The Lodge Le Véritable Zèle was founded as the second lodge in the country in October 1735 and was initially led by Louis Dragan, a draper in The Hague. The lodge was populated by men of various backgrounds, some with a Huguenot (and French-speaking) background, others clearly more Dutch. From the beginning, the Dutch language has been used as the spoken language. The lodge remained active until the end of the 18th century and then became inactive after a turbulent period in the Netherlands due to the consequences of the Batavian Revolution in 1795. A number of lodges then no longer wanted to fulfil their obligations, such as paying contributions and submitting lists of members. That time was strongly marked by the political controversy between the new rulers and the old guard.

 

On 21 June 1980, the Grand Lodge granted Le Véritable Zèle a new Masonic patent (the so-called letter of constitution); this allowed the lodge to start working for the second time in its existence. The assigned serial number of the lodge was not 2 but 271. As an association under civil law, the lodge is registered with the Chamber of Commerce and has the status of a Public Benefit Organisation (ANBI) on the basis of a decision by the tax authorities.

There is a great diversity in the social backgrounds of the members. Together they are a vital lodge and thus ensure dynamism. The focus is on the individual and his development is an important point. Therefore, there is the expectation that members will go through different functions in order to learn by experiencing. Brotherhood is of paramount importance and goes beyond shaking hands. It is about being genuinely involved and working together on the better 'me'. This also gives effect to the closing sentence of each meeting in which the chairman sends the attendees away with the words: Go to the west (i.e. the outside world) and make yourself known there as a Freemason. This constantly connects the lodge as a closed community with the world outside.

The lodge chose the beehive as its emblem: the typical symbols of harmony, activity (also diligence) and unity. This is implicit in the name of the lodge: True Diligence! The beehive is depicted on the insignia (on a red ribbon) and seal (in red lacquer) of the lodge.