What is Freemasonary?
Freemasonry is a unique members’ organisation that has thrived for over 300 years. It has no political or religious affiliations and is comprised of members of all ages, races, religions, cultures and backgrounds. The roots of this social and charitable organisation lie in the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who built our cathedrals and castles. These craftsmen often travelled to different locations to find work. To demonstrate their level of qualification, they would use grips, words and signs in order to distinguish themselves from unqualified builders; ‘secrets’ that are remembered in today’s ceremonies.
Freemasonry uses building analogies to teach members how to lead productive lives that benefit the communities that they live in. In the medieval era, stonemasons wore aprons and gloves to protect themselves while working on shaping rough pieces of stone, but in today’s society Freemasons meet to build friendships and communities rather than cathedrals and castles.
Guiding principles of Freemasonry
For Freemasons, there are four important values that help define their path through life: Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Service. In a world filled with uncertainty, these principles ring as true today as they have at any point in the organisation’s history.
What happens at a Lodge meeting?
There are typically two parts to a Lodge meeting; the first involves administrative procedures, such as proposing and balloting for new members and receiving news about charitable activities; the second focuses on ceremonies, which usually involve the admittance of new members (a process made up of three degrees, or stages, each marked by a special ceremony), or the installation of the Master of the Lodge and his officers. It is through these ceremonies that Freemasons are taught the guiding principles of the Order; to look after those less fortunate, to improve themselves and to live well so as to be remembered for the right reasons.
True to the sense of friendship and togetherness among Freemasons, meetings are also social events, providing an occasion for members to dine together. Outside of the Lodge, activities include community fundraising and volunteering activities, as well as a varied programme of events where spouses, partners and families are welcome. Such events are guided by a saying; “family first, work second Freemasonry third”.
The Three Degrees of Freemasonry
When a person is initiated into Freemasonry they complete the First Degree. At this point they become an ‘Entered Apprentice’. The First Degree ceremony reminds them that all are equal and it is the responsibility of those that do well to look after those less fortunate.
Upon the completion of the Second Degree, a member becomes a ’Fellowcraft Freemason’. This encourages members to better themselves through education and focuses on self-development.
The ‘Third Degree’ ceremony teaches members how to use their life wisely and be remembered for the right reasons. On completion they become a Master Mason.
Who can be a Freemason
Anyone “of mature age” (traditionally over 21 years but exceptions are permitted particularly into University Lodges); this is regardless of race, religion, or socio-economic status, although candidates are expected to have a Faith.
Freemasonry in England and Wales
Pentalpha Lodge is one of 200 Lodges in the jurisdiction of the masonic Province of Yorkshire West Riding, There are 48 masonic Provinces in England and Wales all governed by United Grand Lodge based in London. Of the 170,000 Freemasons in the country, 5,000 are members of the Province of Yorkshire West Riding. (These figures do not include women Freemasons for whom there is a separate organisation). There are also Grand Lodges recognised by the United Grand Lodge of England in over 130 other countries’
This explanation of “what is Freemasory” has been adapted from an article to be found in yorkshirewestridingfreemasons.org. An account of Women Freemasons is included at this site. Further information can be accessed by following the links.