Curious to learn more? Get in touch with us today!
You’ve got Questions? We’ve got Answers!
Here are some answers to the most commonly asked questions about Freemasonry.
Message us if you have any other questions – or come along and ask us in person.
Can anyone become a Freemason?
Many people think that you cannot become a Freemason unless you are approached by a Freemason and invited to join. Many of our members do come to Masonry this way but you might be surprised to find out just how open Freemasonry is to new members. We genuinely do welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and occupations, races and religions.
There are some minimum requirements however:
- You must be a man aged 18 or over. (In Yorkshire, The Order of Women Freemasons welcomes applications from women).
- You must be of good character and should not have any unspent criminal convictions.
- You must have a belief in a Supreme Being. It doesn’t matter which and, after confirming that you are neither an atheist, agnostic nor polytheist, your belief will not be questioned.
- You must be willing to commit to attending weekly meetings (family and work permitting). Our meetings are on a Wednesday evening in Headingley, Leeds. If this is not convenient for you, you can find a Lodge that meets on a better day or location for you here.
Is Freemasonry a secret society or a form of religion?
Whilst our ceremonies are for members only and not made public, Freemasonry is not a secret society and has never been more accessible. There is no obligation on you to keep your membership a secret from your friends and family. In fact, we actively encourage you to involve your partner and family in your decision to join Freemasonry as you will be making a commitment of time and resources, although family and work always come first. We have many social events that are open to partners, families and friends.
Nor is Freemasonry a religion. In fact, discussion of religion and politics is strictly prohibited which is one of the benefits of Lodge meetings – men can meet and speak freely regardless of their political or religious affiliations.
What happens in a Freemasons’ Lodge?
Our Lodge meetings are a mixture of administrative and ceremonial proceedings. The administrative aspect covers a wide range of Lodge business such as propositions for membership, requests for charitable donations, the health and wellbeing of members and their families and any minutes and correspondence.
Our ceremonies follow a very traditional format that has been handed down through the ages. You can attend virtually any Lodge of Freemasons in the world and, whilst every Lodge is unique and has its own idiosyncrasies, as a Freemason you will recognise the ceremonies wherever you are. They are a series of ritual dramas based on ancient mythology that use a stonemason’s customs and tools to communicate a moral message about equality, mutual support, charity, intellectual truth, fidelity and mortality. They reinforce the basic tenets of Freemasonry – look after those less fortunate, improve yourself and live life well so as to be remembered for the right reasons.
Everyone has a part to play and a contribution to make and at our weekly meetings we practice (rehearse) these ceremonies so that everyone can get the most from them, especially our new candidates. This is one of the reasons why your regular attendance is expected – your journey in Freemasonry is founded on learning and understanding and participating fully in these ceremonies.
Why do Freemasons wear gloves, aprons and other regalia?
Freemasonry is packed full of symbolism and the gloves, apron and regalia all have their own significance, stemming from ancient operative stonemasons. The apron, for example, has been an integral part of Masonic symbolism for over three centuries. Based on the aprons worn by stonemasons as part of their working attire, the Masonic apron also has a practical element – it helps us identify who has what role within the Order – as well as a symbolic meaning. Find out more.
What do you mean by ‘Masonic Journey’?
Every candidate must take part in three ceremonies in order to be passed to each of the three degrees of Freemasonry. The First Degree, your initiation, will make you an Entered Apprentice Freemason. After a period of time of learning and regular attendance you will have a Second Degree ceremony that will pass you to the rank of a Fellowcraft Freemason. Finally, you will have a Third Degree ceremony that will raise you to the rank of a Master Mason and a full member of the Lodge. Each of these ceremonies explores, through stories and symbolism, a different aspect of life, death and morality. After this, you will join the ‘ladder’ of offices in the Lodge, taking on roles of increasing seniority until, eventually, you become the Worshipful Master of the Lodge. There are also a large number of side orders in Freemasonry that you can join, each of which offers to expand your knowledge and understanding of the history and mystery behind Freemasonry.
Is there any personal gain from being a Freemason?
If you’re expecting financial gain or to somehow become immune from parking tickets by being a Freemason, then think again. Any member who seeks to gain financially from his membership can find himself expelled and despite what you may have read in the media or seen on The Simpsons, the real personal gains from being a Freemason are increased self-esteem and respectability through becoming a better man and keeping the company of like-minded men of integrity.
What are the meeting times for the Lodge of Stability?
We meet every Wednesday evening, from the end of August to the beginning of June, at 7:00 pm for around 1-2 hours with social time in the bar afterwards. You will be expected to attend every week and your enjoyment of Freemasonry and what you take from it will be dependent on you being able to make this commitment.
Every first Wednesday of the month, except in July and August, is our ‘Regular’ formal meeting which starts at 6:30 pm and is followed by a dinner or “Festive Board’ that usually finishes around 10pm. Our April meeting, when we install our new Master and his Officers, starts earlier and last longer.
How much does it cost to join Freemasonry and the Lodge of Stability?
There is usually a joining fee of around £80.00 and an annual membership fee of around £300.00 which covers administration costs and goes towards the upkeep of the Masonic Hall. Our ‘Festive Boards’ are formal dinners after our monthly ‘Regular’ meetings that cost around £26.00 and often also feature fundraising activities – Freemasons are encouraged to give freely to charity, within their means to do so. There is a subsidised bar at Castle Grove Masonic Hall.
What activities and events does the Lodge of Stability offer?
The Lodge of Stability offers a range of events including social gatherings and charitable activities. See our events page for more details.
Can I visit the Lodge of Stability?
Absolutely! Whilst our actual meetings are only for Freemasons, you are welcome to join us at Castle Grove Masonic Hall in Headingley, Leeds, on most Wednesday evenings (except the first Wednesday of the month), from September to June, after our weekly practice meeting and get to know us and find out more about the Lodge and Freemasonry in general. It’s an opportunity for you to ask whatever questions you like and see if Freemasonry is for you and for us to find out a bit more about you.