First Artificer Lodge
No 3774

Your questions answered about Freemasonry

What is Freemasonry?

Freemasonry means something different to everyone who joins.

For some, it’s about making new friends and acquaintances. For others, it’s about being able to help deserving causes, contributions to charity and society. However, for most, it’s a hobby and somewhere to meet new people from all walks of life.    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.

What are Freemasons obliged to do?

What you will get out of membership of freemasonry will, like most things in life, be reflected by the effort you make to integrate with the other members of the lodge and participate in our rituals and social activities.   Many freemasons find learning and performing ritual life enhancing as it gives them the confidence to speak in front of others. A few prefer to just observe and enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded individuals. The following masonic publications provide information for those interested in learning more about Freemasonry.

Requirements for membership.

Freemasons are always asked if there is preferential treatment and gain between fellow masons. Yes, there is. Freemasonry will make you rich. But isn’t in £££’s, it’s in experience. It’s in joining a group of like-minded, decent, principled people of the same values, who work together to help those less fortunate than ourselves, at the same time enjoying what masonry offers. In a world of mass media and mass suffering, famine and tragedy, Freemasonry provides a platform to react for fundraising when disaster strikes. Freemasons do give, but only what they can genuinely afford.

How much does it cost?

What about the cost? Membership subscriptions compare favourably with everyday gyms and social clubs. Freemasonry is not a rich man’s hobby, but an affordable and rewarding pastime.   You don’t need the acting skills of a West End star to become a Freemason.   In the convivial atmosphere of a Masonic meeting, members soon learn to relax and enjoy taking part in something rather special. It’s a place where everyone can be themselves and contribute in a way that suits their personality. Many members actually find that learning and performing these rituals is a useful programme of self-development especially building self confidence in speaking in front of others. For those that want to do it, Freemasonry also provides the opportunity to practise after-dinner speaking with a totally friendly audience.

Is Freemasonry a religion?

No it’s not a religion.   You have to be male, aged 21 or over, and be of good character (which means not having any criminal convictions and of good Moral). You must also believe in a Supreme Being, but Freemasonry is not a religion; men from a variety of faiths are members.

Is Freemasonry an open society?

Yes it is an Open society.   In the interests of domestic harmony, people interested in becoming Freemasons are strongly recommended to bring their wife/partner into the picture at the earliest possible stage. All of the Masonic Centres in the London Province are happy to give guided tours. Visitors can see inside the Masonic temples where the ceremonies take place and ask loads of questions.

There are also entertaining lectures, held inside a lodge or chapter rooms, for anyone interested in learning more about Freemasonry. These are usually followed by an informal dinner.

Is Freemasonry involved in the community?

Many are attracted by the valuable work that the movement performs in raising money for charity. A proportion of these funds are used to assist Freemasons and their dependents in times of need, but the majority goes to non-Masonic charities e.g. local, national and international. Freemasons also assist the community in more direct ways, such as carrying out voluntary work.   Others become Freemasons because of the unique camaraderie it provides. Visit a Masonic lodge anywhere in the country – or indeed, the world – and you are given a warm welcome.

London Freemasonry.

From the very beginning with have been associated with London Freemasonry. Our lodge is supported by Metropolitan Grand Lodge of England which was formed in 2003 to oversee 1,400 lodges with over 40,000 members. The head office of MetGL is based at United Grand Lodge of England and the meeting place of our lodge.

So what can London Freemasonry offer you?

Joining a Freemasons lodge in London has many advantages. It is very much involved with local communities raising money for both Masonic and non-Masonic good causes and on a personal level offers many social outlets, self-development and the opportunity to expand your Masonic knowledge.   London Freemasonry also offers younger men the chance to meet and socialize through the Connaught Club and Kent Club.   The Connaught Club is open to Freemasons aged 35 or younger  and designed to accommodate those living or working in the London area. Once you become a Freemason in First Artificer Lodge you are eligible to join.   Each year there are many social and sports functions for Freemasons and their family.   London Freemasonry for the past 5 years has also taken part in the Lord Mayors procession in Central London.

What does it cost to be a Freemason?

It varies from Lodge to Lodge, but anyone wishing to join can find a Lodge to suit his pocket.

On entry, there is a one-off joining fee. A member also pays an annual subscription to his Lodge which covers his membership and the administrative cost of running the Lodge.

These amounts will vary between Lodges, but on average expect to pay somewhere in the region of £50-£100 for the one-off joining fee, and £100 to £250 per annum.

It is usual to have a meal after the meeting; the cost of this can be included either in the annual subscription, or paid for separately at the time.

It is entirely up to the individual member what he gives to Charity, but it should always be without detriment to his other responsibilities.

Similarly, he may join as many Lodges as his time and pocket can allow, as long as it does not adversely affect his family life and responsibilities.

Depending on the Lodge, a Masonic dinner could include a starter, main course, desert, cheese & biscuits and coffee. If you invite any Masonic guests, it is normal that, as their host, you would pay their dining fee.

Most Lodges will have a ‘dress code’ which requests that members wear a dark lounge suit, shirt with a white collar, a black tie and black shoes. In time, certain items of regalia will be required, which initially will not be expensive, and often, there is the opportunity to buy used regalia at a modest cost. Good old eBay!!

From time to time, many Lodges have a special evening, or daytime event, specifically to raise money for charity.

You will never be pressurised into attending them or to donate money at these events if you are unable to, or prefer not to.

However, it is hoped that you will participate in the Lodge’s efforts to raise money for the various charities they adopt.

Freemasons are encouraged to donate money to charity, dependent upon their means.

You will never be pressurised and some Lodges will not ask you at all, as giving to charity is a matter for your own conscience.

London Freemasonry an open door.

Did you know that United Grand Lodge of England is open to the public?   Members of the public are able to explore The London Freemasonry Hall by visiting UGLE https://www.ugle.org.uk (Mon to Fri).

This magnificent art deco building was built after the First World War in memory of fallen Brethren and today has been widely used for TV shows such as Spooks, Jeeves and Wooster, and Hustle and music video shoots for Westlife, Films Lily Allen, amongst others and most notably London Fashion Week.   If you are considering joining London Freemasonry and in particular, First Artificer Lodge why not book up a tour for you and your family to explore the wonders of United Grand Lodge, the library and museum?

The coat of Arms of UGLE and Metropolitan Grand Lodge.

The coat of arms represents United Grand Lodge of England. The Latin wording at the bottom of the coat of arms reads AVDI VIDE TACE – Hear – See – Be Silent.

The MetGL coat of arms represents London Freemasonry.

Contact us about our Freemasons Lodge in London.

Get in touch to find out more about First Artificer Lodge Freemasons Lodge in London.

Your enquiry’s are welcome regarding joining our lodge or for general enquiries about First Artificer Freemasons Lodge. Our Lodge Secretary will contact you, answer any questions that you may have about First Artificer Lodge no 3774 in particular and if you are interested in joining he will arrange a meeting with other members of our Lodge.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a private lodge website. If you have any enquiry about Freemasons in your family tree or are searching for a friend or relative that was / or is a Mason please direct your enquiry to United Grand Lodge of England who may be able to help.