There are probably as many explanations of Freemasonry as there are Freemasons and every member will tell you what Freemasonry means to them. For each of us our membership offers an approach which complements and enhances other aspects of our our lives. For some it may be seen as another hobby, for others it becomes a deeper ‘journey’ as they explore the history and philosophy of Freemasonry. Most Freemasons will tell you that they are proud to be members of something which they see as very special, where they have made new friends, learned to understand and practice charity, became more confident, developed into better family members and have found new meaning to life.
Freemasonry is the premier fraternity of choice for those who seek fellowship amongst men of goodwill and belief in a Supreme Being is central to our philosophy; Freemasonry accepts men of all religious backgrounds – Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Moslem, Hindu, Sikhs and so on, provided that they profess that belief.
As masons we are taught to live a moral and ethical life and to those who delve further there is always deeper, more spiritual knowledge to gain.
Four words neatly sum up our approach to daily living. Socially, we learn to be sympathetic towards others and focus on benevolence and charity, the finding out and relief of mis-fortune.
Integrity – Building good people – Freemasons are focussed on building themselves as people of integrity and membership provides the structure to help achieve that goal.
Friendship – Building Together – Freemasonry provides a common foundation for friendship between members, many of which will last for life.
Respect – Building Unity – Freemasonry brings people together irrespective of race, religion or any other perceived differences that can divide us as a society.
Charity – Building Compassion – Kindness and charitable giving are deeply ingrained within the principles of Freemasonry and the organisation provides the structure for members to make positive contributions to the communities and various causes.
It is often said that Freemasonry ‘Makes Good Men Better’.
Our ceremonies build on these principles and introduce candidates to a contemplation of their role in society.
Beyond this the social side of Freemasonry can be quite eclectic. We have Lodges of younger Masons, older Masons, Lodges who enjoy fine dining, others which enjoy pie and peas at their meetings and beer with friends. Traditional Ladies evenings are formal affairs while many Lodges organise social events at which we raise considerable sums for charity. Wherever possible Masons will try to involve their wives, partners, families, friends and children. Many Halls organise Christmas parties for the children, Burns Suppers, theme nights and many offer a Sunday Carvery for the family!
For those who really enjoy and ‘get into’ their Freemasonry it can be quite challenging. Sometimes we have to work by learning ritual and assist with successful ceremonies and social occasions. Whatever the challenges may be, most Freemasons will say they have ‘grown’ from the experience.
Masonic meetings can be very special and often produce a lift or a ‘high’ so much so that we look forward to our next meeting together. There is a lot of pleasure to be gained in the course of masonic experience. We are proud of it and say so. Freemasonry at its best produces the conditions by which its members are raised from the mundane into personal triumphs. Yes, a lot of Freemasonry is very pleasant and cordial, but there are special moments to be thrilled by which are inherent in the masonic ethos and method.
Freemasons’ Hall in London.
The Home of the United Grand Lodge of England
At a deeper level, for those who eventually explore further, Freemasonry is unique, a deep-rooted mystery, defying exact description. It is concerned with the meaning of life, with truth, beauty, and the exercise of goodness. It is neither a philosophy nor a religion though it promotes wholeheartedly the objects of both. Through entering into masonic activity its members frequently find themselves becoming better people, more principled, understanding, and socially adept. Membership is expressed in fellowship and good works.
Freemasonry exists worldwide, often taking differing forms according to the cultural background of the region. While these appear similar, official recognition between national Grand Lodges depends largely upon key elements of their principles and practice. The United Grand Lodge of England requires belief in a central divinity, given expression in the phrase ‘the Great Architect of the Universe’. It otherwise makes no demands as to religion and maintains a firmly non-political stance. It expects members to endeavour to act morally at all times and to obey the laws of the land. While offering friendship and, when proper, kindly assistance to one another, members are not entitled to seek mutual favours. The benefit of members’ charitable activities are shared widely in the community, in accordance with the core value of universal benevolence felt in Freemasons’ hearts.
Freemasonry includes a rich symbolism and the performance of ritual in its progressive proceedings, but the effects of this cannot be appreciated unless you go through it yourself. Freemasonry harmonises all the spiritual, moral, social, cultural and mystical elements of human nature, and good men, to their surprise, have found delight and fulfilment in it over many centuries. There is always more for those that seek, and peace for those who do not.
In summary – Freemasons are ordinary men in the community, of various religious backgrounds, who share a concern for human values, high moral standards, respect for the laws of society and the rights of others. Their practice of Freemasonry promotes self development, family, charitable and community service and socialisation with likeminded individuals and their families. Through its moral teachings and social nature Freemasonry acts as a great sheet anchor bringing stability and purpose to peoples lives.
We share the fraternal privilege of meeting together as friends and brethren. Our culture and social activities also embrace our wives and partners, families, children and friends. Our charitable activities and ways of being touch the lives of individuals and groups in many parts of our local communities and work places and firmly place Freemasonry, like many other forces for good, as part of the fabric of the society in which we live.
A Bit of History
Freemasonry in its current form started in 1717 after four lodges met to form “A Grand Lodge”. This Grand lodge joined with another English Grand Lodge in 1813 to form what is now known as the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) and it governs and administers lodges in England and Wales.
Freemasonry grew steadily after 1717, but experienced a dramatic growth after the First and Second World Wars. Freemasons were openly active in civic life and frequently paraded in full regalia with their Lodge Banners. The rise of the Third Reich in 1930s Germany and its purging of various groups led to Freemasonry withdrawing into itself prior to World War Two. Post 1945 it didn’t re-emerge and it led to the false impression of a covert secret society with numerous accusations of corruption and nepotism, none of which it attempted to refute. Despite this, membership in the late 1940s and early 1950s grew rapidly again. Both post war growths were attributed to returning servicemen wanting to find the same comradeship in civilian life they had experienced in the military. Membership gradually declined to its current levels, but an influx of younger members in the late 1970s and early 1980s led to a gradual move to being more open. Following an adverse, inaccurate report in a National Newspaper, Grand Lodge finally took a more combative, repudiatory approach with the “Enough is Enough” campaign and once again we are becoming more open and publicising the the good work we do in the community. The Covid-19 pandemic paradoxically gave us more opportunities to be open about our principles and enable us to assist those in a less fortunate position.