Middlesex Century Lodge No. 5837

Provincial Grand Lodge

of Middlesex

Middlesex Century No. 5837
in the Province of Middlesex

CONSECRATED 23^rd July 1941

(Grand Patron of the Royal Masonic Hospital, Grand Patron of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution, Patron of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls, Vice-Patron Lodge – Middlesex 98)

United Grand Lodge

of England

Home - History – Meetings – Visitors –What is Freemasonry? - Contacts - Useful Links

What is Freemasonry ? To answer the question what is freemasonry we must first dispel a few myths.
Freemasonry is not a religion – FACT	Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for religion. Its essential qualification opens it to men of many religions and it expects them to continue to follow their own faith. It does not allow religion to be discussed at its meeting.
Freemasonry is not a secret society – FACT	The secrets of Freemasonry are concerned with its traditional modes of recognition. It is not a secret society, since all members are free to acknowledge their membership and will do so in response to enquiries for respectable reasons. Its constitutions and rules are available to the public. There is no secret about any of its aims and principles. Like many other societies, it regards some of its internal affairs as private matters for its members. The addresses and contacts for Freemasons meeting halls are readily available in the public domain.
Freemasonry does not have its own god – FACT	Men of all faiths are encouraged to join freemasonry and may do so regardless of whom they call God. However, a prerequisite of becoming a freemason is that you have a belief in a supreme being and all faiths are encompassed within that.
The three main principles of Freemasonry are:	Brotherly Love - Every true Freemason will show tolerance and respect for the opinions of others and behave with kindness and understanding to his fellow creatures. Relief - Freemasons are taught to practise 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.
So, what is Freemasonry?!!	Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest fraternal societies. There are many theories regarding the origins of the craft but it is its modern context with which we are concerned. In its modern context most freemasons are non-operative or speculative and as such the advancement in masonry has become based on morality. The symbolism of ancient Masonic tools is therefore applied to our morals. One of the prime areas of modern day masonry is charity and freemasons are encouraged to give what they can, without detriment to their family or connections to good causes. The amount of money pledged annual is vast.
What happens during Masonic ceremonies?	Masonic ceremonies are secular morality plays which are performed by the members of the lodge. The ceremonies are usually based around the advancement (or initiation) of a brother and are performed for his benefit. The reason therefore that the details of the ceremonies are not broadcast by freemasons is that it would spoil it for the brother concerned – exactly in the same way that you wouldn’t tell someone the ending of a book or film.
Why should I join Freemasonry?	Freemasonry teaches us about our morals and about being good people. It donates vast sums to charities and actively helps local communities. Above all though freemasonry should be enjoyable and if you at a later date decide that it is not for you, you can leave.

What is Freemasonry ?

To answer the question what is freemasonry we must first dispel a few myths.

Freemasonry is not a religion – FACT

Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for religion. Its essential qualification opens it to men of many religions and it expects them to continue to follow their own faith. It does not allow religion to be discussed at its meeting.

Freemasonry is not a secret society – FACT

The addresses and contacts for Freemasons meeting halls are readily available in the public domain.

Freemasonry does not have its own god – FACT

Men of all faiths are encouraged to join freemasonry and may do so regardless of whom they call God. However, a prerequisite of becoming a freemason is that you have a belief in a supreme being and all faiths are encompassed within that.

The three main principles of Freemasonry are:

So, what is Freemasonry?!!

Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest fraternal societies.

There are many theories regarding the origins of the craft but it is its modern context with which we are concerned.

In its modern context most freemasons are non-operative or speculative and as such the advancement in masonry has become based on morality. The symbolism of ancient Masonic tools is therefore applied to our morals.

One of the prime areas of modern day masonry is charity and freemasons are encouraged to give what they can, without detriment to their family or connections to good causes. The amount of money pledged annual is vast.

What happens during Masonic ceremonies?

Masonic ceremonies are secular morality plays which are performed by the members of the lodge. The ceremonies are usually based around the advancement (or initiation) of a brother and are performed for his benefit.

The reason therefore that the details of the ceremonies are not broadcast by freemasons is that it would spoil it for the brother concerned – exactly in the same way that you wouldn’t tell someone the ending of a book or film.

Why should I join Freemasonry?

Freemasonry teaches us about our morals and about being good people. It donates vast sums to charities and actively helps local communities. Above all though freemasonry should be enjoyable and if you at a later date decide that it is not for you, you can leave.