Freemasonry is one of the oldest social and charitable organisation in the world.
Our roots lie in the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who built
our cathedrals and castles.
Freemasonry is a fraternal society and in 2017 it celebrated the 300th anniversary of the first Grand Lodge which was formed in 1717 in London.
Freemasonry means different things to each of those who join. For some, it’s about making new friends and acquaintances. For others it’s about being able to help deserving causes – making a contribution to family and for society. But for most, it is an enjoyable hobby.
Some believe it to have evolved from the stonemason’s guilds and it has certainly been in existence in some form since the 1500s. It’s made up of like-minded men of good moral standing and offers a philosophy on life and its main aim is to help good men sculpt themselves into better men; better human beings, be it husbands, fathers, colleagues, employers or friends.
Not at all. There are a number of activities available to our members, these include events such as bowling, golf, clay pigeon shooting, cycling, walking, activity days, weekends away etc. A lot of the activities are organised to enable us to share with our wives, partners and families.
We hold dinner dances and social evenings to which non-Masons are invited on a regular basis. Events may be organised at lodge level as well as group or Provincial level. Some of these can be quite special occasions to which civic dignitaries and special guests may be invited.
Many Masons also become actively involved in charitable activities in the communities local to their Freemasons hall or do work for other good causes and charities, but the choice is yours. You can do as much or as little as you please.
Not at all. There are a number of activities available to our members, these include events such as bowling, golf, clay pigeon shooting, cycling, walking, activity days, weekends away etc. A lot of the activities are to organised to enable us to share with our wives, partners and families.
We hold dinner dances and social evenings to which non-Masons are invited on a regular basis. Events may be organised at lodge level as well as group or Provincial level. Some of these can be quite special occasions to which civic dignitaries and special guests may be invited.
Many Masons also become actively involved in charitable activities in the communities local to their Freemasons hall or do work for other good causes and charities, but the choice is yours. You can do as much or as little as you please.
Meetings are usually held once a month usually from September through to May. We have a business part to the meeting where we read the minutes of the previous meeting. The secretary will read correspondence and the treasurer will give an update on the financial situation within the lodge. The almoner will advise the members if there is any member who is sick or needs visiting and the charity steward will give a brief update on charity matters.
When a new member joins, the officers of the lodge will work a ceremony these take the form of one of a short series of plays. These vary depending on which level of competence you are (there are three ceremonies a new member goes though these are known as degree ceremonies). After a lodge meeting, we have a meal together. It is not compulsory however, this is a great time to ask questions and speak to members old and new and a time to just chat and relax with the other members and get to know them.
Once a year there is a meeting to install a new master of the lodge and his officers.
Only Masons who have been made a member of a regular lodge may visit and enter a meeting.
Some lodges allow non-Masons to join them for a meal after the meeting. This enables the non-Mason to get to know the lodge members in a social environment.
Our halls are opened to the public and visitors, this is usually known as an ‘open day’ at which visitors will be shown around the building, including the lodge room(s) and have the various lodge offices and activities explained to them.
Most of our halls are available to members of the public for functions such as, business meetings, conferences, weddings, birthday parties, funerals and the like. Most have licensed bars and catering facilities.
It is usual for candidates to be mature men of 21 years and over, regardless of ethnicity, political views or economic standing. In certain circumstances men below the age of 21, but over the age of 18 can be admitted, some of these are: via our Province’s University Scheme, those serving apprenticeships and those that are a son of a Freemason.
New members make solemn promises concerning their behaviour both in the lodge and in society. Members also promise to keep confidential the way they recognise each other when visiting another lodge. Freemasons also promise to support others in time of need but only so far as it does not conflict with their family and public obligations.
Certainly not. This would be unacceptable and may lead to action being taken against those involved. On joining, each new member states that he expects no material gain from membership.
Masonic charities cater specifically, but not exclusively, for Masons or their dependants, they also make significant grants to non-Masonic charities and organisations in the community.
No it is not. Neither is it a substitute for religion. There are no sacraments.
To become a member one must express a belief in a Supreme Being and every member is expected to follow his own belief.
We have members of all faith in our ranks, Christians, Hindu, Jews, Muslims and many others. All are welcome to join provided they meet the criteria of a belief in Supreme Being.
Freemasonry is a means by which men of different faiths may meet in harmony, when perhaps they would otherwise remain at a perpetual distance.
We do not allow discussion on religious doctrine or politics in our lodges.
It is generally acknowledged that all religions teach us to do good, to be magnanimous, sincere, truthful, law-abiding and honest. This fits very well with Masonic philosophy and we encourage our members to follow their own religion, denomination or church, if that is their will.
There are elements within churches who misunderstand Freemasonry and its objectives. They confuse secular rituals with religious liturgy. There are many Masons in churches where their leaders have been openly critical of the organisation. Masonry has always actively encouraged its members to be active in their own religion.
Yes, four Grand Masters of English Freemasonry have been Roman Catholics. Today there are many Roman Catholic Freemasons.
Freemasonry, as a body, will never express a view on politics or state policy. The discussion of politics at Masonic meetings has always been prohibited in our meetings and at our festive board.
Freemasonry exists throughout the world. However, each Grand Lodge is sovereign and independent. There is no international governing body for Freemasonry.
The answer to this question is no. There are people from all walks of life who are Freemasons, as long as you can afford the lodge subscriptions.
A lodge is no different from being a member of a golf club when it comes to paying your way.
Membership is open to all men regardless of religion, political persuasion, career, wealth or social position.
Yes. Freemasonry is open to people from all walks of life, regardless of their race, religion, sexual orientation or socio-economic position in society.
Yes. Whilst UGLE, following the example of medieval stonemasons, is, and has always been, restricted to men. Women Freemasons have two separate Grand Lodges, which are restricted to women.
Wearing aprons (regalia) is historic and symbolic. Like a uniform, the regalia indicates the rank of the wearer in the organisation.
Under the United Grand Lodge of England, there are over 5,000,000 active Freemasons worldwide.
An independent report has concluded that, contrary to much misleading commentary, Freemasonry demonstrates genuine openness and transparency and concludes that it is arguably more relevant today than ever before.
Freemasonry acts as a ‘constant’, providing members with a unique combination of friendship, belonging and structure, with many Masons saying they have made valuable lifelong friendships.
