Here are 7 reasons people give to join The Freemasons:
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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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’.
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.
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.
