Here stands the Gran Logia de la Argentina de Libres y Aceptados Masones. It stands as a testament to Argentina’s rich Masonic history. Are you prepared to delve into the intriguing story of Freemasonry in Argentina?
Freemasonry’s influence in Argentina dates back to the 1850s. This was later than in Europe. But Freemasons were active earlier in the 19th century. They may not have been formally organized into lodges then.
The Gran Logia de la Argentina de Libres y Aceptados Masones formed December 11, 1857. It became the mother organization for other grand lodges in the country. Dr. Jos Roque Prez was its first Grand Master. He had served as an official under Rosas. He was a federalist.
The Gran Logia gave structure to existing lodges. It united those in Buenos Aires. It linked them with those in other parts of the country. The lodges Uni del Plata, Confraternidad Argentina and others made a pact. They chose Dr. Jos Roque Prez as Grand Master. He was a jurist, diplomat, philanthropist and humanist. Prez and other brethren died helping the sick during a yellow fever epidemic.
The Gran Logia de la Argentina de Libres y Aceptados Masones saw division and regrouping. Various splits and reformations occurred over time. These included the Gran Oriente Argentino del Rito Azul in 1902. Also, the Gran Oriente del Rito Argentino in 1904.
Buenos Aires saw a surge in lodges amid a climate of fervent association. Many associations emerged after 1852. Freemasonry and related institutions rose to prominence. They became important in the public sphere. Early lodges were made up of foreign artisans. Later, local elites joined. “La Amie de Naufrags” was the first lodge. It was established in 1850 after a French ship wrecked. No Argentinians were part of it. In 1854, immigrants formed “Excelsior N 617”. Argentinians did not participate in it either. In 1856, Argentinians created “Uni del Plata”.
By 1862, more lodges appeared across the country. Merchants, officials and intellectuals were drawn to them. Initially, all lodges reported to the Gran Oriente of Uruguay. Freemasonry developed earlier there. Gonzalez Bernaldo says that Brazil introduced Freemasonry. From there, it spread to Uruguay by 1854. The Supremo Consejo y Gran Oriente de la Repblica del Uruguay was created in 1855.
The Gran Logia de la Argentina de Libres y Aceptados Masones was formed in Buenos Aires in 1857. It united the main lodges of the time. These included Confraternidad Argentina, Consuelo del Infortunio and others. Roque Prez was elected Grand Master. He held the position until 1861. He later held it from 1864 to 1867.
Freemasonry retained influence until the 1890s. This was due to many lodges and changing urban social habits. Liberal groups embraced it. It attracted the ruling classes. It became a way to affirm political and socioeconomic ties.
The Gran Logia’s early years saw divisions and regroupings. The division between the blue and Scottish rites caused internal crisis. This led to new groups forming. In 1898, some Masons founded the Gran Logia Nacional Argentina. They claimed to truly represent the ancient Scottish rite.
In 1902, twelve lodges formed the Gran Oriente Argentino del Rito Azul. They dissented from the ancient Scottish rite. Enrique Howard was chosen as Grand Master. The rise of the blue rite marked a major crisis in Freemasonry. Until then, the Gran Oriente y Supremo Consejo was the most important center. It had around one hundred lodges. These lodges had about two thousand active Masons.
The Gran Logia de la Argentina de Libres y Aceptados Masones building stands before you. It has witnessed years of Freemasonry’s complex journey in Argentina. It reflects both unity and division. It stands as a symbol of philosophical and philanthropic pursuits. It embodies a progressive and secular approach.