THE MASONIC LODGES IN MEXICO: APPEARANCE AND NEWS - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2024

The Masonic lodges in Mexico have been closely related to the political life of the country, especially since its struggle for independence and in the decades that followed. Although it is difficult to verify it due to the secrecy of these organizations, experts point out that many of the protagonists of Mexican public life at that time belonged to some lodge.

Freemasonry is an organization that appeared in Europe at the end of the 17th century or, rather, there are several organizations, since there are many currents. They are based on the idea of ​​brotherhood and the search for truth and claim to be descended from the medieval masons guilds.

The lodges closest to the esoteric vision indicate that its origin is even more distant, since they place it at the time of the construction of the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem.

Appearance of the Masonic lodges in Mexico

It was the emigrants and French soldiers who brought the ideas of Freemasonry to Mexico at the end of the 18th century, although at that time they were harshly repressed by the ecclesiastical authorities.

When independence was declared, in 1821 the lodges that had been secretly founded began to come to light. In fact, scholars agree that the country's first ruler, Emperor Agustín de Iturbide, was a Freemason, as well as some of the most important figures of the time.

In those early years, one can speak of three important lodges, each with different particularities and political ideas.

The York Rite

Founded in the United States, it was brought to Mexico by the American minister appointed to deal with the new country, Joel R. Poinsett.

He has been accused of seeking to favor the interests of the United States in Mexico, although there are those who disagree with that opinion.

In any case, the ideas of this rite were liberal and federalist. In their fight against the other great important rite of the time, the Scottish, they position themselves in the fight for the republic, equality and freedom, drawing inspiration from American institutions.

Among the most prominent characters that were part of this rite are Santa Anna and Benito Juárez.

The Scottish Lodge

It is the one that gives rise to the Conservative Party. The first president, Iturbide, was a member of this rite. Mainly its members were Creoles and advocated the division of powers.

They were supporters of capitalism, but with a certain intervention on the part of the State that favored the owners and merchants. They were centralists and, at times, supported the establishment of a monarchy.

Mexican National Rite

This Rite, first established as properly Mexican in 1825, sought to unify the different lodges and end foreign influence in the country's Freemasonry.

However, it did not fully achieve its purpose and, for years, there were armed clashes between supporters of the different currents.

In fact, this caused Nicolás Bravo, president of the nation and a member of the Scottish Rite, to ban all secret societies for a time, a movement that is interpreted as a reaction to the influence that rival rites were acquiring.

Benito Juárez, after leaving the York rite, was the most illustrious person who belonged to the Mexican National.

Freemasonry today

It is estimated that in the 80s of the last century there were up to 24 different lodges in Mexico. Among them, the three rites mentioned above remain the most important.

In addition, there are active traditions such as the French or Modern Rite, the Great Primitive Scottish Rite or the Great Mexican United Lodge of Veracruz.

Famous Mexican Masons

Apart from those already mentioned above and always with caution, since there is no confirmation that some of them were really Freemasons (the very characteristic of secrecy makes verification difficult), these are some famous Mexicans who belonged to Freemasonry.

• Plutarco Elías Calles
• Lazaro Cardenas
• Miguel Aleman Valdes
• Mario Moreno (Cantinflas)

Articles of interest

Scottish Lodge.

Yorkine Lodge.

References

1. Vázquez Semadeni, María Eugenia. The Masonic obediences of the York Rite as centers of political action, Mexico, 1825-1830. Recovered from scielo.org.mx
2. Mexican National Rite. The History of Freemasonry in Mexico. Obtained from ritonacionalmexicano.org
3. Durnan, Michael. Masonic Mexico. Retrieved from reginamag.com
4. Ingram, Peter. Early Mexican Freemasonry: A Confused Chapter in Our History. Retrieved from skirret.com
5. Heritage History. Mexican Masonry And Mexican Clericalism. Retrieved from heritage-history.com