What is Freemasonry

Our Guiding Principles

For Freemasons there are four important values that help define our path through life: Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Service. In today’s world these principles ring as true as they have at any point in the organisation’s history.

Integrity Building Good People	Friendship Building Together	Respect Building Unity	Service Building Compassion
Honesty, trustworthiness, honour, reliability, and conscientiousness form the foundation of a virtuous character. They foster trust, maintain integrity, and demonstrate commitment, ultimately leading to a life of strong principles and dependable actions.	Freemasonry gives members many opportunities to make a wide circle of friends for life who share common interests and values. It provides a bond of friendship and a sense of belonging. This promotes a feeling of enjoyment and fulfilment.	From its earliest days, Freemasonry has respected the beliefs of its members. It promotes an environment where diversity is valued. It is a space where different beliefs and backgrounds converge, fostering an atmosphere of inclusivity, tolerance and harmony.	Whether participating in events, fundraising for a charitable cause or volunteering for public or community organisations, service is at the very heart of Freemasonry. Our members make valuable contributions by donating time, resources and skills.

What is Freemasonry Freemasonry means different things to every Mason. Some Freemasons enjoy meeting new people and expanding their circle of friends. For others, our charitable fundraising and works, are fundamental to their membership, helping deserving causes and making a difference to family, friends and society as a whole. For most Freemasons it is a great way to spend quality time in an enjoyable hobby that they share with like-minded people from an incredibly diverse cross section of society. As one of the world’s largest and oldest fraternal, charitable, non-religious and non-political organisations, Freemasonry teaches self-knowledge. Members are encouraged to speak openly about Freemasonry and are expected to be of high moral standing. Members are taught our guiding principles (moral lessons and self-knowledge) via a series of ritual dramas, a progression of allegorical plays which are learnt by heart and performed within each Lodge, using stonemasons customs and tools as their guide. A moral and ethical approach to life is instilled in our members. Its values are based on integrity, kindness, honesty and fairness. Members are urged to regard the interests of the family as paramount but, importantly, Freemasonry also teaches concern for society, care for those less fortunate and help for those in need.

Our Mission

What We Are

We are a unique members’ organisation that has thrived for over 300 years. Having no political or religious affiliations, we comprise members of all ages, races, religions, cultures and backgrounds. We meet in our individual Lodges throughout the country where we have ceremonial traditions which encourage us both to be more tolerant and respectful and actively to fulfil our civic and charitable responsibilities; we also make time to eat, drink and meet together, and form lifelong friendships.

What We Aim For

To attract those from all backgrounds and walks of life, enabling them to develop into more thoughtful and confident people. To inspire and challenge them to practise the core values we celebrate – Integrity, Friendship, Respect, Service – in their private and public lives. To cement our reputation as a force for good in our communities and society at large and as a thriving organisation that people aspire to join.

How We Will Achieve This

Over the next 7 years, we will enhance our reputation as a thriving organisation that people aspire to join and broaden our membership across all age groups.