of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons.
Some of the activities of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons so far have been to give scholarships to poor but talented young people, to provide assistance for the victims of natural disasters, families of martyrs and massacre victims as well as foundations geared to national defense and health providers. In addition, they are sensitive about the environment and seek to contribute to tree planting in Turkey. They explained why they are reticent to make public their good deeds: "Assistance should not make the donor proud or the recipient meek."
'Role of Education in Creating a Clean Society'
The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons organized a panel called "The Role of Education in Creating a Clean Society" in Istanbul on April 30. Providing brief information about Freemasonry at the opening speech, Chairman Savascin stressed the role of education. He said: "One of the aspects of Masonic education is the 'universality' of thought. But this universality certainly does not cancel 'national allegiance.' It provides for the globalization of humane ideas."
It is possible to understand the meaning of Savascin's words from various symbols used by Freemasons. The secrets of the Masons initially regarded the art of the old masters. The art of construction is no longer a secret today. But in Masonry which seeks to tell its principles through myths and symbols, members continued to keep as secrets some symbols comprised of words and signs in order to not forget the master stonemasons. Some of the symbols used by Masons do not represent a secret or worship but are ways of better expressing themselves and their thoughts through symbols.
For instance the compass in the logo of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons symbolizes moderation. The set square is the symbol of righteousness. The black and white in their places of worship represent contradiction, contrast, goodwill, malice, night and day.
It is forbidden for Masons to discriminate between religions or discuss politics. They believe that these issues will create cleavages. Savascin says: "You become friends with everyone and have no enemies. A Mason seeks to forgive even if he is derided. He seeks to show the true path gently and with understanding even to people that attack him unfairly." He notes that this is why they stress education.
Speaking at the panel "Role of Education Creating a Clean Society" organized by the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, Savascin said that Masons engaged in various educational activities personally or as an organization without advertisement of self-promotion. Savascin then concluded as follows: "As Turkish citizens, the Masons have established educational institutions, led them and supported them. That is why in gratitude we want to mention here Mustafa Necati, Hasan Ali Yucel and others."
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Information About the Two Separate Masonic Institutions in Turkey
There are two separate Masonic institutions in Turkey. Two reasons are offered. First, the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons does not admit atheists to its ranks. The other accepts atheists. The second has to do with the philosophy of Freemasonry and the degree that one can attain. In other words, it is not so easy to understand the meaning of Freemasonry. It is a way of life. Their practice would take years to learn. This is what we can say about these institutions.
Turkish Masonry consists of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, known as the Main Turkish Lodge. It is located on Nuruziya Street in Istanbul. It is called the Association of Free and Accepted Masons. It has about 150 lodges and 11,000 members in Istanbul-Beyoglu and Yakacik, Ankara, Izmir-Alsancak and Karsiyaka, Bursa, Adana, Antalya, Bodrum, Marmaris and Eskisehir.
Another Masonic association in Turkey is the authority of the Skotch Riti ranks that is called the Old and Accepted Skotch Riti Last and 33th Rank Turkey High Council. It is known as Turkish High Council and its association name is Culture and Thought Association. It is located on Beyoglu, Arslan Street. It also has centers in Ankara-Bahcelievler and Bursa, and about 2,500 members. According to an agreement with the Turkish Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, it seeks to consolidate the knowledge and cults of Masons through Skotch Riti.
Turkish Probe Copyright © Turkish Daily News
Turkish Masons Allow Peek into Secretive World
Celebrating its 90th anniversary, the Istanbul-based Association of the Grand Temple of Free and Accepted Masons of Turkey has opened its doors to the public for the first time ever
Reporters and editors of major Turkish newspapers, magazines and television channels were wined and dined at the headquarters of the association, an old nondescript building in Istanbul's Beyoglu district, and shown inside their lodges, where meetings take place
The association is the largest of five separate mason organizations in Turkey. It operates 160 temples in six Turkish cities and has around 12,000 members. Only well educated men who believe in monotheistic religions -- Islam, Christianity and Judaism -- and have unblemished characters, are inducted. Women are not allowed to become members, though a separate women's masonic group has also been established. Only people who are firm advocates of democracy can be members. There are currently no association members from either the pro-Islamic Virtue Party or from the rightist National Movement Party (MHP)
Due to the its long history of clandestine activities, the Mason organization has been accused of being a 'government within a government' -- many of its members in the past were deputies, ministers, senior government officials and even top army generals. Ultranationalists have accused Masons of protecting the interests of foreign companies and minority groups. Many Jewish businessmen and intellectuals are members
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METIN DEMIRSAR
For the first time ever, Turkey's leading Masonic organization is opening its secret world to the public.
The Association of the Grand Temple of Free and Accepted Masons of Turkey, the biggest of the country's five separate Masonic groups, celebrating its 90th anniversary, wined and dined reporters and editors of Turkey's top newspapers, magazines and television channels at its principal temple in Istanbul April 26.
The visitors were taken on a tour of the building and allowed into the inner sanctums of the temple, including the two lodges, where the masons hold their clandestine meetings to debate philosophic and social problems.
"Nothing secret remains of Masonry," Sahir Talat Akev, grandmaster of the association, told reporters at the dinner meeting.
Akev, a prominent Istanbul lawyer, said the activities of masons in the past were shrouded in secrecy because the political climate wasn't conducive to the spreading of democracy and free ideas, which the masons supported.
Mysterious air
"Masons kept an air of mystery surrounding their activities. The identities of members were kept secret," he declared,
Many of the French and Italian revolutionary leaders in the 18th and 19th centuries were Masons, as were the top Young Turks and members of the Union and Progress Party that ruled the Ottoman Empire in its last years.
But the secrecy involving Masonry has slowly lifted, Akev declared. Books have been published and television documentaries have been made about Masons. Universities in some countries offer Masonic studies courses.
Even many Masonic organizations, including the main Turkish association, have their own computer web sites, offering information about themselves and membership.
The Association is celebrating its anniversary by holding an exhibition May 2-14 at Aya Irni, a Byzantine church converted into a museum near Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, on the history of Masonry. A special slide show will be shown during the exhibition.
Interior Ministry
Like all associations and clubs, Turkish Masonic organizations come under the Associations' Law of Turkey and are subjected to the supervision of the Interior Ministry.
Membership lists of its Masonic groups can easily be obtained from the police and Interior Ministry, Akev declared, though he refused to divulge the names of its members.
The Association operates 160 temples in six Turkish cities and has 12,000 members. Only well-educated men who believe in one of the three monotheistic religions -- Islam, Judaism and Christianity -- can be inducted into the world of Masonry.
The Koran, the Talmud and the New Testament are displayed on the speaker's rostrum in the temple lodges of the Free Masons.
What distinguishes the association from other Masonic groups in Turkey is that atheists aren't allowed to become members.
Women denied
Membership is also denied to women, although a separate Turkish women's Masonic group was established in 1993.
Members are required to have unblemished characters. Any of its members who have committed crimes or have gone bankrupt stand to be immediately expelled.
Only firm supporters of democracy can be members. Backers of the pro-Islamic Virtue Party (FP) and the rightist National Movement Party (MHP) are currently not represented in the association.
Members are classified as apprentices, supervisors and masters. Members wear dark suits and ties and put on ceremonial belts with the emblem of the Masons and other esoteric garb while holding meetings inside the temple.
About 4.5 million Masons exist in the world. Some of the most famous foreign Masons have included the British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill, Austrian composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, former U.S. Presidents Gerald Ford, Lyndon Johnson, Harry Truman, novelists Leon Tolstoy and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, jazz pianist Duke Ellington and comedian Bob Hope.
Masonry originated from the trade associations founded by stone masons in Europe in the 17th century, though some say similar groups existed in the Middle East as early as Pharaonic times.
Political ties
Although association members strongly deny influencing the country's politics, many former cabinet ministers, members of Parliament, top government officials, leading intellectuals, newspaper publishers, university professors and even army generals have been members.
Akev said several members of the newly-elected Parliament were current members.
This has led to opponents of the Masonic association of accusing it of being "a government within a government" that really pulls the strings in the country.
Ultranationalists have accused it of serving the interests of foreign corporations and protecting the interests of minority groups, such as the Jews. Many prominent Turkish Jewish businessmen and intellectuals are Masons.
Back streets of Istanbul
The main temple of the association is located in an old nondescript building in the back streets of Beyoglu, in central Istanbul.
Visitors entering the building suddenly find themselves in a splendidly restored massive hall with Masonic medallions hanging on the walls. Pictures of former grandmasters also decorate the walls of the temple.
The lodge, or meeting chamber of the Masons, resembles the insides of a church or a religious shrine.
But seats are arranged on two sides of the lodge, facing each other as if they were taken from the House of Commons with each side representing either the government or the opposition. Each chair has a ceremonial sword, symbolizing the power of those seated.
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Freemasonry In Turkey Today
by Metin Cangoer
lthough several attempts had been made since 18th Century to establish Regular Freemasonry in the territories of the Ottoman Empire up until its collapse the end of the First World War, none was successful. The Grand Orient Masonic Organization which was established in 1909 in Istanbul could not receive recognition from the Regular Freemasonry even after the creation of the Republic of Turkey in 1923. This Masonic Body ceased to exist in 1935. One of the main reasons for its closure was it did not have support from Turkish citizens.
It was only after the Second World War that the Regular Freemasonry was proposed. This was during the time that the Secular Democratic Republic of Turkey was preparing itself for the signature of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 at San Francisco. As a matter of fact, the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite [Turkey], not regular at that time, had formed some Lodges.
A few enlightened dynamic Freemasons, who received the guidance of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York made a new attempt which resulted in the creation of a completely new Grand Lodge in Ankara, Turkey in 1956. The Grand Lodge of Turkey was based on the existing 29 Lodges formed by the Supreme Council [Turkey], which declared itself a continuation of the regular Supreme Council [Turkey] established at 1861 at Istanbul by a Charter issued from The Supreme Council 33" Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry of the Southern Jurisdiction. This declaration followed by a renewed Charter issued in 1962 from the same Southern Jurisdiction made the Turkish Supreme Council continuously regular since 1861. In the meantime The Grand Lodge of Turkey formed new Lodges taking the figure up to 40 Lodges. The Grand Lodge moved to Istanbul in 1960 when a Military Intervention occurred. With the same guidance, The Grand Lodge of Turkey was Consecrated in a Ceremony used by the Grand Lodge of Scotland. The Consecration Ceremony took place at end of April 1965. Elections were held on May 2, 1965. Elected was a completely new administrative body under a young energetic Grand Master Enver Necdet Egeran
Some of the older Past Masters had difficulty in accepting the drastic changes toward a Regular Free and Accepted Masonic Grand Lodge. However, within eight months the Charters of existing 40 Lodges had been renewed and 3 new Lodges had been Regularly formed and Consecrated.
Eight months later, The Grand Master together with all Grand Officers resigned and the new elections were held. However before they left the office, the Modern Ritual, Rules and Regulations used by the Grand Lodge of Scotland were adopted. So a complete change had materialized and continuity was assured with the new office bearers. The Turkish translation of the Modern Ritual and all other documents related with, started in a short time and Regular work has been accustomed easily.
In order to clarify a distinct point which confused the younger generation the beginning of the Turkish Freemasonry should be shown openly as follows.
The 40 Lodges (11 of them are added by the Grand Lodge of 1966) which came into picture right at the beginning of the Regularisation were originated from the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite of Turkey, and had no relationship whatsoever with the 1909 Freemasonry which closed down in 1935 except using their premises right at the beginning. New Temples have been built and decorated according traditional custom in Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir.
The Modern Ritual used in the Grand Lodge of Scotland has been translated into Turkish and used without any changes in the Lodges of Turkey, with the exception of having been translated into many languages.
Since the beginning of May 1965, 149 Lodges have been Regularly established by Consecration and Charter, and have labored regularly without interruption, since that time.
Out of these 149 Lodges. 73 are active in Istanbul at the Main Temple. Among them one is a Research Lodge and one is an Education Lodge.
6 Lodges on the Asiatic side working at Yakacik Temple
3 Lodges in Bursa
37 Lodges active in Ankara at the main Temple
1 Lodge in Antalya
1 Lodge in Eskisehir
2 Lodges in Adana
23 Lodges in Izmir at the main Temple
1 on the north shore at Karsiyaka
1 Lodge in Bodrum
1 Lodge in Marmaris, Marmaris Lodge No. 134 working at her own Temple
It is with pride we mention that several Lodges in Turkey are working in foreign languages.
In Istanbul
Freedom Lodge No. 35 works in English
Hulus Lodge No. 34 and Hakikat Lodge No. 18 work in Greek
Libertas Lodge No.17 works in German
Atlas Lodge No. 9 and Humanitas Lodge No. 33 work in French
In Ankara
Dikmen Lodge No. 22 works in English
Baris Lodge No. 21 works in French
In Izmir
Ephesus Lodge No. 42 works in English
There are 10,615 Regular Freemasons in Turkey are at the moment. All in good standing and much attached to Regular Masonic philosophy, ethics and teachings. The Grand Lodge of Turkey Free and Accepted Masons, publishes two revues Mimar Sinan and Tesviye bimonthly.
We would welcome visiting Brethren to contact our Grand Lodge at Masonic Hall, Nuru Ziya Sok..Nr. 25 -, Beyoglu, Istanbul, 80500 when visiting Turkey.
Tel: (0)212-2492451 Fax: (0)212-2494753. The Grand Lodge of Turkey can be found on the Internet at www.mason.org.tr
Editors Note:
Turkey is the only Islamic State where a Regular Grand Lodge exists
Copyright ©2002 The Philalethes Society. All Rights Reserved
Masonic Festivities In Turkey
The first international celebration of Masonry to be held in public in Turkey occurred March 14-15, 1997, at the city of Marmaris nestled in the southern part of the country known as the Turkish Riviera. M.W. Tunc Timurkan, Grand Master of Turkey, authorized this first-ever public showing of Masons. Marmaris Lodge No. 134, celebrating its first anniversary, was the host and arranged all the events.
Festivities included a tiled Lodge which initiated two new Brothers on March 14th. Then on March 15, the Grand Master and his Officers laid the cornerstone of the new Lodge building in Marmaris. That afternoon, with Brothers and their ladies present, Masonic festivities continued in the ballroom of the posh Mares Hotel. Both this beautiful event and that evening's formal affair were exceptionally enjoyable and historic.
Among the notable Brethren attending the recent Masonic festivities in Marmaris, Turkey were (l. to r.): M.W. Tunc Timurkan, Grand Master, Grand Lodge of Turkey; President Kenan Evren, Republic of Turkey; and Illustrious Robert W. Woodward, 33, Deputy, NATO Scottish Rite Bodies.
For the first time in Turkish history, the President of Turkey attended a Masonic event. In 1980, President Kenan Evren closed Freemasonry in Turkey; however, President Evren made the following state- ment during the March 15 festivities: "I am quite sure I was informed incorrectly about Freemasonry [in 1980]. But this was not my fault. Now I am here proudly among you.... I support you!"
Over 750 Brothers and their ladies attended this fine banquet which raised $20,000 for the benefit of children who are handicapped and those with cancer. President Evren is an accomplished artist, and the auction of one of his oil paintings was the highlight of the fundraising aspect of the evening.
Ill. Robert W. Woodward, 33, Deputy to the Supreme Council, Orient of NATO Bases, represented Ill. C. Fred Kleinknecht, Sovereign Grand Commander, S.J. of the U.S.A. Deputy Woodward made a wonderful speech concerning the universality of Freemasonry, and he was presented a gift to be conveyed to the President of the United States. Later, this gift was delivered through the appropriate channels to The White House in Washington, DC.
Notable dignitaries at this important event included the Grand Master of Turkey; M.W. Can Arpac, P.G.M.; M.W. Dr. Necdet Egeran, P.G.M.; V.M. Tuncey Kesim, D.G.M.; Metin Cangor, Master of Marmaris Lodge No. 134; Masters of 36 Lodges in Turkey, Masters of Lodges in Germany, and Ill. Dr. William T. Anton, 33, Special Representative to the Deputy, Orient of NATO Bases, and Past S.G.W. of the American Canadian Grand Lodge. Ill. Bro. Anton traveled from Washington, DC, to Turkey for this important event.
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A Masonic Wedding
Delivered in the Victorian Lodge of Research by Kent Henderson,
Past Grand Sword Bearer - on July 23 1993
A wedding, when mentioned in most circles, usually evokes pleasant thoughts, of a son or daughter commencing married life, of children, of grandchildren, the wedding day itself, the preparations, the happiness.
When we add the word Masonic to the occasion, what emotions are then aroused ? Incredulity mostly, I'd suggest. Most Masons, at least in this country, have never heard of such a thing. Indeed, most would immediately think - how could such be possible? Is not a wedding a religious occasion, and as such how can you have a Masonic wedding in our organization which is neither a religion or a substitute for a religion? Surely a wedding is for the church, not for the Masonic Temple ?
But is it ? Freemasonry is not a religion, but its content is certainly religious in character as are, indeed, many organizations that function outside church doors. Parliamentary proceedings are religious - they open with prayers, but I doubt anybody would consider parliament a religion ! In truth, of course, a marriage does not need to be celebrated in a church. Essentially, while clearly derived in our society from the Judeo-Christian tradition, marriage is defined in the Oxford Dictionary as the condition of man and woman legally united for the purpose of living together etc. Thus, despite the religious connotations many ascribe to it, marriage is but a civil act. All one needs is a legally-designated marriage celebrant (who may or may not be affiliated to a religion) to require an unmarried man and unmarried women to sign a legal document binding the signatories to matrimony in law.
Working backwards from the minimalist legal position, many religions have ceremonies to celebrate marriage, but marriage is not the sole preserve of religion. Many marrying couples, using a marriage celebrant can, and often do, write their own marriage ceremony. Why then, couldn't a Masonic Wedding ceremony be written ? The answer is there is no reason at all.
The next question is if one was written, would it be considered regular? If such a ceremony was permitted to be worked by craft lodges under a recognized Masonic Constitution, then it must be tacitly considered as regular at least. Whether ones own jurisdiction allows it to be analogously worked is a different matter, but that is irrelevant in the context of its regularity.
Now, I am here to tell you that a Masonic Wedding Ritual does exist. Not only does it exist, but it is officially sanctioned by at least one regular Grand Lodge (The Grand Lodge of Turkey), and is not infrequently used by its craft lodges. This ceremony, or one similar to it, is at least permitted to be worked in several other European jurisdictions. If you accept my logic as to regularity, the Wedding Ceremony must be considered a regular Craft ceremony by all Grand Lodges that recognize the Grand Lodges under which it is worked.
In giving an analogous example, in the context of our own Grand Lodge, you would mention our Masonic Funeral Ritual, or our Vacant Chair Ceremony. Be that as it may, it needs to be recognized that the ceremony is also worked under irregular Grand Lodges, notably in France, but that does not ipso facto make the ceremony itself irregular. I will refer again to this later.
I was fortunate enough to be invited to a Masonic Wedding Ceremony in Istanbul in 1986, hosted by a Turkish-speaking lodge. The ceremony, replete with bride and groom (indeed, two couples in this instance), took place in a Masonic Temple, followed by a full wedding breakfast in an adjoining banqueting area. Fortunately, there is an English-speaking Turkish lodge in Istanbul (Lodge Freedom No.35) from which I was able to obtain a copy of the ritual in English and to which I will shortly refer. However, prior to launching into a commentary on the ritual, it is useful to consider The Grand Lodge of Turkey and its background.
There is documented reference to the existence of lodges in Turkey in 1738, which appear to have emanated from various European sources. A Supreme Council of the Ottoman Empire was erected in 1861, probably under the patronage of the Grand Orient of France. The expansion of the Craft was slow in this era, with various Ottoman Sultans issuing edicts suppressing Freemasonry. The suppression became particularly harsh during the reign of Sultan Abdulhamid 11 (1876-1909) and many Turkish Masons were forced to flee the country. However, this repression did not appear to extend to lodges warranted from foreign countries. An English lodge - Oriental No 687 was formed in Turkey in 1856, and ten further English lodges were established between 1860 and 1870. Ireland, Scotland, and the Grand Orients of Italy and France also had lodges in Turkey in this period. Most English, speaking lodges had expired by the first world war. However, Oriental Lodge worked on into the 1930s. It did not survive the Second World War, and was formally erased in 1949.
Upon the coming of constitutional government to Turkey in 1909, Turkish Masonry revived and it is from this year that the current Grand Lodge dates it origin. The revival was in the form of a Supreme Council warranted from Egypt. In turn, the Supreme Council sponsored a National Grand Orient of Turkey which was constituted by 14 lodges then holding charters from either France, Italy, Belgium, or Spain. Expansion was sustained and by 1935 it possessed 65 lodges.
However, the political climate in the pre-war years deteriorated, and the Grand Orient of Turkey was dormant by 1935 and remained so until after the Second World War. The Turkish Supreme Council revived in 1948, and it controlled Turkish Craft lodges until 1956, when they were divested to a new Grand Lodge of Turkey founded on a regular basis. The Grand Lodge suffered a small split in 1966, when a Grand Orient of Turkey was formed. This body, endorsed by the irregular Grand Orient of France, still exists with about 30 lodges.
The regular Grand Lodge was recognized by the United Grand Lodge of England in 1970. Virtually all regular Grand Lodges in world have long since been in fraternal relations with The Grand Lodge of Turkey. In 1992. it reported 98 lodges, and a membership of 7,780.
Having looked very briefly at Turkish Masonic history, the question is in the current context, why a Turkish Masonic Wedding Ritual ? Where did this ritual come ? Indeed, is it used elsewhere in Masonry ? In order to gain at least some clues a look at the ceremony itself is a prerequisite.
As a beginning, let us consider the layout of the Temple for the Wedding Ceremony. The wardens sit in the places with which we are familiar - WJW (Worshipful Junior Warden) in the South, and the WSW (Worshipful Senior Warden) in the West. The difference is the WSW sits well forward of the west wall of the temple on the edge of the squared pavement flanked by the two great pillars (J & B) which dominant the lodge - reaching nearly to the ceiling. The use of the pillars thus is a quite typical continental-type practice. The RWM (Right Worshipful Master) is in the East. You will note that the designations of the principal officers are the same as those of the Scottish Constitution, and some European Grand Lodges. Indeed. Turkish Craft Ritual is in some ways similar to that practised under the Grand Lodge of Scotland, although Scotland was not its source, at least directly.
The other main feature is a altar in the centre of the Temple (in the middle of the squared pavement) -again, a continental-type feature. but also common in both Irish and American Masonry. As will be appreciated the large cross-fertilization of Masonic ritual across the world in the last few hundred years makes any study of ritual origins and influences a massive jigsaw, and well outside the scope of this paper.
In preparation for the ceremony the temple, officers pedestals, and the East are decorated with flowers. Brethren wear flowers in their lapels. Lodge officers wear two flowers, and the RWM wears three flowers, preferably with a red and white ribbon. Lodge Officers only wear their collars. Brethren do not wear their aprons but white gloves only. Sisters (as females are designated) when admitted sit in the South, while brethren sit in the North..,
A small table and two chairs are placed in front of the altar, facing the RWM, on which are a silver platter with the wedding rings, a glass of red wine, a glass of water, an empty glass, a glass rod and a blue ribbon long enough to encircle the newly weds. The table is decorated with flowers, and an incense burner is on the Secretary's table.
The lodge officers, members, and visiting brethren take their places in the Temple, and what is effectively an occasional lodge is opened by a single knock by the RWM, repeated by the WSW and WJW. The Director of Ceremonies (DC) retires with staff in hand, and admits the Sisters into the Lodge. The bride and groom wait outside.
The RWM asks everyone to he seated, and then introduces the proceedings thus.
Sisters and Brethren, we are gathered here today to celebrate and Masonically re-confirm the marriage of Sister and Brother , whose marriage was performed in accordance with the civil Laws of our country.
Here we now see that the ceremony is not for the purposes of legal marriage, but a re-confirmation ceremony. Upon reflection, of course, it could not be used per se to create a legal marriage unless the presiding officer, in this case the RWM, was in fact a legally designated civil marriage celebrant.
The RWM continues:
As you well know, Masons strive to gather men and women around an ideal of peace and to awaken in their hearts mutual love and affection.
Celebrating the union of two people who have decided to unite their lives in order to establish a family, avid reaffirming this union in the pure atmosphere created by our efforts for love and peace, will surely give this marriage a better meaning, create further understanding and harmony.
We. therefore, consider today's meeting to be unusually important and valuable; because we are today reaffirming a contract which helps to ensure the survival of humanity, to unite two people who love one another on the road to happiness and understanding, and because we thus have the opportunity to give voice to the spiritual uplift and moral satisfaction derived from our participation in celebrating their union.
That grand force directing the universe in an eternal order has put in the hearts of men and women created in this earth, the fire of love, the will and desire to unite and multiply.
The JD (Junior Deacon) then moves the Secretary's table, lights incense, and stands adjacent to the RWM.
The RWM continues:
Let the pleasant odour rising from the burning incense fill our hearts and the hearts of those who today honour us with their presence, with love for humanity, with love for the family. with affection and protection for the children. Short Pause.
Bro.J.D. please see whether the bride and groom have arrived, and if so bring them to the Temple.
The J.D. then leaves the lodge and after a short pause knocks four times. Thereafter follows a very familiar pattern of Masonic admission, as follows:
W.J.W.: RWM, there is a knock at the door.
R.W.M.: Investigate who seeks admission.
W.J.W.. Bro.Inner Guard, see who seeks admission.
I.G.: (After investigating). WJW, Bro.J.D. is at the door, accompanied by Sister ……. and Bro ……. who have been married in accordance with 'Our civil laws and who now desire to celebrate and reaffirm their union in this Worshipful Lodge.
The WJW then makes the same report to the RWM, who continues.
Brethren, form the dome of steel.
An equal number of Brethren appointed in advance form the dome with their swords down the North side of the lodge. You will note that the use of swords in this manner shows a distinct continental Masonic influence. There are others in the ritual, as we will see later. When they are in place the RWM then continues:
Bro J. D. lead the bride and groom to their places.
While this is happening, the Brethren forming the dome of steel knock the tips of their swords and the WSW and WJW their gavels. The organist plays the Wedding March. When the couple reach their places the RWM knocks once and all noise stops.
The ceremony continues as follows:
R.W.M.: Brother and Sister …..what is your wish?
Groom: Having fulfilled the requirements imposed upon us by the Laws of our country, we wish our marriage to be celebrated and Masonically reaffirmed by our brethren.
R.W.M.: Bro the brotherly feelings which prompt you to desire this ceremony are a source of pride to us. Family love is not only one of the basic principles of Masonry, but also a source of hope. We thank you for giving us the opportunity to live those sweet feelings once again. Please all be seated.
At this point the RWM then proceeds to give a short address about the duties and sacrifices required by couples for a happy marriage. No ritual is prescribed. Interestingly, if this was to occur in an English-type lodge such as ours, such an address would probably be ceded to the lodge chaplain. In Turkish lodges, there is no office of chaplain. Of course, a chaplain has Christian connotations which would not be compatible with Turkish Masonry wherein most members are Moslem. Nonetheless, the office of chaplain is rare in continental jurisdictions generally.
Upon completing his address, the ceremony continues:
R.W.M.: Bro do you feel that you have the strength to perform these duties?
Groom. Yes. RWM.
R.W.M.: Sister ……. do you also feel you possess this strength?
Bride: Yes, RWM.
R.W.M.: Sister do you promise to love and honour your husband, and be tied to him with bonds of respect, fidelity and trust ?
Bride: I do, RWM.
R.W.M.: Bro do you engage yourself to love and honour your wife and remain tied to her with bonds of fidelity and confidence?
Groom: I do, RWM
R.W.M.: Bro.J.D., burn more incense. (A short pause follows).
May these promises, which form the foundation of your happiness, rise to eternity like the pleasant smelling smoke rising from this burning incense. May this pleasant smell penetrate into your hearts and awaken in you feelings of sincerity and purity, and may mutual love and affection join you forever, without differences, of thought. of body and of property.
Brother ……. and Sister ……. give each other your hands.
Your holding hands is a sweet symbol of your desire to walk the path of life together. Even if on that road of togetherness something causes pain to one of you. If one somehow hurts the other, let a smile, an apology, an embrace make your differences remain superficial and never have time to reach your hearts and bruise them.
R.W.M.: Bro ……. and Sister ……. Please rise.
Bro.J.D. please tie the newly weds with the ribbon of unity.
The J.D. ties the blue ribbon over the left shoulder of the groom and around the waist of the bride.
R.W.M.: Make the dome of steel.
A number of brethren rise and form a semi-circle around the back of the newly weds, and form a dome with their swords, points touching.
R.W.W Put your ring on your wife's finger. Sister ……. you to put your ring on the finger of your husband. These rings have always symbolized eternal togetherness.
Bro.J.D. give the magic rod to the newly weds.
The J.D. gives the glass rod to the bride and groom saying:
Hold this magic rod each at either end.
R.W.M This rod symbolically wits us that mutual love should be clear and pure, and that carelessness can break it quickly. Let this rod always remind you that love, like a rare flower, must be cultivated and requires constant attention and care. See that it never breaks.
Bro.J.D. gives the glass of wine to Bro ……. and the glass of water to Sister …….
The J.D. does this and standing opposite the couple, holds the empty glass in his hand.
R.W.M.: Bro ……. and Sister ……. empty your glasses into the one held by Bro J.D.
As the wine and water unite in this glass, may your different characters and qualities combine to provide harmony, happiness and prosperity for your family. Please drink from the same glass.
The J.D. offers the glass first to the bride, then to the groom.
Bro J.D. untie the newly weds. (Done). Brethren, please rise and form the chain of unity.
All brethren present form the Chain of Unity. The chain is broken between the WSW and WJW in the west. The bride and groom take position in the centre of the circle. The RWM is in centre East.
The Chain of Unity is very continental in character and found in many European Degree ceremonies. When complete all the brethren link hands. The symbolism, in Masonic terms, is quite obvious. The Chain of Unity is not to be detected in any English-form Craft Ritual of which I am aware, and indeed, in English Masonry it is only found as such in the Masonic Rosicrucian Society (S.R.I.A.), although echoes exist in The Royal and Select Masters, and the Ancient and Accepted Rite.
The ceremony continues:
W.S.W.: RWM, our chain is incomplete. A link is missing. Bro (the groom) has remained near his wife. Please ask him to join us to complete the chain.
R.W.M WSW, your wish will be fulfilled. Sister ……. please bring your husband to his place amongst us. This will symbolize that a Mason's wife will always support her husband's Masonic work.
Bro.J.D. remain with our Sister ……. to show her that a Mason's wife is never alone, never without our assistance and protection.
The J.D. leaves the Chain, leads the couple to the groom's place in the chain, and returns to the centre with the bride.
W.S.W.: RWM, our chain is now complete and perfect.
R.W.M.: As women, over the ages, through their understanding, Love and help, have eased the burden carried by men and as women have understood our legends, profound symbols and aims, making it easier for us to reach our goals, so has this chain been formed with the help of a new sister. Brethren, return to your places and be seated.
The J.D. now returns the couple to their places before the altar, telling them to remain standing. the RWM stands before them, facing them. He now "Masonically marries" them, as follows:
R.W.M.: Brother ..... and Sister ……. bow your heads in the presence of absolute truth (The RWM places his hands on the couple's heads). In the name of T.G.A.0.T.U., and being vested with authority by the M.W. Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Turkey, and as RWM of this Worshipful Lodge ...... No I hereby Masonically reaffirm your marriage. May your union be happy and your promises sacred. I congratulate you and on behalf of all my brethren wish you every happiness. (The RWM returns to his place). All please rise. Sisters and Brethren, Masonry today is happy to celebrate the union of two people who have promised each other fidelity, love, affection, and mutual assistance as long as they live. Their promises are honourable and bear great value. Happy are those who fulfil their promises fully and with courage. Please be seated.
R.W.M.: Bro.J.D. take Bro ……. and Sister …….first to the WSW and then to the MW so they can congratulate them on behalf of their respective pillars, and bring them between the two columns. (This is done).
WSW, the marriage of Bro ……. and Sister ……. now having been reaffirmed by this Worshipful Lodge. please announce it.
W.S.W.: From the East to the West and from the North to the South, I hereby announce to all men and Freemasons throughout the world that Bro ……. and Sister …….are lawfully married and their marriage is reaffirmed by this Worshipful Lodge. (Applause).
R.WA.: Let us be seated. (The J.D. returns the bride and groom to their seats).
WSW, what is marriage?
W.S.W.: Marriage is the union of a wan and a women, into which both enter of their own free will and accord, to ensure the happiness and continuation of humanity. It is the union of two people who join their destinies to carry the burden of life more easily and to help each other on the road of life, RWM.
R.W.M.: WJW, how is happiness and strength created in marriage?
WJW; Since both parties enter into this union willingly to form a unified family and because it is this freedom of choice which makes their love to continue, the harvest of this can be nothing but happiness and strength, RWM.
R.W.M.: WSW, what should be done to ensure eternal happiness in marriage
W.S.W.: Keep marriage pure and noble without searching for material benefits. It is only then M hearts beat with such pure feelings that the chain of love remains a permanent and unbroken entity,
RWM. Bro.Orator do you have anything to add to these
The Orator then makes a short speech not exceeding ten minutes. In Turkish lodges, as in many continental lodges, the Orator is the lecture master of the lodge, invariably a senior and learned past master.
R.W.A.: Dear Sisters, execution of good deeds is one of the virtues loved and Practiced by masons We never leave any of our meetings without giving thought to the unfortunate. For this purpose a bag will now be circulated into which every brother can leave whatever amount of money he wishes, or from which any Bro. can take any amount he desires. The money collected is spent for philanthropic purposes. The reason why we make this collection discreetly is not to render the giver proud nor the receiver ashamed. Any sister who wishes to join us can do so as if she too was a Mason. Bro.Almoner please circulate the charity bag. Bro.J.D. please assist Bro.Almoner.
When this is done sweets or candy are circulated.
R.W.M.: Please all rise. Dear Sisters, thank you again for joining us today for this ceremony. Such ceremonies of joy and happiness bring men and women together and permit all to bask in mutual love and respect. We hope that your impressions of this ceremony will make you support us in our work more than before. Bro.J.D. accompany our Sister ……. and Bro ……. first, and then our Sisters out of the Temple. We will join them in a short while. (This is done).
R.W.M.: Brethren, I declare our labours closed.
He knocks once, followed by the WSW and WJW. The D.C. then leads the RWM, and his Wardens, out of the Temple.
It now only remains to delve into the origins of the Wedding Ritual. Inquiries in Istanbul reveal that the ritual has been used by Turkish Lodges since the revival of Turkish Masonry in 1909. The ritual came to Turkish Masonry from Belgium about this time - almost certainly from the Grand Orient of Belgium. In turn, Belgian Masonry obtained the ceremony from the French. Whether the ceremony is still worked within irregular Belgian Masonry is not clear, though information to hand suggests it is not worked (at least officially) under the Regular. Grand Lodge of Belgium.
The ritual itself appears to have been horn in pre-revolutionary France and it has always been a part of irregular French Masonry, particularly under the Grand Orient of France. Be that as it may, as I alluded earlier, the ceremony itself is not ipso facto irregular. The Grand Orient of France did not sink into irregularity until the second half of the 19th Century, long after the Wedding Ceremonial first appeared.
Before, during and after the French Revolution (1789) there was certainly a movement in France to replace religious ceremonies with civil ceremonies. This probably explains how, in Continental Freemasonry, a number of ceremonies were added over the years relating to family events.
It was this era in which the Wedding Ceremony appeared, and which also fostered what were known as Adoptive Lodges in France and elsewhere in Europe, as well as several other diversions such as androgynous Masonry. The Ceremony of Adoption of Children of the Lodge was generally only held on the request of a brother, and then usually only every 3 to 5 years. Hence, an adoption ceremony would be for a group of children, usually about twelve years of age.
Of course, there exist today a large number of Family Orders associated with Freemasonry, particularly in the U.S.A., such as The Order of the Eastern Star, DeMolay, Job's Daughters, etc. None of these can be considered as Masonic, as such, although this view is not universally held. For example, while The Grand Lodge of Scotland does not object to the Order of the Eastern Star, its English counterpart does not permit its members to be associated with it.
In the Dictionnaire de la Franc Maçonnerie (Daniel Ligou), under the heading Reconnaissance Conjugale, the Wedding Ceremony is described as tenue blanche , i.e. "holding to the purity", where the spouses, bound by a string, share bread and wine. Ligou claims the Wedding Ritual springs from the French Le Droit Hurnain (Co-Masonry). However, as Adoptive Lodges thrived in France and elsewhere in Europe in the 19th Century in particular, and that Le Droit Humain was not officially formed until 1893, Ligou probably confused the two.
Nonetheless, some suggest that the use of the term "sisters" in the ritual indicates a strong Co-Masonic link and that this alone is grounds enough to call the ritual irregular. This is erroneous as Co-Masonry uses the term "brother" to describe all its members, both male and female. In any case, as we have just seen, available evidence suggests the ceremony has no historical links with Co-Masonry but in fact substantially pre-dates it. One body which does use the term "sister" is The Order of the Eastern Star, but that organization certainly has. no connection with the Wedding Ritual.
Returning to the Wedding Ceremony itself, it seems that various although similar rituals are used in varying locations. Given the history of the divergences of Craft ritual, this will astound nobody. Evidence to hand suggests that a Wedding Ceremony is worked intermittently under the irregular French Grand Lodges. It is certainly worked under the regular Grand Lodges of Greece and Turkey and has been worked at least once in The Netherlands (see the Appendix below). It would come as no surprise to find it worked elsewhere in Europe.
In conclusion, the Wedding Ceremony is used to varying extents across a section of regular Freemasonry, and must therefore be judged as such, as indeed it clearly is. Regardless of its origins and position in the
Masonic framework, it is difficult to escape the fact that the Wedding Ritual itself is one of very great beauty. Its symbolism, such as that of the glass rod, the mixing of water and wine, and the chain of unity, hold great meaning. It is not surprising, therefore, that the ceremony holds a cherished place within the realm of the Grand Lodge of Turkey and, one assumes, within other Grand Lodges under which it is worked.
Appendix
An interesting article appeared in a Dutch Masonic Magazine (A.M.T. Sept.1979, P. 16) concerning a Wedding Ceremony held in Utrecht. It is reproduced below with its accompanying photograph. A translation of the text is as follows:
Masonic Wedding in Lodge "Hermannus van Tongeren".
The brethren of Lodge Hermannus van Tongeren, in the East of Utrecht, experienced on Saturday 9 June 1979 a unique meeting in the Temple, under the leadership of Bro.H.van Eck, W.M.
On that day, the wedding of one of its members, Bro. B. A.A. Kesselring and Miss I. Borrius was confirmed and dedicated in Masonic style, a few hours after the civil wedding was performed.
After those present, the members of the happy pair's families, their friends and many brethren were welcomed by the W.M. and informed of the special place the Temple occupies in the activities of the Lodge, the Master of Ceremonies conducted everybody into the Temple. Thereafter the bride and groom were fetched and. accompanied by organ music, were brought into the flower-decorated Temple.
The meeting was opened by a dialogue between the W.M. and both Wardens, specially created for the purpose. The W.M. in his address pointed among others to our principles which are deeply religious and humane. He referred to the (Dutch Masonic) axiom: "It depends on you" which demonstrates in an inescapable manner how much we are responsible for our own happiness.
The symbolical journey through life made thereafter finished at the altar where the bride and groom knelt and where in the midst of their family, friends and brethren, the solemn confirmation of the wedding took place.
After the rings were exchanged, one single white rose was given to the bride - as the most beautiful symbol that we as Freemasons know - as well as a small silver Trowel. The ceremony was concluded with a dialogue.
As can be seen even from the limited information contained in this article this ceremony while similar to the Turkish version, has its differences. Interestingly, the article seems to indicate that this particular ceremony was the first ever performed in the Netherlands, and this assertion is supported from the fact that an opening and closing ritual were specially created for it. It will be noted that essentially the Turkish version is devoid of an opening and closing ritual of any consequence, and this seems indicative also.
The "first ever performance is also supported by the exhaustive research of my research lodge colleague W.Bro.Hank van Tongeren, a. brother of Dutch descent to whom I am grateful for the above translation. He asserts that following an extensive search of the indexes of all post war issues of THOTH, an authoritative Dutch Masonic publication, and all Dutch Masonic rituals, he can find no reference to the Wedding Ceremony. Of course, one can readily speculate where the Dutch lodge concerned gained the ritual.
Post-Script to Appendix
Upon inquiries in The Netherlands, we received a copy of the actual ritual used in the Dutch Ceremony mentioned in the article. Our advice is that the ritual was "specially created for the occasion. However, The Grand East of the Netherlands subsequently took a dim view of the matter and forbade its use in its lodges. Therefore, this particular ceremony was used on this one occasion only and has not been used in Dutch Masonry since. Nonetheless, in the context of the current paper it makes interesting reading.
Wedding Confirmation of Bro Boudewijn Kesselring and Irma Borrius on 9 June 1979 in Lodge Hermannus van Tongeren. *
Preparations
The Bride and Groom are received in the Board Room, where flowers are placed on the table. A Table is placed in the Forecourt to sign the Reception Book, looked after by a Brother. In the Temple (Lodge Room), white flowers are placed near the (lesser) lights W, S and B, and a bouquet of flowers in a vase in the East (in the manner of a F C s passing (ceremony)). On the Altar is the Bible, opened at 1Corinthian13 and placed thereon are the Square and Compasses (1st Degree). At the West side of the Altar a kneeling cushion is placed. The (lesser) lights are lit, as are the candies on the tables (pedestals) of both Wardens *and the W M . The All Seeing Eye is illuminated, and the ceiling light above the Altar switched on. The lights in the Temple are switched low (subdued). There is no Tableau. In its place is a carpet on which are placed seats for the Bride and Groom. The Wardens and the W M sit in their normal places. Dress is evening dress (tails); collars are worn but no apron or gloves. Seam for family are reserved in both front rows. Seats for the D C and Orator are also reserved.
After the Bride and Groom are seated in the Board Room and every one has gathered in the Forecourt, the W M addresses those present:
W M Respected Brethren, family and friends,
I bid you all a hearty welcome on this special day. At the request of Br Boudewijn Kesselring and in a few moments time his marriage to Irma Borrius shall be confirmed in the Het bruidspaar Kesselring-Borrius in de Tempel van het 0:. Utrecht.
Temple in Masonic style. For those who do not know our Temple, 1 want to draw attention to the special place the Temple occupies in our lodge activities. This Temple is not a church, and during our meetings all our acts have a symbolic meaning. When we enter the Temple we enter into a space which, for us, is a consecrated - a sacred space, with an atmosphere in which the meetings - directed away from the outside world - are focused on a closer relationship with the Supreme Being. And in this atmosphere the wedding shall presently be confirmed.
Bro Director of Ceremonies, you will now conduct every one to the Temple and when all are seated, I request you return to usher in myself and both Wardens.
At their entrance, all remain seated. The W M and both Wardens walk in the posture of Fidelity and sit down simultaneously.
W M Before I proceed to open this ceremony, I want to make a few announcements.
1. Would you please rise when the Bride and Groom enter, and I ask that the Brm adopt the posture of Fidelity.
2. At the end of the ceremony all will exit the Temple with the exception of the Bride and Groom who will remain behind with me.
3. That will happen after 1 have closed the meeting and you
are requested by the Director of Ceremonies to depart.
Bro D C you will now solemnly usher in the Bride and Groom and ask them to be seated. This occurs. The Bride and Groom are received with every one standing and with triumphant music.
Please be seated.
OPENING
W M Now that the ceremony shall commence. I request Bro Wardens to assist me.
Bro S W , what is our duty, now that we have come together here?
S W To concentrate on the labour that awaits us.
W M Bro J W, why are we presently assembled in our Temple?
J W W M , we have assembled because one of our brethren has requested his wedding be masonically confirmed.
W M Bro S W , are we ready to commence the proceedings?
S W The moment has arrived. We have opened ourselves to this sacred atmosphere, so that harmony and peace may descend in our hearts.
W M Then I open this special ceremony , the masonic confirmation of the marriage of our Bro Boudewijn Kesselring with Irma Borrius.
JW May Love illuminate our path through life.
S W May our faith support our a 1 aspirations.
W.M May our trust in ultimate Beauty govern our life.
The Inner Guard now switches on full lighting.
W M This ceremony is opened; may this hour be blessed.
Bro Musician underlines this with a few chords.
After this, the W M gives the following address to the Bride and Groom.
CEREMONY
W M Dear Bride and Groom,
You announced your wish to have your wedding, which was carried out today, confirmed in our Temple, and this makes us happy. After all, this wish is the expression of your sincere intention, jointly to be true to our principles which are deeply religious and noble minded. By its acceptation, you have set yourselves a difficult objective in life through which your life can be brought to its highest expression. However, never forget that Freemasonry is not an end in itself, but merely a means to an end: a resource to acquire correct insight and sufficient strength through the considerable tests with which life presents us. Through these tests and while striving after an existence in complete harmony, a man cannot be in want of the support of his wife. That you, the Bride who hardly knows of Freemasonry, have followed your husband with full confidence into our Temple, makes us most grateful. Although our membership excludes women, at the initiation we clearly give witness of our respect for "the woman" - the wife of our Brother who indirectly is involved in our labour.
And this is totally proper, because the first and most important workplace of the Freemason is within his family.. And now, in this sacred atmosphere, full of peace, full of brotherly love, the bond which exists shall be considered in its purest light, through which you shall become conscious that happiness in the first place does not depend on earthly possessions, but that it can be found within ourselves. In the midst of those dear to you and surrounded by those of like mind and your friends, the solemn confirmation of your wedding shall take place. Your path through life shall lead over sunny heights, through worlds of radiating light, where you may experience the greatest happiness. But life shall also lead you through valleys, where dirt and rocks shall hinder your progress. Thus you shall need to find support in each other. This shall raise the nexus, which has now been made, above the bond made by human law. Bride and Groom, you have entered into your marriage with' the knowledge that both of you are imperfect human beings - as we all are. It is therefore a good thing for you both to realise once more, that you have chosen each other as you are, to live together in your own reality. Both must learn to employ the trowel of love, to smooth imperfections. Presently you shall be asked if it is your sincere desire to strive after the development of all the qualities of spirit and mind, which shall raise you marriage to a higher spiritual and moral level. If that desire is present within you, you shall succeed. 1 say this to you, not as a preacher; however as W M and as your companion it is my duty to ensure you realise the spiritual basis of the step you have taken on this significant day. Also because of the fact that through this ceremony you will accept an obligation towards the Lodge. The knowledge that the harmonious development of your marriage is potentially present should make you happy. And with this happiness you can now, in our Temple, commence your symbolic journey through life.
Bro D C , you will precede the Bride and Groom on their path.
The Bride and Groom walk hand in hand. Bro Musician accompanies them with music, and briefly stops playing when they are at the W M and the Wardens pedestals. In the. East they. halt and face the W M . Bro Musician stops during the address.
W M (To the Bride and Groom)
Know that your journey cannot always lead over made roads. Shadows will also be present, and perhaps darkness. Still you will proceed, guided by the inner light of Wisdom and supported by faith in the Almighty.
The Inner Guard towers the lights during the journey through the South. At the S W pedestal they halt and turn towards him. *
S W Remember always that the belief in the victory of Truth shall provide the necessary Strength.
At the J W pedestal they halt and turn towards him.
J W, In your house, when harmony and love reigns, you shall always find the right path which shall lead you to ultimate Beauty.
From here the journey is continued to the Altar. Both Wardens follow the Bride and Groom. The W M takes a position on the East side facing South, the Bride and Groom on the South side facing East, and the S and J W on the South and North sides respectively, facing inwards. Bro Musician now stops playing.
W M In a symbolical manner you have given proof of your earnest desire to advance through the rest of your life as a dual being. We now approach the culmination of this ceremony. Before you - on top of the Altar - the Bible is placed, on top of which is the Square and Compasses. For us this is a sacred symbol, upon which you will soon give your confirmation.
The Compasses - a symbol of radiating energy.
The Square - a symbol of justice and sincerity.
The Bible - a symbol of Truth and Love.
Page 56
The Bible is opened at 1 Corinthians Chapter 13, in which the cement of the wedding is described further. Bro Orator, read to us some extracts from this Chapter dealing with love* so that we, at this sacred moment, may once again be impressed with its great worth.
Bro Orator places himself behind the Bride and Groom's seats.
Bro Or Love# suffereth long, and is kind;
Love#envieth not;
Love# vaunted not itself, is not puffed up,
Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
Rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;
Beareth all things, believes all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
NOTE: In the Dutch Bible, this Chapter is entitled "The Song of Love" and where "Charity" appears in the Authorised King James Version, the word "love" appears in the Dutch version.
W M (addresses the Bride and Groom)
I now request you both kneel and place your right hand on the Bible. (This is done)
Will every one please rise, and I ask that the Brethren adopt the posture of Fidelity.
THE CONFIRMATION
W M Boudewijn Kesselring and Irma Borrius,
Are you ready to confirm, before our Altar of Truth, that it is your sincere wish to elevate your marriage to a state of Harmony by striving jointly towards the development of all those qualities of mind and spirit which can raise the state of matrimony to a higher spiritual and moral level? Are you ready to strive jointly in your fatuity after the realisation of Masonic principles throughout your life?
Boudewijn Kesselring, what is your answer? (YES)
Irma Borrius, what is your answer? (YES)
May your readiness receive the blessings of the G.A.0.T.U.
Bro. Boudewijn Kesselring and Irma Borrius, by virtue of my power, granted to me by you and by our Brethren of Lodge Hermannus van Tongeren, I herewith conclude this solemn confirmation of your wedding, and I declare you are united in Masonic marriage.
Wisdom (places hand on Irma's shoulder)
Strength (places hand on Boudewijn's shoulder)
Beauty (places both hands on their right hands)
May this sacred bond be blessed, and this hour be unforgettable.
Rise, Brother and Sister Kesselring.
Will every one please be seated.
Both Wardens remain standing. Bro Orator returns to his seat.
W M You have placed two gold rings before me, symbols of faith, the faithfulness you have promised each other.
Groom, you will place this ring on your wife's finger.
Bride, You will place this ring on your husband's finger.
Dear Bride, I now present to you this single white rose. For your husband it represents one of the most beautiful symbols he, as a Freemason, knows. Keep this rose as a reminder of this solemn moment, and may it direct your thoughts to the place where it was handed to you.
Bro D C., please escort the Bride and Groom to their seats.
When the Bride and Groom are seated, the W M and both Wardens return to their places. After this, Br Musician plays an item of music. This is followed by an address by the W M.
W M Dear Bride and Groom,
Your wedding has now been Masonically confirmed in the presence of those near and dear to you, and filled with happiness we shall remember that moment when both of you were united through Wisdom, Strength and Beauty before our Altar. Totally in accordance with the character of Freemasonry have you made this voluntary confirmation, and this makes us thankful.
Bro Kesselring, At your initiation, you were acquainted with the words: "it depends on you" and, in an inescapable manner this demonstrated how greatly you are responsibility for your own destiny - for your own happiness.
Sister Kesselring,
On the night your husband was made a Freemason it was strongly impressed upon him that it is he, and he alone, who must shape his life. Today 1 want to repeat these words "It depends on you" to you both. 'No one in the world can do something that would guarantee the success of your marriage. That you must do yourself. Every person is like a world, and much wisdom and much love is necessary to ensure two persons - two worlds - can live together in harmony. 1 wish you both Health, Blessings and Prosperity* on your path to life's happiness.
(*Heil,, Zegen en Voorspoed" - a traditional Dutch Masonic expression)
W M Respected Brethren, Family and Friends, 1 hope this sacred meeting has been meaningful and inspiring, not only for the Bride and Groom, but for all of us. Together we have confirmed the wedding of these two people, and with them we have made the symbolic journey through life in our Temple. The thoughts of many of us will return to that moment when we too began that journey in love and with confidence. May we have experienced again that peace reigns where love dwells.
CLOSING
W M I will now proceed to close this ceremony. Every one please rise.
Bro J W what is the hour?
J W It is time to end our labours, W M
W M Bro S W , are the labours ended?
S W The labours are ended for the present, W M .
W M Then Faith Hope and Love (Charity!) remain, these three but the greatest of these is Love.
Go in peace.
Br D C leads every one out of the Temple (including the Wardens) except the Bride and Groom, who remain behind with the W M.
During the exit, Bro Musician plays suitable music and is the last one to depart. He closes the door behind him.
W M Sister Irma Kesselring,
In this consecrated space your husband has made an obligation which is sacred to him; and of which 1 want to remind you, Br Boudewijn. I will leave you by yourselves for a moment - alone in our Temple as a symbol that no one but yourselves can ensure your happiness. Know then that to make' happy, is 'to be' happy. Boudewijn and Irma, jointly enter into a strong covenant, and may the G.A.0.T.U. illuminate your path through life.
Page 59
The WM departs the Temple and waits outside the door. After a few moments the WM asks the Bride and Groom to leave the Temple and they are placed in front of the Temple door .
The W M breaks up the meeting with a few words of thanks.
This ritual was kindly translated from the Dutch by W Bro.Hank van Tongeren of the Lodge of Research No.218.
Authors Footnote:
In August 1993, I applied to the Manager of the Williamstown Masonic Centre in Melbourne to use its Masonic Temple for my forthcoming marriage to my fiancée Marise de Quadros. The booking was accepted. Some weeks later the matter came to the attention of the Grand Secretary of the United Grand Lodge of Victoria, who advised the Williamstown Masonic Center Committee of Management in the following terms:
The Grand Master advises that it is his policy and that of the Board of General Purposes that no Wedding should be held in a Lodge Room, the main objection being that it could indicate support for the erroneous criticism of Freemasonry by certain elements in the community that Freemasonry is a "pseudo religion" and, therefore, incompatible with Christianity or other recognized religion. It has been confirmed that this policy is common throughout all Australian Grand Lodges. This policy also applies to any other type of service which is not Masonic in nature.
Nonetheless, despite this ruling, the Grand Secretary also agreed that the Williamstown Masonic center Committee of Management was an autonomous body and any decision made concerning the booking for the wedding was a matter for it. The Committee of Management subsequently took the view that the booking had been arranged in good faith by the parties involved prior to the opinion of Grand Lodge being sort, and voted unanimously to confirm it.
As a result of this confirmation, my wedding took place in the Williamstown Masonic Temple on the 19 December 1993. It appears to have been the first wedding to occur in any Victorian Masonic Temple and possibly in Australia. However, given the policy of the Australian Grand Lodges, it could well be the last.
My wedding itself was a civil ceremony and approximately eighty family and friends were present, many of whom were Freemasons. I will add that I consider my wedding to have been a personal and private matter, and as far as I am concerned any speculation about the form of the ceremony used will remain just that.
Questions and Answers
Question by W Bro Bill White:
How often is the ceremony conducted in Turkish Lodges?
Response
The ceremony is worked as required, somewhat similar to our vacant chair ceremony. It is not worked unless a lodge member requests it. 1 understand that lodges working it more than once a year are rare and that some lodges go for several years without using it at all.
Question by W Bro Tony Bowers:
You mentioned swords in the creation of the dome. Are swords standard in the lodge?
Response
When the bride and groom enter they do so under an arch of steel. An arch of steel is common in Continental Freemasonry, especially in the first degree.
Question by W Bro Mac Bedwell:
Would they have a Koran open on the pedestal?
Response
From the photos accompanying this paper you will see three sacred volumes on the pedestal in a Turkish lodge. They are the Old Testament, the New Testament and the Koran. They are laid across each other, not side by side, with the square and compasses across all three.
Question by W Bro Hank van Tongeren:
Do the Sisters have a special place to sit in the lodge?
Response
Yes. The ladies sit in the north. the brethren in the south.
Question by W Bro Michael Moore:
The altar is in the centre and the chain of unity around it. Where do the bride and groom stand?
Response
They stand in front of the altar. The altar has three candies on three corners representing the lesser lights, as is common in Europe, Ireland and America.
Question by WBro Bill Harding:
Were all the individuals involved Muslims? The ceremony as you describe it seems far more Christian than Islamic for reasons such as the wedding rings - which in Islamic custom are exchanged at the engagement not at the wedding.
Response
Yes, the vast majority of Turkish Masons are at least nominally Muslim. In answer to the rest of your question two observations can be made. Firstly, the origin of the ritual is European so its original construction was against a Judeo/Christian background. Of course, the ritual itself is de-christianized, although the ceremony retains Christian connotations such as the rings. Nonetheless, these matters are clearly not an issue in Turkish Masonry else the ceremony would not be used. It also needs to be appreciated that, virtually alone in the Islamic world, Turkey is a secular state. This, more than anything, allows the Craft to both exist and prosper in that country. Few lodges exist in other Islamic countries and in most the Craft is proscribed.
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