Frequently Asked Questions About Freemasonry

From time to time, Freemasonry attracts the interest of the media and occasionally this interest is based on misconception. Freemasonry is not a secret society and increasingly the presence and widespread availability of the the Internet has made the facts and objectives of Freemasonry more readily available to those who are interested, thus enabling them to form an objective  opinion from their own researches. This web site contains links to other Masonic sites for the benefit of practicing masons and to assist those who may wish to consider becoming a Freemason by starting them on the path to understanding its objectives and the breadth and depth of its distribution throughout the UK and the rest of the World.

Having, hopefully, 'whet the appetite' for further knowledge of a prospective mason, the two most immediate questions are, what is Freemasonry and how do I become a Mason? These are comprehensively explained in the United Grand Lodge website, starting with What is Freemasonry . The website also has helpful information on Becoming a Mason.

The main points can be summarised as follows:

Freemasonry - is a worldwide society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values. Its members are taught its precepts by a series of ritual dramas, which follow ancient forms, and use stonemasons' customs and tools as allegorical guides. The essential qualification for admission into and continuing membership is a belief in a Supreme Being. Membership is open to men of any race or religion who can fulfil this essential qualification and who are of good repute. Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for religion. This essential qualification opens it to men of many religions and it expects them to continue to follow their own faith. It does not allow religion to be discussed at its meetings.

For many years Freemasons have followed three great principles:

Brotherly Love - Every true Freemason will show tolerance and respect for the opinions of others and behave with kindness and understanding to his fellow creatures.

Relief - Freemasons are taught to practice charity and to care, not only for their own, but also for the community as a whole, both by charitable giving, and by voluntary efforts and works as individuals.

Truth - Freemasons strive for truth, requiring high moral standards and aiming to achieve them in their own lives.

Freemasons believe that these principles represent a way of achieving higher standards in life.

Becoming a Freemason - It is suggested that after reading the material on the Grand Lodge site, a prospective candidate should first speak to a family member, friend or colleague whom he already knows to be a member. They will be able to help to find a suitable Lodge. If he does not know anyone who is a member, he should contact the Provincial Grand Secretary for Herefordshire (see Home page) with a brief resume and his reasons for wishing to join. Arrangements will be made for an informal meeting to further develop this interest. He would then, in due course, be invited to meet a committee of members from a Lodge of his choice prior to being balloted for membership of that Lodge. All being well, a date would then be fixed for admission.

Costs - There are of course financial commitments associated with becoming a Freemason. Joining fees, annual dues and subscriptions are modest as are the dining fees associated with the Festive Boards which follow Lodge meetings. For charitable donations, each is only asked to give in accord with his means. The resulting rewards are inestimable.