FAQs

Freemasonry is considered a fraternal society; one of the largest non-religious, non-political and charitable organisations in the world. It is a society of men concerned with moral values. Membership offers different things to different people. For some it is a social activity involving new friends and acquaintances. For others it is about making a contribution to society through charitable causes. But above all it is an enjoyable hobby. See our longer explanation here.

The aim of Freemasonry is to make good men better by reminding them of their duty to society, being law-abiding and remaining conscious of the needs of those less fortunate, which includes both freemasons and non-masons alike. Freemasons are taught its precepts (moral lessons and self-knowledge) which instil in its members a moral and ethical approach to life.

Freemasonry aims to reinforce kindness in the community, thoughtfulness for others, courtesy in society, honesty in business and fairness in all things. Freemasonry teaches and practices concern for people, care for the less fortunate and help for those in need, whilst regarding the interests of the family as paramount.

Freemasonry provides a unique environment for masons from a wide range backgrounds and fields to make a contribution to society, form long-lasting friendships, to help their local community, new learn skills and above all enjoy themselves. In summary, traditional values for the modern man.

For every Freemason there is a different answer to this question. Some people join Freemasonry out of curiosity, some out of family tradition whilst others are just looking for a new hobby. Often people join because they want to increase their circle of friends and to take part in the range of its social and charitable activities Freemasonry offers (for both the member and his wife/partner and family) .Some will even tell you that they don’t know why they joined! Take a look at this article ‘Seven reasons to join The Freemasons’ and see if any of them match with your thinking.

Please see our ‘how to join’ page for our simple step-by-step guide as to how tto become a Freemason.

If you are looking to join a ‘Masonic Lodge Near Me’ and you are in Leeds, specifically North Leeds or LS17, LS8 (Alwoodley, Moortown, Chapel Allerton, Shadwell and the locality), feel free to get in touch here. We’d be delighted to hear from you. We hold our meetings at the Grade 2 listed Castle Grove Masonic Hall in Headingley. Please see the map. We have also written an article about making an online search for ‘masonic lodge near me‘.

The Lodge of Dawn is a vibrant, well-established Freemasons Lodge, like many other Leeds Freemasons, holding its meetings at Castle Grove Masonic Hall in Headingley. The Lodge of Dawn are the third largest lodge in the Province and the largest that performs regular ceremonies. You may wish to join our lodge because you already have friends or acquaintances at Lodge of Dawn. If you are based in Alwoodley, Moortown, Roundhay, Chapel Allerton, Shadwell, Scarcroft, Thorner or the proximity you may want to join us as many of our members are also from North Leeds. At The Lodge of Dawn we hold a number of social events throughout the course of a year, both formal and informal, to which everyone, masons and non-masons alike, are very welcome and encouraged to attend. Whatever your reason for choosing The Lodge of Dawn you will be made welcome.

Membership of a masonic lodge is open to men, normally over the age of 21, regardless of race, religion, occupation, sexual orientation or social background. See our ‘how to join’ page.

The wearing of gloves is a practice inherited from operative masons, who wore them to protect their hands, and were often
supplied by their employers at the start of each building project; sometimes by way of a formal presentation. Their colour, white, matches the lambskin apron, and symbolically, has the same connotations of innocence and purity.

The parallels in the outside world are obvious. White gloves are worn by Bishops, Archbishops and the Pope, when they celebrate Mass, or give blessings; symbolising that their hands were ‘clean’. White gloves still form part of the ceremonial uniform of High Court judges, also to signify non-corruption, and are still worn by Standard-bearers in the armed forces on ceremonial occasions as a symbol of reverence for the Regimental Standard and battle honours.

The United Lodge of England and Wales (UGLE) oversees the governance of the organisation which is split geographically into provinces. Each province is made up of a number of lodges. Within the UK there are over 200,000 masons with over 6 million worldwide. The Lodge of Dawn is a Masonic Lodge in Leeds. Freemasonry in Leeds is situated in the Province of Yorkshire West Riding, which itself has nearly 6000 members and 198 lodges.

The first Grand Lodge was formed in 1717 in London. Some believe the society evolved from stonesmasons’ guilds which themselves have existed in some form since the 1500s.

Members pay an annual fee to cover the costs of running the lodge. Fees will vary from lodge to lodge, but The Lodge of Dawn does offer some dispensations depending on age and status. In addition to your annual membership there will be contributions towards social and charitable activities. All costs will be fully explained before you join.

Freemasonry is not a secret society; what is private are our lodge meetings. Historically Freemasons have suffered persecution and discrimination which has made some members reticent about their membership.

The Lodge of Dawn has regular formal meetings once a month, apart from August. Meetings will have anything between 50 -80 members in attendance. Our Lodge is based in the historical Castle Grove Masonic Hall located in the Headingley area of Leeds. Meeting dates can be found here.

There are certain aspects of our meetings which are secret, but in essence there are formal parts including reading the minutes of the previous meeting, plus an Almoner’s report advising on sick members and those in need of support. When there is a new member (or ‘candidate’) the officers of the lodge will enact a ceremony. Each candidate undertakes a series of three ceremonies known as ‘degrees’, after which he becomes a Freemason. These ceremonies lay out a moral and charitable approach to life and are a series of ritual ‘dramas’ which are a progression of allegorical plays following ancient procedures, and use stonemasons’ customs and tools as symbolic guides. These ceremonies are learnt by heart and performed by the members (or ‘brethren’) of the lodge. Once a meeting is over there is a meal, known as the ‘Festive Board’.

Freemasons are strictly NOT allowed to give preferential help to other Masons. When a Freemason takes his obligations one of the key points is that he does not expect material gain from joining Freemasonry. The use by a Freemason of his membership to promote his own or anyone else’s business, professional or personal interests is strictly frowned upon. A Freemason’s strict duty as a citizen must always be more important than any obligation to another Freemason. If you are looking to join The Freemasons for a ‘leg up’ or ‘networking opportunities’ then you are best to not apply!

All Freemasons, as part of their ‘initiation’, or joining ceremony, make a solemn promise regarding their behaviour both in the Lodge and in general day-to-day life. Freemasons also promise to keep secret how they recognise each other in public and indeed at other Lodges. All Freemasons promise to support each other, whether Masons or otherwise in times of need. The only caveat is that it shouldn’t conflict with their public or family obligations.

Freemasonry is not a religion, nor a replacement for a religion. However, to become a Freemason one must express a belief in a single supreme being. Freemasonry has no theology, and no particular faith, but our ‘Volume of the Sacred Law’, which in The Lodge of Dawn is a bible, could just as easily be the Koran, Bhagavad Gita or Granth Sahib. It is forbidden for religion to be discussed at meetings. Freemasons are guided by three great principles;
* Brotherly Love – show tolerance and respect the opinions of others. Behave with kindness and understanding of our fellow creatures.
* Relief – practise charity and care by charitable giving and voluntary efforts.
* Truth – strive for truth and moral standards.

Historically the organisation has only been open to men. However there are separate masonic organisations for women. And whilst women do not attend our formal meetings they are actively encouraged to join our social events and support our charitable activities.