WHAT IS IT ALL ABOUT?

There are few societies of men in the world older than Freemasonry. The only non-government society in England which has lasted longer is the Royal Society, founded in 1660. Freemasonry is concerned for both virtuous behaviour and spiritual values. Members are taught how to conduct themselves in life by performing, from memory, a series of traditional 'plays' which they refer to as 'ceremonies'. They use stonemasons' tools and customs to illustrate the higher qualities which all men should strive to achieve.

Belief in a Supreme Being

The only essential qualification for admission into, and continuing membership of, a Freemasons' Lodge is a belief in a Supreme Being. It is open to men of any race or religion who can fulfil this essential qualification and are of good repute. Freemasons are expected to continue to follow their own faith.

Freemasonry is NOT a religion

- nor is it a substitute for religion; it lacks the basic elements of religion - it has no theological doctrine. By forbidding religious discussion at its meetings a Masonic theological doctrine is unable to develop. It offers no sacraments, nor does it claim to lead to salvation by works, by secret knowledge or by any other means.

However, it is far from indifferent to religion. Without interfering in religious practice it expects each member not only to follow his own faith, but to place above all other duties his duty to his God - by whatever name that God is known. Its moral teachings are acceptable to all religions. So, in that sense, Freemasonry is a supporter of religion.

The names used for the Supreme Being enable men of different faiths to join in prayer (to God as each sees Him) without the terms of the prayer causing dissension among them. There is no separate Masonic God; a Freemason's God remains the God of the religion he, as an individual, professes. Freemasons meet in common respect for the Supreme Being as He remains Supreme in their individual religions. It is no part of Freemasonry to attempt to join religions together. There is no composite Masonic God. The Bible, and / or other Holy books are referred to by Freemasons as the Volume of the Sacred Law. It is always open at every Masonic meeting.

The obligations taken by Freemasons are sworn on, or involve, the Volume of the Sacred Law. They are undertakings to help keep secret the traditional modes of recognition, and to follow the principles of Freemasonry referred to above. The physical penalties for breaching an obligation have never been practised by Freemasons. They are purely symbolic and do not form any part of an Obligation. The commitment to follow the principles of Freemasonry is, however, deep.

Freemasons follow three great principles:

"BROTHERLY LOVE, RELIEF AND TRUTH"

Brotherly Love
Every true Freemason will show tolerance and respect for the opinions of others and behave with kindness and understanding to his fellow creatures – and that does not mean to Freemasons alone.

Relief
Freemasons are taught to practise charity, and to care, not only for their own, but also for the community as a whole, both by charitable giving, and by voluntary efforts as individuals.

Truth
Freemasons strive for truth, requiring high moral standards and aiming to achieve them in their own lives. Freemasons believe that by following these three great principles higher standards in life may be achieved.

Charitable Works

From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been concerned with the care of orphans, the sick and the aged. Again, this is not exclusively for Freemasons and their dependants. This work continues today in a greatly extended form. Very large sums are given to national charities and local charities. Go to the 'charities' links to see the extent and variety of this work. The important point to note here is that Freemasons do not rattle collecting boxes in public. All the money is raised amongst Freemasons themselves, their families and friends.

Respect for the Law

Freemasonry demands from its members a respect for the law of the country in which a man works and lives. Its principles do not in any way conflict with its members' duties as citizens, but should strengthen them in fulfilling their public and private responsibilities. Freemasonry will always discipline or totally expel any individual or part of its organisation who break the civil or criminal law or who are seen not to be behaving in accordance with the rules of any decent society.

Self-interest / Financial advantage

The use by a Freemason of his membership to promote his own, or anyone else's, business, professional or personal interests is condemned. It is contrary to the conditions on which he sought admission to Freemasonry. His duty as a citizen must always prevail over any obligation to other Freemasons, and any attempt to shield a Freemason who has acted dishonourably or unlawfully is contrary to his prime duty. If it could be proved by evidence (as opposed to anecdote or rumour) that any personal failure or business difficulty was attributable to 'Masonic influence', Masonic authority would take a very serious view of the fact, as it would be contrary to the principles of Freemasonry.

Politics

The discussion of politics within Masonic Lodges and at any function where a member attends as a Freemason is prohibited. Freemasonry as a corporate body has no political agenda of any kind and is careful to preserve total independence from political bias.

What you get out of Freemasonry

Freemasons gain from Freemasonry only as much as they are prepared to put into it by way of commitment to the ideals mentioned above. Thereby they experience a friendship which can only be felt from within the organisation and a spiritual and moral uplift which is very real but is hard to explain.

The first of the 'Antient Charges' from the 'Book of Constitutions' (1823), shown at the end of this page, states admirably what Freemasonry is meant to be.

WHAT KIND OF MEN ARE FREEMASONS ?

Men of all ages, races, colours, religions, politics or financial or social standing. We have members who are part of our Royal family, professions, trades, skills, arts, sciences, businesses, manual occupations - both the employed and self-employed and, sadly, in these days, the unemployed. Members are of all ages from 21 upwards.

When admitted a man becomes known as a 'Brother' and remains so for the rest of his Masonic career. It is also pointed out to candidates that in Freemasonry all Brethren are 'on the level'.

Although financial standing is not a bar to becoming a Freemason, it must be appreciated that, like being a member of a church, a golf club, a trade union or any other organisation, a member should be able to afford the minimum obligations of membership such as an annual subscription.

Freemasonry must never be allowed to harm a mans family or other connections by taking too much of his time or his money or causing him to act in any other way against their interests.

HOW IS IT ORGANISED?

Freemasons meet in Private Lodges. Each one has a unique number on the roll of the United Grand Lodge of England. There are some 7,800 lodges in England and Wales and many new lodges are added each year, but, in common with many similar organisations, regrettably, some find it necessary to close. Of course there are many thousands of other lodges in almost every country of the world. A lodge can have a membership from about 20 to several hundreds. In England and Wales alone over 8000 men become Freemasons every year. English Private Lodges outside of London are mainly grouped into Provincial Grand Lodges. Provincial Grand Lodges administer Freemasonry for the lodges in their areas and appoint the more senior and experienced Masons from the Private Lodges for this purpose as well as a small number of paid staff. In England the Private Lodges (under their Provincial Grand Lodges) form part of the United Grand Lodge of England which is administered from its premises at Freemasons' Hall, Great Queen Street, London where it has a Grand Secretary who acts as the 'Chief Executive' from an administrative point of view with a considerable number of staff - many of whom are women and non-Masons.