Starting out on your journey into Freemasonry can be an exciting time, but also a slow process, we need to see if you are the right sort of person that would benefit from joining Freemasonry and also allowing you time to reflect on your choice of whether to proceed with your application.
WHAT IS FREEMASONRY?
SHOWING YOUR INTEREST
Your interest usually starts by talk to a family member, friend or colleague whom you already know to be a member. In some cases, you may not know anyone who is a Freemason, if this is true please use the contact form on the taking the next step page and we will advise you on the next step.
Once you have contacted the member or we have connected you with a suitable member, a few members of the Lodge , arranges a time to meet you (the Candidate), at a suitable venue (usually at a bar somewhere), informally, to discuss the reasons why you wish to join and to discuss as far as possible the purposes and values of Freemasonry. Leaflets or booklets may be left with you for further reading.
If, after allowing you plenty of time to digest what you have heard and thoroughly understand, you are still interested, this may be followed up by another meeting or telephone call, to answer any new questions you may have thought of since the initial meet. Sometimes you may be invited to join some of the lodge members at a social event.
YOUR APPLICATION
If you decide that Freemasonry appeals to you and your way of life the next step is to ask the Brother to be your ‘Proposer’. Your Proposer, along with another Brother, the ‘Seconder’ will put your application before the lodge for approval for ‘Initiation’.
A Lodge interview will be arranged, where you will be interviewed by the Master of the lodge accompanied by the senior members. Here you will be asked questions about yourself and your reasons for wanting to join Freemasonry. They will make sure that you understand your financial obligation, including the initiation fees and annual dues, the Gift Aid Scheme will be explained and the time requirement for each of the degrees, including practices and coaching, and for your regular Lodge attendance including practices. They will emphasise that a sustained commitment is expected from you.
If successful in your interview, you will be put forward and balloted for by the brethren of the lodge.
BALLOTED FOR AND ACCEPTED
Once you have been balloted for and excepted, you will be informed the date when your ‘Initiation’ into Freemasonry will take place. Your Proposer will ensure that you can make the date, advise you on the required dress code, make sure you have the necessary dues and meet you on the evening.
You will be introduced to the Master, the Director of Ceremonies, the lodge Almoner and other Officers, as well as be introduced to the other members of your lodge. You will be required to say a few words in response to a toast after your Initiation during the proceeding Festive Board.
You will also be introduced to your Mentor. Your Mentor will be available for guidance and to answer any questions that may arise. His role is to offer enthusiasm, support and assistance to ensure your continued masonic learning, interest and participation.
FURTHER READING
The Pathway for Members and Membership
Welcome to St John’s Wood 4806. This website is aimed at those that
a) are members of St John’s Wood 4806;
b) would like to become Freemasons and are considering becoming a member of St John’s Wood 4806.
Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest and largest non-political, fraternal and charitable organisations. We are a secular society open to men of any race, religion, political belief or status.
Based on the traditions of medieval stonemasons who built our castles and cathedrals, today we still use the stonemason’s tools as symbols of our aim to ‘build’ better men and a better world for everyone, whatever their background.
As Freemasons, we use four principles to help define our path through life: Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Charity. In our present uncertain times, these principles are as important today as they have ever been.
Integrity
Masons are expected to act with integrity in all aspects of life. Whether they are at home with their families, attending Masonic functions, at work, or in a social setting in their communities, Masons should conduct themselves in a way that demonstrates sound ethical principles.
Integrity is also concerned with accountability and responsibility. As custodians of the Craft, Masons must preserve the secrets and centuries-old rituals for future generations. It’s vitally important that brothers understand the importance of acting with integrity to preserve the morality of Freemasonry as a whole.
Friendship
It’s little surprise that Masons often form life-long friendships with their fellow brothers. Joining a lodge affords Masons the opportunity to connect with like-minded men in their communities, while attending meetings and arranging social and charitable functions.
But the bonds of friendship extend further than just within the lodge. Through mutual connections, Masons become acquainted with new people throughout their communities and even further afield through Masonic functions. With the appropriate mindset, Freemasonry enables men to develop meaningful friendships built upon mutual values.
Respect
One of the main reasons why Freemasonry has stood the test of time and thrived for centuries is due to the respect that Masons have for one another. They respect the teachings of the Craft and the opinions and personalities of their fellow brothers.
But the respect shown by Masons is also far-reaching, and they’re encouraged to treat every person with respect and dignity, regardless of their background. Without respect, Freemasonry would not be able to exist. It’s as simple as that.
Charity
The fourth value is one that is often overlooked by those outside of the Craft. Masons are expected to act charitably wherever possible in life. Whether it’s caring for a sick relative, checking in on a lonely neighbor, or raising money for a worthy cause, charity is part of the very fabric of Freemasonry.
For whatever reason, Masons don’t always get the credit they deserve when it comes to their charitable acts, in spite of the fact that brothers across the world raise millions of dollars every year for organizations and individuals that need it the most.
