What non masons need to know about Freemasonry

In order to gain an insight into Freemasonry it is first necessary to dispel two of the common misconceptions about the Order that are regularly repeated in the tabloid press and appear in books such as ' the Brotherhood' by Stephen Knight.

Firstly, it is not a secret society. However, it is an exclusive club and, as such, relishes its privacy. Ancient signs of recognition, including hand- shakes, are used during its meetings and the members prefer to keep these from candidates until the appropriate moment, in order to maintain the dramatic impact of the ceremonies. However, if he so desires, the serious research student can easily discover them on the web, or in any good book shop, or Library.

Secondly, Freemasonry is not a religion and is not a threat to any particular sect. It is multi-racial, multi-cultural, non-religious and non-political - but individual Masons must believe in a 'Supreme Being'. Obligations of delity to the principles of Freemasonry are taken on the sacred volume appropriate to the beliefs of each candidate.
In order to become a Freemason a man must usually be over 21 years of age (undergraduates may enter certain 'University' Lodges at an earlier age) and of good reputation. After he has been proposed in open Lodge, and in due time been approved by ballot, he will progress through three ceremonies. The rst is logically called 'Initiation,' the second 'Passing' and third 'Raising.' Each of these will take place on a different evening, over a period, and will involve the enactment of a short play using long established ritual, containing much symbolism and couched in beautiful language. In English Lodges the ritual is always learnt and recited from memory.

Freemasonry is now the largest worldwide fraternal organisation. It seeks to instill in its members respect for their fellow beings and for the fundamentals of truth and virtue. Its ceremonies draw upon the story of the building of King Solomon's Temple as an allegorical framework for the Order's moral code and symbolically uses the working tools of the ancient Stonemasons to represent its principles. Thus, each Brother hopes to gain a fuller understanding of human nature and aims to adhere to exemplary standards of behaviour in his everyday life. Overall, the teaching of Freemasonry aims to make good men even better. It should be emphasized that membership of Freemasonry must never be used for the purpose of gain or advancement. Anyone who abuses this rule is liable to disciplinary action and, in appropriate cases, can be expelled from the Order.
The senior English Freemason is the Grand Master, who currently is His Royal Highness Prince Edward, Duke of Kent. To date, ve Princes of the Royal Blood have held that Office.
The business of a Lodge meeting follows an agenda, which always begins with the submission of the minutes of the previous meeting for approval by the members. Once the Master has signed them, he would move on to the other items on the agenda. A dinner, or as Masons call it, a festive board, usually follows a lodge meeting and at which a
number of formal toasts are given.

It can be truly said that if Masons have one fault, it is that they tend to hide their light under a bushel. Charity is one of the principle aims of the Order, and every year millions of pounds are raised from among its members, much of which is given to non-Masonic charities. Since the beginning of 2015 The Grand Charity has announced grants totalling almost £2 million covering Hospices in England & Wales; Heart Transplant Research; new treatments for Allergies & Asthma; Youth Opportunities; Vulnerable People; and Air Ambulances. Further substantial grants have been made to many smaller UK Charities. Considerable sums have also been donated to address the International disasters of the Nepal Earthquake, Vanuatu Cyclone (South Paci c) and to rebuild schools & health centres destroyed by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines back in 2013.

Finally, the most common question posed about Freemasonry is: 'What do individual members get out of their membership?' There are almost as many answers to that question as there are brethren in each Lodge.
Some gain a spiritual and moral uplift from a meeting of like minds, others enjoy the ritual and sense of theatre, others the ceremonial, others the charitable work, others the company and of course the social context of the after proceedings. However, for most Freemasons it is a combination of all these things and probably much more besides.

From an article by WBro Roger Jago, rst published in 'Insight' – Hamps&IOW