Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest and largest secular fraternities. It models itself on medieval stonemasons’ guilds and uses its structures and ceremonies to teach the principles of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.
Members meet in Lodges, and go through a series of ceremonies called “degrees” that illustrate the stages of life and convey moral lessons. These are based on allegorical stories around the building of King Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem.
Outside of ceremony, Lodges perform social and charitable functions. Members meet each other after each Lodge meeting at a “Festive Board” for a meal, and Lodges conduct other social events throughout the year. Members are expected to give time and money to charitable causes, and a significant amount of Lodge time is spent raising money for, and donating to, charity.
For further information please visit the United Grand Lodge of England, and the Metropolitan Grand Lodge of London.
