Celebrating the 100th Grand Chapitre of Germany in Dresden (September 12-14, 2024) kindled the idea of going back to the roots.

Yet, digging for a chronicle or other memorabilia wasn’t too successful. It seems that a lot was discarded every time the office changed. And that has happened quite often.

The first mention of a German Bailliage can be found in 1976 when Heinz Walter was the Bailli Délégué until June 1987. No mention of a Grand Chapitre. He was succeeded by Dr Horst van Husen whose name might still appear familiar to the older members. Horst stepped down in 1998 to make way for Erhard Schulze.

Meanwhile, the national office had been transferred from Aschaffenburg to Berlin. Erhard Schulze had in mind to expand beyond the international statutes and become independent much to the dislike of the German members. Accordingly, in 2004 he was replaced by Prof Dr Wolfgang von Stetten.

After the time of turmoil Wolfgang von Stetten brought Germany back in line and gathered a new Board. His Chancelier was Klaus Tritschler. Consequently, when Wolfgang von Stetten stood due to personal reasons Klaus Tritschler took over as Bailli Délégué in 2010.

The Chancellerie meanwhile had moved from Berlin to Künzelsau, the home castle of Wolfgang von Stetten. Klaus Tritschler as Bailli Délégué moved the Chancellerie to Wehrheim, near Frankfurt/M where it is at present.

The many office moves make it difficult to follow the history as every time correspondence, papers and photos were destroyed.

Yet it will come as no surprise that photos from the 100th Grand Chapitre are abundant. It was a big gathering with 300 participants from all over Germany and the world. The leading part as Inducting Officer was performed by our President Yam Atallah.

Regarding Dresden, Chargée de Presse Karin Deißner added: "The Bailliage of Saxony, represented by Bailli Gunter Anton, put together a fantastic programme. It was indeed a truly grand and memorable event. In the true spirit of the Chaîne, new friendships and unforgettable moments were created."

Barbara Tritschler
Pair de la Chaîne