What is Freemasonry?
Introduction
Introduction
An international and widely recognised fraternity, Freemasonry provides its members with the opportunity to embark on an amazing life-long journey of learning, self-discovery and of deepening personal moral strength and compassion. Most Masons find the experience both challenging and rewarding and above all, enormously enjoyable.
An international and widely recognised fraternity, Freemasonry provides its members with the opportunity to embark on an amazing life-long journey of learning, self-discovery and of deepening personal moral strength and compassion. Most Masons find the experience both challenging and rewarding and above all, enormously enjoyable.
Whilst dating back several centuries in this country no one knows exactly when Freemasonry, as we know it today, started.
Whilst dating back several centuries in this country no one knows exactly when Freemasonry, as we know it today, started.
However, the Craft on which it was founded - that of stonemasons - dates back thousands of years - recent examples of which can be seen everywhere, in our castles, churches, cathedrals, and other historic buildings.
However, the Craft on which it was founded - that of stonemasons - dates back thousands of years - recent examples of which can be seen everywhere, in our castles, churches, cathedrals, and other historic buildings.
The strict rules and guidelines that were used to train and develop young men into supreme masters of the stonemason's craft are used in Freemasonry - but now, in metaphorical form - to develop the character, values and spirit of the individual.
The strict rules and guidelines that were used to train and develop young men into supreme masters of the stonemason's craft are used in Freemasonry - but now, in metaphorical form - to develop the character, values and spirit of the individual.
For Freemasonry expounds the art of self-discovery and continuous self-improvement; of using human virtues as templates, enabling men gradually to fashion, sculpt and craft themselves into better individuals from the inner person and hopefully, to become even more helpful, worthy and useful members of society.
For Freemasonry expounds the art of self-discovery and continuous self-improvement; of using human virtues as templates, enabling men gradually to fashion, sculpt and craft themselves into better individuals from the inner person and hopefully, to become even more helpful, worthy and useful members of society.
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.
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.
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 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.
Charity
Charity
From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been involved in charitable activities, and since its inception it has provided support for many widows and orphans of Freemasons as well as others within the community.
From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been involved in charitable activities, and since its inception it has provided support for many widows and orphans of Freemasons as well as others within the community.
All monies raised for charity are drawn from amongst Freemasons, their families and friends, while grants and donations are made to Masonic and non-Masonic charities alike.
All monies raised for charity are drawn from amongst Freemasons, their families and friends, while grants and donations are made to Masonic and non-Masonic charities alike.
Over the past five years alone Freemasonry has raised more than £75m for a wide range of charitable purposes including those involved in medical research, community care, education and work with young people.
Over the past five years alone Freemasonry has raised more than £75m for a wide range of charitable purposes including those involved in medical research, community care, education and work with young people.
Freemasonry has an enviable record of providing regular and consistent financial support to individual charities over long periods while at the same time making thousands of grants to local charities, appeals and projects throughout England and Wales each year.
Freemasonry has an enviable record of providing regular and consistent financial support to individual charities over long periods while at the same time making thousands of grants to local charities, appeals and projects throughout England and Wales each year.