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Some of you will be aware that I am a Freemason – some of you will not. It is something that I am proud of and don’t hide, but in its recent history, Freemasonry is quite secretive. So what is Freemasonry – well this is from the United Grand Lodge Website: Freemasonry is a society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values. Its members are taught its precepts (moral lessons and self-knowledge) by a series of ritual dramas - a progression of allegorical two-part plays which are learnt by heart and performed within each Lodge - which follow ancient forms, and use stonemasons’ customs and tools as allegorical guides. Freemasonry instils in its members a moral and ethical approach to life: it seeks to reinforce thoughtfulness for others, kindness in the community, honesty in business, courtesy in society and fairness in all things. Members are urged to regard the interests of the family as paramount but, importantly, Freemasonry also teaches and practices concern for people, care for the less fortunate and help for those in need. THE THREE GREAT PRINCIPLES For many years Freemasons have followed three great principles: Brotherly Love Every true Freemason will show tolerance and respect for the opinions of others and behave with kindness and understanding to his fellow creatures. Relief Freemasons are taught to practise charity and to care - not only for their own - but also for the community as a whole, both by charitable giving and by voluntary efforts and works as individuals. Truth Freemasons strive for truth, requiring high moral standards and aiming to achieve them in their own lives. Freemasons believe that these principles represent a way of achieving higher standards in life. CHARITY From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been concerned with the care of orphans, the sick and the aged. This work continues today. In addition, large sums are given to national and local charities. My list of (tongue in cheek) FAQs: Don’t Freemasons rule the world? They haven’t invited me on to that committee yet J Whilst it is true that many past Kings and Primeministers (including King George VI and Winston Churchill) were Masons, becoming a mason will not help your plans for world domination. The discussion of politics (as well as religion) is prohibited in the lodge. Do you have to donate 20% of your income? No (is that the Mormons?). Whilst we do raise a significant amount of money to charity, what you give is entirely up to you. Different lodges have different ways of collecting money – some by raffles, events, bottle draws and some people pay by direct debit (I donate £5 a month this way). What do I get out of Freemasonry? As with most things in life, whatever you put into it! Some people enjoy the spirituality, some from the allegories and presentations and some from the fraternity. Most people enjoy all of it. What are the secrets? Obviously, I can’t tell you or they wouldn’t be secrets! There is a lot of information on the internet about masonry. There is, and most of it is (probably) not true (there are also lots of sites exist about alien abductions). If you are interested in Freemasonry, then have a look through http://www.ugle.org.uk Alternatively, ask me (or any other masons that you know). We may not be able to answer all your questions, but we will answer to the best of our abilities. Do I know many Freemasons? Since there are literally thousands in Norfolk, then in all likelihood yes. And they are in good company – as well as the aforementioned King and Primeminister, there are a plethora of famous masons – a list of some of the most famous ones can be seen here: http://www.ugle.org.uk/what-is-masonry/famous-masons/ Why are you so secretive? It actually became quite secretive in the late 1930s. Hitler didn’t like Freemasons (after all we believe in equality) and Freemasons in Germany were sent to concentration camps. With the potential threat of invitation, Masonry became secretive. Prior to this, Masonic parades through towns and cities were not uncommon: http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=3270
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