Czar Alexander I

The once-honored Brother who twice banned Freemasonry: Alexander I (1777-1825) Czar of Russia was a member of Canongate Kilwinning Lodge of Edinburgh, Scotland and a member of the Polish Grand Orient.  Polish Masons gave a banquet in his honor in 1815, and Alexander was a generous donor to the group.  Previously, upon becoming Czar in 1801, he almost immediately banned Freemasonry.  However, Johann Boeber, who later was Grand Master of Russia, convinced him of the good works of Freemasonry.  Alexander not only rescinded his ban, but also became a member.  Then, over 20 years later, he again became suspicious of Freemasonry and banned it for a second time August 1, 1822.