Russian Freemasons in France Collection, 1920-1950
Collection context
- Creator:
- Krivoshein, Igorʹ Aleksandrovich, 1899-1987
- Extent:
- 1 Linear Feet 1 ms box, 1 oversize folder
- Language:
- English , French , Russian .
- Scope and content:
-
The collection is largely composed of Igor' Krivoshein's materials related to Freemasonry, including his manuscripts, personal documents, and printed materials. Also included are photographs and biographical materials, as well as materials relating more broadly to Russian Freemasonry.
- Biographical / historical:
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Igor' Aleksadrovich Krivoshein (1899-1987), prominent figure in Freemasonry, Captain of the Life Guards Cavalry Artillery, participant in the Resistance movement in France, awarded the Medal of Resistance, prisoner of Nazi and Soviet concentration camps, son of the Russian Imperial Minister of agriculture
Igor Krivoshein fought in the Volunteer Army until the evacuation in 1920, then he moved to France. At the start of World War II, Krivoshein became an active member of the French Resistance, working with the famous Mother Maria (Skobstova), helping Soviet prisoners of war, as well as Jewish people, escape the Reich. For his efforts, Igor' Krivoshein was arrested multiple times, spending the final months of the war in the Dora concentration camp before being liberated by the US troops. After the war, Krivoshein along with many other White emigrees returned to Russia under the promise of amnesty. However, this proved to be a false promise, and Krivoshien was arrested almost immediately upon his return to the USSR in 1949. After Stalin's death Krivoshein was released, and he returned to Paris, where he lived until his death in 1987.
Igor Krivoshein was a prominent figure in Freemasonry, was elevated to 33 ° of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. In 1922, he was initiated into the Astrea Lodge No. 500 of the Grand Lodge of France, until 1930 and in 1933-1935 - its venerable master. Since 1928, he was a member of the Friends of Philosophy improvement lodge, was its secretary (1930-1931) and the first guard (1934-1935). In 1932 he was Chancellor of the Astrea Chapter. In 1932 he was a founding member of the Lotus Lodge. In 1931-1932, he was the ceremonial head of the Jupiter Lodge. Raised to 33° on November 4, 1945, in 1945-1947 - member of the Russian Council of the 33rd degree [2]. In 1937-1947, he was the managing master of the Council for the Association of Russian Lodges of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. In 1948, he was expelled from all Masonic organizations in connection with his departure to the USSR.
At the end of his life, after returning to France, he resumed membership in Masonic organizations. In 1975-1976, he was a member of the Supreme Council of France, and the second great guardian of the Astrea chapter.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
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This collection has no restrictions.
- Terms of access:
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Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.
- Preferred citation:
-
Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Russian Freemasons in France Collection; Box and Folder; Bakhmeteff Archive, Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.
- Location of this collection:
- Before you visit:
- Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.
- Contact:
- rbml@library.columbia.edu