Corby Masons Go Dutch Monday 23 April 2012 saw eight members of the Lodge of Unity No 9495 visit Lodge Sint Ludewijk No 3 in Nijmegen, Holland. In 2010 Bro Andre Swartjes from Nijmegen was Initiated into the Lodge of Unity but knew nothing about Freemasonary in Holland or his home town. As a result of Bro Andre making contact with Lodge Sint Ludewijk seven Brethren and their wives travelled to Holland to visit Andre and his family and to accompany him to this Dutch Lodge.
(l to r) W Bro H Twelvetree, W Bro D Stewart, Bro Matt McKinna, W Bro R Stone WM Rogier Crijns, Bro A Swartjes, W Bro J Hider, W Bro A Nairn & W Bro B Glover
The welcome we received was overwhelming. Andre was reunited with several of the Brethren he already knew, one being an extended family member. Each had no idea the others were Masons. A young local politician was Initiated in a fascinating ceremony which bore little resemblance to our own ritual but was conducted with great sincerity and to a exceptionally high standard. The visitors were particularly surprised that the ceremony concluded with a recording of ‘Abide with Me’ sung by Mahalia Jackson and ‘Here comes the Sun’ by the Beatles. Many new friendships were formed and all present hoped the visit would be repeated.
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