FREEMASONRY
IN GEORGIA
Exploring the Masonic Legacy: A Historical Journey of Freemasonry in Georgia
History of Freemasonry in Georgia and Consecration of the United Grand Lodge of Georgia.
Freemasonry has a historical presence spanning over two centuries in Georgia, the country. During the 19th century, masonic lodges were active in cities such as Kutaisi, Batumi, and Tbilisi. However, the Soviet occupation of Georgia in 1921 thwarted the development of a national and independent masonic jurisdiction in the country.
Following the restoration of Georgia's independence in 1991, Georgian freemasons, operating under various foreign masonic jurisdictions, embarked on a mission to introduce the principles of Freemasonry to the nation and lay the groundwork for the establishment of a Grand Lodge.
The modern history of regular Freemasonry in Georgia traces its origins back to May 7th, 6011 A.L., when the Grand Lodge of Armenia consecrated the Worshipful Lodge "Golden Fleece" No. 1 in the eastern part of Tbilisi. However, in 6013 A.L., three additional regular Grand Lodges played a significant role in spreading the light of Freemasonry in the country:
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On February 8th, 6013 A.L., the Grand Lodge of Russia consecrated the Worshipful Lodge "King David the Builder" No. 39 in the east of Tbilisi. On February 22nd, 6013 A.L., another Worshipful Lodge, "Saint Queen Tamar" No. 41, was consecrated under the auspices of the Grand Lodge of Russia.
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On February 20th, 6013 A.L., the Grand Lodge of Ukraine consecrated the Worshipful Lodge "Saint George" No. 10 in the eastern part of Tbilisi.
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On March 5th, 6013 A.L., the Grand Lodge of Turkey consecrated the Worshipful Lodge "Prometheus" No. 1004 in the eastern part of Batumi.
Although all four Grand Lodges held mutual recognition among each other (with the exception of the Grand Lodge of Armenia and the Grand Lodge of Turkey), there was a lack of common understanding or a coordinated plan for developing Freemasonry in Georgia. This complexity created challenges.
On October 26th, 6013 A.L., the Grand Lodge of Armenia consecrated another Worshipful Lodge, "Tbilisi" No. 10, in the eastern part of Tbilisi.
The Grand Lodge of Ukraine consecrated three additional Worshipful Lodges:
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WL "Ilia Martali" No. 12 in the east of Tbilisi on February 8th, 6015 A.L.
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WL "Vazi" No. 13 in the east of Tbilisi on August 13th, 6015 A.L.
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WL "Uplistsikhe" No. 14 in the east of Tbilisi on May 2nd, 6016 A.L.
On May 28th, 6016 A.L., the Grand Lodge of Ukraine consecrated a District Grand Lodge in Georgia.
On March 14th, 6015 A.L., the Grand Lodge of Russia consecrated another Worshipful Lodge, "George V the Brilliant" No. 48, in the eastern part of Tbilisi and the following day conducted the consecration ceremony for the Grand Lodge of Georgia.
The Grand Lodge of Georgia consecrated three more Worshipful Lodges subsequently:
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WL "A. Griboedov" No. 4 in the east of Mtskheta on June 19th, 6015 A.L.
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WL "Mozart" No. 5 in the east of Tbilisi on January 1st, 6016 A.L.
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WL "Knights of Light" No. 6 in the east of Tbilisi on February 15th, 6016 A.L.
Grand Lodges of Armenia, Turkey, and Ukraine did not recognize the Grand Lodge of Georgia, consecrated by the Grand Lodge of Russia, and continued their activities on the territory of Georgia.
By the autumn of 6016 A.L., the following Masonic structures were established in the territory of Georgia:
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Grand Lodge of Georgia (recognized by the Grand Lodge of Russia, Grand Lodge of the Republic of Venezuela, and Grand Lodge of Greece), overseeing six Worshipful Lodges.
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District Grand Lodge of Georgia under the auspices of the Grand Lodge of Ukraine, supervising four Worshipful Lodges.
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Two Worshipful Lodges under the auspices of the Grand Lodge of Armenia.
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One Worshipful Lodge under the auspices of the Grand Lodge of Turkey.
Cologne Meeting
Considering the intricate circumstances in Georgia, on October 28th, 6016 A.L., the Grand Master of the United Grand Lodges of Germany orchestrated a gathering in Cologne. This assembly was attended by representatives from all Grand Lodges operating within Georgia, including the Grand Lodge of Armenia, Grand Lodge of Russia, Grand Lodge of Turkey, and Grand Lodge of Ukraine.
Additionally, the meeting saw the presence of delegates from the following established Grand Lodges:
Following tense negotiations among the participants, the four Grand Lodges active in Georgia reached an accord. They agreed to consecrate the United Grand Lodge of Georgia, an entity that would unify all Worshipful Lodges operating within Georgia's borders and receive recognition from all four Grand Lodges. The consecration was scheduled for the year 2018 A.L., allowing ample time for the resolution of organizational matters and the negotiation of all pertinent details.
Consecration of the United Grand Lodge of Georgia.
On August 25th, 6018 A.L. the labour of consecration of United Grand Lodge of Georgia was held on the east of Tbilisi.
The gavel was held by Grand Master of United Grand Lodges of Germany. Grand Masters of Grand Orient of Netherlandsand National Grand Lodge of Poland were holding positions of Senior and Junior Wardens respectively.
Grand Masters of Grand Lodge of Armenia, Grand Lodge of Russia, Grand Lodge of Turkey, and Grand Lodge of Ukraine confirmed consecration of United Grand Lodge of Georgia. The relevant Charter was signed.
Grand Master of United Grand Lodge of Georgia was installed. Grand officers of newly consecrated Grand Lodge were nominated and installed (guaranteeing representation for all Worshipful Lodges).
Regular freemasonry is being developed on the territory of Georgia within United Grand Lodge of Georgia in peace and harmony, in strict observance of the principles of the Ancient Landmarks, customs and usages of the Craft.