So, how do you actually join the Freemasons, and what does it entail for both you and the Lodge concerned?

Mythbuster #1 – YOU DO NOT NEED TO KNOW A MEMBER TO JOIN.

Firstly, the process varies between countries, so here we will discuss joining in the UK, and specifically England.

You can either apply through the national website of UGLE – the United Grand Lodge of England, your local county (Provincial) website or directly through an individual Lodge (like ours). Most Lodge’s have a website, FB pages or some other social media presence.

For some (if they time it correctly), the process of joining might only take a few months, while at other times it may take a year or so from applying to joining.

The reason behind this is that the Lodge or Province may be having a recruitment drive which may speed things up, or a specific Lodge may be rammed with upcoming ceremonies (people keen to join or members keen to progress) which may slow the joining process down. But don’t worry, if the process is on the slower side, we will keep in touch and invite you along to social events to allow you to get to know us better and vice-versa in the meantime.

Mythbuster #2 MASONRY ACCEPTS FEMALE MEMBERS.

There are many common misconceptions, often deliberately circulated by the press and social media junkies for clickbait and outrage sales.

Yes, you DO need a proposer, but again, don’t worry – if we think you’ll be a good fit, one of us will propose you once they have got to know you.

After your initial website expression of interest, you will have the main application forms to complete.

If you apply through the national or county (Province) websites, they may guide you towards a specific local Lodge. Or you may end up meeting with various Lodges over a period of time and you can decide which you liked the sound of best.

Mythbuster #3 – YOU DON’T NEED TO JOIN YOUR NEAREST LODGE.

For instance you may want to join in London as that’s where you work, or one in a different county as there may be a family connection. You might feel a pull towards a Lodge that specialises in a particular occupation or hobby that you favour such as: Rugby, Entertainers, Army, RAF, Navy, School, Classic Cars, Carravans or Motorbikes?

If you already know someone in a specific Lodge and want to apply to join that one, it often speeds up the joining process as they can directly propose (sponsor) your application and vouch for your good character. In our world, a personal recommendation means a lot as we work on trust and principle.

Mythbuster #3 – YOU DON’T HAVE TO BELIEVE IN GOD TO BE A MASON.

OK – There are Christian Orders within Masonry but everyone can enjoy the three basic ‘Orders’ within Masonry as long as:
1) They are over 18 years of age. 2) They don’t have any unserved criminal convictions. 3) They have a belief in a Supreme Being or supreme force.

What your exact belief system is will never be asked – that’s your business not ours, but in the same way that you might be asked to take an oath in a court of justice, you will have to take an oath to become a Freemason. Atheists and Agnostics cannot honestly take such an oath, so are currently unable to join us. They are however welcome to enjoy the social events that we run as ALL are welcome.

OK – What next?

Assuming you have made a good impression on the Lodge members you have met and you can meet the above criteria, you will invited to join the organisation and hopefully the Lodge of your choosing.

We can’t always guarantee we can fit you in you with the closest Lodge or one you had your eye on.

Some Lodges are simply more popular application destinations than others due maybe to prestige or location. This can leave the Lodge concerned trying to juggle all sorts of ceremonies and new joiners and fit them into a finite amount of meetings per year.

You may therefore either have to wait a year or so to join an oversubscribed Lodge, or you may be gently steered towards one that can actually accommodate you in a more mutually acceptable time frame. But don’t worry, we won’t forget about you or leave you stranded if you are set on a specific Lodge. If we both like what we see, we will get you involved as soon as we can, even if this is in a social manner while awaiting your initiation.

OK – It’s my joining night. What now?

On the night you join you’ll be called upon for certain fees, which vary between Lodges, and we will inform you during the joining process what these fees are.
There is a one off joining fee which currently sits at a hundred odd pounds and then an in-advance annual Lodge membership fee.
Each Lodge also has a different annual membership fee. This will again be explained during the joining process, but worked out per month is usually a very manageable amount for most people.
You will need a dark suit and black shoes for meetings and a pair of white cotton gloves. These can often be found in charity shops for bargain prices should you not own either.
And after all of that, you’re good to go!
The organisation offers members friendship, a life of service to charitable causes, a sense of purpose and belonging and a whole host of other benefits.
It’s up to you now to make to first move.