What happens during a lodge meeting?
Prior to the meeting, an agenda is circulated amongst the Brethren which outlines a number of items. Some of these may be administrative items related to the well-running of the Lodge. This is also when candidates for initiation are being read out. Some of the officers are expected to present a report to the Lodge – this is for example the case of the Almoner who is responsible for the well-being of any lodge members who may be absent due to health reasons.
It is also during regular meetings that Masonic rituals, such as the Initiation Ceremony, are performed. These generally take up most of the time spent in the Lodge Temple. Following the meeting members generally dine together in nearby venue for what is known as the “Festive Board”. This involves the use of traditional toasts, seating arrangements and other Masonic traditions.
Why do Freemasons donate to charities?
Freemasonry donates a substantial amount of money to Masonic and non-masonic charities. Yet it is not a charity itself. Many other organisations may also donate to charities but doing so carries a special meaning for Freemasons. We do not donate simply because we are keen to support a good cause but because having a charitable attitude towards those in need is part of what the ritual teaches us. Donating to charities is therefore about putting masonic principles into practice.
Why do Freemasons perform rituals?
Rituals in Freemasonry are used to teach moral lessons. They draw upon the Old Testament and tell stories that the Candidate and the members can identify with and reflect on for the purpose of moral improvement.
Freemasonry is sometimes mocked in the media for performing “odd ceremonies” where candidates are asked to open up their shirt and roll up their trouser legs (both facts being accurate but their symbolic significance is never explained).
Such accounts grossly overlook how meaningful and thought-provoking masonic rituals are. Masonic rituals are remarkably well-structured and every single aspect of the ceremonies has a special significance. The use of language is often poetic and when properly performed masonic rituals can deeply impact those who witness and participate in the ceremony.
Why do Freemasons wear regalia?
Essentially to indicate the rank and office of the wearer within the Lodge and the Organisation. All aprons have a base of white lambskin to denote purity and innocence.
Is Freemasonry a religion?
No. Freemasonry lacks the basic elements of religion. It has no dogma or theology, no desire or means to enforce religious orthodoxy or any ideology of any kind. It offers no sacraments and does not claim to lead to salvation by works, by secret knowledge, or by any other means.
Is Freemasonry compatible with religion?
Yes. Freemasonry does not interfere with religious practices and it encourages its members to practice their religions. It also promotes tolerance across all faiths.
Is Freemasonry a networking organisation?
While Freemasonry provides ample opportunities to meet new people it does so only to promote friendship and brotherhood.
It would be totally unacceptable for any prospective candidate or current member to expect any sort of material advantage from their Masonic membership. On joining each new member must also state that he expects no material gain from membership.
Is Freemasonry an international order?
While Freemasonry exists throughout the world each National Grand Lodge is sovereign and independent. There is no international governing body for Freemasonry.
How to choose the right Lodge?
It is of paramount importance to join a Lodge whose meetings you are able to attend. The meeting venue and meetings dates are therefore one important thing to consider. Tetragon Lodge meets in Central London on Saturday mornings while other Lodges may meet outside London and may do so during the week.
Our preference is to meet on Saturday mornings because it is often difficult for young professionals to attend meetings during the week due to work commitments. Another advantage in meeting on Saturday mornings is that it gives members plenty of time to socialise after the formal meeting during the afternoon. A typical Tetragon meeting turns into a whole day event which often ends late at night!
Another important thing to consider is who the members are: hence the importance of meeting as many members as possible to make sure that you will feel among friends as a full member of the lodge.
Why is a belief in Supreme Being a prerequisite for membership?
Quite simply because the moral teachings of Freemasonry would not make sense to a person who would not believe in something greater than themselves or the world around them.
Why can't women be Freemasons?
They can! Freemasonry began as a male-only movement, in keeping with the social conditions of centuries ago. But in the early 20th century women established Masonic organisations for themselves. We do not visit each other's Lodges but they sometimes use our meeting-places. Some women Masons are even married to our members. There are also masonic groups that accept both men and women, although this option is, in fact, less popular among both female and male members.