Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest and largest non-religious, non-political, fraternal and charitable organisations, providing an environment for people from all backgrounds to make lasting friendships, achieve their individual potential and have fun.
Is it for me ? That’s one of those questions which we can’t truly answer with a simple Yes or No. To help begin answering the question we have provided some general information in an open manner below and extend the invite that if you wish to pursue that question further, to contact us.
So, who becomes a Freemason?
Freemasonry is open to all men of over 21 years of age, regardless of social or economic background, race, or religion. The very nature of freemasonry is to regard all of us as one family. All our members have different jobs and employment paths and so its likely you will have something in common with some of us right from the beginning.
One of the key things is that Freemasonry is open to all men, regardless of religion. How the individual members practice their particular beliefs is their business, it is not the business of Freemasonry. Members are not permitted to discuss religion or politics in the lodge as such matters are the business of the individual and are respected at all times.
However, to become a Freemason, the individual needs to have a belief in something greater than themselves in the universe – a Supreme Being.
What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is the world’s oldest fraternal society which seeks to encourage thoughtfulness for others, kindness in the community, honesty in business, courtesy in society and justice and fairness in all things. Members are urged to regard the interests of the family as paramount but, importantly, it also teaches and practices concern for all people; to care for the less fortunate and help for those in need. Members are taught its core values in a series of ritual dramas which follow historical forms, and use stonemasons’ customs and tools as illustrative guides.
Is it time consuming, and does it cost much?
As we have mentioned before, you can be involved as much or as little as you like. Our lodge meets just six times a year; normally the 4th Monday of September, October, November, February, March and April.
Within the year we organise certain social events, such as the Christmas Party, Fish & Chip suppers, or the annual Ladies Festival, all of which are completely down to the individual if they wish to attend. Between the formal lodge meetings detailed above there are also rehearsals and instructional evenings for those members who wish to learn more. Many members also visit other lodges as it a great way to meet new people and make new friends.
Membership is by means of an annual or monthly subscription, which compares favourably with everyday sports and social clubs. Social events and individual charitable donations are extra, but are at a members discretion. There is regalia to purchase but the lodge can advise on sensible places to purchase and costs are comparable to outfits or equipment necessary for sports clubs and other similar activities and can be lower in cost if one purchases second hand.
Freemasonry is an affordable and rewarding way for its members to have fun.
Personal satisfaction, not personal gain
Rumours and false information are rife in all walks of life and, for Freemasonry this is no different. It has been said time and time again that some people become Freemasons for personal benefit, but if this were true, then they failed to grasp the reality of what Freemasonry is about and will be dissppointed.
The only personal gain our members enjoy is the sense of well-being which is derived from being part of an honourable society, part of an organisation who work tirelessly to help those that are less fortunate and where they find support both inside and outside of the lodge for them and their family in times of strife.
Charity
Freemasonry is one of the most charitable organisations in the country and, as members, we give as freely as possible to local, national, and international causes. However, each member’s donation are entirely private so there is never any pressure to give more than can afford.
Through Lovells Bury lodge, the Bedfordshire Province, and Freemasonry in general, we make a major contribution to society through our own charitable organisations, as well as through donations to local charities and worldwide disaster relief funds both home and abroad.
It is important to remember that charity does not just mean giving money. Of just, if not more importance, is giving of your time or capabilities to help an event take place, so that funds can be raised, or to give time in the small but important acts of helping another – talking someone to the hospital, visiting them when ill, or just lending a hand.
Is it right for you ?
We trust the information above has helped you answer that question, however if you still have questions that you would like answered or want to know more about Freemasonry in general then we invite you to contact our Secretary, by clicking on the ‘Email our Secretary’ button below or complete the on-line form, similarly by clicking the ‘Complete Online form. We would be pleased to meet you and discuss your questions further.
Below is a recent video from The United Grand Lodge of England which might be of interest to you.