Jean-Baptiste Willermoz (1730-1824) was a Freemason who played an important role in creating the system of higher Masonic grades in France and Germany. A fabric maker for the Lyonaise Bourgeoisie and unpaid administrator of charitable works, he was initiated into the order at 20 and achieved the ‘Venerable’ grade by 22. Mystical and passionate about the mysteries of initiation, he played a role in the creation of “la Grande Loge des Maîtres Réguliers de Lyon” (Grand Lodge of Regular Masters of Lyon) and became a Grand Master in 1762.
Admitted to the Order of the Elect Cohen, he undertook, with Louis- Claude de Saint-Martin, a complete examination of the Lodge Doctrine after the death of Martinès de Pasqually. These were under the form of ‘lessons’ described as the ‘Lyon Lessons’. Later, he became a member of the “l'ordre allemand de la Stricte Observance templière” (German Order of the Rite Strict Templar Observance). At his instigation, these different orders met at ‘The Convent of Gaul’ and became the “Chevaliers Bienfaisants de la Cité Sainte” (Knights Benefisant of the Holy City). After the Revolution, he became councillor for the Rhone department and continued his Masonic activities until his death.
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