Link to the UGLE site
Approved by The United Grand Lodge of England
Link to the PGLWK site
Provincial Grand Lodge of West Kent
Link to our facebook page
Meridian Lodge Facebook page
How to become a Mason

To become a Mason you must:

  • Be a man of at least 21 years of age
  • Be of good moral character
  • Have a personal belief in a Supreme Being (the definition of a Supreme Being is a personal matter for each individual)
  • Decide to become a Mason of "your own free will and accord" without expectation of any material gain or benefits
  • Be loyal to your country
  • Be dedicated to providing for your own family
  • Have a sincere determination to conduct yourself in a manner that will earn the respect and trust of others
  • Possess a desire to help others through community service and universal benevolence
Interested in joining Freemasonry?

If you are interested in joining our Lodge, or have any comments, please contact the Lodge Secretary to arrange an informal meeting to discuss your interest in joining our Lodge.
A Proposer and Seconder will be required, but this can be arranged at the informal meeting.

What is Freemasonry?

Introduction

Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest secular fraternal societies. The following information is intended to explain Freemasonry as it is practised under the United Grand Lodge of England, which administers Lodges of Freemasons in England and Wales and in many places overseas.

The explanation may correct some misconceptions.

Freemasonry is a society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values. Its members are taught its precepts by a series of ritual dramas, which follow ancient forms, and use stonemasons' customs and tools as allegorical guides

Freemasonry and Religion

Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for religion. Its essential qualification opens it to men of many religions and it expects them to continue to follow their own faith. It does not allow religion to be discussed at its meeting

The Three Great Principles

For many years Freemasons have followed three great principles:

Brotherly Love - Every true Freemason will show tolerance and respect for the opinions of others and behave with kindness and understanding to his fellow creatures.

Relief - Freemasons are taught to practise charity and to care, not only for their own, but also for the community as a whole, both by charitable giving, and by voluntary efforts and works as individuals.

Truth - Freemasons strive for truth, requiring high moral standards and aiming to achieve them in their own lives.

Freemasons believe that these principles represent a way of achieving higher standards in life.

Charity

From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been concerned with the care of orphans, the sick and the aged.

This work continues today. In addition, large sums are given to national and local charities.

Freemasonry and Society

Freemasonry demands from its members a respect for the law of the country in which a man works and lives.

Its principles do not in any way conflict with its members' duties as citizens, but should strengthen them in fulfilling their public and private responsibilities.

The use by a Freemason of his membership to promote his own or anyone else's business, professional or personal interests is condemned, and is contrary to the conditions on which he sought admission to Freemasonry.

His duty as a citizen must always prevail over any obligation to other Freemasons, and any attempt to shield a Freemason who as acted dishonourably or unlawfully is contrary to this prime duty.

Secrecy

The secrets of Freemasonry are concerned with its traditional modes of recognition. It is not a secret society, since all members are free to acknowledge their membership and will do so in response to enquiries for respectable reasons. Its constitutions and rules are available to the public. There is no secret about any of its aims and principles. Like many other societies, it regards some of its internal affairs as private matters for its members.

Freemasonry and Politics

Freemasonry is non-political, and the discussion of politics at Masonic meetings is forbidden.

Other Masonic Bodies

Freemasonry is practised under many independent Grand Lodges with standards similar to those set by the United Grand Lodge of England.

There are some Grand Lodges and other apparently Masonic bodies that do not meet these standards, e.g. that do not require a belief in a Supreme Being, or that allow or encourage their members as such to participate in political matters.

These Grand Lodges and bodies are not recognised by the United Grand Lodge of England as being Masonically regular, and Masonic contact with them is forbidden.

Conclusion

A Freemason is encouraged to do his duty first to his God (by whatever name he is known) through his faith and religious practice; and then, without detriment to his family and those dependent on him, to his neighbour through charity and service.

None of these ideas is exclusively Masonic, but all should be universally acceptable. Freemasons are expected to follow them.

Information on Freemasonry, Courtesey: "The United Grand Lodge of England"

Any questions you need answering?

Feel free to contact us:

Contact the Lodge Secretary
If you are interested in joining, go to the contact page
Further reading
Meetings
First Wednesday in March (Installation)
Third Tuesday in June
Fourth Thursday in September
First Friday in December
Links
Famous Masons