"...a peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory, and illustrated by symbols..."

This is how Freemasonry is described in our books, other descriptions are...

"the largest charitable, secular organisation in the world"
"a dining club with a bit of dressing up"
"a chance to catch up with good friends...."

There is a great deal of information about Freemasonry available on the web, ranging from the measured and reliable to the extraordinarily fantastical. As with most things the truth is far more ordinary than many suppose.

If you are interested in Freemasonry, or are thinking about joining, this booklet should answer many of your questions...
Becoming a Mason

You will need a PDF reader to view it, one may be downloaded from here

Meanwhile here are a few answers to the most common questions:-

Aims and Objectives of Freemasonry

To be good citizens by practising the highest moral and social standards in friendship, charity and integrity.
To encourage our members to serve their own religion and community.
To demonstrate that we are a society of upright men.
To enjoy each other's company and develop team spirit and fellowship.

Good Citizens
We are dedicated to making good men better and to developing our knowledge of ourselves as individuals and the world around us through education, discussion and social exchange.
We aim to make proper use of our time, dividing it between worship, work, leisure and service, thus making the best use of our mental and physical abilities.
We aim to use our talents for the benefit of ourselves, our families, our neighbours and our communities throughout our private, public, business and professional life.
We declare our membership whenever any possible conflict of interest may arise or be perceived to arise.
We promise not to use our membership to promote our own or anyone else's private, public, business or professional interests.

What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest secular fraternal societies. This page is intended to explain Freemasonry as it is practiced under the United Grand Lodge of England, which administers Lodges of Freemasons in England and Wales and in many places overseas. The explanation may correct some misconceptions. Freemasonry is a society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values. Its members are taught its precepts by a series of ritual dramas, which follow ancient forms and use stonemasons' customs and tools as allegorical guides.

The Essential Qualification for Membership:
The essential qualification for admission into and continuing membership is a belief in a Supreme Being. Membership is open to men of any race or religion who can fulfil this essential qualification and are of good repute.

Freemasonry and Religion:
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 meetings.

The Three Great Principles:
For many years Freemasons have followed three great 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 creatures.
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.

Charity:
From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been concerned with the care of orphans, the sick and the aged. This work continues today. In addition, large sums are given to national and local charities.

Freemasonry and Society:
Freemasonry demands from its members a respect for the law of the country in which a man works and lives. Its principles do not in any way conflict with its members' duties as citizens, but should strengthen them in fulfilling their private and public responsibilities. The use by a Freemason of their membership to promote his own or anyone else's business, professional or personal interests is condemned, and is contrary to the conditions on which he sought admission to Freemasonry. His duty as a citizen must always prevail over any obligation to other Freemasons, and any attempt to shield a Freemason who has acted dishonourably or unlawfully is contrary to this prime duty.

Secrecy:
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 inquiries 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.

Freemasonry and Politics:
Freemasonry is non-political and the discussion of politics at Masonic meetings is forbidden.

Other Masonic Bodies:
Freemasonry is practiced under many independent Grand Lodges with standards similar to those set by the United Grand Lodge of England. There are some Grand Lodges and other apparently masonic bodies which do not meet these standards, e.g. which do not require a belief in a Supreme Being, or which allow or encourage their members to participate in political matters. These Grand Lodges and bodies are not recognised by the United Grand Lodge of England as being masonically regular, and masonic contact with them is forbidden.

Conclusions:
A Freemason is encouraged to do his duty first to God (by whatever name he is known) through his faith and religious practice; and then, without detriment to his family and those dependent on him, to his neighbour through charity and service. None of these ideas is exclusively Masonic, but all should be universally acceptable. Freemasons are expected to follow them.

How can I become a Mason?

To become a Freemason you must:

• Be a man of at least 21 years of age - in certain cases we can admit members at the age of 18

• Be of good moral character

• Have a personal belief in a Supreme Being (the definition of a Supreme Being is a personal matter for each individual)

• Decide to become a Mason of "your own free will and accord" without expectation of any material gain or benefits

• Be loyal to your country

• Be dedicated to providing for your own family

• Have a sincere determination to conduct yourself in a manner that will earn the respect and trust of others

• Possess a desire to help others through community service and universal benevolence