About Freemasonry
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 a progression of ceremonies.
Freemasonry brings together men from differing and diverse backgrounds, where the daily pressures of a career, criticism and the excesses of modern life can be left outside the door and where friendship is the norm.
These attributes are summarised in the tenets, or fundamental principles of Freemasonry: Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth or to give them a more modern meaning: Friendship, Support and Integrity. If these values meet your requirements then Freemasonry would welcome you.
Every candidate for Freemasonry must affirm a belief in a single Supreme Being. This belief is a matter for the individual and Freemasonry recognises each person’s own beliefs. Religion, along with politics is NEVER discussed within the Lodge. Each member is free to pursue his religious convictions in a manner best suited to him.
Freemasonry is a fraternal association of men of good will and high values. Our constitution is in the public domain and there are a number of web sites that explain what Freemasonry is about.
The secrecy behind the rituals or ceremonies is there to increase and focus the meaning and values of those rituals on to the candidate involved with them (to avoid spoilers). It also means we can identify people who say they are Freemasons but are not.
As a fraternity, Freemasonry provides a chance for men to enjoy a friendly atmosphere away from the hubbub of work. It encourages good will towards all mankind regardless of sex, creed, race etc. It promotes self-improvement and teaches the basic principles of Brotherly Love (Friendship), Relief (Support/Charity) and Truth (Integrity), which Freemasons also carry out in their daily lives.
Freemasonry welcomes men who seek harmony with their fellow man and who wish to take part in making the world a better place to live for everyone.
Freemasonry was founded as a male-only society, though there are now parallel Orders of Women Freemasons in the UK and abroad.