Becoming A Mason
Freemasonry is one of the oldest social and charitable organizations in the world, open to those of all backgrounds. Its roots lie in the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who built our cathedrals and castles. The organisation’s aim is to empower members to be the best they can be, both for themselves and for the society around them.
The pillars by which Freemasons operate are:
Honesty, Integrity, Friendship and Charity.
The earliest recorded ‘making’ of a Freemason in England is of Elias Ashmole in 1646. Organised Freemasonry began with the founding of the Grand Lodge of England on 24 June 1717. Under the United Grand Lodge of England there are over 330,000 Freemasons, meeting in some 8,644 lodges. There are separate Grand Lodges for Ireland and Scotland with a combined membership of 150,000. Worldwide there are probably 5 million members.
The essential qualification for admission into, and continuing membership of Freemasonry is a belief in a Supreme Being. Membership is open to men of any race or religion who can fulfil this essential qualification, are over 18 years of age and are of good repute.
Our meetings are usually held on the 3rd Monday of the month, from September to March and the 4th Monday in April, commencing at 6.30pm and lasting about 3 hours during which time a meal is served. We also hold a rehearsal for our meetings on the Thursday preceding.
Sudeley Castle Lodge regularly holds“open evenings” where guests and potential candidates for membership are welcome to join us and learn about what we do.
We are always pleased to receive applications for membership from eligible candidates, and although we draw most of members from the local surrounding area there is no specific geographical limit placed on members. If you are interested in learning more and perhaps joining a Lodge in another part of the country we will be happy to direct your enquiry to a more suitable location.
Please contact the Lodge Membership Officerwho will be pleased to tell you more and answer your questions.