Did you know? Masonic Philately

Sir George Cathcart No. 617

250th Anniversary of the Grand East of the Netherlands

(Grootoosten der Nederlanden)

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Netherlands Grand Lodge dates from 1756. making it one of the oldest in Europe. It has had a relatively tranquil development compared with other Continental Grand Lodges.

Prior to 1756, from 1734 Freemasonry was in the hands of a few Scottish and English warrants, but in December 1735 the government decided to ban Masonic activities,

The effects of this prohibition only lasted until 1744 and thereafter the Grand Lodge of Holland.

It is worthy of note that the Grand Lodge of Holland once controlled Belgian Lodges during the period (1815-1830) when Belgium was part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The peaceful development of Dutch Masonry was interrupted by W.W.11, which saw all lodges closed and its members persecuted, (Many were arrested simply for being freemasons, never to be seen again)

A rapid recovery was made after the wars end and The Grand Lodge of Holland has warranted many lodges outside of Holland.

 

Stamp Issued:- 6th June 2006 S.G. No.2529

 

P.S. This stamp was issued as one of a set of five after a Public poll to determine their most popular subjects!

I wonder how we would rank in a similar U.K. poll?