What is Freemasonry – Airedale Lodge 387

Freemasonry is one of the oldest social and charitable organisations in the world, Freemasonry’s roots lie in the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who built our cathedrals and castles.

It is here that several of the famous elements of Freemasonry find their roots. In the medieval era, stonemasons often travelled around to find work in different locations. To demonstrate their level of qualification, they would use grips, words, and signs in order to distinguish themselves from unqualified builders.

Freemasonry uses building analogies to teach members how to lead productive lives that benefit the communities that they live in. In the medieval era, stonemasons wore aprons and gloves to protect themselves while working on shaping rough pieces of stone, but today Freemasons meet to build friendships and communities rather than cathedrals and castles.

“FREEMASONRY IS A SYSTEM OF MORALITY, VEILED IN ALLEGORY AND ILLUSTRATED BY SYMBOLS.“

Teaching using storytelling, using the art of allegory and symbols, is not new. All influential teachers throughout history have followed this method. The system of morality includes principles with which every candidate is familiar with even before his admission to Freemasonry but is presented in novel ways. Masonic teachings offer a journey of ‘unveiling’, an understanding of the self (nosce te ipsum), and by doing so, re-introducing the ancient teachings that guide the postulant to a fulfilling life

What Freemasonry is not?

Freemasonry is one of the oldest social and charitable organisations in the world, Freemasonry’s roots lie in the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who built our cathedrals and castles.

Freemasonry is not a religion nor a substitute for religion. The teachings of Freemasonry transcend all denominational divisions. In human conduct it is complementary to religion, but we forbid religious topics to be discussed in any Lodge. Freemasonry is not a charitable institution. One of the fundamental principles of Freemasonry is the practise of relief, and a Freemason will minister to the widows and fatherless in their challenges, but these, and other similar modes of conduct, must proceed from that “purity of life and conduct” which is one of the great objectives of all Masonic teachings. Freemasonry is not connected with a political creed. A Freemason’s political views are his own, and a Lodge may well have members belonging to many different political parties. For that reason, we permit no discussion of political matters in a Lodge. A Brother may not seek to persuade or influence his brethren in Lodge to adopt this or that view in matters of governments … be it local, national or international.

Freemasonry is not for everyone. While Freemasonry is not an elitist organization, it is a very select organization. The primary requirement is moral character; one whose reputation in the community is exemplary. But there are other requirements which the petitioner must have, such as:

He must believe in a Supreme Being.

He must be a loyal citizen, willing to discharge his duties to God, to his neighbour and to yourself himself.

He must be at least eighteen years of age.

He must be in such financial circumstances that he can maintain himself as a member of his Lodge, meeting the monetary obligations involved in being a member, without detriment to his family or himself.

He must come at his own free will and accord, with an unwavering commitment to becoming a Freemason.

He must be recommended by 2 Freemasons who are prepared to vouch for his character.

What does Freemasonry expect of you?

The privileges of Freemasonry are no greater than the responsibilities of its members. A Freemason’s obligations will not conflict with those of modern society. Freemasonry reiterates, reinforces, and re-emphasizes the importance of a Freemason living by the highest standards of morality within society.

The calling of a Freemason includes loyalty to one’s country and its laws. Patriotism is regarded as a duty and Freemasons are told that they must not countenance disloyalty or rebellion. Freemasonry recognizes that all men, whether or not Masons, are Brothers by birth, endowed with the same nature, and sharing the same hopes.

Freemasonry champions the cause of the widow, the fatherless, the weak and the distressed. These time-honoured virtues, cherished by our forefathers, are observed amongst Masons where humility, patience, charity, and gentleness are the hallmarks of purity and integrity of character

Guiding principles of Freemasonry.

For Freemasons, there are four important values that help define their path through life: Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Service. In today’s world filled with uncertainty, these principles ring as true now as they have at any point in the organisation’s history.

Freemasonry will never require of you anything which might conflict with your duty to God, to your country, to your neighbour, to your family or to yourself. Freemasonry takes you through a journey of self-discovery, which takes you through a ceremony of initiation leading to being passed to the degree of the Fellow of the Craft and finally being raised as a Master Mason. You will be asked to approach each ceremony with a calm and solemn demeanour, attentive to the lessons imparted

What happens at a Lodge meeting?

Freemasonry is organised in smaller units of members, called Lodges, where meetings are held, and members meet. A Freemason Lodge is a place where members will spend a significant part of their journey in Freemasonry and each member can freely choose the Lodge, they wish to be part of.

Lodge meetings are typically held in two parts. The first involves more administrative procedures, such as proposing and balloting for new members and receiving news about charitable fundraising. The second part focuses on ceremonies, which might relate to areas such as the admittance of new members or the installation of the Master of the Lodge and his officers – a process made up of three degrees, or stages, each marked by a special ceremony.

True to the sense of friendship and togetherness among Freemasons, meetings are also social events, providing an occasion for members to dine together. Outside of the Lodge, activities include community fundraising and volunteering activities, as well as a varied programme of events where spouses, partners and families are welcome.

The Three Degrees of Freemasonry

When a person is initiated into Freemasonry, they complete the First Degree. At this point, they become an ‘Entered Apprentice’. The First-Degree ceremony reminds us that all are equal – it is the responsibility of those that do well to look after those less fortunate.

Upon completion of the Second Degree, a member becomes a ‘Fellowcraft Freemason’. This encourages members to better themselves through education and focuses on self-development.

After this, the member will then undertake the Third Degree. This ceremony teaches them how to use their life wisely and be remembered for the right reasons. On completion, they become a Master Mason.

OUR VALUES

INTEGRITY: Rather than working on buildings like the masons of old, today’s Freemasons focus on building themselves as people of integrity, and membership provides the structure to help achieve that goal.

FRIENDSHIP: One of the oldest social organisations in the world, Freemasonry is not defined by an ideology. It is open to people from all religions and political persuasions, and provides the common foundation for friendships between members, many of which will last for life.

RESPECT: With a membership of more than 150,000 people drawn from communities across the UK, Freemasonry brings people together irrespective of their race, religion or any other perceived differences that can divide us as a society.

SERVICE: Whether participating in events, fundraising for a charitable cause or volunteering for public or community organisations, service is at the very heart of Freemasonry. Our members make valuable contributions by donating time, resources and skills.

Our Mission Statement

What We Are (Purpose)

We are a unique members’ organisation that has thrived for over 300 years. Having no political or religious affiliations, we comprise members of all ages, races, religions, cultures, and backgrounds. We meet in our individual Lodges throughout the country where we have ceremonial traditions which encourage us both to be more tolerant and respectful and actively to fulfil our civic and charitable responsibilities; we also make time to eat, drink and meet, and form lifelong friendships.

What We Aim For (Vision)

To attract those from all backgrounds and walks of life, enabling them to develop into more thoughtful and confident people. To inspire and challenge them to practise the core values we celebrate – Integrity, Friendship, Respect, Charity – in their private and public lives. To cement our reputation as a force for good in our communities and society at large and as a thriving organisation that people aspire to join.

How Will We Achieve This (Mission)

Over the next seven years, we will enhance our reputation as a thriving organisation that people aspire to join and broaden our membership across all age groups.

Freemasonry in England is divided into a number of organisational units known as Provinces. As the name suggests these Provinces form specific areas of the country each with their own hierarchy.

The Grand Master in London appoints a Provincial Grand Master to look after the management and administration of each of the Provinces. Each Provincial Grand Master is able to appoint a Deputy, a number of Assistant Provincial Grand Masters (dependent on how many Lodges are in the Province) and other Officers who serve the Province at a Provincial level.

The Provincial Grand Master (usually following the recommendation of the APGM) appoints a District Chairman, a Deputy Chairman and a District Secretary to each of the Districts. Each District will also have a District Charity Steward, Almoner, Communications Officer, Mentor, Membership Officer, Recruitment Officer and sometimes others. The District Officers serve the Lodges which meet in the Masonic Halls within the District.

The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE)

In 1751, a rival Grand Lodge appeared in London. Its original members were Irish Masons who claimed that the original Grand Lodge had made innovations. They dubbed the first Grand Lodge the Moderns and called themselves the Ancients. The two existed side by side – both at home and abroad – for nearly 63 years, neither recognising each other as regular.

After four years of negotiation, the two Grand Lodges in England united on 27 December 1813 to form the United Grand Lodge of England. This union led to a great deal of standardisation of rituals, procedures, and regalia.

Become a Freemason

Why Join Freemasonry?

It is a chance to become part of something bigger, and to make a difference. To join a large community of like-minded people who aim to improve themselves morally, and take pleasure in making the world a better place.

Freemasonry itself is all about symbolism whilst gaining further knowledge about yourself through fun and exciting ceremonies highlighting specific points in your life.

Can I Join?

Any man over the age of 18 may join regardless of ethnic group, political views, economic standing or religion although he is expected to have a “belief in a supreme being”. Students over 18 can join one of the Province’s University Scheme Lodges.

Women who are interested in becoming a Freemason can use the following links HFAF or OWF.

How Much Does It Cost?

A lodge has a subscription cost. There’s no getting around it. Rest assured that the fees are wholly contributing to Freemasonry whether it be to the upkeep of the masonic hall where the lodge meets, the administrative costs of running the province, and charitable endeavours made by our national charity the MCF.

A very rough estimate would be in the order of £220 – £270 a year for a lodge subscription.

Beyond this (gasp! yes more) there are calls upon your charity for more local endeavours. This could be from personal support to our own East Lancashire Masonic Charity (ELMC), to Lodge specific charities that may be close to the members’ hearts, usually via raffles and collections in a masonic lodge meeting. There is no quantifiable amount that is expected in any way whatsoever. Nobody is counting and nothing is ‘expected’.

What Is A Lodge?

A lodge is a collection of such men from all walks of life and age groups usually consisting of anywhere between 15 and 50 individuals. Every lodge has its own unique personality, history and way of going about its Freemasonry. There are over 175 lodges in the Province of East Lancashire spread over 11 districts and totals approximately 4000 members. It would be safe to say, there is a lodge to suit everyone.

Lodges meet regularly on a specific day of the week, once a month, a certain number of times a year, in a particular Masonic Hall. For example, you may hear of a lodge meeting on the 3rd Thursday of a month, September through to April (8 meetings a year).

What Do You Do Inside A Lodge?

Lodge work inside a lodge room is based on historical and allegorical ceremonies or plays, where the members of a lodge play specific roles. It is fun and structured in such a way as not to be burdensome. It is unique within society today.

What Do You Do Outside The Lodge?

Wherever possible Masons will try to involve their partners, families, friends and children.

Outside a lodge, we enjoy ourselves. Have a look at our news pages for many examples of our work.

Rituals & Ceremonies

For those who really enjoy and ‘get into’ their Freemasonry it can be quite challenging. Sometimes we have to work by learning rituals (like lines in a play) and assist with successful ceremonies and social occasions. Whatever the challenges may be most Freemasons will say they have ‘grown’ from the experience. Many members say they have improved in public speaking where once they wouldn’t dream of standing up in front of people.

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 the Freemasonry experience.

WHAT WE ARE (PURPOSE)

We are a unique members’ organisation that has thrived for over 300 years. Having no political or religious affiliations, we comprise members of all ages, races, religions, cultures and backgrounds. We meet in our individual Lodges throughout the country where we have ceremonial traditions which encourage us both to be more tolerant and respectful and actively to fulfil our civic and charitable responsibilities; we also make time to eat, drink and meet together, and form lifelong friendships.

WHAT WE AIM FOR (VISION)

Interested In Joining?

Freemasonry is open to men who are over the age of 18, it is open to men regardless of ethnic group, political views, economic standing or religion however he is expected to have a belief in a “supreme being” and a faith.

In the UK there are 55 University Lodges which are open to students over the age of 18, the closest Lodge within the University Scheme is Hartington Lodge, No. 1085.

Usually, you would know someone who is a member and they will suggest that you might wish to consider it.

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 then no-one will recommend you to join is a myth! Inevitably there will be many men who are interested but don’t necessarily have a friend who is already a member.

At the bottom of this page is a contact form for you to register your interest, once completed a member of our team will contact you.

Following the initial contact 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. Depending on which Lodge suits you and 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.