What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is the largest secular, fraternal and charitable
organisation in the United Kingdom. It teaches self-knowledge through
participation in a progression of ceremonies. Members are expected to be
of high moral standing and are encouraged to speak openly about
Freemasonry.
What happens at a lodge meeting?
The meeting, which like those of other groups, are open only to members, is normally in two parts.
First, there are normal administrative procedures such as:
• Minutes of the previous meeting
• Proposing and balloting for new members
• Discussing and voting on the annual accounts
• Masonic news and correspondence
• News about charitable work
Second, there are the ceremonies for:
• Admitting new members
• The annual installation of the Master of the Lodge and his officers
Why do Freemasons take oaths?
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.
Are Freemasons expected to give preference to fellow members?
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.
Who do the Masonic charities donate to?
Whilst there are Masonic charities that cater specifically, but not
exclusively, for Masons or their dependants, others make significant
grants to non-Masonic organisations.
What is Freemasonry’s relationship with religion?
All Freemasons are expected to have a religious belief, but Freemasonry
does not seek to replace a Mason’s religion or provide a substitute for
it. It deals in a man’s relationship with his fellow man not in a man’s
relationship with his God.
Why do some churches not like Freemasonry?
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.
Does Freemasonry accept Roman Catholics?
Yes. Four Grand Masters of English Freemasonry have been Roman Catholics. Today there are many Roman Catholic Freemasons.
What is Freemasonry’s relationship with politics?
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.
Is Freemasonry an international order?
Freemasonry exists throughout the world. However, each Grand Lodge is
sovereign and independent. There is no international governing body for
Freemasonry.
Are there women Freemasons?
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.
Why do you wear regalia?
Wearing regalia is historic and symbolic. Like a uniform, the regalia indicates the rank of the wearer in the organisation.
How many Freemasons are there?
Under the United Grand Lodge of England, there are over a quarter of a million Freemasons.
There are Grand Lodges in Ireland, which covers both Northern Ireland
and Eire, and Scotland which have a combined total of approximately
150,000 members.
Worldwide, there are approximately six million Freemasons.
How many degrees are there in Freemasonry?
Basic Freemasonry consists of three degrees:
• Entered Apprentice
• Fellow Craft
• Master Mason
How much does it cost to be a Freemason?
It varies from Lodge to Lodge. Anyone wishing to join will find a Lodge
to suit his pocket. There is an initiation fee on entry and in due
course regalia will have to be bought. The meeting is normally followed
by a dinner, the cost depending on the venue. There is, in addition, an
annual subscription.
Members are invited to give to charity but this should always be
within their means and it is entirely up to the individual how much they
wish to contribute.
