Monday 23 April 2012 saw eight members of the Lodge of Unity No 9495 visited Lodge Sint Ludewijk No 3 in Nijmegen, Holland.
In 2010 Bro Andre Swartjes from Nijmegen was Initiated into the Lodge of Unity but knew nothing about Freemasonary in Holland or his home town. As a result of him contacting Lodge Sint Ludewijk, the Corby Brethren and their wives travelled to Holland to visit Andre and his family and to accompany him to this Dutch Lodge.
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(l to r) WBro H Twelvetree, WBro D Stewart, Bro Matt McKinna, WBro R Stone |
The welcome we received was overwhelming and Andre was reunited with several of the Brethren he already knew, one being an extended family member. Each had no idea the others where Masons.
A young local politician was Initiated in a fascinating ceremony which bore little resemblance to our own ritual but was conducted with great sincerity and to a exceptionally high standard. The visitors were particularly surprised that the ceremony concluded with a recording of 'Abide with Me' sung by Mahalia Jackson and 'Here comes the Sun' by the Beatles.
Many new friendships were formed and all present hoped the visit would be repeated. On behalf of the Lodge of Unity, W Bro Andy Nairn presented to the WM, Rogier Crijns, and the Brethren of Sint Ludewijk a set of hand made gavels. WBro John Hider sincerely thanked all the Brethren for what was a most enjoyable evening for the visiting Brethren.
On returning to their hotel, the visitors discovered the proprietor was also a Mason and a Scottish Assistant Provincial Grand Master was also a guest at the hotel.
The Dutch Government fell that evening in a budget crisis which served to remind us that in Masonry as in other aspects of life we are all in it together.