What Is Freemasonry?
Ask ten Freemasons what Freemasonry is and you will likely get ten different answers! Freemasonry means so much to so many people. The following, taken from Metropolitan Grand Lodge’s website, aims to give prospective members an understanding of what Freemasonry is about. We hope you enjoy and welcome your questions.
One of the oldest secular social and charitable organisations in the world, modern Freemasonry’s roots lie in the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who built our castles and cathedrals.
For Freemasons, there are four important values that help define their path through life: Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Service. In today’s world filled with uncertainty, these principles ring as true now as they have at any point in the organisation’s history.
Membership is open to men over 18 from all backgrounds and the organisation’s aim is to empower members to be the best they can be – it’s about building character, supporting members as individuals and helping them make a positive contribution to society.
Freemasonry provides a structure for members to come together under these common goals, enabling people to make new friendships, develop themselves and make valuable contributions to charitable causes. We are one of the largest charitable givers in the country, contributing £51.1m to deserving causes in 2020.
What We Are (Purpose)
We are a unique members’ organisation that has thrived for over 300 years. Having no political or religious affiliations, we comprise members of all ages, races, religions, cultures and backgrounds. We meet in our individual Lodges throughout the country where we have ceremonial traditions which encourage us both to be more tolerant and respectful and actively to fulfil our civic and charitable responsibilities; we also make time to eat, drink and meet together, and form lifelong friendships.
What We Aim For (Vision)
To attract those from all backgrounds and walks of life, enabling them to develop into more thoughtful and confident people. To inspire and challenge them to practise the core values we celebrate – Integrity, Friendship, Respect, Service– in their private and public lives. To cement our reputation as a force for good in our communities and society at large and as a thriving organisation that people aspire to join.
How We Will Achieve This (Mission)
Over the next 7 years, we will enhance our reputation as a thriving organisation that people aspire to join and broaden our membership across all age groups.
Why Join Chivalry?
The Lodge of Chivalry has a rich history dating back over one hundred years. We do not recruit solely from one profession, or country and warmly welcome anyone who wishes to start or progress their Masonic careers. We are an inclusive lodge made up of people from all walks of life and have historically had strong ties with Ghana, where several of our members are from. Although we welcome members from all professions, many of our younger members enjoy successful careers in Information Technology. Above all else we are a friendly lodge with members who enjoy the social and charitable aspects of Freemasonry and welcome all prospective members and visitors.
As freemasons, our Lodge of Chivalry has a strong history promoting fraternity. We enjoy each other’s company at before and after our meetings and would like to encourage you to join us and experience our hospitality for yourself!
How to join us
We welcome new members and would ask you use the link on the website to complete a form. A member of the lodge will then be in touch.