Grand Lodge Alpina of Switzerland

The Grand Lodge was founded in 1844[2]. At the time of the foundation there were said to be around 30 masonic lodges operating in Switzerland.[3]

The right-wing Swiss Army colonel Arthur Fonjallaz attempted to orchestrate a legal ban on Freemasonry (and other societies) in the 1930s, apparently in sympathy with bans introduced by Hitler's Germany and Mussolini's Italy at that period. The attempted ban was rejected by the Swiss people in 1937.[3]

In 2008 the Grand Lodge listed 4,000 members in 83 lodges under its jurisdiction.[4] It has since consecrated 3 further lodges, taking the total to 86.[5]

In 2009 the Grand Lodge Alpina adopted an official position on women's freemasonry. In common with the United Grand Lodge of England, and many other regular masonic jurisdictions, Grand Lodge Alpina encourages its members and its lodges to cooperate with women's masonic lodges in social events and charitable endeavours, but maintains entirely separate organisation and ceremonial, with no inter-visitation between formal meeting of male and female lodges.[6]

The Grand Lodge Alpina is recognised by the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE).[7][8] UGLE recognition is a significant indicator of a Regular Masonic jurisdiction. Although traditionally linked to the more liberal Continental Freemasonry of the Grand Orient de France, Alpina became closer to the United Grand Lodge of England after World War II, leading to official recognition. As a result, some liberal members left the Grand Lodge, and ultimately set up the rival Grand Orient de Suisse.[9]

Many members of the Grand Lodge Alpina also belong to the Helvetica Lodge No 4894 (UGLE) in London, which exists to serve Swiss freemasons in England, and to cement Anglo-Swiss relations.[10]

• Official website