Question 1

WHAT IS FREEMASONRY?

Accepted Answer

Freemasonry means different things to each of those who join. For some, it’s about making new friends and acquaintances. For others, it’s about being able to help deserving causes – contributing to family and society. But for most, it is an enjoyable hobby.
Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest and largest non-religious, non-political, fraternal and charitable organisations. It teaches self-knowledge through participation in a progression of ceremonies. Members are expected to be of high moral standing and are encouraged to speak openly about Freemasonry.

Question 2

WHAT HAPPENS AT A LODGE MEETING AND WHEN DO WE MEET?

Accepted Answer

The Lodge of Equity meets on the second Saturday in the months of February, March, April, October, November and December. Like those of other groups, the meeting is open only to members, normally in three parts.

First, there are normal administrative procedures such as:
Minutes of the previous meeting
Proposing and balloting for new members
Discussing and voting on the annual accounts
Masonic news and correspondence
News about charitable work

Second, there are the ceremonies for:
Admitting new members
Passing and raising existing members to a superior degree
Receiving lectures from Lodge Brethren or Visiting Brethren
The annual installation of the Master of the Lodge and his officers.

Finally, members gather at the Festive Board, where the Brethren gather after the formal Lodge meeting to share food and drink and enjoy each other’s company.

Question 3

WHY DO FREEMASONS TAKE OATHS?

Accepted Answer

New members make solemn promises concerning their behaviour both in the Lodge and in society. 
Members also promise to keep confidential the way they recognise each other when visiting another Lodge. Freemasons also promise to support others in time of need but only so far as it does not conflict with their family and public obligations.

Question 4

ARE FREEMASONS EXPECTED TO GIVE PREFERENCE TO FELLOW MEMBERS?

Accepted Answer

Certainly not. This would be unacceptable and may lead to action being taken against those involved. On joining, each new member states that he expects no material gain from membership.

Question 5

WHO DO THE MASONIC CHARITIES DONATE TO?

Accepted Answer

Whilst there are Masonic charities that cater specifically, but not exclusively, for Masons or their dependants, others make significant grants to non-Masonic organisations.

Question 6

WHAT IS FREEMASONRY’S RELATIONSHIP WITH RELIGION?

Accepted Answer

All Freemasons are expected to have a religious belief, but Freemasonry does not seek to replace a Mason’s religion or provide a substitute for it. It deals in a man’s relationship with his fellow man not in a man’s relationship with his God.

Question 7

WHY DO SOME CHURCHES NOT LIKE FREEMASONRY?

Accepted Answer

There are elements within churches that misunderstand Freemasonry and its objectives. They confuse secular rituals with religious liturgy. There are many Masons in churches where their leaders have been openly critical of the organisation. Masonry has always actively encouraged its members to be active in their own religion.

Question 8

DOES FREEMASONRY ACCEPT ROMAN CATHOLICS?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Four Grand Masters of English Freemasonry have been Roman Catholics. Today there are many Roman Catholic Freemasons.

Question 9

WHAT IS FREEMASONRY’S RELATIONSHIP WITH POLITICS?

Accepted Answer

Freemasonry, as a body, will never express a view on politics or state policy. The discussion of politics at Masonic meetings has always been prohibited.

Question 10

IS FREEMASONRY AN INTERNATIONAL ORDER?

Accepted Answer

Freemasonry exists throughout the world. However, each Grand Lodge is sovereign and independent. There is no international governing body for Freemasonry.

Question 11

ARE THERE WOMEN FREEMASONS?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Whilst the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), following the example of medieval stonemasons, is and has always been, restricted to men, women Freemasons have two separate Grand Lodges, which are restricted to women.

Question 12

WHY DO WE WEAR REGALIA?

Accepted Answer

Wearing regalia is historic and symbolic. Like a uniform, the regalia indicates the rank of the wearer in the organisation.

Question 13

HOW MANY FREEMASONS ARE THERE?

Accepted Answer

Under the United Grand Lodge of England, there are over a quarter of a million Freemasons.

There are Grand Lodges in Ireland, which covers both Northern Ireland and Eire, and Scotland which have a combined total of approximately 150,000 members.

Worldwide, there are approximately six million Freemasons.

Question 14

HOW MANY DEGREES ARE THERE IN FREEMASONRY?

Accepted Answer

Basic Freemasonry consists of three degrees:

Entered Apprentice
Fellow Craft
Master Mason

Question 15

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BE A MEMBER OF OUR LODGE?

Accepted Answer

Not as much as you would think, here is a break down of the costs:

Subscription yearly - £192.00
Dining fees per meeting - £26.00
Initiation fee (only once) - £100.00
Yenton Assembly room (only once) - £10.00.

This totals £328.00 payable on your joining night.

Once you have joined we then ask you to set up a standing order for £26.00 per month thus helping to spread the costs to your pocket!

Members are invited to give to charity but this should always be within their means and it is entirely up to the individual how much they wish to contribute.

THE LODGE OF EQUITY 5554

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS