The Grand East of the Netherlands

The Order of Freemasons under the Grand East of the Netherlands is the national body to which our lodges belong. The lodges form its core, while the Order provides continuity, coordination and representation.

The Order was founded in 1756, when ten lodges united to form a national grand lodge. Since then, it has provided the organisational structure for Freemasonry in the Netherlands. When you join a lodge, you also become a member of the Order.

An international network

The Order forms part of an international network of recognised grand lodges. Freemasonry has no single worldwide governing body; instead, it is organised through independent grand lodges, many of which recognise one another and maintain formal relations.

The Grand East of the Netherlands has such relations with grand lodges in many countries. As a Freemason, you are therefore connected not only to your own lodge and to the Order, but also to a worldwide Masonic community.

Lodges in the Netherlands and abroad

Most of the Order’s lodges are located in the Netherlands, but its reach extends beyond Europe. Lodges in several overseas regions are grouped into provincial grand lodges, which coordinate their activities within their respective territories.

There are currently provincial grand lodges in Suriname, the Caribbean and Zimbabwe. A lodge in Thailand falls directly under the authority of the Order.

All these lodges work within the same Masonic tradition as those in the Netherlands, while reflecting the local context in which they operate.