What is Freemasonry?

One of the world’s oldest and largest fraternal and charitable organisations. It is non-religious and non-political, and its members learn about themselves through a progression of ceremonies.

Inside a Lodge

A Freemason usually belongs to a Masonic Lodge that meets a number of times a year. Like any society it has officers, including a Treasurer and a Secretary. The most important is the Master. Members work their way up to that role, and for many it is a highlight of their time in Freemasonry.

What happens at a meeting

Visiting other Lodges

Visiting is one of the joys of Freemasonry, whether locally, nationally or sometimes internationally. Ceremonies take a similar form across the world, so a member can follow a meeting in any country, even without speaking the language.

It is also interesting to see how other Lodges carry out their ceremonies. Some Lodges are over 250 years old, and differ in detail while staying broadly the same in intent.

Charitable work

Charity is an important part of Freemasonry. Where the main effort was once supporting Masonic charities, today all forms of charity are supported, including local and national charities and help after international disasters.

Freemasons tend not to broadcast this work.