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A group of London Masons recently visited a number of Lodges in Germany.

Wandsworth Lodge No 1044 visited Hamburg between 24th and 27th April 2025. W Bro Bjorn Kahlert, a member of Wandsworth Lodge and who lives in Germany, has for many years hoped that some of the Brethren would be able to visit some German Lodges.

After obtaining all the relevant clearances, Bjorn made arrangements for visits to two German-speaking Lodges and one English-speaking Lodge.

The contingent of five Wandsworth Brethren and two regular visitors to the Lodge were able to see both a First Degree and Third Degree ceremonies in German; a fascinating experience which had many similarities to our own ceremony – but of course some differences, too. The top hats worn by the German Brethren were fabulous.

The remaining ceremony was an Installation, which was conducted according to the Emulation ritual, in English. The Lodges visited were Lux Holsatiae Lodge which met in a small village outside of Hamburg; and Zur fasten Burg an der Elbe Lodge, which met in the Hamburg Masonic Centre. The latter (shown in the title picture) is a fascinating building with a hundred years of history. The final visit was to Saxony Lodge which met in Celle, about an hour and a half’s drive from Hamburg; under the Grand Lodge of British Freemasonry in Germany within the United Grand Lodges of Germany.

Our contingent was hosted incredibly well at all three meetings and were made extremely welcome at all of the Festive Boards. The trip was an excellent experience and added a joyful new dimension to visiting.

As well as the three Lodge Meetings, the group also had a chance to explore Hamburg and enjoy some local hospitality (primarily beer!). Wandsworth Lodge is now looking forward to returning the compliment and hopefully hosting many German guests over the coming years.

The visitors – shown in the title picture in front of Hamburg Masonic Centre – were: W Bro Mike Bracken, W Bro Mike Kempton, W Bro Ibrahim Conteh, W Bro Lawrence Hooker, Bro David Kenny, Bro David Lovett, Bro Anthony Oppido and W Bro Bjorn Kahlert.

This article is part of the Arena Magazine Issue 58 – Summer 2025 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official online magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in Arena Issue 58 here.

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