This past week was truly remarkable. I spent several days in Baden-Baden attending the Joint Regional Conference for Council and Commandery. I landed in Frankfurt on Wednesday and, along with several other American Masons, made my way to Baden-Baden by train.
The spa city of Baden-Baden, nestled at the edge of Germany’s Black Forest, played host this year to a remarkable gathering of Cryptic Masons and Knights Templar from across Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The multi-day Joint Conference brought together Companions and Sir Knights from a wide range of jurisdictions, united by a shared commitment to strengthening and growing the York Rite of Freemasonry. As the Department Commander for Europe observed, “We are at a turning point in Europe for the York Rite of Freemasonry.” The events of the weekend proved him right.
Opening Sessions and a German First Degree
The Joint Conference opened Thursday morning with warm remarks from the Right Puissant Deputy General Grand Master for Europe and the Right Puissant Deputy General Grand Master. They were followed by the Right Eminent Department Commander for Europe and Africa and the Right Eminent Deputy Grand Master, who conveyed greetings on behalf of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar, U.S.A., and the Most Eminent Grand Master.
The Right Puissant Deputy General Grand Master for Europe then led an open forum that quickly became one of the most energizing portions of the day. Companions and Sir Knights expressed an enthusiastic desire to expand both the Cryptic Rite and Templary throughout Germany and the wider European jurisdictions. The questions reflected a spirit of optimism and hope for real, sustainable growth.
On Thursday afternoon, attendees visited Lodge Badenia for Progress (Freimaurerloge Badenia zum Fortschritt), working under the Grand Lodge of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Germany within the United Grand Lodges of Germany. The Lodge conferred the Entered Apprentice degree, providing American visitors with an opportunity to witness firsthand the nuanced differences of German Craft Masonry. I found it particularly interesting how the Wardens and Master take a notably active role in the floor work, especially during the opening and the conferral itself. Many aspects of the ritual bore a striking resemblance to Craft degrees found in the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Strict Observance Masonry, Martinism, and Rosicrucianism. The experience proved both educational and deeply fraternal.
The evening concluded with hearty fellowship over dinner at the historic Löwenbräu restaurant, a traditional Bavarian-style establishment located in the heart of the city.
A Day for the Cryptic Rite
Friday was devoted to the Cryptic Masons. The Lady of the Council Award was presented to the wife of a Past Grand Master (Cryptic Masons) from Brazil. Delegates also received information about the upcoming 2026 Triennial in Washington, D.C., followed by an open session for questions and concerns. These ranged across several practical issues unique to non-U.S. jurisdictions.
That afternoon, Northern Lights (Nordlicht) Council conferred the Cryptic degrees (Royal Master and Select Master) in German upon several worthy candidates. The Council’s new officers were then installed, and the General Grand Council formally instituted Harmony Council U.D. of Slovenia. The day concluded with dinner at the elegant Casino Baden-Baden.
The Department Conference
Saturday marked the Templar portion of the weekend. The Right Eminent Department Commander presided over the Department Conference for Europe and Africa. The Deputy Grand Master offered an opening prayer, roll call was taken, and, remarkably, every Grand Commander within the Department was present.
The central theme of the session was educational: providing European leaders with a clearer understanding of the structure and operations of the Grand Encampment. The Conference culminated in two important milestones: the presentation of a charter to the newly formed Grand Commandery of Serbia, and the granting of a dispensation to form a new Commandery in Germany, to be known as Nordstern (North Star).
While Grand Encampment officers delivered their presentations, the Orders of the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross and the Order of Malta were conferred upon fifteen candidates. Before lunch, the Chamber of Reflection was conducted, after which the candidates reassembled. One candidate, soon to be a Sir Knight, was presented with the Companion of the Temple (COT) in recognition of his outstanding service at the Conference and to Masonry at large.
After lunch, the Order of the Temple was conferred with a full cast. The Right Eminent Deputy Grand Master served as Eminent Commander; the Right Eminent Grand Captain General as Generalissimo; the Right Eminent Grand Recorder as Captain General; and a Most Eminent Past Grand Master as Prelate. The remaining offices were filled by Department Commanders and Past Grand Commanders. The ritual was executed beautifully and stood out as one of the highlights of the entire Conference for me.
Fellowship on the Mountain
On Sunday morning, several attendees enjoyed a hike up Mount Merkur, where we shared a well-earned meal accompanied by panoramic views of the Black Forest and the Rhine Valley. The mountain takes its name from the Roman god Mercury and reflects the region’s ancient heritage, as Roman settlers once used the area for its healing springs.
The summit and restaurant were accessible via the Merkur Funicular Railway, a 1,200-meter-long railway that climbs gradients of up to 54%.
International Representation
The General Grand Council of Cryptic Masons International and the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar, U.S.A., were represented by officers and members from Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Idaho, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Alabama, Montana, Texas, Louisiana, North Dakota, Georgia, and Hawaii. International attendees included Companions and Sir Knights from Germany, Portugal, Romania, Togo, Gabon, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Cyprus, Brazil, Austria, France, and Serbia.
A Turning Point
The Baden-Baden Joint Conference demonstrated a clear truth: York Rite Freemasonry in Europe is entering a new era. With renewed enthusiasm, emerging leadership, and expanding jurisdictions, the foundations are being laid for sustained and meaningful growth of the Order. The conversations, ritual exemplifications, and international cooperation of the weekend will undoubtedly influence the future of the Cryptic Rite and Templary across Europe and beyond. Baden-Baden may well be remembered as the place where this new chapter began.
No comments:
Post a Comment