Frequently Asked Questions

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What makes Freemasonry so special to a Mason?

Ask any member, enjoyment is the cornerstone. There is no substitute for the experience of a Masonic ceremony. That and our charitable work and helping all kinds of people makes it special. Freemasonry is fun, not a riot, but highly enjoyable and very rewarding. You get out, what you put in.

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What about the rolled-up trouser leg?

You must not believe all that you have heard. Yes - it is true that candidates have to roll up their trouser leg, but only on three occasions and like many other aspects of Freemasonry, it is entirely symbolic. It simply shows that the prospective member is a 'free man' with no marks of imprisonment.

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What does a Freemasons meeting entail?

Most lodges meet at around 6.30 pm. The formal business is

conducted first, usually followed by a meal with a few short speeches. Meals usually end at around 10.00 pm, and if you wish to continue afterwards, there is often light-hearted banter in the bar afterwards for those who can spare an extra hour or two.

 

What kind of person can become a Freemason?

The principal qualifications are that he is usually 21 years or older, of good character, and believes in a Supreme Being - his God. He is expected to have good morals, compassion, and a kind and charitable disposition.

 

Is there any personal gain from being a Mason?

No. A Mason should not expect to gain any advantage from membership. If he seeks to do so, he may be expelled.

 

What would be expected of me?

Members do as much as they wish. The administration, ceremonial, accounting, fundraising, and general running of the Lodge is carried out voluntarily by its own members.

 

Where can I find out more about Freemasonry?

Public libraries hold books on the fascinating subject. Our websites will tell you more about us, and there are links with other Provinces and indeed the United Grand Lodge of England. Our websites are for North & East Ridings www. pgl-york.org For West Riding www.wrprovince.co.uk

 

Where are the Yorkshire Masonic centres situated?

99 Lodges spread throughout the North and East Ridings of Yorkshire.

208 Lodges in the West Riding, including South Yorkshire, and with the Provincial Headquarters in Leeds.

 

What do Freemasons 'Get out' of Freemasonry?

A large number of men who have joined Freemasonry find significant personal development occurs as a result. For example, training in ceremonial duties, experience in speech making, leadership, charitable activities, and community service. Freemasons also have a sense of pride and of belonging to an organisation that exists all over the world. 

Freemasons are part of a great heritage, sharing an identity with some of the greatest men of the past and of today. They share a special bond with men of all walks of life, creating life-long friendships with them. They are members of an organisation that believes in tolerance, which lets each man think for himself and express his own opinions, without worrying about being wrong. 

Men of all religions, races, nationalities, and colours join together in harmony, all sharing the same beliefs; to help one another whether or not he or she is a Mason and to treat others as we would wish to be treated ourselves.

What many people fail to realise is that Masons give their time and money freely towards helping many local and national charities. Every year Freemasons give millions of pounds to non-Masonic charities.

No pressure is exerted on members to do this. Social functions, raffles and incidental donations amount to a considerable sum. There are nearly fifteen thousand Masons in Yorkshire, and between them, their Lodges provide much needed financial aid within the community.

United Grand Lodge of England publishes a list of donations made annually to non-Masonic groups, societies and charities.

 

Do partners become involved?

Yes, if they wish to. We take care to ensure that our partners understand the meaning of what we do. In fact, they can attend many social functions and even some meetings. Many wives form their own friendly groups and, thankfully, often help to organise these events. Most Lodges hold dinners, dances and less formal events, etc., and some even have trips abroad. There are Lodges restricted to women, although the two organisations are entirely separate.

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To find out more, please contact us here: Contact Page 

 

 

Masonic Charities give assistance with child education, university fees, caring for the elderly at home or in nursing homes, and medical care and financial aid for those in genuine need.