The History of Traveling Lodges
In 2025, by Decree of the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Kazakhstan, the Worshipful Lodge "United Nomadic Brothers" №3 was solemnly granted the status of a Traveling Lodge.
From that moment forward, the Lodge is obliged to hold no fewer than four Regular Meetings per year outside the Republic of Kazakhstan, within the jurisdictions of Grand Lodges in mutual recognition with the Grand Lodge of Kazakhstan.
This honor reflects our mission: to carry Light beyond borders, to unite Brethren across nations, in Ritual, Wisdom, and Understanding.
The Masonic Tradition of Travel
The history of Traveling Lodges lies at the heart of the Masonic journey — rooted in military, diplomatic, missionary, and esoteric traditions.
Military Traveling Lodges
In the 18th century, officers of the British Army, being Freemasons, received Traveling Warrants, allowing them to open Lodges wherever duty called:
- in India, where Freemasonry fostered cultural exchange;
- in the Caribbean, where Lodges were even held aboard ships;
- in North America, where they laid the foundation of future Grand Lodges in the United States and Canada.
Lodge №218 under the Irish Constitution, founded in 1755, is one of the most renowned examples — conducting Masonic Work across dozens of colonies and nations.
Lodge "Les Vrais Amis de l’Union" (Belgium)
During World War II, this Lodge conducted secret Meetings in exile, preserving Ritual and Fraternity amidst destruction, occupation, and spiritual crisis.
The American Canadian Grand Lodge (ACGL)
Still active today, the ACGL serves American and Canadian Brethren in Germany and beyond, conducting Ritual Work on military bases and diplomatic missions. Lodges such as "Friendship and Harmony," "Seven Hills," and "New Absalom" operate in five languages.
Notable Traveling Brethren
Prince Hall, African-American reformer, initiated in a British military Lodge in Boston, founded Prince Hall Masonry in the U.S.
General Lafayette, a French Mason, worked jointly with Brethren in Revolutionary America.
John Moultrie, American general and Freemason, founded military Lodges during the American War of Independence.
Edward Cornwallis, first governor of Nova Scotia, introduced Freemasonry to Canada in 1749.