THE INITIATION OF A FRENCH LADY

During the reign of terror, in the early stage of the French revolution, many women’s passion reached the height of fanaticism; and fanaticism prevailed, either real or simulated, among all who were not impatient to flee the scene of such dreadful passion.

It did not shock, therefore, that the mischief had spread even to female Masonic Lodges, known as Lodges of Adoption.

On one occasion, a female candidate for initiation, while undergoing examination, was instructed to stare down at what awaited her if she hesitated in her task: a void imitating a terrifying abyss emerged underneath her, with a double row of iron spikes exposed.

The lady, instead of retreating in horror at the sight, in a visible state of extremism and disorder of mind, exclaimed: “I can confront all !” and lunged forward. But “Providence” instantly touched the secret spring, and the candidate fell, not on the spikes, but on a green soft bed simulating a patch of grass. She lost consciousness, but her friends quickly revived her. When the scene changed, the lovely notes of choral music reanimated the lady, and the ceremony’s (…)

influence discouraged her from future fanaticism. She became a Sister of Mercy and renowned for her humanitarian work.

The following is another anecdote that we think is pertinent to share with the reader.

The event on which it is based took place around the same time, and, like the one before it, it proves not only the fanaticism of the time but also the extent to which it was carried out.

General Faintraille’s spouse served as adjutant to him after adopting the military uniform. She had distinguished herself by several heroic actions in battle, but especially by her kindness and liberality to humanity so that the First French Consul presented her with a commission as Captain of Cavalry, should she wish to continue in that occupation.

The French Lodge of the “Freres Artistes,” of which many military officers were members, had planned to hold a Lodge meeting for ladies (know as Fete d’ Adoption) prior to adjourning, and notice had been given to the Master (Bro. Cuvelier de Tric) that a staff officer, dressed in full regimentals, was keen to take part in the forthcoming ceremony.

The certificate submitted, however, appeared to belong to a Ladies’ Lodge and was addressed to Madam Faintraille, Adjutant or Captain (much to the Lodge Master’s and all present’s surprise and dismay). He recalled, however, that this lady had earned this extraordinary distinction through her conduct and talents, and overcome with the overwhelming desire to make her a Freemason, proposed the lady to the Lodge by saying: “As the First Consul saw fit, in this lady’s deeds, to swerve from the usual course, by making no difference in her sex, I do not see that we can err by following the example.”

Many resisted, fearful of the Grand Orient (Grand Lodge) backlash, but the Lodge Master’s eloquence and the First Consul’s example persuaded the majority to agree.

The preparations for receiving the female adjutant into the Brotherhood began right away, with every workable and cautious form, consistent with her sex. The ceremony went off without a glitch, and the Lodge of Adoption was open at the end.

The entire procedure, however, was irregular and unlawful, and if they had investigated it somewhere other than in France–and even there at any other time–the Lodge Master and all Brethren involved would have been expelled.

---

_SOURCES

_{Masonic Quarterly Review N.III Sept 30 1843}

_{The Freemasons’ Monthly Magazine Vol3 1Febr1844 – No.4}