Wisdom
In brotherly conversation we inform, orient and develop ourselves together – through reflection and critical self-enlightenment.
St John’s Lodge · Orient of Berlin · since 1907
The beauty of the soul is love.
We are a brotherhood of free men in the Orient of Berlin – united by humanity, freedom, brotherhood and tolerance. Get to know us at a guest evening.
- founded
- 1907
- Lodge no.
- 581a
- Member of the
- 3WK
What would you like to know?
Our principles
Wisdom, Beauty and Strength
When our lodge was founded, the brothers lit the three candles of Wisdom, Beauty and Strength. They guide us to this day.
Beauty
“The beauty of the soul is love.” Our motto shapes how we treat one another – in the brotherly chain of our St John’s lodge.
Strength
A chain of brothers who support one another – for over a century, even in the dark years between 1935 and 1945.
Humanity
Freedom
Equality
Brotherhood
Love of peace
Tolerance
Our motto
ψυχῆς κάλλος ἀγάπη ἐστίν
“The beauty of the soul is love.”
This motto appears in Greek script on our lodge’s historic seals of 1907. On the left, a mountain beneath clouds with an open book; on the right, a figure with a torch between roses and sun.
Draft text – the Greek wording and the interpretation of the symbols still need to be checked by the lodge.
For seekers
The path to us
Entering Freemasonry is a conscious step. We take our time – for you and for us.
Take the first step
Membership fee approx. €600 per year
AI illustration
Get in touch
Write to us or use the contact form. We will get back to you personally.
Attend guest evenings
Meet brothers, ask questions and get a feel for Freemasonry.
Getting to know each other
This process can take months. Both sides consider whether the shared path is right.
Admission
The members of the lodge decide by ballot – a secret vote with white and black balls.
History
From the Middle Ages to today
The history of Freemasonry and the history of our lodge – on a timeline. Swipe through the years.
-
Middle Ages
The stonemasons’ lodges
Stonemasons work in lodges on the great church buildings. Freemasonry develops from their customs.
-
1717
The first Grand Lodge
Four London lodges join together. Modern Freemasonry begins.
-
1723
Anderson’s Constitutions
The foundational work of Freemasonry is published.
-
1907
Our lodge is founded
19 June: nine brothers from Schöneberg found St John’s Lodge “Am Berge der Schönheit” in a flat in Belziger Straße.
-
1935
Ban and dissolution
The lodges are dissolved. A small circle keeps the bond alive as the “Stammtisch Gottwald”.
-
1946
A new beginning
First joint work of the united lodges in Eisenacher Straße.
-
1949
Lodge house in Steglitz
The first work in the new house at Ahornstraße 15a.
-
1958
Heerstraße 28
Move to today’s lodge house, together with the Grand Lodge.
-
Today
Open to seekers
A community that welcomes guests and lives its values.
The lodge house
A house for the brothers – and for guests
At the lodge house on Heerstraße, brothers, guests and families meet. The lodge holds its work here, and here we welcome you to guest evenings and public events.
- Address
- Heerstraße 28 · 14052 Berlin-Charlottenburg
- Rail
- S5, S75 – Heerstraße station · U2 – Theodor-Heuss-Platz (about 5 minutes on foot)
- Bus
- X34, X49, 149, 218, N49
- Car
- Parking right outside
Events
Dates & guest evenings
Guests and seekers are welcome at our guest evenings; brothers take part in the ritual work.
Thu, 12 November 2026
Guest evening
Guest evening
An open evening to get to know each other – with conversation, questions and answers.
Sat, 19 December 2026
Christmas celebration
Celebration
A convivial get-together – together with the families and friends of the lodge.
Frequently asked questions
What seekers want to know
Short, honest answers – in more detail in our articles on symbolism, ritual and history.
Is Freemasonry a religion?
No. Freemasonry is not a religion, and lodges are not churches. Brothers may belong to different denominations; Freemasonry knows no dogmas and leaves room for individual convictions.
What is the lodge for?
The lodge is a place of brotherly encounter, a centre of intellectual work and a place of reflection – and of confidential rituals. It is also home to social life, with the women and families of the brothers.
What are rituals and customs?
Actions, words and music form a fixed order. The customs go back to the medieval stonemasons’ lodges; the main symbols are the Volume of the Sacred Law, the square and the compasses.
How do I become a Freemason?
It begins with getting to know each other at guest evenings. If both sides wish, the members of the lodge decide on admission by ballot.
Seeker?
Write to us – we look forward to hearing from you.
Are you interested in a guest evening or a public event? Brothers, seekers, guests and anyone interested are welcome.