What is Freemasonry?
Integrity - Friendship - Respect - Service
One of the oldest secular social and charitable organisations in the world, modern Freemasonry’s roots lie in the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who built our castles and cathedrals.
For Freemasons, there are four important values that help define their path through life: Integrity,Friendship, Respect and Service. In today’s world filled with uncertainty, these principles ring as true now as they have at any point in the organisation’s history.
Membership is open to men over 18 from all backgrounds and the organisation’s aim is to empower members to be the best they can be – it’s about building character, supporting members as individuals and helping them make a positive contribution to society.
Freemasonry provides a structure for members to come together under these common goals, enabling people to make new friendships, develop themselves and make valuable contributions to charitable causes. We are one of the largest charitable givers in the country, contributing £51.1m to deserving causes in 2020.
Our Guiding Principles
For Freemasons, there are four important values that help define their path through life: Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Service. In today’s world filled with uncertainty, these principles ring as true now as they have at any point in the organisation’s history.
Integrity
Building good people
Freemasons are focused on building themselves as people of integrity, and membership provides the structure to help achieve that goal. Being a Freemason gives members a sense of purpose, supporting and guiding them on their journey through life. Collectively, members are bonded through an understanding of unity and equitability – principles fundamental to Freemasonry.
Friendship
Building together
Freemasonry provides the common foundation for friendships between members, many of which will last for life. Being a Freemason means something different to each person who joins, but whether looking to make acquaintances or develop their own potential, all members share a sense of togetherness that strengthens their ability to succeed and grow.
Respect
Building unity
Freemasonry brings people together irrespective of their race, religion, or other perceived differences that can divide us as a society. Members are expected to be of high moral standing and are encouraged to talk openly about what the organisation does and what it means to be part of it.
Service
Service focus
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?
If you ask any Freemason why they became one, you’ll probably find that each has their own reason for joining Freemasonry. Being a Freemason means something different for every member.
Becoming a Freemason means you’ll be joining about 175,000 members throughout England and Wales, as well as Districts overseas.
Membership is open to people from all backgrounds and the organisation’s aim is to empower members to be the best they can be – it’s about building character, supporting members as individuals and helping them make a positive contribution to society.
We have more than 7,000 Lodges, with any man over the age of 18 welcome to join, irrespective of their race or religion. Students are also able to join one of 87 University Scheme Lodges.
Women are invited to join one of two female-only Grand Lodges: The Order of Women Freemasons and Freemasonry for Women.
FAQs
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Generally speaking, yes.
We are a force for good in our communities and champion the principle of inclusiveness. We are proud to have female lodges and people from all walks of life can be Freemasons. All that is required is that you have a belief in a supreme being, are over 18 and share our values.
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Leopold Lodge is a male lodge. If you would like to join a female lodge, we can point you in the right direction and affect an introduction.
If you are an atheist with no spiritual beliefs, we could not invite you to join. To be fair, it would not suit you, as so much of what we do references the Great Architect of the Universe.
If you have criminal convictions, we would need to take a view on the nature of those convictions and your present attitude towards them.
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We would say that 9 times out of 10, no , what you’ve heard isn’t true.
We are not a business club. It is not about gaining unfair advantage in work or in legal matters. It isn’t about a particular faith or political persuasion. In fact, there are two topics explicitly banned in lodge: Politics and Religion. To overtly seek to discuss or promote business is viewed in similar terms. Let us further assure you that there is nothing in any way part of Freemasonry that would ever cause conflict with anyone’s legal, spiritual or ethical duties.
If you're interested in finding out more about becoming a Freemason we’d love to hear from you.
Just fill in the contact form and we’ll be happy to help you start your Masonic journey.
*Eligibility criteria apply - check out our FAQ section above.