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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Basic Freemasonry consists of three degrees:

Entered Apprentice

Fellow Craft

Master Mason

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.