Intrested in Joining Freemasonry?

Becoming a Freemason means you’ll be joining more than 200,000 members throughout England and Wales, as well as Districts overseas.

Why Become a Freemason

Throughout 300 years of heritage and history, our members have come from all walks of life and each with their own unique story to tell for why they became a Freemason.

As one of the oldest social and charitable organisations in the world, we have a thriving community of over 200,000 members throughout England and Wales, as well as Districts overseas. Freemasons use four important guiding principles to help define their path through life: Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Charity.

Membership is open to people from all backgrounds and our aim is to empower members to be the best they can be..

Here’s just a few reasons to become a Freemason.

 

Friendship

Freemasonry is about building lifelong friendships. The MLC hopes to increase that number of friends for you and hopes to help build a strong network of companions for everyone in the Province.

Development

Freemasonry is all about building character and supporting members as individuals. It’s these foundations that allow members to develop themselves.

Charity

Whether taking part in social events or fundraising, charity is at the very heart of Freemasonry. Our members make valuable contributions to deserving causes and it’s because of this we’re recognised as one of the largest charitable givers in the country.

Some Frequently Asked Questions on Freemasonry.

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What is Freemasonry?

Freemasonry means different things to each of those who join. For some, it’s about making new friends and acquaintances. For others, it’s about being able to help deserving causes – making a contribution to family and for society. But for most, it is an enjoyable hobby.

Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest and largest non-religious, non-political, fraternal, and charitable organisations. It teaches self-knowledge through participation in the progression of ceremonies. Members are expected to be of high moral standing and are encouraged to speak openly about Freemasonry.

Basic Freemasonry consists of three degrees:

• Entered Apprentice
• Fellow Craft
• Master Mason

What happens lodge meetings?

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.

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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.

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.

Can anyone become a Freemason?

Yes – Freemasonry is open to people from all walks of life, regardless of their race, religion, sexual orientation or socio-economic position in society.

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Are there women Freemasons?

Yes. Women Freemasons have two separate Grand Lodges.

For more information, please contact Freemasonry for Women and the Order of Women Freemasons [OWF].

In 2018, in line with the Gender Recognition Act of 2004 and the Equality Act of 2010, UGLE published its gender reassignment policy. The policy outlines that a candidate for admission to Freemasonry under UGLE must be a man. Should a person who has undergone gender reassignment and has become a man apply to become a Freemason then his application must be processed in the same way as for any other male candidate. A Freemason who after initiation ceases to be a man does not cease to be a Freemason.

Why do you wear regilia?

Wearing regalia is historic and symbolic. Like a uniform, the regalia indicates the rank of the wearer in the organisation.

How much does it cost to join?

There is an initiation fee when you join and each lodge charges an annual subscription to cover its running costs.

Each meeting is normally followed by a dinner, with the cost depending on the venue. However, there is no requirement to attend the dinner if you are unable to. You will also be expected to wear a dark suit, white shirt, and black, or other suitable, tie and in due course you will need to buy your own regalia.

Members are invited to donate to charity, but this should always be within your means and it is entirely up to you how much you wish to contribute.

Costs can vary considerably from lodge to lodge, particularly for the dining, and your proposer and seconder should make them clear to you before you join.