The story I am presenting today is one of inspiration and courage in the face of extreme adversity
and danger. It is a tale of a small group of brave Belgian Freemasons who aimed to maintain
their commitment to Masonic principles and dignity in an environment where severe
punishment, or even death, was the likely result of their actions if they were discovered.
It is the story of a Lodge established by political prisoners in a Nazi prison camp on 15 November 1943.
The Lodge was named Liberte Cherie, or Cherished Liberty and was organised in the
Esterwegen prison camp. The Lodge only operated until early 1944, but its legacy has existed to
this day by being officially recognised by the Grand Orient of Belgian as a regular lodge within
its jurisdiction and with a memorial, in memory of those Freemasons who took a stand for liberty
and freedom being established on the camp site.
Title
2016 - LODGE LIBERTY CHERIE - The Story of a Masonic Lodge Established in a Prison Camp during World War II - Robert Brennand.
