Four Admission tickets for the Masonic lodge de Goede Hoop in Cape Town (c.1845)
These documents are mid-19th-century printed invitations and admission tickets for Masonic lodge events hosted by Loge de Goede Hoop in Cape Town, printed in Dutch.
Left-Hand Documents (St. Jan's / St. John's Celebrations)
Top Left — Invitation for St. Jan's Dag (1839)
Event: St. Jan's Dag (St. John's Day), a major annual Masonic feast day.
Text Details: Issued by the Master (M∴ R∴) and Officers of Loge de Goede Hoop to celebrate the feast day on Saturday the 22nd (June 1839). Temple work begins at 2 o'clock, followed by a banquet (Dine) at 5 o'clock. The subscription list was managed by Bro. M. Woeke (Ceremony Master).
Signatures/Names: Signed in print by M. A. van Schoor, Secretary (Sec.), dated June 13, 1839. Inscribed in manuscript at the bottom left for "Br. J. de Wet" (Brother J. de Wet).
Symbols: Features classic Masonic emblems at the top corners (square and compasses) and a central Eye of Providence / blazing sun motif.
Bottom Left — Ticket to a Festive Meal (Anno Lucis 5845 / AD 1845)
Event: Toegangs Bewys tot den Maaltyd (Admission Ticket to the Banquet) on the occasion of the Sint Johannes- & Jubel-Feest (St. John's and Jubilee Feast).
Date: Dated using the Masonic calendar system as 5845 (which corresponds to 1845 AD by subtracting 4000 years).
Recipient: Inscribed by hand to "Br. J. de Wet".
Symbols: Displays Masonic iconography, including crossed tools (square, level, plumb line) and a crossed sword and trowel.
Right-Hand Documents (Rouw-Loge / Lodge of Sorrow)
Top Right & Bottom Right — Admission Tickets for a Mourning Lodge (1845)
Event: Rouw-Loge (Lodge of Sorrow / Funeral Lodge), a ritual assembly held to honor and commemorate deceased brethren.
Date & Time: Monday, June 16, 1845, at half past five in the evening ('s Avonds te half zes ure).
Recipient: Each card is issued in manuscript to a "Dame" (Lady), indicating these were special admission cards allowing ladies/wives of members to attend the memorial ceremonial gathering.
Signatures: Signed at the bottom in flourish script by the lodge officers/master (J. Tromp / V.M. for Verlichte Meester / Master).
Various sizes
And worn and marked.
R1,500
