The Grand Orient de France is the oldest masonic organisation in Continental Europe, founded in 1728. It was one of the first masonic orders to allow some of its lodges to become adoptive (i.e. to admit women). In 1774, following the introduction of Rites of Adoption in several of its lodges, it issued an edict authorising them, the Duchess of Bourbon being elected first Grand Mistress of France.
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