Karura Forest #15: Freemasons Centenary Stone
The cache, a small metal tin, is hidden under bark pieces in a hole in the stump of a still-living tree about 13m south-east of this headstone commemorating the centenary of Freemasonry in East Africa. The significance of using this site for this purpose is not known. A short article in the Seychelles Nation of 16 July 2004 mentions the centenary celebration banquet which was held on the island.
For background information on Karura Forest including access, fees, features, a detailed trail map and useful links, see GC4PD3V Karura Forest #1: Intro, Info & Entry
To reach the cache: (approx 40 minutes) from the KFEET Centre the most direct route (see map in gallery) would be north to Junction 12, right (east) to J11, left (north) to J27 then right to J26, down to and across the footbridge above the waterfall (location of the Karura Forest #4: Waterfalls cache) then north to J30 and straight on to the cache location
Freemasonry is an old and controversial fraternal organisation originating in the local fraternities of stonemasons, which from the late 14th century regulated the qualifications of masons and their dealings with authorities and clients. The degrees of freemasonry retain the three grades of medieval craft guilds - Apprentice, journeyman or fellow (Fellowcraft), and Master Mason. Additional degrees varying with locality and jurisdiction are administered by different bodies than the craft degrees.
The basic, local organisational unit of Freemasonry is the lodge. These are usually supervised and governed at the regional level (usually related to a state, province, or national border) by a Grand lodge or Grand Orient. There is no international, world-wide Grand Lodge that supervises all of Freemasonry. Each Grand Lodge is independent, and they do not necessarily recognise each other as being legitimate.
For more detailed information see here.
Many prominent Kenyans are Freemasons including active and high-ranking priests and pastors, politicians, medical doctors, pharmacists, dentists, lawyers, engineers, teachers, accountants, architects, bankers, judges, pilots, aviation experts and some of Nairobi’s wealthiest businessmen.