Did you know? Masonic Philately

Sir George Cathcart No. 617

Jean Julius Christian Sibelius. (1865–1957)

Finnish Composer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Born in Hameelinna when modern Finland was a Province of Tzarist Russia

He learned to play the violin and studied Law and Classics at Helsinki University

His works include nationalistic symphonic poems such as En saga 1893 and Finlandia 1900, a violin concerto 1904, and seven symphonies.

 

He studied the violin and composition at Helsinki and went on to Berlin and Vienna. In 1940 he abruptly ceased composing and spent the rest of his life as a recluse. Restoration of many works to their original state has helped to dispel his conservative image and reveal unexpectedly radical features.

 

Bro. Jean was a member of Lodge Soumi No.1 Finland.

Initiated:- 18th August 1922 he was also Passed and Raised the same day, in a ceremony which started at 10am and finished at 7pm with an interval of one hour for lunch!

this Lodge worked under a warrant from The Grand Lodge of New York until 1924 when it was given independence.

When Grand Lodge of Finland was formed in 1924 he became Grand Organist, which position he held throughout his life, and wrote background music for use in Masonic ceremonies.

He received a Medal from the Grand Lodge of New York for Masonic Achievement.

When he died in 1957 at the age of 91 he was given a State Funeral

 

Stamps Issued: -

 

                         Finland 1945 S.G. No. 411                                 

                                      1957 S.G. No. 584

                                        1965 S.G. No. 234