From 14 to 16 October 2016, an important date in Serbian Freemasonry was marked in Belgrade — 140 years since the founding of the first Serbian Lodge “Svetlost Balkana” (16 October 1876). The aim of this Lodge’s work in Serbia was the spreading of the light of Freemasonry, support for the struggle for national liberation, charity and a deep devotion to its country.
The members of the Lodge “Svetlost Balkana” were distinguished professors of the Great School, politicians, industrialists, senior state officials, physicians, composers, merchants and painters (Mihajlo Valtrović, Svetomir Nikolajević, Emilijan Josimović, Jovan Đaja, Davičo Haim, Mićo Ljubibratić, Marko Polak, Jovan Zega, Draškoci Kornel, Petar Ubavkić, Đorđe Milovanović and others). They were learned and educated men, the elite of the Serbia of that time, who strove to bring Serbia into the modern currents of the coming 20th century. The Lodge enjoyed the support and assistance of the Grand Orient of Italy and its Grand Master Giuseppe Garibaldi — revolutionary, patriot and great Freemason of Italy.
When one reflects on the moment of its founding and the circumstances in which the Lodge “Svetlost Balkana” worked at the end of the 19th century, one cannot but feel admiration for the Brethren who belonged to it. They understood their duty as Freemasons as an obligation to spread, everywhere they found themselves, the light of freedom, charity and friendship among peoples. They proved and increased the radiance of that light by their personal example, by their readiness to help their country and every person in need of help, regardless of the personal sacrifices they had to bear.
The tradition and memory of this Lodge, of Giuseppe Garibaldi and his volunteers who fought in Serbia, is continued by the Lodge “Svetlost Balkana – Garibaldi”, which has worked since 30 June 1991 in Belgrade and is today under the protection of the Regular Grand Lodge of Serbia (RGLS).
This year’s celebration was attended by numerous guests from various countries and Obediences, and a particular honour was the presence and lecture of Mrs Annita Garibaldi (Jallet), great-granddaughter of the great Giuseppe Garibaldi.
The ceremonial working was also attended by numerous members of the Regular Grand Lodge of Serbia, led by the Grand Master Ranko Vujačić and the Honorary Grand Master of the RGLS, Brother Braco Ćeran, from the Grand Orient of Italy, one of the founders of the Lodge “Svetlost Balkana – Garibaldi”.
