by Bro. Sebastien Taveau

 During my vacation in my hometown of Tours, I was fortunate enough to discover a new aspect of my city. The dynamic of Freemasonry in a small town (compared to other French  towns). After establishing contact with the Grand Lodge National of France, I was put in touch with a local member.
   Little I know, it was actually the outgoing Regional Grand Secretary, TVF Michel  G. who is also the current WM of La Concorde Ligerienne #1147.
   We met for lunch at an Italian restaurant after a month of emails and telephone calls. After properly identifying myself, we enjoy a great lunch and discussion. He informed me that France was mostly based on the Scottish Rite with few lodges working on the York Rite (which is California usual ritual). Surprisingly, Tours is a very strong  freemasonic place with almost 1,500 FM (including non regular lodges) for a population of 150,000 which means 1% of the inhabitants are FM!
   Then we proceed to visit the local temple. There is no  specific sign to identify its location. It used to be a factory specialized in the process of maturing bananas. Therefore, it is a huge place but quite cold in winter.

The Door to the Temple

 At the temple, we were joined by TRF Bruno C., the current Regional Grand Master, who discussed further the place of FM in France and Tours and a good debate about the differences between California and France ensued with interesting points that could be explored on both side of the Atlantic (well Pacific :).
   We then visited the Lodge Rooms which were dispersed  around the building. The old one, the renovated one and the Scottish Rite higher degrees room.

The New Lodge Room

 In token of my appreciation, I presented to TRF Bruno C. the pin representing the Coat of Arms of Most Worshipful Grand Master Melvyn Stein and the penny token emblazened with the Masonic symbol.
   To my surprise, they presented me with the medal of the Lodge of Michel G. Every lodge in France has its own medal and the Temple was decorated with a board including the  ones for every lodge meeting in that place.

 Walking around the city, I was also reminded of the strong linked between the FM and another group that historically has been around for a long time. The "Compagnons du Devoir or Compagnons du Tour de France" or the Fellowcrafts of  Duty or of the Tour of France". There is a museum in the city to display their artistic prowess  with materials. They are like Operative Craftsmen working on wood, metals, food, etc…
   And not surprisingly, I found one of their local Chapter with a very interesting symbol on it.

 What I want to emphasis is that the Brethren who received me went beyond their way to accommodate my timing and I am very thankful to them for enabling me to see the Temple.  My only regret was that due to timing and the vacation, I wasn't able to attend a Tiled Meeting but I am sure it will happen in a near future.

Sebastien Taveau, MPS - 2007.