Freemasons in Thame, Oxfordshire
St Mary's Lodge 1763
Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest secular fraternal societies.
The United Grand Lodge of England administers Lodges of Freemasons in England and Wales and in places overseas. Freemasonry is a society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values. Its members are taught its precepts by a series of ritual dramas, which follow ancient
forms, and use stonemasons’ customs and tools as allegorical guides.
It offers its members an approach to life which seeks to reinforce thoughtfulness for others, kindness in the community, honesty in business, courtesy in society and fairness in all things. Members are urged to regard the interests of the family as paramount but importantly Freemasonry also teaches and practices concern for people, care for the less fortunate and help for those in need.
Membership is open to men of any race or religion who can have a belief in a Supreme Being and who are of good repute. Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for religion. Its
essential qualification opens it to men of many religions and it expects them to continue to follow their own faith. It does not allow religion to be discussed at its meeting.
Freemasonry is non-political, and the discussion of politics at Masonic meetings is forbidden. A Freemason is encouraged to do his duty first to his God (by whatever name he is known) through his faith and religious practice; and then, without detriment to his family and those dependent on him, to his neighbour through charity and service. None of these ideas are exclusively Masonic, but all should be universally acceptable. Freemasons are expected to follow them.
Our fraternity has a wonderful history, which dates back more than three centuries. It is one of the world’s oldest secular fraternities, a society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values.
Founded on the three great principles of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth, it aims to bring together men of goodwill, regardless of background and differences.
People might think that to become a Freemason is quite difficult. It’s actually straightforward. The essential qualification for admission is that you have a belief in a Supreme Being. It is usual for candidates to be 18 years and over.
After reading the information on this page, if you are still 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 explain to you what they can about the fraternity and help you find a suitable Lodge. You can also look at the United Grand Lodge Video online here.
If you don’t know anyone at all who is a member, then please download a copy of our membership enquiry form from here.
Arrangements will be made to meet you socially to find out more about you, and to give you a chance to find out more about us. You would then in due course be invited to meet a committee of members from a Lodge you might be joining, prior to being balloted for membership of that Lodge. All being well, a date would then be fixed for your admission.