Q: Can anyone become a Freemason?
A: For many, Freemasonry’s biggest draw is the fact that members come from all walks of life and meet
as equals whatever their race, religion or socio-economic position in society. As long as you are over 21 years old, are male, believe in God, and have no criminal convictions, then you are eligible to become a Freemason.
Q: I’ve heard you have to know someone who is a Freemason in order to get in, so it’s a bit like a closed shop. Is that true?
A: It is true that you have to be proposed and seconded by existing members of a Lodge in order to be able to join, and you may not personally know any Freemasons. If you find yourself in this situation, it can indeed be difficult to find a Lodge to join. It is for this reason that we have extended our hand to prospective new members through this website.
Q: How do I become a Freemason?
A: You must be introduced by an existing Freemason, and there is a ceremony which you must attend. You don’t need to learn anything beforehand and all you need to know will be explained to you throughout. In order to arrange an informal meeting over a drink (beer, wine, coffee etc), please fill out our enquiry form.
Q: Are there any costs associated with Freemasonry?
A: Membership fees for Lodges vary from Lodge to Lodge. Bodina Lodge membership currently stands as £200 per year, and this includes dining at 5 meetings per year. There is an additional £2 room hire contribution when you attend Lodge of Instruction. Some Hertfordshire Lodges have a lower annual membership, but charge for meals at meetings (around £20-£25 for a 4 course meal). In London, most Lodges meet at Great Queen Street. London membership fees are higher, and dining fees can be £50-£60 per meeting. As such, for people living in North West London, we believe that our membership fees represent a real saving compared to joining a London Lodge.
Q: Where do your members come from?
A: We have members coming from Stevenage, St Ippolyts, St Albans, Milton Keynes, Hatfield, Watford, Radlett, Elstree, Hendon, Edgware, Stanmore, Busheyand Borehamwood. Bear in mind that you will typically be attending once a week, work and family permitting.
Q: What professions do Freemasons come from?
A: Some Masonic Lodges are founded by Freemasons with a specific interest or profession. Our membership is quite varied. We have scaffolders, delivery drivers, window cleaners, police, ambulance drivers, accountants, lawyers, and consultants from the medical and healthcare professions, with outside interests such as rugby, football, mixed martial arts, boxing, paragliding to name a few.
Q: Do you offer Kosher or Halal meals?
A: Whilst it is possible to join a Kosher dining Lodge, some people feel that this goes against the spirit of equality within Freemasonry, and some people will be put off by either the cost or ethics of Kosher dining. We are not a Kosher dining Lodge, but members can always request a fish or vegetarian meal if they prefer not to eat non-Kosher meat.
Q: What do you do at meetings?
A: Five times a year we have our main meetings followed by a Festive Board. At these meetings we act out the various rituals that we have practised within the main Temple, and then afterwards we dine together. On weeks when we don’t have a meeting, we have Lodge of Instruction at which we practice the ritual for the next meeting, and usually have a drink together before and/or after. It is a good way for us to get to know each other socially. If you want to find out more about the rituals, you’ll have to become a Freemason!
Q: What kind of things do you discuss at meals, or over a drink?
A: Pretty much anything, although discussion of religion or politics is discouraged.
Q: I’ve heard that Freemasons practice devil worship / assassinated a pope / drink blood / are involved in the New World Order etc. etc.
A: There are many conspiracy theories and much speculation about Freemasonry, as there is about many other fraternal societies. We can confirm that we do not drink blood, worship the devil or get involved in politics. In fact, discussion of religion and politics is discouraged within Masonic Lodges. While you will be required to make certain promises, and be expected to keep certain secrets about Masonic rituals, there is nothing incompatible with your civil, moral, or religious duties. You will never be expected to keep any secrets about any illegal activity, as all Freemasons are expected to respect and abide by the law.
Q: Can Catholics become Freemasons?
A: There is nothing in Freemasonry that is incompatible with your civil, moral, or religious duties. However, some priests would argue that if there is some secret which you could not confess to a priest, then it is incompatible with your religious duties. The signs and words that you are expected to keep secret within Freemasonry are those signs and words that enable one Freemason to recognise another, very similar to the fish symbol that early Christians used to recognise each other. These signs and words are private to Freemasonry. It is similar to private information that you would share with your wife or brother. There is nothing in Freemasonry that would cause you to sin against God or man, so your decision to become a Freemason is between you and God. If there is any doubt in your mind, then we would suggest that you ask God for guidance.
Q: Can Jewish people become Freemasons?
A: There is nothing within Freemasonry that is at variance with Judaism. Where non-Jewish Freemasons are asked to kneel, Jewish Freemasons instead wear a kippah. Freemasons believe in one God. Belief in God, prayer, immortality of the soul, charity, and acting respectfully to all people are essential elements of Freemasonry as well as Judaism, and of course other religions too. Masonry and Judaism, as well as other religions and statements of ethical standards, teach that we must discipline ourselves and keep our passions in check. Jewish masons follow rituals in synagogues and in Masonic lodges to help them develop this ability. Judaism and Masonry give the greatest respect and support for freedom of individuals. Judaism teaches that everyone is capable of good or evil and attempts to help us use our free will to choose the righteous path. Masonry teaches that those who are morally fit can find “light” in Masonry if they desire it of their own free will. The concept of exercising free will to accept the law and atone for past transgressions is what Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are about. This being said, there are some optional Orders associated with Freemasonry that use Christian symbolism and/or prayers, and Jewish Freemasons may choose not to join those Orders. You can find out more here: http://www.shamash.org/lists/scj-faq/HTML/faq/16-03.html
