WHAT AGE DO I NEED TO BE TO BECOME A MASON?
You can become a Mason at any age from 18 onwards.
WHAT HAPPENS IN OUR LODGE MEETINGS?
Much of what happens in a Lodge meeting is the same as would happen in any other club or organisation.
1. Firstly, we ok the minutes of the last meeting.
2. A ballot is held for any new people wanting to join.
3. Lodge admin, accounts etc. is discussed.
4. Any news regarding Masonry and our Charity work is shared.
5. A Masonic ceremony is carried out of which there are 4 main types (see below).
6. Lodge meeting is closed.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER OUR LODGE MEETINGS?
After the meeting comes the social part of the evening.
Firstly, we all meet up in the bar, have a quick drink and socialise for half an hour. This provides a great opportunity to catch up the other Lodge members and to meet any guests from other Lodges that have attended our meeting.
Next, we head into the dining room and have a meal together. There are a few speeches, many toasts and a couple of songs thrown in and we all have a good time.
WHAT CEREMONIES DO WE HAVE AT OUR LODGE MEETINGS?
There are 4 main ceremonies that are carried out in a Lodge meeting.
1. First Degree or Initiation. This is when a new person joins Freemasonry as an Entered Apprentice.
2. Second Degree. The Entered Apprentice is passed to the Degree of a Fellowcraft, the midway of Freemasonry.
3. Third Degree. A Fellowcraft is raised to the Degree of a Master Mason.
4. Installation. Every Year we will install a new Master of the Lodge at this meeting.
HOW OFTEN DOES THE LODGE MEET?
Our Lodge formally meets 6 times a year on the second Thursday of October, November, December, February, March and April.
As you can see it’s like a winter sport and we get the summer off.
However that doesn’t mean that we don’t see each other during the summer as we tend to meet then up for social events which is a fun part of being a Freemason.
WHAT IS FREEMASONRY’S RELATIONSHIP WITH RELIGION?
Short answer, there isn’t one.
However, all Freemasons are expected to have a religious belief of their own choice, to be a member.
Freemasonry does not seek to replace a Mason’s religion nor be a substitute for it.
We are a non-religious organisation and accept members for all religions.
WHAT IS FREEMASONRY’S RELATIONSHIP WITH POLITICS?
Again, there isn’t one.
Freemasonry does not do politics. Talking about politics or religion on Lodge evenings is never done.
IS FREEMASONRY INTERNATIONAL?
Yes, Freemasonry exists throughout the world.
HOW MANY FREEMASONS ARE THERE?
There are over 200,000 Freemasons under The United Grand Lodge based in London which covers England and Wales.
There are also Grand Lodges in Ireland and Scotland which combined have approximately 150,000 members.
Worldwide, there are over six million Freemasons.
WHY DO FREEMASONS DONATE TO CHARITIES?
Masons believe that you should always help those less fortunate than themselves and hence, are always raising and donating money to charity.
As it is with other clubs/organisations we also help any of our members should they or their family have the misfortune to fall on hard times.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BE A FREEMASON?
It varies from Lodge to Lodge as each is responsible for its own finances.
In our Lodge, when you first join you will pay a one-off initiation fee, usually about £150
Members then pay a yearly subscription, which at present is £235
Then there are the costs which occur at out meetings, like buying a raffle ticket, paying for your meal, drinks etc.
Once you become a Master Mason you will be expected to buy some regalia which currently would set you back around £50.
We do have a University Scheme and fees for University students joining the lodge are greatly reduced.
CAN I BELIEVE WHAT I READ ON THE INTERNET ABOUT FREEMASONRY?
Short answer, no.
The only way to find out about Freemasonry is to speak to a Freemason.
You can do this, with out any obligation to join, by hitting the contact button below and a Freemason will be in touch and happily answer any questions you have.
You can then decide if Freemasonry is for you or not.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST REGRET MEMBERS HAVE AFTER BECOMING A FREEMASON?
They regret leaving so long before becoming a Freemason!
Don’t you make the same mistake, find out if Freemasonry is for you and hit the contact button below, it cost nothing to find out more about becoming a Freemason.