Preserving the Egyptian Masonic Tradition: Twenty Years of Memphis in the Dominican Republic
One aspect of Freemasonry that often receives little attention in the English-speaking world is the continued existence of the Egyptian Masonic tradition, particularly the Ancient and Primitive Rite of Memphis and the Memphis-Misraïm tradition.
In the Dominican Republic, this tradition has been continuously practiced for more than twenty years under the auspices of the Grand Lodge of the Dominican Republic.
The journey began in April 2003 with the consecration of Caballeros de Memphis Lodge No. 50, the first lodge in the country authorized to work the Ancient and Primitive Rite of Memphis. Since then, the lodge has remained continuously active, focusing on symbolism, Hermetic philosophy, and the initiatic approach traditionally associated with Egyptian Masonry.
In 2025, the project reached another milestone with the establishment of the Sovereign Sanctuary of Memphis-Misraïm for the Dominican Republic, providing a structured home for the philosophical degrees while Symbolic Masonry continues to be practiced under the authority of the Grand Lodge.
Rather than presenting this as an alternative to other Masonic systems, we see it as another expression of the rich diversity that has always existed within Freemasonry.
I'd be interested to hear from Brethren around the world:
- Are there active Memphis or Memphis-Misraïm bodies in your jurisdiction?
- How is Egyptian Masonry perceived where you live?
- Have you ever attended or studied one of its degrees or traditions?
I'd genuinely enjoy learning how this branch of Freemasonry has evolved in different countries and sharing experiences with Brethren from other jurisdictions.