Welcome 

Our goal is to provide a positive insight into what Freemasonry has to offer. Within these pages you will find out about Freemasonry in general, about Surrey Freemasons and the Province of Surrey.   

Freemasonry may be summed up in the following manner; a moral code; a study in the art of life; a way of life. The fraternity is based on these three principles:

Brotherly Love:

Every true Freemason will show tolerance and respect for the opinions of others and behave with kindness and understanding to his fellow man.

Relief:

Freemasons are taught to practice charity, and to care, not only for their own, but also for the community as a whole, both by charitable giving, and by voluntary efforts and works, as individuals.

Truth:

Freemasons strive for truth, requiring high moral standards and aiming to achieve them in their own lives.

If you feel that you have the qualities that make a good Mason

What is Freemasonry?

Freemasonry teaches moral lessons and self-knowledge through participation in a progression of allegorical two-part plays, which are learnt by heart and performed within each Lodge. 

Freemasonry offers its members an approach to life which seeks to reinforce thoughtfulness for others, kindness in the community, honesty in business, courtesy in society and fairness in all things. Members are urged to regard the interests of the family as paramount but importantly Freemasonry also teaches and practices concern for people, care for the less fortunate and help for those in need.

Why do people join and remain members?

People become Freemasons for a variety of reasons, some as the result of family tradition, others upon the introduction of a friend or out of a curiosity to know what it is all about.

Those who become active members and who grow in Freemasonry do so principally because they enjoy it. They enjoy the challenges and fellowship that Freemasonry offers. There is more to it, however, than just enjoyment.

Participation in the dramatic presentation of moral lessons and in the working of a Lodge provides a member with a unique opportunity to learn more about himself and encourages him to live in such a way that he will always be in search of becoming a better man, not better than someone else but better than he himself would otherwise be and therefore an exemplary member of society.

Each Freemason is required to learn and show humility through initiation. Then, by progression through a series of degrees he gains insight into increasingly complex moral and philosophical concepts, and accepts a variety of challenges and responsibilities which are both stimulating and rewarding. The structure and working of the lodge and the sequence of ceremonial events, which are usually followed by social gatherings, offer members a framework for companionship, teamwork, character development and enjoyment of shared experiences.

What promises do Freemasons take?

New members make solemn promises concerning their conduct in the Lodge and society. These promises are similar to those taken in court or upon entering the Armed Services or many other organizations. Each member also promises to keep confidential the traditional methods of proving he is a Freemason which he would use when visiting a Lodge where he is not known.

The much publicised 'traditional penalties' for failure to observe these undertakings were removed from the promises in 1986. They were always symbolic, not literal, and refer only to the pain any decent man should feel at the thought of violating his word.

Members also undertake to not make use of their membership for personal gain or advancement; failure to observe this principle or to otherwise fall below the standards expected of a Freemason can lead to expulsion.

Who can join?

Membership is open to men of all faiths who are law-abiding, of good character and who acknowledge a belief in God. Freemasonry is a multi-racial and multi-cultural organisation. It has attracted men of goodwill from all sectors of the community into membership. There are similar Masonic organisations for women.

 

Is Freemasonry a religion?

Freemasonry is not a religion. It has no theology and does not teach any route to salvation. A belief in God, however, is an essential requirement for membership and Freemasonry encourages its members to be active in their own religions as well as in society at large.

Although every Lodge meeting is opened and closed with a prayer and its ceremonies reflect the essential truths and moral teachings common to many of the world's great religions, no discussion of religion is permitted in lodge meetings.

Is Freemasonry a secret society?

Freemasonry is not a secret society, but Lodge meetings, like meetings of many other social and professional associations, are private occasions open only to members.

Freemasons are encouraged to speak openly about their membership, while remembering that they undertake not to use it for their own or anyone else's advancement. As members are sometimes the subject of discrimination which may adversely affect their employment or other aspects of their lives, some Freemasons are understandably reticent about discussing their membership. In common with many other national organisations, Grand Lodge neither maintains nor publishes a list of members and will not disclose names or member's details without their permission.

In circumstances where a conflict of interest might arise or be perceived to exist or when Freemasonry becomes an issue, a Freemason must declare an interest.

The rules and aims of Freemasonry are available to the public. The Masonic Year Book, also available to the public, contains the names of all national office-holders and lists of all lodges with details of their meeting dates and places.

The meeting places and halls used by Freemasons are readily identifiable, are listed in telephone directories and in many areas are used by the local community for activities other than Freemasonry. Freemason's Hall in London is open to the public and 'open days' are held in many provincial centres.

The rituals and ceremonies used by Freemasons to pass on the principles of Freemasonry to new members were first revealed publicly in 1723. They include the traditional forms of recognition used by Freemasons essentially to prove their identity and qualifications when entering a Masonic meeting. These include handshakes which have been much written about and can scarcely be regarded as truly secret today; for medieval Freemasons, they were the equivalent of a 'pin number' restricting access only to qualified members.

Many thousands of books have been written on the subject of Freemasonry and are readily available to the general public. Freemasonry offers spokesmen and briefings for the media and provides talks to interested groups on request. Freemasons are proud of their heritage and happy to share it.

Is Freemasonry involved in politics?

Freemasonry is definitely not a political organisation, it has no political agenda, and discussion of politics is not permitted at lodge meetings.

Freemasonry naturally tends to attract those with a concern for people and a sense of social responsibility and purpose. There are members, therefore, who are involved in politics at local, national and international level. Equally there are members who take an active interest in non-Masonic charitable organisations and other community groups.

Is Freemasonry involved in the community?

From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been involved in charitable activities, and since its inception it has provided support for many widows and orphans of Freemasons as well as for others within the community.

All monies raised for charity are drawn from amongst Freemasons, their families and friends, while grants and donations are made to Masonic and non-Masonic charities alike.

Over the past five years alone Freemasonry has raised more than £75m for a wide range of charitable purposes including those involved in medical research, community care, education and work with young people.

Freemasonry has an enviable record for providing regular and consistent financial support to individual charities over long periods while at the same time making thousands of grants to local charities, appeals and projects throughout England and Wales each year. For the future, opportunities to obtain or provide matched funding are periodically examined with a view to enhancing the impact of the support Freemasonry can give to specific projects. The personal generosity of Freemasons and the collective fundraising efforts of almost 8,000 lodges, however, will continue to determine the contribution Freemasonry makes within the community.

What are the requirements to become a Freemason?

Candidates must be male; at least 18 years of age; able to profess a belief in God or Supreme Being; and of good character.

Do I have to be invited to join?

Normally yes to ensure that you seek to become a Freemason of your own free will. However if you do not know anybody that is a Freemason and have enjoyed your visit to this website then visit the Provincial website Surrey Freemasons and the United Grand Lodges website UGLE they will be pleased to answer any questions, arrange a tour of a Lodge or find out where your local Masonic meeting place is.

Will it cost me anything to join?

Yes there is an initial joining fee which covers the cost of the Three Degrees, administration costs and Lodge dues. Thereafter you will be required to pay an annual subscription. At regular meetings you will have to pay for your evening meal (Festive Board), donate to charity (whatever you wish) and some spends for refreshments. It is not possible to be exact on fees as each Lodge is different geographically and in membership size.

Is it true that you are a Secret Society? 

This could not be further from the truth - just look in your local Yellow Pages or community directory and you will find a listing of your local Masonic meeting place. You can also visit the United Grand Lodge of England website for more information. As a point of interest you can arrange a tour of U.G.L.E. which is a wonderful experience.

 

So why do you have passwords and handshakes?

Freemasons have various modes of recognition - signals, grips, signs, and phrases. These are used whenever we meet and when visiting different Lodges.

Isn't Freemasonry simply for those well off?

There is no denying that we have members from affluent backgrounds. However you will find in any Lodge members from all walks of life. Regardless of background, life experience or status, providing you meet the criteria of what makes a good Mason there is no reason you can not join.

Isn't this simply a place to meet to do business deals?

Absolutely not. That would be a misuse of membership and subject to Masonic discipline. On his entry into Freemasonry each candidate states unequivocally that he expects no material gain from his membership. Abuse of membership can result in penalties varying from temporary suspension to expulsion. 

How do I find out more about joining?

Simply email or contact the Grand Lodge or the Province of Surrey. Their details can be found on their website (Province). They will be happy to answer any other questions.

What is the next step?

If you have already decided you would like to join request the joining application. A short informal interview will be conducted and a date set for you to join. It's that simple!!