Author: stevehowes

While most of our rules and rituals are shrouded in mystery, one particular aspect has been spoken about – and often mocked – for years. Yes, we’re referring to the secret handshake. But there’s not just one! It’s all to do with your rank within the Fraternity, as the greeting you use changes as you…

If you’re working within a large group of people for a while, there’s a good chance that there will be differences of opinion, and thus an argument could ensue. Disagreement exists and conflict happens, right? In this instance you’re both invited to leave the Lodge room and return once you have amicably settled your differences….

Remember when your teacher made you stand up in front of the class to read something? It was dreadful, right? Well, we Freemasons have to experience that all over again if we want to address the Lodge. Members can’t just sit in their seats and speak, without being seen as being disrespectful to the Worshipful…

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…

The events of every meeting are transcribed by the Lodge Secretary who sends out draft minutes after the meeting giving everyone the opportunity to examine them and request corrections. At the meeting, the Worshipful Master asks if every Brother is satisfied with the accuracy of the minutes recorded and if so, they are signed at…

Due to a new air of openness about membership, you may now start to see some reports alluding to our philanthropic undertakings in the News and on Social Media. We still undertake plenty of works in our local communities which have previously gone unseen. We are officially the second largest charitable contributor after the National…

Yes, trials occur in Lodges when members face charges of violating the Masonic Constitution. In those cases, a formal jury is formed, but solicitors aren’t involved. Instead, the Mason on trial and his accuser(s) become defendant and prosecution respectively. If found guilty, the penalties for the defendant are often serious and are always actioned.

Once your day at work or education comes to an end, you can kick back and relax in the knowledge that you no longer have to follow so many rules. It’s a bit different with we Freemasons, though. When members leave their lodges, they continue to live by Masonic Law. If they don’t, then they could…

Would your nearest and dearest describe you as a bit chatty? Well, you had better practice holding your tongue as Freemasons must remain silent when “Degrees” are worked. An officer may address you, or the Worshipful Master can grant you permission to speak if you rise. It’s very much like a chaired business meeting where…

One aspect of Freemasonry is ‘networking’. You can meet two dozen new people at each meeting and easily befriend a couple of them over a dinner. You might sit next to a dustman on one side and a high court judge on the other and Masonically speaking, the dustman may far outrank both you and…

We know what you’re thinking: shouldn’t an application form be enough to become a Freemason? Well, we can tell you straight up that it isn’t. You need to gain the support of two members in the lodge if you want to stand a chance. One acts as Proposer and takes primary responsibility for your conduct….

If you’re into conspiracy theories, you’ve probably heard the ones about Freemasons cooking up schemes to run the world. Is it true? Well. . . “No.” Although a number of notable politicians around the world, have been and are currently Freemasons, members are actively discouraged from discussing politics, mainly as it’s one thing that individuals…