Freemasonry is a non political, non sectarian organisation of considerable age based on principles of consideration of others and self-development. One of the oldest secular social and charitable organisations in the world, modern Freemasonry’s roots lie in the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who built our castles and cathedrals. Some believe it evolved from Stonemasons Guilds and was certainly in existence in some form since the 1500s. The first recorded “making” of a Freemason is that of a Warrington man, Elias Ashmole in 1646. In 2017 we celebrated the 300th anniversary of the first unified Grand Lodge in England. For Freemasons, there are four important values that help define their path through life: Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Charity. In today’s world filled with uncertainty, these principles ring as true now as they have at any point in the organisation’s history. Membership is open to men over 18 from all backgrounds and the organisation’s aim is to empower members to be the best they can be – it’s about building character, supporting members as individuals and helping them make a positive contribution to society. Freemasonry provides a structure for members to come together under these common goals, enabling people to make new friendships, develop themselves and make valuable contributions to charitable causes.

The mainstream organisation is, but there are other similar organisations for women in most areas. There have been female Freemasons for over 100 years. Women Freemasons have been meeting for over 100 years. There are two female-only Grand Lodges: The Order of Women Freemasons https://www.owf.org.uk and HFAF – Freemasonry for Women https://hfaf.org The Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons (HFAF) which is now known as Freemasonry for Women is a fraternity for women and organised by women. It was founded in 1913. They both follow exactly the same ceremonies and wear the same regalia as male Freemasons. Both also often work closely with community and charity projects. The United Grand Lodge of England have an excellent working relationship with both Grand Lodges.

It is true that Freemasonry tries to look after widows of members and members in distress of one sort or another, but it is also one of the biggest donors to Charity in the UK. Every year millions of pounds are raised for non-masonic and masonic Charities. In many areas Freemasons are also active in their own communities. Freemasons are the largest charitable givers in the country, contributing £51.1m to deserving causes in 2020.

No, a Freemason should not expect to gain any advantage from membership. If he seeks to do so he may be expelled.

Like many organisations there is a “Head Office” based in London called the United Grand Lodge of England, regional centres called Provinces and local clubs called Lodges.

The meeting is in two parts. As in any association there is a certain amount of administrative procedure; minutes of last meeting, proposing and balloting for new members, discussing and voting on financial matters, election of officers, news and correspondence. Then there are the Ceremonies for admitting new members and the annual Installation of the Master and appointment of officers. On occasions we may have lectures or presentations.

The principal qualifications are that he is 18 or over, be of good character and believe in a “Supreme Being”- his God. He is expected to have good morals, compassion and a kind and charitable disposition.

Under the United Grand Lodge of England, there are over 192,000 Freemasons. There are Grand Lodges in Ireland, which covers both the North and the South, and Scotland which combined total of 150,000 members. Worldwide there are probably five million members.

There is an initiation fee on entry (£198.40). The Lodge will provide you with your first two aprons and in due course your own regalia will have to be bought. The meeting is normally followed by a dinner, the cost depending on the venue. There is, in addition, an annual subscription of £145.00 (as at 2022). This is charged on a pro-rata basis depending on the time of year you join. Members are invited to give to charity but this should always be within their means and it is entirely up to the individual how much they wish to contribute.

Freemasonry as a body, will never express a view on politics or State policy. The discussion of politics at Masonic meetings has always been prohibited.

Freemasonry exists throughout the world. However, each Grand Lodge is sovereign and independent. There is no international governing body for Freemasonry.

Members do as much as they wish. The administration, ceremonial, accounting, fund raising and general running of the Lodge is carried out voluntarily by its own members.

Only Masons who have been made a member of a regular Lodge may visit and enter a meeting. However, occasionally Masonic Halls are opened to the public and visitors are accepted. This is usually known as an Open Day at which visitors will be shown round the building, including the Lodge Room, and have various Lodge offices explained to them. Masonic Halls are often made available to members of the public for functions such as business meetings, conferences, weddings, birthday parties and funerals. Most have licensed bars and catering facilities.

The aprons stem from our historical and symbolic roots as stonemasons. Masons are continuing an age old tradition practised by the ancient Stonemasons’ Guilds. Being leather, they were designed to protect them from sharp tools and rough stones. For today’s Freemasons, the apron is a mark of their membership. They are presented with a white leather apron and as they progress this becomes more elaborate.

Yes, the family plays an important part in modern day Freemasonry. In addition to the fellowship enjoyed by members in visiting other Lodges and attending Special Events, there are functions where wives and partners play an active role and “Family Fun Days” are always well supported. There are also sports and social interest groups that cater for many hobbies.

An independent report has concluded that, contrary to much misleading commentary, Freemasonry demonstrates genuine openness and transparency and concludes that it is arguably more relevant today than ever before. Freemasonry acts as a “constant” providing members with a unique combination of friendship, belonging and structure, with many Masons saying they have made valuable lifelong friendships.

You will receive a great welcome into the fraternity. A very friendly and forward-looking lodge. It is without doubt the oldest well-established Lodge in Thame. In the Parish of St Mary’s. The local church is St Mary’s church. St Mary’s Lodge is Thame and Thame is St Mary’s Lodge. St Mary’s Lodge has been in existence for over 140 years. One could say we are here, and we intend to stay for at least the next 140 years. So, what is it that sets us apart from other lodges? We have a lodge which is looking out for new members, friendly, compassionate, and raring to grasp opportunities when they arise, and most of all we enjoy what we do and have fun. Come and join us and see for yourself.