Lot 401

Description

Republic of Vietnam, Long Binh Post Square And Compass Club, 1970s, in cupro nickel (41mm), obverse, the Masonic symbol of a square and compass with G in between, reverse inscribed, 'To/Wor Bro J.E.Hodge/From/VW Bro Occhiuzzo/President'. Reverse with scratches, otherwise very fine.

Masonic Square and Compass Clubs had been formed in Manila during WWII. After American military advisors began arriving in Vietnam in 1955-56 any American military and civilian personnel wanting to join the 'Craft' were referred to Biak Na Bato Lodge No 7 Free and Accepted Masons in Manila. To overcome this difficult situation, on 4 December 1966, a group of Master Masons belonging to various different Grand Lodges sent a petition to the Grand Lodge of the Philippines, requesting a dispensation to form a Craft Lodge at Saigon. On the 4 January 1967, this dispensation was granted. The Lodge was approved by Grand Communication on 23 April 1969, and on the 6 June 1969, constituted as Saigon No 188 Free & Accepted Masons, Saigon and the Republic of South Vietnam. The general membership consisted mostly of American and Filipino workers employed by the many construction companies. Soon there were numerous Masonic organisations all over Vietnam including the Square and Compass Clubs.