It’s a friendly society made up of like-minded people who enjoy each other’s company and want to better themselves in terms of their approach to life and their fellow human beings.
It’s all about World domination – not so regrettably, if it was there would be less wars and disputes. Politics is strictly out when it comes to Freemasonry.
It does great charitable works in the UK and around the World. Pretty much all of the monies distributed by Freemasons is self-generated, no tin rattling here just our own donations, from the proverbial widow’s mite to any level is well received and properly applied.
It’s all about business – not at all, using your membership to obtain preference or advancement is strictly forbidden and would receive a short riposte if it was attempted. That’s not to say that if one of the members was in a trade that you needed, that you wouldn’t use his services, because at least you would be assured of his integrity by virtue of him being a Mason. But if you want a network to promote your business then membership of a good golf club would be a far better option.
Good works also extend to the practical level. Freemasons can help in the community by rolling their sleeves up and helping out at various levels, events, etc.
The ceremonies are secret because there is something going on – The ceremonial isn’t secret, and neither is the society. Everyone knows that Freemasonry exists all around the World so that’s not a secret. The ceremonial is widely available on the Web so that’s not a secret, but anyone thinking of joining should avoid reading it, as it would spoil the enjoyment of the ceremonies that centre around them as they pass through their three degrees.
It makes good men better. That’s all it seeks to do, and generally its pretty good at bringing out the best in people.
They only look after themselves – no we don’t. We do look out for our own members when they need help, and for their families, but we support many good causes outside of Freemasonry.
Taking part in the ceremonial brings confidence and starting with a small part in the ritual can lead to greater confidence in taking the larger parts on, and very soon the quiet, shy person that became a Mason is more confident in their life in general and more likely to play a bigger part in his community, his homelife and his work life. Nothing bad about that.
It’s an alternative religion – no its not, its not a religion at all, it just demands a belief in a Supreme Being, not necessarily an established religion, just the faith that there is a higher power ruling our lives and actions. Hence all faiths can join Freemasonry, and no one is going to distinguish them because of their religion.
One of our late Provincial Grand Masters coined a motto for this Province – Family, Fellowship and Fun – the three F’s. Always family first.
They have secret signs – yes we do, insofar as they imitate the recognition signs used by mediaeval stone masons to denote their skill levels (no City and Guilds Certificates then) but that’s it, and even those can be seen on the Web, so sadly not such a secret after all.
Taken at its most simple level, it is a way of making friends and opening up new vistas on life, visiting other Lodges is a pleasure and life-long friendships are made. People need people, and the Covid19 pandemic has proven just how much we need each other’s support and contact. Freemasonry stands the test of time on that front alone.
It’s only open to men – yes for the Lodges under the UGLE, but there are also Freemason Lodges for women too. See our Links page for links to Women Freemason sites.