FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Freemasonry?
WHAT WE ARE
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 individual Lodges 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
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, Service – 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.
OUR VALUES
Our core values are the underlying principles behind who we are, what we stand for, and what we do. They are vital to understanding Freemasonry.
INTEGRITY
Honesty, trustworthiness, honour, reliability, and conscientiousness form the foundation of a virtuous character. They foster trust, maintain integrity, and demonstrate commitment, ultimately leading to a life of strong principles and dependable actions.
FRIENDSHIP
Freemasonry gives members many opportunities to make a wide circle of friends for life who share common interests and values. It provides a bond of friendship and a sense of belonging. This promotes a feeling of enjoyment and fulfilment.
RESPECT
From its earliest days, Freemasonry has respected the beliefs of its members. It promotes an environment where diversity is valued. It is a space where different beliefs and backgrounds converge, fostering an atmosphere of inclusivity, tolerance and harmony.
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.
Why become a Freemason?
People join Freemasonry for many different reasons, some join for the friendships they will make; friendships that last a lifetime and encompass the key milestones in life for better or worse. You will meet people who are different to you, those of different ages with radically different life experiences and interests, drawn together by common experience through Freemasonry.
Our members are, and have been for three centuries, drawn from all walks of life. From Captains of industry and chief executives to manual labourers and forklift truck drivers, so you will find people with a wealth of different outlooks from all races, religions, classes and backgrounds.
There are also those who enjoy the ceremonial aspects. Our meetings consist of centuries old lessons centered around you as an individual. How you live your life, the decisions that you make and how to become a better person are all found within our meetings. Freemasons are taught to look after those less fortunate than themselves, charity is our lifeblood and many members devote their time and energy to helping those less fortunate than themselves.
We also have a huge amount of fun along the way, we eat, drink and meet together and form lifelong friendships.
What goes on in a Lodge Meeting?
There are three ‘degree ceremonies’ performed during masonic meetings. They are essentially one act plays and teach members how to be better people and each play represents a different stage in life.
As an ‘initiate’ or Entered Apprentice, Freemasons are taught we are all born equal, we learn that in life some do better than others and it is up to those that do well to look after the less fortunate. From this stems our belief in the importance of Service.
The next stage is to become a ‘Fellow Craft’ where Freemasons are taught the importance of improving yourself as a person, and finally as a ‘Master Mason’, where we learn that we have but one life, and the importance of using it wisely. After the meetings members dine together informally in order to enjoy good food, good wine, and good company. And most importantly, to have fun together.
What happens in a Royal Arch (Chapter) meeting?
The Ceremony of Exaltation sees members follow the clues from the Third Degree to complete their journey in Pure Antient Masonry, in a spectacular and unforgettable ceremony. Through ongoing participation, members will work together with old friends and new Companions to build on the principles of the Craft and unlock fresh perspectives on the meaning and value of Freemasonry.
Why do Freemasons wear aprons?
The aprons stem from our historical and symbolic roots as stonemasons. Being leather, they were designed to protect them from sharp tools and rough stones. For today’s Freemasons, the apron is a mark of their membership. They are presented with a white leather apron and as they progress this becomes more elaborate.
Can women be members?
Only men aged over 18 are allowed to join in Lodges under the United Grand Lodge of England.
Lodges catering to Lady Freemasons are present in Uruguay and can be found at Gran Logia Femenina del Uruguay.
Is Freemasonry International?
Freemasonry exists throughout the world and the United Grand Lodge of England has Districts in many overseas countries. Our members are free to visit any of our Lodges abroad and will often find a warm welcome from fellow members who know the local country very well.
In addition to our Lodges, many other countries have sovereign Grand Lodges, which our members are free to visit.
How much does it cost to become a Freemason?
A monthly fee is charged to all our members to pay for the upkeep of our building, its facilities, and dues to the District Grand Lodge and the United Grand Lodge. The fees vary from year to year, but they are not, we hope, dissimilar to the annual costs of joining a sports club or tennis club. Freemasonry is open to all walks of life who enjoy the Craft.
Do you have to believe in a God?
When becoming a Freemason, members are expected to be able to affirm a belief in a ‘Supreme Being’. This is deliberately phrased so as to be fully inclusive and we celebrate the diverse nature of the beliefs of our members. There is no requirement to be an active practitioner of any particular religion.