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The St Andrew Lodge
Cullompton
The following information is written to answer some of the questions we as Freemasons are often asked.
If whilst reading this, you have any questions not covered, please contact me.
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What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest and largest fraternal societies. There are approximately five million Freemasons throughout the world and more than three hundred thousand English Masons. It is a non-profit making organisation, committed to supporting charitable causes and to bringing people together.
The particular bond, which makes Freemasonry unique is the traditional manner in which we conduct our ceremonies. We have inherited these from our predecessors hundreds of years ago and by ‘working’ them at our meetings they are preserved, providing a dignified and a splendid context to our meetings.
It is by means of these ceremonies that a man is gradually introduced to and helped to understand the meaning of our organisation.
Our ceremonies date from a time when lessons and ideas were taught and explained by demonstration and simple symbolism rather than in writing. It is through these ceremonies in which we all participate, that the values and instincts which we believe characterise a good man, and a mason, are explained to our new members.
Freemasonry is old; it’s precise origins are not clear, but certainly our ceremonies are related to the working practices of medieval stonemasons who, as highly skilled craftsmen formed themselves locally into ‘Lodges’ in order to preserve the standards of their trade. An apprentice Mason was introduced into full membership of that Lodge by means of a series of ceremonies and tests by which he gradually proved that his skill was such that he deserved to become a full member of the Lodge.
By the early eighteenth century, these practical ceremonies and tests had evolved into symbolic ceremonies with moral meanings. The ceremonies, which we ‘work’ now are substantially the same. Mozart was made a Mason in a ceremony very similar to that of a new Mason today.
Whilst our ceremonies are ancient, they teach us and remind us about the most important issues in our modern world.
Why would a man wish to become a Freemason?
Freemasonry is unique. It is unlike any other institution in that it offers experiences not found elsewhere.
Freemasons are ordinary men from every walk of life, of all religious backgrounds. They share a concern for human values, moral standards and the importance of helping others.
So is Masonry a secret society?
Absolutely not! We are proud for you to know we exist; what we do and why we do it. We welcome as members all good men who feel that they would want to do what we do. Just as the ancient stonemasons did, we meet in private and as the new Mason progresses to full membership, he is successively taught new symbolic ‘secrets’, which are only applicable within the Lodge and which hi is expected not to disclose.
By continuing in this traditional manner, we believe that each new Mason comes to realise, with unique clarity, that he has joined a substantial organisation with serious moral purpose.
In the course of his earliest ceremony, the new Mason must publicly declare his clear understanding that he is not joining Freemasonry in the expectation of any worldly advantage from doing so and that there will be no place for him within the fraternity should he attempt to do so. We make no secret of this.
Is there more to Masonry than ceremonies?
Our ceremonies only take up a part of our evenings together and once we have left our Lodge Room, we usually enjoy drinks and a dinner together in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere. We regularly invite our ladies and men who are not Masons to join us at some of our Festive Boards (as we call them). In this way, we hope the warmth and enjoyment of our gatherings can be made clear to more people.
Is Freemasonry a religion?
It most emphatically is not. Because our traditions and ancient history give, in the popular mind, a certain impression of mystery, some have assumed that Freemasonry has some religious purpose. Freemasonry has a moral purpose, but as long as a member is able to profess a belief in God, Freemasonry quite deliberately does not involve itself in the nature of his personal worship. Our membership being diverse and including men of many faiths, the name of God, is quite deliberately referred to as ‘The Great Architect of the Universe, and is used at all our meetings (for example, we still say grace before dinner). Otherwise, all discussion of religion (and politics, incidentally) is forbidden at a Masonic meeting and men of all faiths can be found side by side and at ease in a Freemasons Lodge.
It is noteworthy that the Lodges in Ireland are governed by just one Grand Lodge if Ireland, regardless of which side of the border they meet; and at a recent lodge meeting in Israel, at Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee, one of our members found himself, a Christian, sitting beside Arab and Jewish Masons as they worked a bi-lingual ceremony. Afterwards, they all dinned together in unity.
What charitable work is Freemasonry involved in?
Freemasonry is a major charitable institution and donates millions of pounds each year in assisting others: both Masonic organisations and to those with no such connections. We fund projects for the infirm, the elderly, the disadvantaged and the young. Every hospice in the land receives an annual grant from The Freemasons. We contribute, for example, to the Scout and Guide movements, the Air Ambulances and the Samaritans. There can be few areas of society where Freemasonry has not helped those with needs.
Regular contributions to charity are expected of a Freemason, but he only gives what he can afford and it is done in private.
Why can’t women become Freemasons?
But they can. There are distinguished and dignified organisations for ladies who wish to be Freemasons. They have their own traditions and purposes that are similar to ours. They do not admit men, just as we do not admit women.
What will a man get out of Freemasonry?
As a freemason, it is our hope that a man will feel part of a centuries-old, but modern international organisation, which is determined to play a part in encouraging good and thoughtful conduct; a love of family and friendship, an instinct to help others and a desire to have enjoyment in good company.
Kindest Sincerest and Fraternal Regards
Ray Weinstein
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