What We Do...
Freemasons come from all faiths and backgrounds. A Freemason believes in a ‘Supreme Being’ and is concerned with moral and spiritual values. A moral and ethical approach to life is at the core of a Freemason: showing thoughtfulness for others, kindness in the community, honesty in business, courtesy in society and fairness in all things. Each Freemason is urged to regard the interests of his family as paramount and practice concern for people, care for the less fortunate and help for those in need.
What does a Freemason Do? A Freemason is led to participate in moral lessons and self-knowledge by a series of ritual dramas – a progression of allegorical plays if you like, performed within each Lodge. These rituals follow ancient forms, using stonemasons’ customs and tools as allegorical guides. These dramas have hardly changed over the last 300 years.
Rick Wakeman is one of a large number of well known people who are Freemasons. For a flavour of what it means to be a Mason why not watch these informative two part video interviews with him by Lewis Masonic. He talks about his family, his masonic membership and what Freemasonry means to him:
W Bro Rick says "My efforts in the Lodge room are always recognised on those occasions. As a visitor to other Lodges, I have always been made truly welcome, just as we welcome our own visitors.
I care about my fellow men, their welfare and the impact that my activities and actions have on them and on the world in general. I endeavour to conduct my life according to high moral standards and integrity.
W Bro Rick Wakeman is someone who enjoys the company and fellowship of like minded men. Freemasonry provides him with an ideal mix of formality and informality derived from our ceremonies. Particularly enjoyable is the meal which follows each Lodge meeting and our charitable and social activities.
For Freemasons, there are three important values that help define their path through life: Brotherly Love, Relief & Truth.
The first grand lodge, established to govern Freemasonry in England and Wales, was formed in 1717, during a meeting at a pub in the City of London called the Goose and Gridiron. At that time there were four lodges in the city. But in Scotland, a masonic lodge in Edinburgh has records to show that it has been in existence since at least 1599. During the early 18th century, Freemasonry spread quickly to Europe and the colonies.
Why are Masons so secretive?
Freemasonry’s guiding metaphor is the craft of stonemasonry: It models itself upon the fraternities of medieval stonemasons who would use secret words and symbols to recognise each others’ legitimacy, and so protect their work from outsiders. During some periods of history, Freemasons have been persecuted – by the Nazis, for example – and have needed to go underground to survive. In recent times, there has been a move towards transparency but there are some confidences - modes of recognition for instance - which remain confidential. Masonry is not a secret society but a society with secrets.