Freemasonry

What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest secular fraternal societies. It is a 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. No person shall be made a mason while under the age of twenty-one years.

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.

TRUTH

All 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.

FREEMASONRY AND CHARITY

From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been concerned with the care of orphans, the sick and the aged. This work continues today. In addition, large sums are given to national and local charities as well as to appeals for international relief.

FREEMASONRY AND SOCIETY

Freemasonry demands from its members a respect for the law of the country in which a man works and lives. Its principles do not in any way conflict with its members’ duties as citizens or of those owed to their families, but should strengthen them in fulfilling their public and private responsibilities. The use by a Freemason of his membership to promote his own or anyone else’s business, professional or personal interests is condemned, and is contrary to the conditions on which he sought admission to Freemasonry. His duty as a citizen must always prevail over any obligation to other Freemasons, and any attempt to shield a Freemason who has acted dishonorably or unlawfully is contrary to this prime duty.

FREEMASONRY WORLDWIDE

Freemasonry is practiced under many independent Grand Lodges throughout the world with standards similar to those set by the United Grand Lodge of England.

SIMPLY PUT

A Freemason is encouraged to do his duty first to his God (by whatever name He is known) through his faith and religious practice; and then, without detriment to his family and those dependent on him, to his neighbour through charity and service. None of these ideas is exclusively Masonic, but all should be universally acceptable. Freemasons are expected to follow them.

SHOWING YOUR INTEREST

Your interest usually starts by talking to a family member, friend or colleague whom you already know to be a member. In some cases, you may not know anyone who is a Freemason, if this is true please use the contact form and we will advise you how to proceed.

Once contact has been made a few members of the Lodge will arrange a mutually agreeable date, time and venue to meet you (the Candidate) to discuss your interests in Freemasonry, why you wish to join and the purposes and values of Freemasonry. Leaflets or booklets may be left with you for further reading.

After allowing you plenty of time to digest our discussion and the information we provide you a Lodge member will contact you to discuss your decision and answer any questions you may have.

If you decide that Freemasonry appeals to you and fits in with your family and social life the next step is to ask a Brother to be your ‘Proposer’. Your Proposer, along with another Brother, the ‘Seconder’ will put your application before the lodge for approval and, if successful, your journey into Freemasonry will begin!

If you would like to find out more please use our contact page and follow the links to the UGLE and East Kent websites for general information about Freemasonry within the UK and East Kent”