Hungarian Countess Helene Hadik Barkoczy, sole heir of Count Johann Barkoczy, succeeded him upon his death. She inherited his extensive Masonic library and through it developed an intense interest in the fraternity. The countess sought admittance and using a bit of political influence, was initiated in 1875 in the Lodge Egyenloseg at Unghvar. Upon hearing of this, the Grand Orient of Hungary declared her membership a grave violation of its laws and on January 5, 1876 expelled the Deputy Master of the Lodge and had the names of the officers involved stricken from its roles. Other Lodge members were expelled for up to six months. The Grand Orient proclaimed any lodge admitting the Countess would be shut down, declared her initiation null and void and demanded the return of her certificate.
No comments:
Post a Comment