What is Freemasonry?

Freemasonry is based on principles and has links to all aspects of society, please take some time and read the information below. if you have any questions then please use our Contact Us Page.

Have a look at this video to find out some information regarding Freemasonry in Hampshire and Isle of Wight.

The three principles of Freemasonry

Three great but simple principles, Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth, unite Freemasons of every colour and many creeds. Non-Freemasons often unfairly criticize not knowing that members of the Craft are guided by such honourable objectives. The good Freemason builds these principles into his daily life as a law-abiding Man and Citizen of the world.

BROTHERLY LOVE - is the concern which each Freemason has for his Brother, which is readily shown by tolerance and respect for the beliefs, opinions and practices of his fellows and his willingness to care for his Brother and that Brother's dependants.

RELIEF - The Freemason is by nature and teaching a charitable man. He will cheerfully and kindly assist those less fortunate (whether Freemasons or not!). He will care for and support his community - local, national and international.

TRUTH - The Freemason believes in Truth in all things in honesty and integrity in his personal, business and public life, in fair dealings and in firm standards of decency and morality.

An Education

As every man progresses in Life by education so every Freemason is taught how he can be a better Man. This is done by a series of degrees - each degree educates him and answers some questions but leaves a door beyond. When the candidate has grasped the teaching of one degree, that door is opened by his progress to the next degree.

Freemasonry is believed to have begun its evolution more than 500 years ago among the bands of working, skilled builders known as "masons". The traditional framework into which most Masonic degrees are woven is the story and symbolism of King Solomon's Temple. The connection of Masonic teachings to the building of that great edifice comprises a system of education related to the traditional craft of masons and interesting to the candidate - and therefore more likely to be effective in his development.

Freemasonry and Religion

A man's religion is precious and personal to him. Discussion on matters of religion often causes arguments and many wars have been fought ostensibly to impose or defend one religion against another. As he loves all his fellows, understandably Religion is a topic which the Freemason, in that capacity, is just not allowed to discuss - nor would he want to. When Freemasons pray together, as they do in their lodges, each is addressing his personal Supreme Being. So, Freemasons of many creeds can in love and fellowship meet and pray together, irrespective of their individual religions. The Holy Book, known as the Volume of the Sacred Law, of each religion represented in the Lodge is open during meetings. It is common for 5 or 6 different V.S.L.'s to lie open during Lodge meetings abroad.

Freemasonry and Politics

For much the same reasons as above the discussion of political matters among Freemasons is absolutely prohibited. A man's politics are his own concern and the Craft, being completely non-political, will never interfere in the world of Politics nor will the Grand Lodge of England express any views on political ideology or theories.

Freemasonry and Openness

There are many books that are available in libraries and online regarding Freemasonry, many of which go into much detail about the organisation. Be aware, however, that although Freemasonry is a universal organisation, it can vary considerably from country to country. Many Masonic Halls in the UK are prominent and are used by non-masonic organisations for various community event. In England many lodges advertise and publish details of their meetings in the local press. The Museum and Library of the Grand Lodge of England are open to, and used by, members of the public who are not Freemasons. Many Lodges organise open days so that the general public gets a chance to meet Freemasons and understand more about the organisation. On a provincial level there are several initiatives that organise displays and open days to show how open Freemasonry is. As an example of this the Province of Hampshire and Isle of Wight who organise Freemasonry in the community.

Summary

Freemasonry is an ancient and honourable Society. It's principles are just steady standards of life and conduct in a changing world. The practice by the Freemason of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth and the other principles of the Craft will go a long way to making a good man better.

For more information, please go to the contact us page.