FAQFrequently Asked Questions*
What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is the UK's largest secular, fraternal and charitable organisation. It teaches moral lessons and self knowledge through participation in a progression of allegorical two-part plays. It is often described as a beautiful system of morality veiled in allegory, and illustrated by symbols.
Aren't you a secret society?
We are not!
- our ceremonies have been published in books and are freely available in libraries
- our meeting places are known and often used for other purposes by the public such as blood donor sessions
- members are free to speak openly about freemasonry
- information can be found on the internet
Can anyone attend a Masonic meeting then?
No, like many other organisations our meetings are private and open only to members
What happens at a lodge meeting?
The meeting is in two segments:
- First : Administrative procedures
- Second: Ceremonies for :
- Admitting new members
- The installation of the master
- In addition we have lectures relating to freemasonry
- There are three ceremonies for admitting a new member, each in two parts
| Part one | symbolic 'play' about the principles and lessons of freemasonry |
| Part two | A lecture on the candidate's duties |
| the lodge meeting is usually followed by a social gathering, known as the 'social board' | |
| sometimes social boards are open to non-masons in order to help them understand more about freemasonry and appreciate and experience the happiness and enjoyment members obtain |
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It is in the lodge meetings that the bonds of friendship and fellowship are strengthened.
Don't you wear funny aprons?
We do wear aprons these symbolise the origins of freemasonry as operative stone masons who also wore aprons . Aprons are part of the regalia worn which also serves to indicate the experience of a person in the organisation.
Why do Freemasons have a Funny Handshake?
Freemasonry is a very old society that pre-dates many present day institutions. The earliest Masonic records are to be found in Scotland and date from a time when members of Lodges were mainly illiterate. As stone masons had to travel all over the country, and occasionally overseas, some simple method of recognition had to be devised in order to secure employment appropriate to the degree of skill of each individual. Modern day Freemasonry continues that practice. Other organisations use different methods to identify between those who are members and those who are not. A membership card is the most common form and instantly shows that one is a member of a particular society etc. A membership card, or anything in writing, would have been useless to an illiterate stone mason. Freemasonry is a very traditional institution, proud of its history and what it stands for. It simply continues to use practices established centuries ago.
What are the Masonic Degrees?
A Candidate receives three Masonic Degrees, concluding with the Third (or Master Mason’s) Degree. The Degrees are solemn, enlightening, and an enjoyable experience with no uncomfortable or embarrassing moments. It is here where the principles of Freemasonry are taught and where the new member learns that his family and his livelihood are to be considered above Freemasonry. Every Master Mason is welcomed as a “Brother” in any of the thousands of Regular Masonic Lodges throughout the world.
* Some of the text included in this article has been taken from a number of sources and we thank the individuals and lodges concerned.
