Freemasonry is the world’s first and largest fraternal organization. It is open to men of adult age of any colour, religion, nationality or social standing. The only requirement is a belief in a Supreme Being. Its body of knowledge and system of ethics is based on the belief that each man has a responsibility to improve himself while being devoted to his family, faith, country and fraternity.
Freemasonry enhances and strengthens the character of the individual man by providing opportunities for fellowship, charity, education and leadership based on the three ancient Masonic tenets: Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.
By attending Masonic Lodge meetings and learning from your fellow Masons, you’ll strengthen the bonds of fellowship as you join together with like-minded men who share ideals of both a moral and metaphysical nature. You’ll enjoy the friendship of other Masons in the community, and you will be welcomed as a ‘brother’ by Masons everywhere in the world. Freemasonry also promises that should you ever be overtaken by misfortune, sickness or adversity through no fault of your own the hands of our great fraternity will stretch forth to aid and assist you.
From its earliest days charity has been the most visible Masonic activity. Freemasons have always been devoted to caring for those less fortunate than themselves such as disadvantaged children, the sick and the elderly. Indeed Masons donate many millions of pounds to both Masonic and non-Masonic charities on an annual basis.
Because Masonry is an esoteric society, certain aspects of its work are not generally disclosed to the public. Freemasonry uses an initiatory system of degrees to explore ethical and philosophical issues and the system is less effective if the observer knows beforehand what will happen. It is described in Masonic Craft Ritual as a ‘beautiful system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated with symbols’.
