Certain aspects of your life would need to change if you become a Freemason. So, if you enjoy a few beers during your spare time, that’s OK as we are a very social organisation – but any more than a few, runs the risk of breaking the Freemasons’ cardinal virtue of temperance.
Anyone prosecuted for drink driving will automatically be barred from membership. Drug and substance abuse is frowned upon as well.
The criteria for becoming a Freemason is pretty simple to understand, but there are some other things to consider: For a start, you need to demonstrate a “favourable opinion” towards the organization when applying. Basically, no haters allowed. On top of that, you have to demonstrate a genuine desire of Masonic knowledge and a wish…
Most Masons would love the opportunity to wear their aprons, collars and gloves in public but according to our Book of Constitutions, it’s strictly forbidden without a special ‘written’ dispensation having first been granted. You’ll see Masonic lapel pins and rings worn in public and as this is not ‘regalia’ is deemed acceptable. It IS…
Voting is an essential part of Masonry, as it allows every individual to have an equal say in all votes and resolutions all of which keep the Lodge running smoothly. A vote might be to increase the subscriptions or to include a new member. So how does someone get ‘black-balled’? It’s simply a vote against…
If you’re an out-and-out, atheist, you won’t gain a place in your local Masonic lodge. This is because to become a Freemason, you must profess a faith in a “Supreme Being.” The reason is simply because you have to make certain solemn obligations of fidelity upon your Holy book which renders them sacred vows.
Salutes aren’t just for the military, we Freemasons have our own similar ‘signals’ of respect. Upon entering a lodge, members are expected to acknowledge the Worshipful Master with a salute before they speak, doing the same again when they depart. Salutes are also compulsory when addressing a superior officer within the Lodge.
Somewhat paradoxically, whilst every Freemason has stated that we believe in a supreme being, religious conversations are actually banned inside the Lodges. Like Politics, Religion is one subject that even like-minded individuals can fall out over, so conversation about Religion is simply ‘banned’.
