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It’s true that sometimes a good anecdote can help lighten the mood of a particularly stuffy room, but don’t try it in a Lodge meeting as the proceedings are quite serious matters! The meetings aren’t without humour, but no one expects a belly laugh during the meeting. Perhaps at the bar or at dinner afterwards?

We all know the power of the gavel, right? That simple tool has helped to pass important rulings in courtroom chambers and committee rooms alike, throughout the centuries. It’s much the same in our Lodges. The Worshipful Master wields his gavel when presiding over meetings and once sounded, the gavel is repeated in different parts…

It’s true that we can’t always get along with everyone that we meet, but there’s no room for bad blood in the Lodge. If two members happen to fall out, they aren’t allowed to carry the conflict over into the lodge. Any ill-feeling must be left at the door, as it could potentially cause disruption….

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.

We Freemasons may not be plotting how to take over the world, but our Lodges are very serious places. That doesn’t mean we can’t have a laugh in the bar or over dining, but the opportunity for humour within the Lodge is very sparse. Its like watching a play. If someone does something funny, then…

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…

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’.

It’s not wise to keep your mobile phone on all the time. Moviegoers seethe at the mere thought of it! Well. . . it’s exactly the same in our lodges. Members need to switch off their mobiles upon arrival to avoid any disparaging looks and in some instances, a hefty fine as it costs a…

For some people, status is everything. But in the Lodge room, your social standing doesn’t matter. If you’re a blue-collar worker or on minimum wage, you’ll be held in the same esteem as a Managing Director, Chief Executive or High Court Judge – provided your rank in the lodge is identical. We’re little in your…

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…

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…