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What
is Freemasonry about? It is a unique organisation which is difficult to liken to any other because it offers experiences which are not found anywhere else. Membership is made up of men from all walks of life and religions who share a concern for human values, moral standards and individual’s rights. Members are offered a knowledge and insight into history and philosophy and an appreciation and involvement in ancient rituals and symbolism. They are also encouraged to develop themselves through service to others and involvement in local and national charities. Freemasonry also provides members with a code of conduct - an important ideal in today’s changing world - which is based on moral and ethical standards. It is an organisation of like minded men who strive to live their lives by the principles of brotherly love, relief and truth or put another way goodwill, integrity and charity. Freemasonry also provides opportunities to meet socially without religious or political barriers. Many people, because they just don’t know, think of Masons as secretive, stuffy and pompous and of Freemasonry as an incomprehensible organisation of men who meet in secret, look after themselves and plot! At its simplest, it can be described as a club where members subscribe to high ideals, have fun and do a lot of good. Because in the past Freemasonry hasnot been as open as it should have been and has not always responded to ill advised and unfounded comment. In many ways we have only ourselves to blame for perpetuating the myth. But, things are changing. We are far more proactive and open although, like some other organisations, we do keep some things to ourselves. The perception of a bunch of grown men parading around in funny clothes with peculiar hand shakes is extreme. We do wear aprons, we do have ceremonies and we do have signs of recognition but there is nothing sinister about any of them and each has a part to play within the overall enjoyment of members and our participation in a world wide fraternity. Why is it called a fraternal organisation? One of the most enjoyable aspects of modern Freemasonry is that men from all walks of life, regardless of religion, race, colour or social status, can come together on equal terms and through membership share a common bond of friendship and fraternity as Freemasons. Members are expressly forbidden from any religious or political discussion during Lodge meetings, to enjoy peace and harmony. This was illustrated by the historical fact that during the American Civil War, under the banner of Freemasonry, soldiers from the north and south met and practised the ideals of friendship and fraternity in peace and harmony. At our Lodge meetings formal ceremonies are held during which small plays are enacted by appointed officers, to welcome new members and educate and inform others. These ceremonies take the ancient customs and tools of operative stone masons and the classical styles of architecture and apply them to standards of morality and principle which all Freemasons strive for. Members are also regularly reminded to improve their daily lives and to help others. After the Lodge meeting members normally adjourn for a meal together. This is another important part of Freemasonry and allows everyone to get to know each other in a social and informal setting. Sometimes this is described as meeting on the level and parting on the square e.g. meeting as equals and parting as friends. Freemasonry can and does provide members and their families with a social life among like minded people and the family together with family values are an important element of Freemasonry. Every member is expected to put his family above everything else. Similarly, it is hoped that a member’s family understand and support him in his Masonic development. Applicants are usually interviewed in their family home and with their wife or partner present. Depending on the customs of the Lodge, most hold social functions which involve their wives, partners, friends and family. What does it cost to be a Freemason? Costs are based upon an initiation fee of £125.00 plus a £20 charitable donation and an annual subscription fee of £120.00. These fees are correct up to October 2008 whereupon the subscription fee may be changed to take account of inflation. On becoming a member, the individual is required to attend meetings dressed in a dark suit, with white shirt, black tie and black shoes. Many members go further and purchase a Morning Suite specially for their Masonic meetings but this is not essential. Upon reaching the rank of a Master Mason he will have to purchase his own apron unless it is provided by the person who nominated you. What about Charity and Freemasonry? The giving of charity is an integral part of Freemasonry and this is emphasised to all applicants who have to be proposed and seconded and then voted on by the members of the Lodge. Every Lodge, regardless of the number of members, raises money for charity and funds are distributed locally, nationally and internationally. The United Grand Lodge of England, (UGLE) our governing body, has four major charitable institutions, the Grand Charity, the New Masonic Samaritan Fund, the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution and the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys. Each year one of the 36 Provincial Grand Lodges holds a charity Festival for one of the four charities and raises, over several years, substantial amounts of money. The Grand Charity is one of the UK’s leading charitable grant makers and every year gives thousands of pounds to charities across England and Wales. In 2004, when the Tsunami struck South Asia, the Grand Charity responded within hours with a cheque for £50,000 to enable the British Red Cross to send immediate aid. If you are 21 years of age or 18 in certain circumstances, of good character and background and believe in a Supreme Being you can apply to become a Freemason. If you are known to a Freemason it will help but this is not essential. All potential members are required to provide the names of four friends to whom application can be made for references. If these prove satisfactory they then go through an informal and friendly interview usually at their own home, after which, if proposed, a ballot is held in which all members of the Lodge take part. If the ballot proves favourable the candidate is Initiated at a regular Lodge meeting. He may invite Masonic friends to that meeting to share the evening with him. Freemasonry is open to men of all faiths. Men wishing to join must subscribe to the principle of service to others and to self improvement, rather than look for personal gain. it is not acceptable for Freemasons to use their membership for personal gain or business or personal advantage in any way If you want to take your interest further please contact the Lodge Secretary, details of which are given in the contact section. What does Freemasonry offer me personally? Above all else becoming a Freemason provides men with the opportunity to meet and develop friendships with like minded men and share ideals and objectives. These can include developing self confidence, self esteem and being a good citizen. Members are also provided with training, if they want it, in self development, public speaking and communication skills. Why and how is ritual and symbolism used? If you ask any Freemason about the Masonic ritual he will probably tell you it is a unique and inspiring experience. Ritual is core to Freemasonry. The ritual uses a range of objects, symbols and scenarios acted out in short plays which examine the values, traditions and precepts of Freemasonry. They are centuries old and with minor variations, are practised wherever Freemasons meet. It all revolves around the use of the working tools of a traditional stonemason as instruments of instruction and learning. Symbols are used in every aspect of Freemasonry from defining the rank of a Freemason to the place where a Lodge officer sits during meetings. Probably the most widely recognised symbol of Freemasonry is the square and compasses. These we interpret as “the square teaches us to conduct ourselves properly, as in square conduct” and “the compasses teach us to live our lives within bounds of respectability and commonsense”. Symbols remind members of their obligations to the organisation and the lessons they have learned to identify each other. Is Freemasonry a secret society? No, but in common with most organisations we do regard some of our activities as confidential. However, anyone can buy books on Freemasonry or get them from most libraries. For many years the policy was to avoid publicity but nowadays there is a more open and enlightened approach. The basis of the secrecy accusation lies in the history of masons in the middle ages when to protect their highly prized technical skills and knowledge they used symbols, hand shakes and signs to recognise each other. These signs and passwords were later used by Freemasons to identify each other, a tradition which continues to this day as a ceremonial way of demonstrating membership within a Lodge meeting. The protection of the so called “secrets” is today seen as a way of testing the good character and integrity of members, their sincerity and of course confidentiality. Is Freemasonry a religion? What about your oath? This is another misconception. We do not have any theological doctrines, offer no sacraments and membership does not lead to salvation. To be a member you must have a belief in a supreme being of your choice but Freemasonry is not a substitute religion or a forum for religious discussion. Men of all religions are members. All Freemasons must believe in their God and are required to make a solemn promise to conduct themselves within the principles of Freemasonry. Meetings open and close with prayers.
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