A unique institution with global membership
People from all walks of life become Freemasons for a variety of reasons. Some are attracted by the valuable work that the movement performs in raising money for charity. A proportion of these funds is used to assist Freemasons and their dependents in times of need, particularly the sick and the elderly, but the greater part goes to non Masonic charities – local, national and international. Freemasons also assist the community in more direct ways, such as carrying out voluntary work. Others become Freemasons because of the unique fellowship it provides. Visit a Masonic lodge anywhere in the country – or indeed, the world – and you are greeted as an old friend. Freemasonry is the ultimate leveller, a community where friendship and goodwill are paramount.
Personal satisfaction not personal gain
It has been said that some people become Freemasons for personal benefit. This statement is true, but for the wrong reasons. The personal gain is in experiencing the warmth of an honourable society and being part of an organisation that works hard to help the less fortunate of the world. Freemasonry does ask its members to give as freely as they can to charity. How often have we told ourselves that we really should send money to help with some famine or other disaster we have seen on TV, only to forget all about it in the rush of everyday life? Freemasonry provides a structured channel for fundraising from its members and reacts quickly when help is needed urgently, as in the case of the tsunami disaster.
Masonic symbolism has a purpose
But what about the so-called funny handshakes and the outlandish dress styles? Freemasonry has been in existence for over 300 years and over this time has developed a pattern of rituals. They are no more outlandish than ceremonies such as the State Opening of Parliament but, like this event, they perform a valuable function in reminding members of the heritage and standards they are expected to maintain. Once people have become Freemasons and understand the context of the rituals and symbolism, they no longer seem quirky.
Handshakes don’t give an unfair advantage
The handshakes are signs used within Masonic ceremonies. Certainly they can be used in everyday society, but to expect preferential treatment or some other sort of advantage from fellow Freemasons met in this way is both misguided and contrary to one of the basic principles of the organisation. Rather than spend your money on Masonic membership fees, you’d be better off buying a lottery ticket.

Has anyone ever used their membership of Freemasonry to try to gain personal benefit? Of course there have been cases. But that is true of just about every group, society or body where men get together. How many business deals are cooked up on the golf course? The difference is that, unlike the golf club, Freemasonry has a system of morality that says no to this.

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 programme of self development. For those that want to do it, Freemasonry also provides the opportunity to practise after-dinner speaking with a totally friendly audience.

If Freemasonry has nothing to hide, why the mystery? The ‘mysteries’ that are revealed to members as they progress are nothing more sinister than sound advice that helps them to lead a balanced life, for example through thinking about things like the welfare of others. Similarly, Masonic passwords are simply keys to the doors of the different levels within Freemasonry. Learning these principles on a step by step basis makes them easier to absorb and understand. Masonic ceremonies are like short morality plays in which members play different parts. Like any form of theatre, it demands the learning of words and the movements on stage. Through taking part in these ceremonies, Freemasons come to understand the truths that they contain.

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 programme of self development. For those that want to do it, Freemasonry also provides the opportunity to practise after-dinner speaking with a totally friendly audience.

Doesn’t all this take up a great deal of one’s time? The majority of lodges in the Province of Yorkshire West Riding meet eleven times a year. The formal part of the proceedings (the ceremonies) usually start towards in the early evening and are followed by a dinner and a few (hopefully short) speeches. Additionally there are weekly 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 always 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. All of the Masonic Centres in the Province of Yorkshire West Riding are happy to give guided tours to the general public. Visitors can see inside the Masonic temples where the ceremonies take place. There are also entertaining lectures, held inside a lodge or chapter rooms, for anyone interested in learning more about Freemasonry. These are usually followed by an informal dinner.
Not just for the well heeled

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.

What else is involved in becoming a Freemason? You have to be male, aged 21 or over and be of good character (which means not having any criminal convictions). You must also believe in a Supreme Being, but Freemasonry is not a religion; men from a variety of faiths belong.
Firstly, Let us dispel the myth that you have to be well-off to become a Freemason. It costs less than you may think!What does it cost to be a Freemason? How do you join Freemasonry? For the Answer to these questions, keep reading.
If you decide to join the Airedale Lodge, you will be asked for certain fees, which under Grand Lodge rules, have to be paid prior to joining. These will include a one-off joining fee of £100.00 plus a one-off registration fee to Grand Lodge & Provincial Grand Lodge totaling approx. £87. You will then be expected to pay the annual subscription levied by the Lodge. The fee for Airedale Lodge for 2020-21 is £230.00 a year, starting at our January meeting.
Most Lodge meetings have an official ceremony followed by a dinner. You may choose to dine with your brethren or go home after the Lodge meeting, again this is your choice and there will never be any pressure on you to stay to eat. Depending on the Lodge, a Masonic dinner could include a starter, main course, desert, cheese& biscuits and coffee. If you invite any Masonic guests, it is normal that, as their host, you would pay their dining fee, which for Airedale is £12.50. Normally such dining fees are collected on the same evening, although some lodges will ask you to pay later.
Most Lodges will have a ‘dress code’ which requests that members wear a dark lounge suit, shirt with a white collar, a black tie and black shoes. In time, certain items of regalia will be required, which initially will not be expensive, and often, there is the opportunity to buy used regalia at very little cost.
From time to time, many Lodges have a special evening, or daytime event, specifically to raise money for charity. You will never be pressurised into attending them or to donate money at these events if you are unable to, or prefer not to. However, it is hoped that you will participate in the Lodge’s efforts to raise money for the various charities they adopt.
Freemasons are encouraged to donate money to charity, dependent upon their means. You will never be pressurised and some Lodges will not ask you at all, as giving to charity is a matter for your own conscience.