Brotherhood Beyond Borders
- May 20
- 3 min read
Members of Craigantlet Masonic Lodge of Friendship No. 486 have recently returned from a memorable five-day visit to Berlin, following an invitation from their good friends at Lodge “Zur Werkstatt” No. 979, which meets at the headquarters of the United Grand Lodges of Germany in the Dahlem district of Berlin. The warm hospitality shown by their hosts left a lasting impression on all who attended.
The visit provided a unique opportunity to strengthen friendships between Brethren from different countries while experiencing Freemasonry through another culture and tradition.
From the moment the Craigantlet delegation arrived, they were welcomed with exceptional kindness and generosity, enjoying fellowship in traditional local venues and discovering first-hand that friendship within Freemasonry truly knows no borders.
A major highlight of the trip came with the privilege of attending the Grand Lodge of Germany, where members witnessed a Third Degree (Master Mason) ceremony conducted by Lodge “Zur Werkstatt” No. 979. The ceremony offered a fascinating insight into German Masonic practice, revealing both familiar traditions and distinctive differences in ritual and custom. Particularly interesting was the Lodge’s dedicated Third Degree lodge room, specially arranged for the ceremony and featuring many of the symbolic elements one would traditionally associate with Third Degree work. It provided a striking and memorable setting, adding greatly to the significance of the occasion.
The simplicity of German regalia proved particularly striking. Brethren wore plain white lambskin aprons, with subtle distinctions indicating Masonic rank. While customs may differ from country to country, the experience served as a powerful reminder that the values of Freemasonry — friendship, integrity, and mutual respect — remain universal.
The delegation was also honoured to take part in the ceremony and witness the raising of a new Master Mason, making for a memorable and meaningful occasion shared between Irish and German Brethren alike.
Following the ceremony, the Brethren enjoyed a memorable festive board which offered not only warm fellowship but also a taste of traditional Berlin cuisine. Members sampled local favourites including the city’s famous Currywurst, hearty Berlin-style Frikadellen (Buletten) served with fried potatoes, traditional cold meat dishes including Sülze — a classic Berlin speciality — and even Mettbrötchen — a traditional German dish of seasoned minced pork served on bread rolls, which perhaps challenged some members more than others, though all embraced the experience in the true spirit of fellowship! While the menu may have differed somewhat from what might normally appear at home, the atmosphere of friendship, laughter, and good conversation around the table felt wonderfully familiar — a reminder that fellowship remains at the heart of Freemasonry wherever one travels.
A particularly special moment during the visit was the opportunity to meet a founder member of Lodge “Zur Werkstatt” No. 979, which was established in 1989. Spending time with someone who helped establish the Lodge and continues to witness its development today provided a powerful reminder of the continuity of Freemasonry across generations.
Among the most moving visits was the New Synagogue on Oranienburger Straße, one of Berlin’s most important Jewish landmarks. Opened in 1866, it stands today as both a memorial and a testament to resilience, reflecting the city’s rich but often difficult history.
Directly opposite stands the former headquarters of the Grand Provincial Lodge of Freemasonry in Germany, one of the oldest surviving Masonic buildings in the country. Though no longer used for Masonic purposes, the beautifully restored building remains an enduring symbol of Berlin’s Masonic heritage and offered a fascinating connection to the city’s past.
The visit also provided an opportunity to reflect on the difficult history of Freemasonry in Germany during the Nazi period. After Adolf Hitler came to power in 1933, Freemasonry was increasingly persecuted, with lodges forced to close, buildings confiscated, and many Freemasons subjected to suspicion and repression. The Nazi regime falsely portrayed Freemasonry as part of an international conspiracy, and by the late 1930s organised Freemasonry had effectively been outlawed in Germany.
During this dark period, the small blue forget-me-not flower, already used in German Masonic circles before the Nazi era, later came to symbolise remembrance, resilience, and the endurance of Masonic principles through adversity. Following the end of the Second World War, Freemasonry gradually re-established itself in Germany, with the forget-me-not becoming a lasting symbol of remembrance for those Brethren who suffered persecution.
Today, thriving lodges such as Lodge “Zur Werkstatt” No. 979 stand as a powerful reminder of the resilience, continuity, and enduring values of the Craft.
Above all, however, what members will remember most is the friendship shown the Brethren of Lodge Zur Werkstatt No. 979 throughout the visit. Friendships were strengthened, many memorable moments shared, and bonds of international brotherhood deepened.
As the visit demonstrated so clearly, while languages, customs, and traditions may differ, the spirit of friendship and brotherhood remains universal.
