What is Freemasonry? A step by step guide
What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is recognized as a fraternal society; it stands as one of the largest charitable organizations that are non-religious and non-political in the world.
All aspects related to Freemasonry are designated as ‘Masonic’.
Being a Freemason provides various benefits to different individuals. For some, it serves as a social engagement that fosters new friendships and connections. For others, it represents an opportunity to contribute to society through charitable endeavors. Additionally, many value the sense of belonging to a historic organization. Ultimately, it is simply a pleasurable pastime. Refer to our ‘10 reasons to join Freemasonry’.
Freemasonry is an organization of men who are dedicated to what Freemasons regard as the three core moral principles of ‘brotherly love, relief, and truth’. While this time-honored phrase from ancient rituals continues to be articulated in formal ceremonies, it can also be interpreted in a contemporary context as ‘Personal Integrity, Friendship, Mutual Respect, and Charitable Giving’.
Integrity: Cultivating honorable individuals
Freemasons are dedicated to developing themselves into individuals of integrity, and their membership offers the framework necessary to accomplish this objective.
Friendship: Collaborating for growth
Freemasonry establishes a shared basis for friendships among its members, many of which endure throughout their lives.
Respect: Fostering unity
Freemasonry unites individuals regardless of their race, religion, social status, or any other perceived differences that may separate us as a community.
Charity: Nurturing compassion
The values of kindness and charitable giving are deeply embedded in the tenets of Freemasonry, and the organization provides a framework for its members to contribute positively to their communities and various causes.
The purpose of Freemasonry
The purpose of Freemasonry is to enhance the character of ‘good men’ by encouraging them to fulfill their responsibilities to society, adhere to the law, and remain aware of the needs of those who are less fortunate, encompassing both Freemasons and non-masons. Freemasonry offers a distinctive setting for masons from diverse backgrounds and professions to contribute to society, cultivate enduring friendships, assist their local communities, acquire new skills, and most importantly, have a good time. In conclusion, it embodies traditional values for the contemporary individual.
Membership in Freemasonry
Any person over the age of 21, regardless of their race, religion, profession, sexual orientation, or social background, can join Freemasonry, provided he believes in a ‘Supreme Being’. See our simple ‘how to join’ guide for more information.
The administration of Freemasonry
The United Grand Lodge of England and Wales (UGLE), which is located at Freemasons Hall in London, is in charge of the governance and organization of Freemasonry within the UK. The Freemasons are divided into provinces according to geographical regions. There are 47 Provincial Grand Lodges outside of London, each governed by a Provincial Grand Master. In the UK, the Freemason community consists of over 200,000 members, while globally, the total exceeds six million.
Leeds Freemasons Lodge
St Michael’s Lodge No. 4353 is a Freemasons Lodge based in Leeds, part of the Province of Yorkshire West Riding. The Province of Yorkshire West Riding has close to 6,000 members and includes 198 lodges. Discover more about St Michael’s Lodge No. 4353 here.
Masonic Lodges
A Masonic lodge constitutes the essential organizational unit of Freemasonry. The term is also frequently utilized to refer to the building where this unit meets. Each Lodge is required to be warranted or chartered by The United Grand Lodge of England and Wales. St Michael’s Lodge No. 4353 assembles at the Grade II listed Castle Grove Masonic Hall located in Headingley, North West Leeds.
The History of Freemasonry
Some individuals assert that Freemasonry developed from the Guilds of Stonemasons, which have been present in some capacity since the 1500s. The first recorded initiation of a Freemason, that of Elias Ashmole, occurred in October 1646. The Grand Lodge was created in 1717 in London, where four existing Lodges gathered at the Goose and Gridiron Tavern in St Paul’s Churchyard and declared themselves a Grand Lodge, the first in the world. However, it was not until December 1813 that the United Grand Lodge of England came into being.
If you have additional questions regarding What is Freemasonry, please see our FAQs page. If you are interested in joining St Michael’s Lodge No. 4353 or wish to discuss any aspect of Freemasonry, please reach out to us, and we will respond as soon as possible.