How to become a Freemason

Freemasonry is open to men of all walks of life, whatever race or religion, who believe in a Supreme Being by whichever name he is known to them. Whilst Freemasonry is to be enjoyed, its objectives are serious and its members are ordinary individuals who share the following aims:

• To practice universal charity 
• To foster high moral standards
• To build friendships
• To serve the community
• To develop values such as integrity, respect, self-discipline, discretion, virtue and responsibility

After considering the above objectives and reading through the information on this website, if you are interested in becoming a Freemason we advise that you first talk to a family member, friend or colleague whom you already know to be a member. They will be able to further explain to you about Freemasonry and help you take the first steps in finding a suitable Lodge. If you do not know anyone at all who is a member, then please use the 'Contact Us' link within this site and we will happily assist you.

Our proposal form requires a candidate for Freemasonry not to expect, anticipate or seek any preferment or financial benefit as a consequence of becoming a member. There should be no conflict between a candidate's family, business or professional interests and membership. A candidate must not have a criminal record and there is a process for expulsion for members who commit a criminal act.

Freemasonry extends across the world, with a membership estimated at around six million; this includes over 300,000 under the jurisdiction of the United Grand Lodge of England. English Freemasons belong to one or more of 8000 Lodges. There are approximately 150,000 members under the jurisdictions of the Grand Lodge of Scotland and Grand Lodge of Ireland and  just under two million in the United States. 

The 'home' of English Freemasonry is Freemason's Hall situated in Great Queen Street, in London. Grand Lodge has been in Great Queen Street since 1775, the present Hall being the third building on the site. Built between 1927–1932 as a memorial to the Freemasons who died in the First World War, it is one of the finest Art Deco buildings in England, and is now Grade II listed, internally and externally. The Grand Temple is used for concerts and musical events - having excellent acoustics and clear sight-lines. The building featured as Thames House (the home of MI5) in the TV series Spooks and has also been seen in the long-running series of Agatha Christie's Poirot; the building makes frequent one-off appearances in episodes of other tv series', such as its extensive use in Hustle.

Both its exterior and interior were used in an episode of New Tricks and the interior has been used for the film adaptation of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005) and more recently was featured in the 2009 film Sherlock Holmes. The building has also been a backdrop in music videos, including extensive use (internally and externally) in the music video for Westlife's single "Mandy".

In addition to the Grand Temple (seating 1700) there are 21 Lodge Rooms, a Library and Museum, Board and Committee Rooms and administrative offices. The library museum and permanent exhibition at Freemason's Hall are open to the public and receive about 50,000 visitors annually. Conducted tours of the building take place daily, on weekdays.

Lodges generally meet six or seven times a year, some more, some less. Most meet on a weekday evening, but there are some Saturday lodges and a few meet during a weekday, which might suit a retired person better. A Lodge meeting is usually followed by a formal or buffet meal.

At meetings, members of the Lodge call each other "Brother" - after all, we are a fraternal organisation! The title 'Worshipful Brother' simply denotes that a member either 'is', or has been, the Master of a Lodge. Every member has the opportunity to take office in his Lodge and progressively to attain the office of Master of the Lodge, normally for a period of one year.

A Mason can be a member of more than one Lodge and even a member of Lodges abroad. The title 'Grand' purely denotes an officer of Grand Lodge itself, or of a Provincial Grand Lodge.

A great number of notable and famous people have been Freemasons including George Washington, Winston Churchill, Mozart, Sibelius, Rudyard Kipling, Arthur Conan Doyle. In fact there are many web sites dedicated to famous Freemasons.

In ordinary conversation there is very little about Freemasonry which may not be discussed. 

For more information on joining Palma Virtuti Lodge, pleasse click here.