The International Development Scheme aims to support the re-establishment of Freemasonry in former Soviet bloc and Yugoslavian countries, where Masonic activities were suppressed for decades. The initiative recognizes the revival of Freemasonry in these regions, where new lodges emerge from a historical void left by Nazi and Communist oppression. The Internet Lodge seeks to provide assistance to these fledgling lodges, fostering independent Masonic communities and enhancing international relationships among brethren and lodges. The document includes a specific example of support provided to Wolnosc Odzyskana (Freedom Restored) Lodge No 10 in Poland, illustrating the practical impact of the scheme. It features a letter of thanks from the Polish lodge and an article by John Belton discussing the concept of Masonic recycling. The scheme emphasizes the importance of solidarity and collaboration in rebuilding Masonic heritage and community in these countries.
December 16th, 2025
February 10th, 2026
manual
uncategorized
A project to assist the re-establishment of Freemasonry In those now independent countries of the old Soviet bloc and Yugoslavia, there has been a welcome re-establishment, a re-birth, of freemasonry . This is a freemasonry that had lain dormant for many years, having been erased from the life of those countries during the long periods of first Nazi and then Communist oppression. During those years of oppression and subjugation many Masonic buildings were destroyed, together with their historic contents. Valuable furnishings and fittings and works of Masonic art were destroyed. When freemasonry was revived in those countries those new lodges were therefore starting from nothing; nothing that is except a strong and driving force present in good men who wanted to establish an independent freemasonry in their own country. The brethren of Internet Lodge therefore want to assist in this most worthy purpose. We want to provide help and support to those newly forming lodges and by so doing strengthen and encourage an emerging freemasonry in those countries. As a valuable by-product of such help and support we will further cement the good international relationships between countries, between brethren and between lodges, both Grand and constituent.
An explanation of the scheme. How it helped Wolnosc Odzyskana (Freedom Restored) Lodge No 10 in Poland. A Letter of Thanks from Wolnosc Odzyskana (Freedom Restored) Lodge No 10 in Poland. Read the story on the National Grand Lodge of Poland website. An Article by John Belton - Wolnosc Odzyskana A case for Masonic Recycling reproduced by kind permission of the editor of "The Square"