Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Freemasonry In Europe During The Past Century.
Tlie first of a series of regular meetings took place at the Hague in 1734 , under tbe direction of Bro . De la Chapelle , but in the third year of their establishment , proclamations were issued against them , whicli were followed liy the oreler of tbe Emperor Charles VI . in 113 S , prohibiting the continuation of Masonic assemblies in his Netherland dominions , or any part ot" Flanders . Despite these edicts , the Lodge at the Hague continued its workand adoptedin the year 1749 the title
, , , of " Mother Lodge ; " diffusing in all directions its kindness , and disseminating to all who required it , assistance . In 1759 the Baron Aerssen Beyeren became Grand Master of the Brethren , and established the National Grand Lodge , which continues to this time ; the second Grand Master elected was the Baron Charles von Boetzelaer , in J 739 ; he retained the office thirty-nine years . To his interference and management much of the fortune of Masonry in Holland may be ascribed . He
continued an uninterrupted and profitable correspondence with the Freemasons ( Modern Masons ) of England , who acknowledged the independence of the Dutch Grand Lodge , ivhich undertook , in consideration of such acknowledgment , never to establish , either in England or her colonies in the east or west , any Masonic Lodges . The Grand Officers from the Hague openeel the first Lodge in Amsterdam 24 th October 1735 , but it was among the interdictedthe
, , , well-known characters of the subscribers , prevented hoAvever , any of the stringent enactments against them being harshly enforced , when some of the members were taken before the Magistrates for contempt of authority ; they induced those worthy gentlemen to join the Order . * The effect has been that a Prince of the blood ( the present king ) presided since the year 1816 as Grand Master of the Craft . In the year 18 G 8 , "the Order" gave the first public intimation of
its character , by founding and building the Blind School of Amsterdam ; since ivhich it has deserved the protection and support it has received from the State , and the public , by its continued acts of charity , benevolence , and general conduct . The ivorking is the English system , and all nations and religions , if possessing the proper qualifications , are admissible . Holland boasts seventy-five Lodges , the majority are in the Colonies .
BELCH- " !! . The history of Belgium is of so modern a date , that memory will at once supply all that can be ascertained or knoivn of its Masonic career . The clergy is its enemy , and that powerful body uses its force to injure our Brethren in Belgium upon ei'ery occasion ; it has not quite succeeded , but its interference is unpropitious . About thirty Belgian Lodges exist , and five Dutch , but the latter have been declared irregular by the Grand Orient of Belgium .
POLAND . The King , August II ., to assist the Bull of Clement XIL , caused , in 1739 , enactments to be published , forbiding , under pain of his severe displeasure and punishment , the practice of Freemasonry in his kingdom , ivhieh had been introduced there about 1736 . As Elector of Saxony he , hoivever , acted differently ; but we have to do with him as King of Poland , after tbe union of that kingdom and the Electorate , which took place in his person in 1 ( 398 . In German
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Freemasonry In Europe During The Past Century.
Tlie first of a series of regular meetings took place at the Hague in 1734 , under tbe direction of Bro . De la Chapelle , but in the third year of their establishment , proclamations were issued against them , whicli were followed liy the oreler of tbe Emperor Charles VI . in 113 S , prohibiting the continuation of Masonic assemblies in his Netherland dominions , or any part ot" Flanders . Despite these edicts , the Lodge at the Hague continued its workand adoptedin the year 1749 the title
, , , of " Mother Lodge ; " diffusing in all directions its kindness , and disseminating to all who required it , assistance . In 1759 the Baron Aerssen Beyeren became Grand Master of the Brethren , and established the National Grand Lodge , which continues to this time ; the second Grand Master elected was the Baron Charles von Boetzelaer , in J 739 ; he retained the office thirty-nine years . To his interference and management much of the fortune of Masonry in Holland may be ascribed . He
continued an uninterrupted and profitable correspondence with the Freemasons ( Modern Masons ) of England , who acknowledged the independence of the Dutch Grand Lodge , ivhich undertook , in consideration of such acknowledgment , never to establish , either in England or her colonies in the east or west , any Masonic Lodges . The Grand Officers from the Hague openeel the first Lodge in Amsterdam 24 th October 1735 , but it was among the interdictedthe
, , , well-known characters of the subscribers , prevented hoAvever , any of the stringent enactments against them being harshly enforced , when some of the members were taken before the Magistrates for contempt of authority ; they induced those worthy gentlemen to join the Order . * The effect has been that a Prince of the blood ( the present king ) presided since the year 1816 as Grand Master of the Craft . In the year 18 G 8 , "the Order" gave the first public intimation of
its character , by founding and building the Blind School of Amsterdam ; since ivhich it has deserved the protection and support it has received from the State , and the public , by its continued acts of charity , benevolence , and general conduct . The ivorking is the English system , and all nations and religions , if possessing the proper qualifications , are admissible . Holland boasts seventy-five Lodges , the majority are in the Colonies .
BELCH- " !! . The history of Belgium is of so modern a date , that memory will at once supply all that can be ascertained or knoivn of its Masonic career . The clergy is its enemy , and that powerful body uses its force to injure our Brethren in Belgium upon ei'ery occasion ; it has not quite succeeded , but its interference is unpropitious . About thirty Belgian Lodges exist , and five Dutch , but the latter have been declared irregular by the Grand Orient of Belgium .
POLAND . The King , August II ., to assist the Bull of Clement XIL , caused , in 1739 , enactments to be published , forbiding , under pain of his severe displeasure and punishment , the practice of Freemasonry in his kingdom , ivhieh had been introduced there about 1736 . As Elector of Saxony he , hoivever , acted differently ; but we have to do with him as King of Poland , after tbe union of that kingdom and the Electorate , which took place in his person in 1 ( 398 . In German