What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry
Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest and largest non-religious, non-political, fraternal and charitable organisations.
What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is a society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values. Its members are taught its principles by a series of ritual dramas, which follow ancient forms and use stonemasons' customs and tools as allegorical guides.
Freemasonry has 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 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.
Why Dormer Lodge?
We are a small and friendly Lodge with a deep sense of community. New brethren are mentored from the day they are proposed, and you will find yourself in the company of men of widely different backgrounds who share a commitment to one another and to the principles above.
If you are curious but not sure, we are very happy to meet for a coffee without any expectation of joining. Write to the Secretary and we will arrange it.
Frequently asked questions
The six questions everyone asks first.
- Is Freemasonry a religion?
- No. Freemasonry is not a religion, nor does it offer a substitute for religion. A belief in a Supreme Being is required to join, but the form that belief takes is a matter for each member alone. Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, and many others all sit in Lodge together.
- Is it a secret society?
- No. There is nothing secret about who we are or what we believe in. We meet openly, we publish our address, and most Lodges hold open evenings. What is private to the Craft are the specific words and signs used in our ceremonies, and even those are documented in many published books.
- Do I need an invitation to join?
- No. Anyone may ask to join. Simply write to the Secretary and we will arrange a relaxed conversation. There is no obligation at any stage.
- What does it cost?
- There is an annual subscription that covers running the Lodge, an initiation fee on joining, and a contribution to the Festive Board meal at each meeting. The Secretary will explain the figures clearly before any commitment is made.
- Does Freemasonry interfere with religion or politics?
- No. Discussion of religion and politics is specifically prohibited in the Lodge room. We come together as men of varied backgrounds and beliefs, on common ground.
- How much time does it take?
- Dormer Lodge meets six times a year between October and March. Most brethren attend most meetings. There are additional optional events such as rehearsals, charity functions, and visits to other Lodges, but participation is entirely up to you.
Still have questions?
Speak to the Mentor. No commitment.
Our Mentor will happily meet for a coffee to answer anything you'd like to know about the Lodge or Freemasonry generally.
Write to the Secretary