Why become a Freemason?
Throughout 300 years of heritage and history, our members have come from all walks of life and each with their own unique story to tell for why they became a Freemason.
As one of the oldest social and charitable organisations in the world, we have a thriving community of approximately 170,000 members throughout England and Wales, as well as Districts overseas. Freemasons use four key values to help define their path through life: Integrity, Friendship, Respect, and Service. Those values, upheld by its members, offer a framework for making better choices in life and living a more fulfilling and purposeful existence.
Membership is open to people from all backgrounds and our aim is to empower members to be the best they can be.
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Freemasonry offers the opportunity to engage with like-minded people from different backgrounds who you wouldn’t usually meet
From the Universities Scheme and New and Young Masons Clubs, to special interest Lodges, Freemasonry gives members many opportunities to make a wide circle of friends for life. Finding bonds with people who share common interests and meeting people from all different backgrounds are just some of the ways Freemasonry can help cultivate lasting friendships.
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You want to develop yourself
It provides an opportunity to explore your potential through improved self-knowledge and confidence on an enduring foundation of ethical and moral values
Freemasonry offers the opportunity to engage with like-minded people from different backgrounds who you wouldn’t usually meet
From the Universities Scheme and New and Young Masons Clubs, to special interest Lodges, Freemasonry gives members many opportunities to make a wide circle of friends for life. Finding bonds with people who share common interests and meeting people from all different backgrounds are just some of the ways Freemasonry can help cultivate lasting friendships.
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You want to make a positive contribution to society
Freemasons actively engage in charitable events and activities. They dedicate time, resources and skills to support communities by being part of something that makes a difference to the world.Â
"Since joining Freemasonry I have pushed myself into everything thrown at me and I thrive on being a trailblazer for Freemasons helping towards mental health. I’m also a member of the Cornerstone Young Masons Club in Essex, which I believe is a great network suited to inspiring young and new Freemasons looking to get stuck in and have fun while they do it."
"Contributing at local charitable events makes me feel deeply connected to my community. When I stand back and see how Freemasonry contributes globally, the sense of pride I feel is incredible. The bond of friendship is stronger in Freemasonry than anywhere else I’ve experienced. I now have a wider, more diverse circle of friends than I ever thought possible. I’ve been guided throughout my journey in Freemasonry by meaningful, useful and important lessons of self-discovery and integrity. These lessons truly help me to be the very best I can be."
"I joined Freemasonry to spend more time with my father, to meet different people from outside of my own social circle and give something back to my community in the terms of charity. I joined at 37 – I should have joined when I was in my late 20s."
"What I enjoy most is being part of something meaningful, which challenges me and provides friendship and support all at the same time. It’s like Scouting for adults. "
"What I enjoy most about Freemasonry is everything. It’s become a huge part of my life, but on a personal level it has given me a defined focus to use my amateur poetry to raise funds for not just one cause but a myriad of causes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, the Freemasons’ charity. My decision to join was largely based on the fact my perception was Freemasonry could be a ready-made group of friends everywhere you go. Nearing the end of my military life I desired the camaraderie and all that goes with it to continue, and have found this was true in spades. "
"What do I enjoy most about Freemasonry? It’s hard to narrow it down! The moral lessons and ways of teaching through the ceremonies, the brotherhood and friendship found globally, and the golden link to history and stability. I now have friends from such a variety of generations, backgrounds, professions I would never find anywhere else. "
"I’m serving in the military (RAF) and the bond between everyone in the military is unique. Within our Lodge are many ex-airmen, but I’ve also enjoyed the company of many former soldiers, sailors and marines, sharing their experiences. They are always keen to listen to me impart my own experience from a more modern service life. Even though there are many differences between their time and mine, the link between us through Freemasonry is always fascinating. I think the commonality between Freemasonry and military life is amazing and I’m sure it will long continue. "
