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What is Freemasonry?

Freemasonry means different things to each who join. For some, it’s about making lifelong friends and acquaintances who have similar values. For others, it’s about being able to help deserving causes – making a contribution to family and society. For many, it is an enjoyable hobby but at the same time much more – Freemasonry helps members become better citizens and live life to a high moral code.

Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest and largest non-political, fraternal and charitable organisations. It teaches self-knowledge through participation in a progression of ceremonies.

Members are encouraged to speak openly about Freemasonry. The following information is intended to explain Freemasonry as it is practised under the United Grand Lodge of England, which administers Lodges of Freemasons in England and Wales and in many places overseas.

Freemasonry is a society concerned with moral and spiritual values. Its members are taught its principles (moral lessons and self-knowledge) by a series of ritual dramas – a progression of allegorical two-part plays which are learnt by heart and performed within each Lodge-which follow ancient forms, and use stonemasons customs and tools as allegorical guides.

There are two female-only Grand Lodges: The Order of Women Freemasons and HFAF – Freemasonry for Women. They both follow exactly the same ceremonies and wear the same regalia as male Freemasons, and they often work closely with community and charity projects.

Freemasonry instills in its members a moral and ethical approach to life: its values are based on integrity, kindness, honesty and fairness. Members are urged to regard the interests of the family as paramount but, importantly, Freemasonry also teaches concern for people, care for the less fortunate and help for those in need.

Interested in joining?

The essential qualifications to become a Freemason are that you must be male, be 18 years of age, have a belief in a Supreme Being, be of good character and be a good citizen.

If you know someone who is a member, talk to them. Alternatively, if you have a friend who is a member you can simply ask them. There are no hard and fast rules but the concept that if you ask to join then no-one will recommend you is a myth!

Inevitably there will be many men who are interested but don’t necessarily have a friend who is already a member. In this case you can contact us, and we will get in touch and discuss what you are expecting and what may be required of you, and then how to proceed.

We will arrange to meet you or invite you to one of our social functions if we have one at the time and this will give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. Assuming you wish to go ahead then a suitable date for your initiation will be determined. At no time will we attempt to persuade you to join, it will be up to you to decide in your own time.

What is involved?

So, do you need the acting skills of a West End star to become a Freemason?
Certainly not. In the convivial atmosphere of a Masonic meeting, members soon learn to relax and enjoy taking part in something rather special. It’s a place where everyone can be themselves and contribute in a way that suits their own personality. Many members actually find that learning and performing these rituals is a useful self-development. Freemasonry also provides the opportunity to practise after-dinner speaking with a totally friendly audience.

How time consuming is it?
We meet ten times a year on the second Thursday of September through June, with the November meeting being on a Saturday. The formal part of the proceedings (the ceremonies) start at 6:30pm and are followed by a dinner and a few (hopefully short) speeches. Additionally, there are instruction meetings where members learn more about the principles of Freemasonry and to master the ritual performed in the ceremonies. Freemasons also gain great pleasure in visiting lodges other than their own, making new friends and seeing different traditions followed. While there are numerous opportunities to engage in Masonic pursuits, Freemasonry encourages its members to live well rounded lives and always stresses that one’s family and personal affairs must come first.

Wives and partners matter to Freemasons. In the interests of domestic harmony, people interested in becoming Freemasons are strongly recommended to bring their wife/partner into the picture at the earliest possible stage. The easiest way is through social functions, where they can talk to members wives and partners.

What about the membership cost?
Membership subscriptions compare favourably with everyday sports and social clubs. Freemasonry is not a rich man’s hobby but an affordable and rewarding pastime for the many. You will be asked for certain membership fees, which under Grand Lodge rules, have to be paid prior to joining. These will include a one-off joining fee of £90.00 largely registration fees. The annual membership fee for Glossopdale Lodge is £150.00.
Meals cost under £20 and there are collections for good causes. We hold four social events a year, ranging from a formal dinner dance to garden party involving friends and family. The essence is always to have lots of fun.

You can find more answers to questions you may have at https://solomon.ugle.org.uk/course/view.php?id=116

Still interested? Contact