AASR in Latvia

Freemasonry in the higher degrees is a new chapter in Latvian Masonic history. Significant Freemanson lodges were active in what is now Latvia in the mid 18th century, but the first lodges of higher degrees appeared in the beginning of the 21st century.

2004. LODGE OF PERFECTION AND CHAPTER OF ROSE CROIX

The first Latvian lodge of higher degrees is opened and is under the jurisdiction of the SC for Germany. The name "Clavis Rigensis" echos the name of the lodge of Perfection in Bremen "Clavis Insignis" where the first Latvian lodges of higher degrees originated. Both lodges have promised close cooperation even as each is under the jurisdiction of it's national Supreme Council.At the same time as „Clavis Rigensis”, Chapter of Rose Croix „Templa pils” (The castle of the Temple) was opened.

2005. AREOPAGUS

The Areopagus „Garlieb Hellwig Merkel” is installed in Riga. G.H. Merkel (1769 – 1860) had significant impact as a priest and social activist who was an activist for humanitarian causes and against serfdom. The new Areopagus operates under the jurisdiction of SC for Germany.

2006. CONSISTORY

The Consistory „Johann Gottfried Herder” is installed in Riga. The well known German philosopher and writer J.G.Herder (1769 - 1803) lived in Riga five years. As he himself states, those were the years he felt as free as never before. In Riga, Herder joined Freemasonry. Later, Herder played a significant role in J.V. Goethe's joining Freemasonry.

2007. SUPREME COUNCIL

On October 13th, in Riga, the Supreme Council for Latvia is inaugurated. All four valleys of higher degrees move to the jurisdiction of the Supreme Council for Latvia.