Want to join The Freemasons? For every Freemason there is a different answer to this question ‘Why should you join The Freemasons?’ Some people join Freemasonry out of curiosity, some out of a family masonic tradition whilst others are just looking for a new hobby. Some will even tell you that they don’t know why they joined ! After asking ‘What is Freemasonry?’ the next question is ‘Why I should join?’ Take a look through our gallery below, and then read on…..
Here are 7 reasons people give to join The Freemasons:
- Family
- Curiosity
- Wanting to join an organisation
- To meet other people
- Looking for a new challenge & learning new skills
- Charity
- Fun & Camaraderie
FAMILY
For many people family is a very logical reason to join The Freemasons. Many current masons explain that their father, grandfather, uncle, brother etc were, or still are, Freemasons and joining is almost an automatic decision. If Freemasonry has been a big, or at least visible, part of their life then it will often be the case that they are either encouraged to join or more often than not simply want to join at the earliest opportunity. This is not unusual; many Freemasons are brought in by direct family or in-law relations. However it is also the case that men who have freemasonry in the family, don’t come into the masonic fold until later in life. It is great to see Freemasonry connecting or reuniting families who maybe wouldn’t connect regularly without it.
CURIOSITY
Freemasonry has an aura about it; the tales of secrecy, the hidden symbolism, fictional tales like Dan Brown’s ‘Angels & Demons’ and the multitude of films. Whilst much of the mythology is at best misled and at worst simply lies, many are drawn to becoming a Freemason by a curiosity and wondering what it really is all about. Of course much of what was previously secret is now available online, but it is recommended that you don’t do too much digging prior to joining, as part of the aura remains even once you become a Freemason as the full picture is revealed. Becoming a Freemason gives you the opportunity to find out and learn about the fascinating history and mysteries of Freemasonry.
WANTING TO BE PART OF AN ORGANISATION
Human beings are social animals. We live in groups and communities and many people love the identity that joining an organisation brings. When you join The Freemasons, you do not only join your local lodge, you become part of a historic organisation that spans regions and the whole of the UK, as well as the rest of the world. Freemasonry is spread over the four corners of the globe and it is this wide-ranging spread that really helps when you are looking to identify with an organisation. In many instances, when you find yourself in a new or distant location, you will also have a local network of support to connect and identify with. And as part of The Freemasons you are part of one of the oldest, most respected and widely recognised organisations in the world, and being a freemason tells you about a person’s moral values and principles.
TO MEET OTHER PEOPLE
First and foremost Freemasonry is a social organisation; It brings together people of varying faiths, ages, interests, backgrounds and skills and gives them a common bond. Being in The Freemasons will inevitably bring you into contact with people you would not normally meet or interact with, broadening your social experience, making new friends and acquaintances. Within a lodge inevitably there will be smaller knots of people who have a common interest, maybe football, or career or school, but you will be meeting and interacting with freemasons who, once you are initiated, have a common shared experience.
LOOKING FOR A NEW CHALLENGE & LEARNING NEW SKILLS
Freemasonry offers a number of new challenges to people, allowing them to add to their skillset, which often benefits the person in their normal day-to-day life. As a Freemason, as you go on your journey through Freemasonry, at different times you may be required to learn ‘ritual’, deliver public speaking, performing (in its loosest sense) in front of an audience, taking responsibility for things like setting up the lodge and arranging the after-ceremony meal or acting as secretary or treasurer. Secretaries and treasurers learn the skills required to successfully organise and run what is essentially a small not-for-profit business. Freemasons who take an active role within the Lodge will learn many things. The ‘ritual’ can be described as a ‘single act play’, delivered by a small cast to a highly supportive audience. This entails the skill of memorising the words and standing in the right place at the right time. If it is not something that you enjoy or are good at, hopefully you will become accustomed with the idea of speaking in such a ‘public’ arena. At the highest point of your journey, you could possibly lead the lodge in a role known as ‘Worshipful Master’. As Worshipful Master you will need to learn how to manage to consensus and to ‘rule’ Lodge. This variety of tasks offers each member the chance to challenge and develop themselves. Many of our number enjoy the sense of achievement as they progress through the various offices in the Lodge to become Worshipful Master.
CHARITY
Freemasonry is probably most well known for its charity work both at a local and national level. All of the funds raised by a Freemasons lodge come from the membership. Freemasonry does not raise money from non-Masons but expects all Freemasons to give freely within the bounds of their personal capability. As a Freemason you will have the opportunity to not only contribute to charity in general, but you will also be able to suggest and highlight charitable causes that you believe need and deserve help. Charity within Freemasonry is highlighted as the ‘distinguishing characteristic of a freemason’s heart’.
FUN & CAMARADERIE
Freemasonry is first and foremost a hobby. A time to relax, switch off from the stresses and strains of daily life and to engage with a group of like-minded friends. There is always a degree of banter and joking within the group, at whichever lodge you join. Having all had common Masonic experiences, there is a tendency to be supportive, rather than confrontational. This is particularly the case in the discussion of ‘ritual’ and recognition of the effort required to memorise long sections of texts and delivering them with feeling at the right time in the right place. The discussion of religion and/or politics is expressly forbidden within masonic meetings, which removes the causes of many an argument in normal life. A key part of freemasonry is visiting other lodges, and meeting new colleagues with similar experiences and it is always fascinating to see a lodge ceremony that differs from your lodge. The explanation for such differences is usually ‘we have always done it that way’. Such differences mean that every lodge visit is of interest and a joy. Meeting friends old and new is the cornerstone of freemasonry.
If you are not a Freemason and would like to find out more read our Seven Reason to Join The Freemasons or our simple ‘What is Freemasonry?’ guide. You can also find out more at the Provincial website.
And if you would like to join The Lodge of Dawn in Leeds, please feel free to get in touch via our ‘Contact Us’ page.