Communications Officer
The Communications Officer is responsible for all communication to the Lodge Members through email, WhatsApp and other Social media portals as as to the Public by whatever means he sees optimal. He must have a firm grasp of the sorts of questions that may be asked. Typically these may include:
Is it a Secret Society?
No, not at all. A better description would be that Freemasonry is a society that values discretion. A secret society tries to hide its existence, its membership, and its activities. Freemasonry does none of those things. We have public websites, published accounts, open days, charity reports, and social media pages – and many members are quite happy to tell people they are Freemasons. What we do have are some traditional ceremonies that are kept private. That’s not because they’re shocking or sinister; it’s because they form part of the experience for new members. It’s much the same reason you wouldn’t reveal the ending of a film or the punchline of a joke before someone has experienced it for themselves. The principle of discretion also extends to respecting the privacy of fellow members. People should be free to share their membership if they wish, without someone else doing it for them.
Is Freemasonry a Religion?
No. It’s not a religion and doesn’t replace one. Members come from many different religious backgrounds – and some don’t follow a formal religion at all – but everyone must believe in a higher power. Freemasonry doesn’t define what that means; it’s a personal matter. It’s about shared values, not shared doctrine.
Do you have to Believe in a Higher Power?
Yes. While Freemasonry doesn’t specify what that higher power must be, members are expected to hold some form of spiritual belief. It’s left entirely to the individual how they understand that idea.
Can Women be Freemasons?
Yes. Women can absolutely be Freemasons, and there are well-established women’s Masonic organisations in the UK, including the Order of Women Freemasons (OWF) and the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons (HFAF).
The relationship between the me ’s and women’s Masonic organisations is supported through the Council for Freemasonry in Great Britain, which brings together UGLE, the OWF, and HFAF along with the Grand Lodge of Scotland to promote a better public understanding of Freemasonry and to coordinate on matters of common interest.
So, while men and women belong to separate Masonic organisations in England and Wales, they share many of the same traditions, values, and charitable aims. The important point is that Freemasonry is not exclusively male – women have their own thriving and respected Masonic organisations, some of which have been in existence for over a century.
What Actually Happens at Meetings?
Lodge meetings are structured, with traditional ceremonies, talks, and discussions about moral themes using symbolic stories. There’s also very normal committee business: we approve the minutes of the last meeting, deal with correspondence, review the accounts and make sure the finances are in good order. There are reports from officers about events, charity fundraising, and membership matters. If any members are absent through ill health or difficulty, that’s often mentioned so people can check in on them or offer support. In other words, alongside the ceremony, there’s the same practical governance you’d expect in any well-run voluntary organisation – structure, accountability, and making sure everyone is looked after. . . and then, after all that, there’s usually dinner – which is where the speeches, toasts, and most of the laughter happens.
Is it all Handshakes and Secrets?
There are traditional signs and words, but they’re just part of the heritage and symbolism, and are based on the traditions used by medieval stonemasons who, being generally illiterate, didn’t carry certificates or paperwork, but used handshakes, signs and words to prove their level of skill when being considered for a job. They’re not about power or influence.
What are the ‘Obligations’ that you take?
They’re formal promises about behaving with integrity, keeping the traditional parts of the ceremonies private, and supporting fellow members appropriately. They’re not extreme, political, or life-controlling. They’re really about honour, discretion, and personal responsibility – expressed in traditional language. They sound dramatic because they use old-fashioned language, but in modern terms, it’s basically: “Be trustworthy, be honourable, and don’t spoil the surprise for the next person.”
Is there a Secret Handshake?
There are traditional signs and handshakes used in our meetings, but they’re not meant to be used outside a lodge meeting, and they’re not about Freemasons covertly identifying each other in public. They’re part of the symbolism and history of Freemasonry, originally used by medieval stonemasons for recognition and to prove their professional skills. Today they’re mainly ceremonial and symbolic. It’s not a “skip the queue at the bank” handshake; it’s about heritage, not conspiracy.
What’s the Trouser Leg business all about?
In one of the early ceremonies, part of the clothing is arranged in a particular way – including one trouser leg. It’s symbolic. To some, it represents humility and the idea that whatever your job, income, or status outside, everyone enters on the same footing. To others it’s a continuation of the truly antient ceremonies with very good reason as to why it’s done. . . And ‘no’, we don’t walk around like that afterwards.
Why do you wear Aprons?
The apron is the most recognisable symbol in Freemasonry, and it comes from the organisation’s origins with stonemasons. Originally, they wore leather aprons to protect their clothes and tools while working. Today, it’s symbolic – it represents purity, honesty, and equality, and ensures that everyone joins Freemasonry on equal terms, no matter their background, wealth, or status.
Aprons also show your stage of progress in Freemasonry. As you advance through the degrees, your apron changes:
Entered Apprentice (first degree): a simple white apron, representing innocence, the start of your journey, and the importance of learning.
Fellow Craft (second degree): the apron has a bit more decoration, reflecting the new skills, knowledge, and responsibilities you’ve gained.
Master Mason (third degree): the apron is more elaborate, with coloured trim and symbols, showing full membership and understanding of the lessons of Freemasonry.
Special officers in a lodge have their own distinctive aprons too, indicating their role in guiding and supporting the members. So, the apron isn’t just ceremonial clothing – it’s a visual reminder of your journey, your values, and the community you’re part of. And in the lodge room, it’s a way of saying, “This is who I am in the lodge and what stage I’ve reached,” all without having to explain it every time.
Why do you Wear White gloves?
White Gloves are another symbolic part of Masonic dress. Traditionally, white represents purity and clean intentions. Wearing gloves is a reminder that your actions – symbolically, the work of your hands – should be honourable and upright. There’s also a practical and historical side to it. In earlier centuries, gloves were part of formal dress, especially in ceremonial settings. Freemasonry kept that tradition to reflect the dignity and seriousness of the occasion. So, it’s not about hiding fingerprints or being mysterious – it’s all about symbolism and tradition.
What Charitable Activities do You Support?
England and Wales, much of Freemasonry’s charitable giving is channelled through the Freemasons’ Charity (formerly the Masonic Charitable Foundation). It supports a wide range of causes, including:
– Medical research
– Hospices and health charities
– Disaster relief in the UK and overseas
– Youth services and disadvantaged children
– Support for older people
– Grants to charities and community organisations
– Financial support for individuals and families in need.
However, modern Freemasonry increasingly talks about service rather than simply charity. As well as raising money, Freemasons volunteer their time, skills, and experience to support local communities. This can include everything from helping community groups and local charities to supporting schools, youth organisations, veterans’ initiatives, food banks, environmental projects, and community events. The aim is not simply to write cheques, but to make a visible and meaningful contribution to society. Community engagement and service now form a central part of Freemasonry’s strategy and values.
How much Money do You give to UK Charities?
Freemasonry in England and Wales contributes a substantial amount to charitable and community causes each year, and the majority of that support benefits the wider public rather than Freemasons themselves. For example, in 2022/23, total charitable giving by Freemasons was estimated at around £51.7 million, including donations made through the Freemasons’ Charity and local fundraising initiatives. That support takes many forms:
– Grants to national and local charities working in areas such as health, education, poverty relief, and wellbeing.
– Funding for community organisations and local projects.
Support for individuals and families facing hardship.
– Assistance for Freemasons and their dependants experiencing genuine need or distress. Importantly, financial donations are only part of the picture.
We believe that our contribution should be measured not only in pounds donated, but also in service provided. Across the country, Freemasons contribute countless hours of voluntary effort, practical support, and professional expertise to local communities, charities, and civic organisations. As a fraternal organisation, Freemasonry will always provide support to members and their families in times of hardship. However, there is growing recognition across the organisation that community engagement should be increasingly focused on serving wider society and demonstrating Freemasonry’s value as a force for good in local communities.
How old is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry in its modern form dates back to the early 18th century. The first Grand Lodge was founded in 1717 in London, which brought together several existing lodges under one organisation.
That said, Freemasonry draws on much older traditions from stonemasons’ guilds and moral or philosophical societies, some of which go back to the late Middle Ages, and some manuscripts (such as the Statutes of Bologna and the Regius Poem) suggest earlier ritualistic traditions dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries. So while the “official” organisation is just over 300 years old, its roots and symbols are several centuries older.
Is there Freemasonry outside the UK?
Absolutely – Freemasonry is a global organisation, not something that only exists in Britain. It began in the UK, but today there are Masonic lodges and Grand Lodges in most parts of the world. You’ll find them in Europe, North America, South America,
Africa, Asia, Australia – basically across every continent.
There’s no single worldwide governing body – instead, each country (or region) has its own Grand Lodge, which is like the head organisation that oversees lodges in that area.
Many of these are recognised by each other so members can visit local lodges when they travel.
In terms of scale:
There are around six million members worldwide.
In England and Wales alone, there are around 180,000 members across thousands of lodges.
In other countries, numbers vary widely – for example, large jurisdictions exist in the United States and in many European nations, and there are recognised orders in places like Sweden and beyond. Because each part of the world has its own setup, Freemasonry can look a bit different from country to country while still being part of the same broad tradition. But the core ideals – fellowship, personal growth, and service – are shared globally.
Is Freemasonry only for posh or rich people?
No, although we do occasionally manage to look like we’re auditioning for a period drama. Freemasonry is open to men from all backgrounds and professions. In a typical lodge you’ll find teachers, builders, accountants, lawyers, small business owners, IT people, musicians, bankers, taxi drivers, shopkeepers – a real cross-section of everyday working life. The whole point is that inside the lodge everyone is equal. Your job title and postcode don’t matter.
There are lodges that meet in impressive buildings, and there’s some old-fashioned ceremony, which can make it feel posh from the outside. But in reality it’s far more middle-Britain than Mayfair. It’s much more about character than class.
Is Freemasonry only for white middle-aged married men?
No. Freemasonry in England and Wales – under the United Grand Lodge of England – is open to men of any race, religion, background or sexual orientation. The essential requirements are being an adult man of good character and believing in a higher power. Like many long-established organisations, its membership historically reflected the demographics of Britain in earlier decades – which is where some stereotypes come from. But modern Freemasonry is actively inclusive and far more diverse than people expect. Inside a lodge, what matters is how you behave, not who you are, who you worship, or who you love. It’s about character, not category.
Is it about Networking or Getting Ahead?
No, that’s a common myth. Freemasonry isn’t meant to be a business club, a way to climb the career ladder, or a shortcut to influence. Its purpose is personal development, moral reflection, friendship, and charitable work, not exchanging business cards.
That said, there’s an inevitable side effect: by meeting people from a wide range of professions and backgrounds, you do end up knowing more people. If someone happens to need advice, a job referral, or help with a project, it’s natural to think of a fellow member, in the same way you might recommend someone who drinks in the same pub or plays in the same football team as you. But that’s incidental, not the point. Freemasonry also has strict rules against using the organisation for personal gain or favouritism. Any attempt to exploit it for business advantage would be frowned upon – not least because it goes against the values of integrity, fairness, and mutual respect that members swear to uphold. So yes, you might meet some interesting people. Yes, it can expand your social circle.
But it’s more like meeting people while volunteering at a charity or joining a club – the main focus is friendship and shared values, not climbing a ladder.
What other Benefits does it Offer?
Freemasonry is great for men’s mental health because it gives you a group of friends you can rely on – somewhere to talk, be heard, learn from the experiences of others, and feel part of a community. You also get to form friendships across generations, learning from older members and sharing experiences with younger ones. Finally, it’s excellent for building confidence in public speaking – not just in our formal ceremonies, but also when giving short speeches or toasts at the post-meeting dinner.
The supportive environment helps that confidence spill over into work, social life, and family.
What do you get out of it?
Friendship, a sense of belonging, personal achievement and reflection and the opportunity to contribute to charitable work. For me, it’s about belonging to something meaningful, meeting interesting people from all walks of life, and having a structured way to reflect on how I can live well and do some good.
Why did you join?
Because I was invited by someone I admire and trust, but also, because I wanted to be part of something with history and structure, meet good people, and commit to improving myself in a practical way.
OK – Make your pitch! . .
“Freemasonry is a 300-year-old organisation that brings together people from all walks of life to build friendships, serve their communities, and work on becoming better people. It’s not a religion and it’s not political – it’s just a community with some private traditions. I joined because I wanted to meet good people, challenge myself, support worthwhile causes, and be part of something meaningful.”
Key talking points
- It’s one of the world’s oldest membership organisations – over 300 years old, with roots stretching back to medieval stonemasons.
- It’s about friendship, self-improvement, and service – bringing together people from all walks of life who want to support each other and contribute to society.
- It’s not a religion and it’s not political – members come from different faiths and backgrounds, but Freemasonry is focused on shared values rather than shared beliefs.
- It’s not a secret society – it’s a society that values discretion. Most information about Freemasonry is publicly available; we simply keep some traditional ceremonies private and respect each other’s privacy.
- Women can be Freemasons too – in England and Wales, men and women belong to separate but recognised Masonic organisations, with thriving women’s orders that share the same core values and traditions.
- It’s open to ordinary people – teachers, builders, lawyers, IT professionals, taxi drivers, shopkeepers, and retirees all sit alongside each other as equals.
- It’s a global organisation – around six million members worldwide, with lodges across Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Australasia.
- It makes a positive contribution to society – through charitable giving, volunteering, community engagement, mentoring, and practical support for local causes and organisations.
- It provides real community and support – members look out for each other, especially during illness, bereavement, or difficult times, while also supporting their wider communities.
- It helps you develop confidence and life skills – especially public speaking, leadership, organisation, and communication through ceremonies, meetings, and after-dinner speeches.
- It creates friendships across generations – it’s one of the few places where younger and older men regularly spend time together, learn from one another, and build genuine friendships.
- It’s not about networking or favours – you meet interesting people, but the focus is character, friendship, and service, not business opportunities.
- Why I joined – to be part of something with history and purpose, meet good people, challenge myself, support worthwhile causes, and become a better version of myself.
