Becoming a Freemason with Airedale Lodge 387
- Integrity
- Friendship
- Respect
- Service
The home of Freemasonry
Welcome to airedale-lodge
Masonry offers the opportunity to make each man better through its teachings, his Masonic associations and a philosophy that has served the social needs of men for centuries, by promoting the following.
- Tradition: when you become a Mason, you become part of an ancient tradition that spans centuries. From the original stonemasons that produced some of the most majestic architectural wonders of Europe to modern day Masons who participate in numerous charitable foundations, you’ll feel connected to a vital, growing and spiritually uplifting organization of like-minded men;
- Self-Improvement: learning portions of the Ritual and participating in the Degree stimulates the mind and, coupled with committee work and lodge management, presents the opportunity to develop leadership and organizational skills, build self-discipline through commitment, poise and self-confidence, and strengthen presentation and public speaking proficiencies;
- Sense of Accomplishment: participating in lodge projects, be they charitable or social in nature, provides the opportunity to contribute, work with others and enjoy the success of effort well expended;
- Fellowship – Belonging to a Like-minded Group: the modern work environment has reduced or eliminated social association with co-workers; joining with lodge members in a fraternal atmosphere can substitute for that former workplace fellowship lost;
- A Break from the Workaday Routine: Masonry brings together in lodge men of diverse backgrounds, where the daily pressures of a career can be left outside the door and where fellowship is the common theme.
What are the qualifications?
Men who wish to apply the join Airedale Lodge 387 should:
- Preferably live near enough to attend regularly.
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Have a belief in a Supreme Being. A man’s religion of no consequence.
- Live a good and moral life.
- Want to be part of a group of people who care for the Lodge and promote its wellbeing.
These attributes are summarized in the tenets, or fundamental principles of Ancient Freemasonry: Brotherly Love; Relief; and Truth. If these values address your needs, Masonry welcomes you.
What is the process?
A man interested in joining the Lodge must:
- Fill in the Airedale-lodge online expression of interest form. The Webmaster shall then contact you and you will be required to fill in and return a Lodge questionnaire. If all is in order a convenient time shall be arranged for you to meet and discuss the way forward.
- If all is still in order you will be asked to attend one night at Hoyle Court Baildon to meet the Brethren of the Lodge to become more acquainted with everyone and the surroundings. One of the traditions in Freemasonry is that membership is not directly solicited by current members—if you want to join, you must ask a member of the Lodge.
- This then usually leads onto attending a social event at Hoyle Court when you prospective Proposer can get to know you more. This often takes place during a Lodge dinner or event.
- If all is still in order and you are still keen, and the Lodge is happy to welcome you. Your Proposer shall arrange for you to fill in Grand Lodge forms and the process of joining Airedale Lodge 387 and the Order of Freemasons begins.
- This process is not a speedy one for good reason. The Harmony and peace of the Lodge is paramount, and all should be made aware of any/all obligations before anything goes too far.
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OUR HISTORY & ACHIEVEMENTS
387
Airedale Lodge has been in existence for the last one hundred and eighty years. The first meeting was held on April 11th 1827 in the Malt Shovel Inn in Baildon. The first W.M. Being W.Bro Wainman Holmes.
An extract of the early years of Airedale lodge from THE YORKSHIRE LODGES A Century of Freemasonry by J. RAMSDEN RILEY, Bradford (Historian of 387), P.P.G.D.C. West Yorkshire.
Airedale, Baildon, No. 814 ; now Airedale, Shipley, No. 387. This lodge was neither more nor less than a revival of the Duke of York’s Lodge, No. 502. Its history is now well known. It became No.543 in 1832 and No. 387 in 1863. Constituted at Baildon, the Airedale was removed to Shipley in December 1868, chiefly owing to the preponderance of Shipley and Bradford residents forming the members. On October 2, 1878, the Right Hon. The Earl of Carnarvon, M.W. Pro. G.M., opened the New Masonic Hall in the presence of a distinguished company of brethren from all parts. Since then many “ good men and true” have passed away, but at that time the Airedale was a model lodge, and as such was, and is, widely known and respected. A Mark lodge was attached to the Airedale, whose members were very well up in the degree, which they conferred (generally attending for that purpose at the Lodge of Hope, Bradford), thirty years ago. The records of Airedale Lodge are full of brotherly love and charity, the unpublished instances far exceeding those recorded in its history. By a singular coincidence it happens to be the last of the century. My original intention was to say nothing about it, not having thought about its date of constitution; but my mother lodge will not, and indeed cannot, be excluded from the roll of honour.
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ABOUT THE LODGE
What is a Lodge and Its Officers?
Airedale Lodge is a traditional lodge which has gone through a particularly transformational time in its recent History. Faced with an aging membership and a string of unfortunate events the Lodge nearly didn’t survive in recent times. A decision was made within the core member Brethren left to do whatever possible to keep the tradition and increase numbers and spread the word that Airedale Lodge 387 will survive and build long into the future. The numbers have now nearly doubled with new Junior Brethren, joining members and will soon be welcoming into the Lodge the soon to cease Criterion Lodges remaining members which should now give all great heart that the foundations of this Ancient Lodge should be on a firmer footing to welcome new keen members to this once again vibrant and optimistic Lodge with a strong emphasis on social, sporting and charitable events.
The Lodge have decided to keep to three dinner dances per year which gives the opportunity for the wives, friends and ladies of the membership to socialise in the relaxed surroundings of Baildon Masonic Hall, Hoyle Court. Members have interests in golf, clay shooting, football, music, motorcycling, classic cars, theatre and the Arts.
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Did you know?
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh was a Freemason
Prince Philip joined Navy Lodge No. 2612 in 1952 and remained a Freemason for over 70 years. He served as Grand Master of the Duke of Edinburgh’s
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