Your Local Surrey Freemasons Lodge
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What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest and largest non-religious, non-political, fraternal and charitable organisations. It's roots lie in the traditions and ceremonies of the medieval stonemasons who built our cathedrals and castles. Though the interests of one’s own family are always paramount, Freemasonry teaches and practices concern for people, care for the less fortunate and help for those in need.
Freemasonry has always been about making good men better. Individuals aim to shape their lives round five core principles:
Integrity: We say what we mean and we keep our promises.
Kindness: Although our families come first, we believe in playing a key role in our communities and give time and money to charitable ventures.
Honesty: We pride ourselves on openness, about what being a Freemason means for us.
Fairness: We treat everyone as equal – we listen to others, explore any differences and look for common ground.
Tolerance: We respect the opinions of others and behave with understanding towards them.
What happens at a lodge meeting?
The meeting, which like those of other groups, are open only to members, is normally in two parts. First, there are normal administrative procedures such as:
• Minutes of the previous meeting
• Proposing and balloting for new members
• Discussing and voting on the annual accounts
• Masonic news and correspondence
• News about charitable work
Second, there would be a ceremony (or maybe two).
• Initiation. The 1st Degree*
• Passing The 2nd Degree*
• Raising The 3rd Degree* (more information about the 3 degrees)
• The annual installation of the Master of the Lodge and his officers
*United by a belief in God (any God) as Supreme Being, freemasonry teaches moral lessons and self knowledge through participation in a progression of three traditional ceremonies.
Is freemasonry a secret society?
NO, but Lodge meetings, like those of many other groups, are private, open only to members. The rules and aims of Freemasonry are available to the public, many of the well known books on Freemasonry being available from the local library. Local Lodges, Grand Lodge and Provincial Grand Lodges have websites. Meeting places are known and in many areas the local community for activities other than Freemasonry uses them. Members are encouraged to speak openly about Freemasonry. Masons have sometimes been understandably reticent about discussing their membership, perhaps fearing discrimination which may have affected their employment adversely.
What are the secrets of Freemasonry?
The secrets in Freemasonry are the traditional modes of recognition. They are not used indiscriminately, but solely as a test of membership, e.g. when visiting a Lodge where you are not known.
Are Freemasons expected to give preference to fellow members?
Certainly not. This would be unacceptable and may lead to action being taken against those involved. On joining, each new member states that he expects no material gain from membership.
Who do the Masonic charities donate to?
Whilst there are Masonic charities that cater specifically, but not exclusively, for Masons or their dependants, others make significant grants to non-Masonic organisations.
What is Freemasonry’s relationship with religion?
All Freemasons are expected to have a religious belief, but Freemasonry does not seek to replace a Mason’s religion or provide a substitute for it. It deals in a man’s relationship with his fellow man not in a man’s relationship with his God.
What is Freemasonry’s relationship with politics?
Freemasonry, as a body, will never express a view on politics or state policy. The discussion of politics at Masonic meetings has always been prohibited.
Is Freemasonry an international order?
Freemasonry exists throughout the world. However, each Grand Lodge is sovereign and independent. There is no international governing body for Freemasonry.
Why do you wear regalia?
Wearing regalia is historic and symbolic. Like a uniform, the regalia indicates the rank of the wearer in the organisation.
How many Freemasons are there?
Under the United Grand Lodge of England, there are over 200,000 Freemasons.
There are Grand Lodges in Ireland, which covers both Northern Ireland and Eire, and Scotland which have a combined total of approximately 150,000 members.
Worldwide, there are approximately six million Freemasons.
How much does it cost to be a Freemason?
It varies from Lodge to Lodge. Anyone wishing to join will find a Lodge to suit his pocket. There is an initiation fee on entry and in due course regalia will have to be bought. The meeting is normally followed by a dinner, the cost depending on the venue. There is, in addition, an annual subscription.
Members are invited to give to charity but this should always be within their means and it is entirely up to the individual how much they wish to contribute.