Illustration photographique de la franc maçonnerie francaise.

La franc maçonnerie est une association international comprennant en France plus de 135 000 membres.

Stephane Lehr, humanist photoreporter rss feed send to a friend print this page administrate french

In the secret of the lodges - report

Freemasonry is a form of associative organization, practising initiation rituals relating to a masonic secret and to building skills.

Freemasonry first appeared in Scotland then in the UK, and describes itself, considering the times, the countries and the practices, as an “essentially philosophical and charitable association”, as “a system based on ethics and illustrated by symbols” or as an “ initiation order”. Organized as obediences since 1717 in London, Freemasonry termed as speculative...i.e philosophical makes reference to the past obligations of Freemasonry said to be operative, established by the builders society which erected cathedrals, among other monuments.

Using symbols and rituals, it confers an esoteric, dogmatic and progressive learning: It encourages its members to work for the progress of humanity, whilst leaving each member free to interpret the meaning of those words. Donating to charities is one of its missions. Its vocation is universal though its practises and methods of organization extremely vary according to the countries and periods It groups people in different countries all over the world, aiming at a better spiritual and moral life.

Photos taken in a masonic temple. Symbols are reprensented on the image, such as a skull, a square and a compass.Freemasonry is divided into several obediences over the world, the Grand Orient of France, the Grand Lodge of France, the Grand Feminine Lodge of France etc.Freemasons myths date the origin of the movement way back to the construction of Solomon’s temple. Historians believe that the first lodges appeared in Scotland in the 17 th century.Freemasonry is a form of associative organization, which recruits members on a voluntary basis, and practises initiation rites referring to a masonic secret and builders’skills.Freemasons gather in temples where the meetings called sessions, take place according to the ritual adopted by the workshop, the congregation or the obedience. Masons wear an apron and gloves.Freemasonry is an esoteric and initiation association, based on a kind of stoic philosophy, in their quest for truth, for a better mankind and society.Freemasonry is a form of associative oganization, which recruits members on a voluntary basis and practises initiation rituals referring to a masonic secret and to building skills.Freemasonry is a partly secretive association, a brethren using signs and symbols to recognize each other.Meeting of Freemasons at the Grand Orient de France in Paris. The Grand Orient de France (GODF) is the oldest Masonic organization in Continental Europe, founded in 1733.


Over the centuries it has established its own rituals and traditions, which were in contradiction with a considerable number of lodges. It has always been the object of much criticism and opposition, for variable reasons according to the times and countries.

Modern Freemasonry, said to be “speculative” in contradiction to that said “operative” has first appeared in the United Kingdom in the 17 th century.In France, Freemasonry was intriduced between 1720 and 1730. The first parisian lodge was founded in 1725: the Saint Thomas Lodge.Freemasons in their temples are surrounded by symbols.Freemasonry is a sort of associative organization which recruits its members for their own voluntary reasons and practises inititiation rituals referring to a masonic secret and building skills.

A masonic temple is a place where freemasons gather to celebrate their rituals in the course of what they call "the lodge work". They also have the possibility to work on mastering their own passions and emotions to have a sort of balanced perspective on life, as a symbolic and philosophical achievement.

The Grand Orient of France. A masonic temple where freemasons gather to celebrate their rituals during what they call sessions.The temple consists of a large rectangular room with no windows. Its object is to represent the world and outer space : Temple of the Grand Orient of France.Freemasons gather in temples, where the meetings, called sessions, take place according to the ritual adopted by the workshop, the congregagtion or the obedience: Temple of the Grand Orient of France.Freemasons gather in temples, where the meetings, called sessions, take place according to the ritual adopted by the workshop, the congregagtion or the obedience: Temple of the Grand Orient of France.Temple of the Grand Orient of France. Fresco on one of the walls.Temple of the Grand Orient of France. Fresco on one of the walls.In a temple, work on symbolic, philosophical, social or daily thinking, termed as architectural cuts or more commonly drawing boards. Temple of the Grand Orient of France.The lodges or workshops are the basis of Freemasonry, and are solely responsible for initiating new members. Temple of the Grand Orient of France.Temple of the Grand Orient of France. A lodge is managed by a person called Venerable Master, or Worshipful Master. These workshops are regrouped as obediencies.The temple’s decoration is also coded. One part stands firm, whereas others are moved or changed in terms of the session, the ritual and the masonic degree. Temple of the Grand Orient of France.Temple of the Grand Orient of France. A masonic temple is a gathering of freemasons to celebrate their rituals during what they call sessions.The masonic temples often reveal spectacular interiors, inspired by egyptian, assyrian, classical, and also modern art. Temple of the Grand Orient of France.

Bringing together

Over the centuries, Freemasonry has attracted many famous persons.

Writers, Rudyard Kipling ( Le livre de la Jungle), Eugene Leroy (Jacquou le croquant), Voltaire and Montesquieu. Musicians: Mozart, Louis Armstrong, Georges Brassens, Haydn and politicians: George Washington, Winston Churchill, as well as scientists: Benjamin Franklin (inventor of the lightning-conductor and statesman), Newton and also Baden Powell (boyscouts founder), french politicians, men and women, Leon Gambetta, Jules Ferry, who was the initiator of the legislation on state schools, Louise Michel, etc..

The masonic temple, is a place of peace and dialogue. Temple of the Grand Orient of France.Statue of Marianne in a masonic temple of the Grand Orient of France in Paris.The themes treated in a temple are quite varied and bear on society, mankind, philosophy, symbolism.. Temple of the Grand Orient of France.A temple is a place, where it is possible to have a balanced perspective on oneself and society, and achieve a symbolic and philosophical approach. Temple of the Grand Orient of France.In a temple, the principles of liberty, equality and fraternity are treated. Temple of the Grand Orient of France.In a temple, working upon what are called symbolic or philosophical boards. Temple of the Grand Orient of France.

Since 1860, state school, anticlerical policy, become the main themes defended by Freemasonry.

During World War 2, it was contested by the Vichy regime. Under the 5th Republic, it had some influence particularly on projects relating to contraception, abortion, and New Caledonia (Matignon agreements).

Every lst May, the freemasons meet in front of the Wall of Federates at the Pere Lachaise cemetery in Paris France. Sheafs of flowers are laid on the tombs of great men, such as Victor Schoelcher known for his active role in bringing about the abolition of slavery.

Every 1st May, the freemasons gather for a moment of meditation in front of the Wall of Federates at the Pere Lachaise graveyard.Since years, at the instigation of the Grand Orient of France, freemasons from all obediences traditionally go on May 1st, to the Wall of Federates in memory of the “Commune de Paris,” (City of Paris)Freemasons were present during the events of the “Commune”. Many of them took part in the two camps, the “communards” (the commoners) clearly outnumbering the “versaillais”(aristocrats).At the Wall of Federates, the freemasons sing “Le Temps des Cerises” which is considered as the general anthem of the “commune” whistled by the “communards” on the barricades.Every 1st May, freemasons gather for a moment of meditation at the Wall of Federates in the Pere Lachaise graveyard.Important public demonstrations in Paris to defend the law on state schools. Laicity is one of the fundementals of democracy based on the separation of state and religion.Important public demonstrations in Paris to defend the law on state schools. Laicity is one of the fundementals of democracy based on the separation of state and religion.Two hundred freemasons, led by the Grand Orient of France, the most important of the nine freemasonry obediences in France, demonstrating in front of the National Assembly to defend laicity rights.Two hundred freemasons, led by the Grand Orient of France, the most important of the nine freemasonry obediences in France, demonstrating in front of the National Assembly to defend laicity rights.Mr. Laurent Fabius meeting with Mr. Jean Michel Quillardet, Great Master of the Grand Orient of France.Mr. François Bayrou meeting with Mr. Jean-Michel Quillardet, Great Master of the Grand Orient of France.Freemasons have presented a list of propositions to Mr Jean-Louis Debré, President of the National Assembly, aiming at defending laicity which they deem in danger.


Freemasonry is a universal movement with ethical and humanistic objectives, devoting itself to the progress of humanity, with an ideal of fraternity and solidarity.

Every 1st May, freemasons gather for a moment of meditation and deposits sheafs of flowers on the tombs of Great Men.Every 1st May, freemasons of the Grand Orient of France pay hommage to the martyrs of the “Commune de Paris” and to the freemasons who massively engaged to defend liberty.Freemasons gather for a moment of meditation in front of the Wall of Federates at the Pere Lachaise cemetery and pay hommage to the Great Men who fought to defend the “commune”.Pierre Lambicchi former Grand Master of the Grand Orient of France.

back to top

by Neuro-graph

© Stéphane Lehr - 17 rue de la liberté - 94300 Vincennes - France - tel: 06 62 05 70 30