The Grand Master constituted by Decree the R:.L:. Luz do Oriente no. 80

The Most Respectful Grand Master José Moreno has constituted by Decree no. 231, 26th January, 2011, Lodge Luz do Oriente no. 80, at the Orient of Macao, working in the Ancient and Accepted and Scottish Rite, and meeting at the 1^st and 3d Thursday of every month. This decision closes a process of four years to raise columns of a regular Lodge in Macao, the first Macau Lodge to be part of the universal and traditional theist Freemasonry. In this moment, the appointed acting Worshipful Master salutes the Universal Freemasonry and the Brethren of all constituencies, namely those who work, in Asia, to the Glory of the Grand Architect of the Universe, aiming to strength the ranks of traditional Freemasonry and bringing new Free Men of Good Report to the Light. Lodge Luz do Oriente is deeply motivated and is settle with the history of Freemasonry in Asia and China. It would be praiseworthy to recall that the first vestige of Masonic activity in China really happened n Macao, in the late seventeen century, when a Swedish ship shore here transporting in its crew freemasons with a charter to have Masonic meetings in the ports they shore. Following this event, Masonic Lodges raised columns in Macau gathering merchants, lawyers, military personnel, public servants and other members of local community. From Macau, Freemasonry extended to China’s coast as the Portuguese would conserve till late 19^th century the monopoly of trade along China and Japan. In this sense, we may conclude that Freemasonry in China was a Portuguese endeavor. During the first and second decades of the 20^th Century two lodges named Luis de Camões, subordinated to the Grand Orient of Portugal, kept a vivid activity in the enclave comprehending important figures of the luso-community such as Constâncio José da Silva, Camilo Pessanha, Anacleto da Silva and Rosa Duque. Masonic activity was suspended after the installation of Salazar New State.