Who are we ?
In 1889 the lodge Marnix van Sint-Aldegonde was established in Antwerp. It was an era when an increasing number of people sought to emancipate themselves from an overly patronising church. The lodge took its name from Philips of Marnix, Lord of Saint-Aldegonde, 16th century calvinist writer, mayor of Antwerp, advisor to William of Orange, and fierce critic of the power of and the abuse by the then Roman clergy.
What happens in the Temple ?
Our labour has a rational, a spiritual as well as an emotional dimension.
The rational dimension is realised through the sharing of knowledge during presentations by Freemasons of very diverse backgrounds, where there is always room for all well-considered and substanciated opnion. Still, every participant is called upon for never ending self-study and introspection.
Spirituality is found in an impressive scala of centuries-old inspiring symbols and ritual acts, that evoke and make palpable, the fundamental values of humanity. This requires attendees to open up to wonder and doubt.
Freemasons also experience emotion in their labour. Close brotherly ties as well as the discretion of the lodge, offer a unique trust that allows sharing sincere opinions, impressions and experiences, and dealing with differences. Such a trust is not easily found in the world outside the Temple.
After all, whatever is shared inside the Temple stays inside the Temple.
This Temple can be visited during open-monument days.
Like to get to know us ?
Are you male or do you identify as such ? Are you in search of knowledge, not least about yourself ? Do you like to look beyond the obvious, the tangible, the concrete ? Are you stimulated by symbolism and ritual, but equally by confrontation with the insights of others in an atmosphere of brotherhood, mutual respect and tolerance ? And do you not need GDPR-regulations to be able to see the value of privacy and discretion ?
Then in our lodge you may possibly find inspiration and companions for your quest.