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Fraternal Visit to the Freemasons Lodge Archimedes zu den drei Reißbretern
Altenburg, Germany

(By Bro. Vincent Lombardo, September 9, 2015)

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The Archimedes zu den drei Reißbretern Logenhaus in Altenburg, known as the Freemasons Lodge.   A detailed history of this Lodge and of its Temple (Logenhaus) will soon be published on this website and linked to this page.

Tag des offenen Denkmals [Heritage Day] - The building is designated as a National Monument

On the Pediment, Archimedes' noli turbare circulos [Do not disturb my circles]

Plaques at the front of the building

Designed and constructed by the Duke's Master Builder Heinrich Wilhelm Schmidt*

In Remembrance

From April 14 to 29, 1813 Altenburg was the headquarters of the allied Prussians and Russians fighting against Napoleon.   In honor of the lodge brethren Blücher, Scharnhorst, Gneisenau and Ribbentrop present during their stay in April 1813, the Lodge in Altenburg hosted a Feast and Table Lodge here in the Logenhaus.*

In August 1813, [the Prussians and Russians Allies no longer there] Napoleon was celebrated, with 400 Frenchmen attending a Ball in the Logenhaus.   This magnificent building, with its vast grounds, gardens, and summer dining hall (below) has had, in addition to the events reported above, a troubled and varied history, housing at various times, after the decision to shut down the lodge's assemblies in the presence of two Gestapo officers in 1935, the Hitler Youth, the headquarters of one occupying Russian army division, and a school for girls during the Deutsche Demokratische Republik (DDR or East Germany) era.   In 1992, two years after the reunification of Germany, the German Grand Lodge AF&AM successful endeavored to recoup the Logenhaus in Altenburg for Freemasonry. The Grand Lodge of AF&AM is currently the sole owner of this property, and Lodge Archimedes is just a tenant in the basement of this magnificent building.   Since 2002, the management company Olaf Dressel rents out the Logenhaus Altenburg for weddings, concerts, book readings, and other events.

Entrance to Lodge Archimedes on the back of the Logenhaus Altenburg

The Lodge Room — views of the North and East

Views of the South and West (with Martin and Sylvia)

At the "Gästeabend" held by Lodge Archimedes on September 9, 2015 Bro. Peter Kriesel, a Past Master, presented a paper on Faith or knowledge - what can one hope for, using common sense? followed by an engaging exchange of opinions, in which all membersparticipated eagerly.

Invited to speak, our Bro. Vincent Lombardo disqualified himself from participating in the discussion, due to his limited ability in the spoken German language.   He did, however, submit that one has to tread with circumspection in relying in Faith, Knowledge, and Common Sense, as all three vary in time and place, whereas Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth, tempered by prudence and tolerance, are innate and immutable aspirations in the tribal human being, and offer a far greater hope.   That done, Vince took the opportunity to present to the W. Master the gifts he had brought to Lodge Archimedes on behalf of the brethren of Quinte St. Alban's Lodge.

(Left) Bro. Lombardo gives his own Past Master Jewel to the W. Master.   (Right) Bro. Kriesel translates for Vince the history of thatjewel and the circumstances by which it was awarded to him, and now permitted by our Lodge to be gifted to Lodge Archimedes.

Also presented is the written history of the Thornhill Masonic Hall, and a photo collage of its facilities

And two CDs containing the pictorial records of our activities in the Cuban Lodges.

The W. Master presents to Bro. Lombardo a Print of the Logenhaus

Brother Martin Woldt (IPM) welcomes Vince …

… giving him numerous gifts, including a Book on the History of Lodge Archimedes since its foundation in 1742 …

… and a bottle of a rare Premium Freemasons Kräuter Liquer,

which Vince promised would share with his Brethren in Quinte St. Alban's Lodge,

this September 28, at the upcoming meeting of the lodge.

On September 28

Ein Prosit — Zum Wohl der Brüder von Loge Archimedes!

(A toast — to the prosperity of the Brethren of Lodge Archimedes!)