A visit to a Hamburg lodge

03 September 25

By Bro Max Scheckenbach

I always try to visit or drive past Lodges whenever overseas, so that’s exactly what I did whilst in Hamburg, Germany in January this year.

I thought I would go and look at another lodge before leaving the Fatherland. After doing the usual tourist stuff here in Hamburg (seeing U434 – a Russian Uboat, buying more dust collectors, etc), it was time to walk to lodge ‘Zu den drei Rosen’. It is the fiftholdest lodge in Germany, dating back to 1770. As I walked I was distracted by a World War II Flak tower IV which I had to climb. After doing that the light was fading so I thought I had better get a move on. I was thinking it will be a terrible photo because it was getting dark, and the lads at Lodge will think I dropped by the pub and had a few steins, half a dozen pork knuckles and a barrel of sauerkraut on the way!

When I arrived at the lodge it was dark and raining. I took a couple of photos and thought I might get away with just that. But the lights were on and as they say ‘fortune favours the brave!’ , so I went in and was greeted by a young woman from the Italian restaurant. I asked if this was the Freemason lodge house and she said yes. I took some photos and she told me off and said no photos.

As I was leaving two men entered. I asked again if this was the Freemason lodge, and said I was a mason from Canberra, Australia – Lodge Ethos No 963. Their wariness changed. I explained who I was and they opened up. They greeted me well and showed me around their great lodge house. I was utterly amazed at it! Ten lodge rooms, a library, a separate lodge room for Third degree, the largest privately owned organ in Germany; the list went on. I am disappointed in myself for not trying to pre-organise a meeting as it is a great lodge building. My host Bjorn was so gracious in showing me the lodge house. If you are ever in Hamburg I can recommend lodge ‘Zu den drei Rosen’. The warmth and kindness shown to me was so great that I cannot convey it in words.

I hope you enjoy the photos.

Above: Flak tower IV, now home to a hotel with rooftop garden.

Inset and above – Hamburg Freemason lodge (or Loganhaus) – an ominous facade 
for a friendly and welcoming lodge!