Initiation in Afghanistan

Masonry is spread over the whole habitable globe, say our ceremonies. And that was perhaps true when they were written. Since that time a couple of centuries ago, the light of the fraternity has been snuffed out in some parts of that globe by those who don’t believe in the principles of the Craft, especially that a man has the right to worship our Creator according to the dictates of his own conscience.

Some time ago, a Lodge was warranted by one of the Canadian jurisdictions to act like one of the military Lodges of old. It is currently in Afghanistan, where Canadian soldiers have been stationed for several years.

A brother from Victoria-Columbia No. 1 (British Columbia & Yukon) has visited the Lodge and witnessed an historic event. He files this report:

Canada Lodge held our first Ceremonies of Initiation on the evening of October 7, 2010 here at Kandahar Air Field.

Two brothers were initiated. As you can see from the photos, our lodge is now beautifully furnished thanks to the generosity of the brethren from back home. Due to operational requirements we did not (all who had parts) have the chance (though try we did) to do a complete run through before the big night. If I may say so myself, the ceremony was done as well as any I have seen back home (in my limited masonic experience, mind you). All of the parts came together seamlessly and it was quite evident that all of the brethren had put their heart and soul into the perfection of their work. I am truly honoured to have been a part of this historic masonic event.

Our evening ended with a truly Afghan flavour as we were posing for photographs we came under rocket attack and had to hit the floor.

If you would like to see some photos taken after the event, check them out by clicking here.

Best wishes to our new Entered Apprentice Freemasons after a ceremony they will never forget, for more reasons than one. For they have helped add Masonry to another part of our habitable globe.