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The Icelandic Order of
Freemasons Grand Lodge of Iceland Introduction |
| Freemasonry in Iceland began in 1913 when a
"society of brothers", Edda, was established, in Reykjavik. Then, in 1918 Edda became a lodge of
instruction. A year later, on the 6th
of January 1919, it became a fully warranted lodge. Since
then, a total of eleven warranted lodges and six lodges of instruction have been
established. Icelandic Freemasonry was under the jurisdiction of the The National Grand
Lodge of Denmark (Den Danske Frimurerorden) until 1951 when the Danish Grand Master
constituted the Grand Lodge of Iceland as a sovereign Order which has a total membership
of 2,900 as of the 30th of June, 1998. Icelandic Freemasonry operates according to the
Swedish Rite which is the dominant system in four of the Nordic countries and to some
extent in Finland and Germany. It consists of
eleven degrees, all of which are considered a part of Freemasonry. This system differs
considerably from those used in English-speaking countries. However, there are common
characteristics which make a visit to an Icelandic lodge meeting interesting and most
worthwhile. Masonic visitors from abroad belonging to Masonic Grand Lodges recognized by the Icelandic Order of Freemasons are cordially invited to participate in lodge meetings as they wish. A dark suit, white shirt and a conservative tie is recommended and masonic regalia are desirable but not required. Visitors will be asked to identify themselves with papers from their home lodge and in a Masonic manner. Information on meetings of individual lodges and contacts with telephone numbers are to be found on this homepage. It is recommended that you call ahead if you wish to attend. Brothers will be pleased to assist you in finding a suitable lodge meeting. |
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