WHY BECOME A FREEMASON?
People join Freemasonry for a variety of reasons and it means different things to different people - making new friends, contributing to society, celebrating a long tradition, experiencing personal growth, taking up a hobby, having fun.
Freemasonry has always been about making good men better. Individuals aim to shape their lives round five core principles:
Integrity - we say what we mean and we keep our promises.
Kindness - although our families come first, we believe in playing a key role in our communities and give time and money to charitable ventures.
Honesty - we pride ourselves on openness, about what being a Freemason means to us.
Fairness - we treat everyone as equal - we listen to others, explore any differences and look for common ground.
Tolerance - we respect the opinions of others and behave with understanding towards them.
Click here to read more about 'Why become a Freemason' on the website of the United Grand Lodge of England.
THE TRADITIONS OF FREEMASONRY
Freemasonry has many traditions which also vary by Lodge and by region. The ceremonies can be likened to 'moral plays' and teaches its members good values. The so called 'secrets' of Freemasonry are the keys to progressing through these ceremonies which if explained in advance would spoil the enjoyment for the new member.
Freemasonry welcomes men of any race, religion, political belief or status. Women also have the opportunity of joining one of two societies with similar principles.
Watch the video from The United Grand Lodge of England called 'Discover Freemasonry'.
WHEN DO WE MEET?
The majority of Lodges in Hertfordshire meet four times a year. The formal part of the meetings, which include the ceremonies, usually start towards the end of the afternoon, These are followed in the early evening by a dinner and a few, usually short, speeches. Additionally there are instruction meetings where members learn more about the principles of Freemasonry and to master the ritual performed in the ceremonies. The number of instruction meetings can vary by Lodge. In Tudor Lodge these meetings are once or twice a month between September and May.
Freemasons also gain great pleasure visiting Lodges other than their own, making new friends and seeing different traditions followed. Visit a masonic Lodge anywhere in the country, or even the world, and you are greeted as an old friend. Freemasonry is the ultimate leveller, a community where friendship and goodwill is paramount.
HOW TO JOIN
One of the most common misconceptions about Freemasonry is that you have to be invited to join. This is not so and many members have taken the initiative and asked to join their local Lodge.
Tudor Lodge is a vibrant and friendly Lodge and welcomes enquiries to join from newcomers to the fraternity and existing Masons looking for a new Lodge.
Subscriptions compare favourably with everyday sports and social clubs. Freemasonry is an affordable hobby and a rewarding pastime for many. If you decide to join Tudor Lodge there is an annual subscription and a one-off joining fee, which is reduced if you are under 25 years of age. You must be 18 years of age and have ceased to be in full time secondary education or training, be of good character, which means not having any criminal convictions, and willing to profess a belief in a Supreme Being.
There are approximately 5,500 Hertfordshire Freemasons meeting in 186 Lodges at eighteen masonic centres throughout the county.
If you are interested in joining Tudor Lodge and would like further information or to have a chat about what is involved, contact the Lodge Secretary. We will be delighted to answer your questions.