Published by Blakes for more
than a quarter of a century
than a quarter of a century
United Grand Lodge of England
FREEMASONRY - A WAY OF LIFE
Freemasonry is the world's oldest secular fraternal association. It has its roots in the craft of the operative stonemasons who built the great cathedrals and castles in medieval times. Under the United Grand Lodge of England it is an association of men who have a belief in moral and spiritual values and the practice of charity within the community. It is open to men of any race or religion and is apolitical.
Although not in itself a charity, Freemasonry supports four national charities which care for the distressed, the elderly, children and young people and the sick, as well as making significant donations to a wide range of non-Masonic charities. In the last five years the national Masonic charities have expended nearly ?100mn in support of charitable endeavours. What distinguishes Masonic charity from other charities is that the money expended comes from the members themselves without appeals to the general public.
Organised Freemasonry began on 24 June 1717, when four lodges in London came together to form a Grand Lodge, the first in the world. It was followed by Grand Lodges in Ireland (1725) and Scotland (1736). Between them the British Grand Lodges took Freemasonry around the world, its development mirroring that of the British Empire. Freemasonry is now present throughout the free world. It is international in that it exists throughout the world, but there is no international governing body. Each Grand Lodge is sovereign and self-governing.
Freemasonry is not a secret society, but lodge meetings, like meetings of many other social and professional associations, are private occasions open only to members. Freemasons are encouraged to speak openly about their membership, while remembering that they undertake not to use it for their own or anyone else's advantage or advancement. The rules and aims of Freemasonry have been in the public domain for over 250 years. Its meeting places are readily identifiable and are used by the local community for activities other than Freemasonry. Its national head quarters is open to the public daily and houses a magnificent library and museum, providing information and research facilities for all enquirers.
Freemasonry offers its members an approach to life that seeks to reinforce thoughtfulness for others, kindness in the community, honesty in business, courtesy in society and fairness in all things. Members are urged to regard the interests of family as paramount, but importantly Freemasonry also teaches and practices concern for people, care for the less fortunate and help for those in need. The structure and working of the lodge and sequence of ritual and ceremonial events, which are usually followed by social gatherings, offer members a framework for companionship, teamwork, character development and enjoyment of shared experiences.
The principles of Freemasonry are passed on to new members by means of ancient rituals, which powerfully impress on the candidate the standards he is expected to follow as a Freemason. Freemasonry is based on three great principles, characterised in the ceremonies as Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. In more modern terms they would be described as tolerance and respect for others combined with fellowship; the practice of charity in all its forms, not simply giving money; and a striving for high standards and integrity in all that we do.
Membership is open to men of all faiths who are law-abiding, of good character and who acknowledge a belief in God. Over nearly 300 years it has attracted men of goodwill from all sectors of the community into membership. There are similar Masonic organisations for women. Freemasonry naturally tends to attract those with a concern for people and a sense of social responsibility and purpose. There are members who are involved in politics at local, national and international level. Equally there are members who take an active interest in community groups and non-Masonic charitable organisations. Freemasonry, however, as a body will not, and individual Freemasons in their Masonic capacities will not express any comment on matters of religion, politics or social policy. It does not have an agenda and is not a lobbying organisation. It hopes that its members by following its principles will live lives of service to their fellow man and make a genuine contribution to the communities within which they live and work.
Although not in itself a charity, Freemasonry supports four national charities which care for the distressed, the elderly, children and young people and the sick, as well as making significant donations to a wide range of non-Masonic charities. In the last five years the national Masonic charities have expended nearly ?100mn in support of charitable endeavours. What distinguishes Masonic charity from other charities is that the money expended comes from the members themselves without appeals to the general public.
Organised Freemasonry began on 24 June 1717, when four lodges in London came together to form a Grand Lodge, the first in the world. It was followed by Grand Lodges in Ireland (1725) and Scotland (1736). Between them the British Grand Lodges took Freemasonry around the world, its development mirroring that of the British Empire. Freemasonry is now present throughout the free world. It is international in that it exists throughout the world, but there is no international governing body. Each Grand Lodge is sovereign and self-governing.
Freemasonry is not a secret society, but lodge meetings, like meetings of many other social and professional associations, are private occasions open only to members. Freemasons are encouraged to speak openly about their membership, while remembering that they undertake not to use it for their own or anyone else's advantage or advancement. The rules and aims of Freemasonry have been in the public domain for over 250 years. Its meeting places are readily identifiable and are used by the local community for activities other than Freemasonry. Its national head quarters is open to the public daily and houses a magnificent library and museum, providing information and research facilities for all enquirers.
Freemasonry offers its members an approach to life that seeks to reinforce thoughtfulness for others, kindness in the community, honesty in business, courtesy in society and fairness in all things. Members are urged to regard the interests of family as paramount, but importantly Freemasonry also teaches and practices concern for people, care for the less fortunate and help for those in need. The structure and working of the lodge and sequence of ritual and ceremonial events, which are usually followed by social gatherings, offer members a framework for companionship, teamwork, character development and enjoyment of shared experiences.
The principles of Freemasonry are passed on to new members by means of ancient rituals, which powerfully impress on the candidate the standards he is expected to follow as a Freemason. Freemasonry is based on three great principles, characterised in the ceremonies as Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. In more modern terms they would be described as tolerance and respect for others combined with fellowship; the practice of charity in all its forms, not simply giving money; and a striving for high standards and integrity in all that we do.
Membership is open to men of all faiths who are law-abiding, of good character and who acknowledge a belief in God. Over nearly 300 years it has attracted men of goodwill from all sectors of the community into membership. There are similar Masonic organisations for women. Freemasonry naturally tends to attract those with a concern for people and a sense of social responsibility and purpose. There are members who are involved in politics at local, national and international level. Equally there are members who take an active interest in community groups and non-Masonic charitable organisations. Freemasonry, however, as a body will not, and individual Freemasons in their Masonic capacities will not express any comment on matters of religion, politics or social policy. It does not have an agenda and is not a lobbying organisation. It hopes that its members by following its principles will live lives of service to their fellow man and make a genuine contribution to the communities within which they live and work.
For further information check the Grand Lodge website at www.ugle.org.uk, or contact the Communications Department at Freemasons' Hall, Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5AZ.
Tel: 020 7395 9302
Fax: 020 7395 9307
E-mail: ugle@ugle.org.uk
Copyright © 2005 Blake.