A brief history
Freemasonry emerged in its modern form in Great Britain during the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. It drew on older traditions, symbols and practices associated with the stonemasons’ craft, but gradually developed into a society centred on personal development, fellowship and ritual.
In 1717, a grand lodge was established in London, marking an important stage in the development of modern Freemasonry. From Great Britain, lodges spread rapidly across Europe and beyond. They provided a setting in which people could meet across differences of profession, social background and belief. This was remarkable at a time when society was strongly divided by class, religion and politics.
Freemasonry in the Netherlands
Freemasonry also took root early in the Dutch Republic. In 1734, the first lodge on Dutch soil was founded in The Hague. Further lodges were established in the years that followed, including in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Leiden.
In 1756, ten lodges united to form a national organisation: the forerunner of today’s Order of Freemasons under the Grand East of the Netherlands. This established an enduring organisational structure for Freemasonry in the Netherlands, one that continues to the present day.
Growth and consolidation
During the nineteenth century, Freemasonry in the Netherlands became more firmly established. Prince Frederik of the Netherlands, who served as Grand Master from 1816 to 1881, played an important role. Under his long leadership, the Order grew considerably and developed important organisational and cultural resources, including a library and collections that remain significant today.
Lodges under Dutch influence had already been established beyond Europe in the eighteenth century, including in Suriname, South Africa and the Dutch East Indies. During the nineteenth century, these networks expanded further and became more firmly organised.
Banned, but not broken
The twentieth century brought profound upheaval. During the German occupation in the Second World War, Freemasonry was banned in the Netherlands. Lodge buildings were closed, archives and collections were confiscated, and members were persecuted. Grand Master Hermannus van Tongeren was arrested and died in Sachsenhausen concentration camp in 1941.
After 1945, a period of recovery began. Lodges resumed their activities and the organisation was rebuilt. Some of the archives and collections looted during the war were later recovered and returned.
A living tradition
Over the course of three centuries, Freemasonry has adapted to changing circumstances. Its forms have developed over time, but its underlying principles remain recognisable: personal development, fellowship and respect for differing beliefs.
Freemasonry remains a living tradition. Lodges provide space for members to meet, exchange experiences and reflect on questions of meaning. At a time of rapid change and diverging opinions, they continue to offer room for conversation, reflection and personal development.