Freemasonry is one of the oldest social and charitable organisations in the world, open to people of all backgrounds.

What is a Lodge?

Freemasonry is organised in smaller units of members, called Lodges, where meetings are held, and members meet together. A Freemason Lodge is a place where members will spend a significant part of their journey in Freemasonry and each member can freely choose the Lodge they wish to be part of.

Where and When do they meet?

Several different lodges may meet on different evenings at the same venue, or Lodge Rooms, and some cities have several of these venues. The days that a lodge meets are fixed, and so it is easy to plan when meetings are. Some lodges have members who share a particular interest, or perhaps come from the same part of the city. Some people choose a Lodge to belong to, because the dates that lodge meets are  most suitable for them. Most lodges meet during the evening, although there are a few lodges that meet during the day, and most lodges meet during the Autumn, Winter and Spring months.

What do they do?

We provide a structure of support to help members make positive contributions to their local communities, whether it be through fundraising or voluntary work. The structure of the lodge and its different roles can help the members in developing friendships,  personal development, building self-confidence and gaining useful skills.

What happens on a lodge evening?

Our lodge meetings are in two parts. The first part is a business meeting which involves more administrative procedures, such as proposing and balloting for new members and receiving news about charitable fundraising. New members are admitted during these meetings, or additional degrees conferred, all using dramatic retellings of stories based upon the practice of building. The symbolism of  Building gives us a language and concepts to describe how we can build ourselves to become better people. Sometimes we learn about the history of freemasonry, and the origins of our ceremonies.
The second part of our meetings is an enjoyable social event. Usually this is a meal with a degree of formality, including entertaining speeches and toasts; sometimes it is a less formal meal or a social occasions that includes our partners, families and friends. Regardless of the format, we often use this social time to raise money for worthy causes.

How much does it cost to become a Freemason?

A member pays an annual subscription to his Lodge which covers his membership and the administrative cost of running the Lodge, and meeting in the building. It is usual to have a meal after the meeting; the cost of this is usually paid before the meal. It is entirely up to the individual member what he gives to charity, but it should always be without detriment to his other responsibilities to his family and his other responsibilities in life.

Why Freemasonry?

In an increasingly divisive world, many people are looking for something with unity and purpose to help guide their way.
In an uncertain world, Freemasonry’s principles of Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Service are more important now than ever before.

Guiding principles of Freemasonry

Integrity

Building good people 

Freemasons are focused on building themselves as people of integrity, and membership provides the structure to help achieve that goal. Being a Freemason gives members a sense of purpose, supporting and guiding them on their journey through life. Collectively, members are bonded through an understanding of unity and equitability – principles fundamental to Freemasonry.

Friendship

Building together

Freemasonry provides the common foundation for friendships between members, many of which will last for life. Being a Freemason means something different to each person who joins, but whether looking to make acquaintances or develop their own potential, all members share a sense of togetherness that strengthens their ability to succeed and grow.

Respect

Building unity

Freemasonry brings people together irrespective of their race, religion, or other perceived differences that can divide us as a society. Members are expected to be of high moral standing and are encouraged to talk openly about what the organisation does and what it means to be part of it.

Service

Service focus

Whether participating in events, fundraising for a charitable cause or volunteering for public or community organisations, service is at the very heart of Freemasonry. Our members make valuable contributions by donating time, resources and skills.

Applications for membership

There is no requirement to be asked to join Freemasonry.  In fact, candidates for membership are expected to come of their own free will.  After making an enquiry, it is usual to meet lodge members and attend a few social events, in order to get to know the members of the Lodge. Then applications are Proposed and Seconded by lodge members and are put forward for a ballot in a Lodge meeting. If approved, the candidates are warmly welcomed into Freemasonry in a ceremony that has existed, almost unchanged, for over 300 years.