An Approach To Life

Freemasonry teaches moral lessons and self-knowledge through participation in a progression of  allegorical two-part plays, which are learnt by heart and performed within each lodge.

Freemasonry 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 practises concern for people, care for the less fortunate and help for those in need.

Why do people join and remain members?
People became Freemasons for a variety of reasons, some as the result of family tradition, others  upon the introduction of a friend or out of a curiosity to know what it is all about.
Those who become active members and who grow in Freemasonry do so principally because they enjoy  it. They enjoy the challenges and fellowship that Freemasonry offers. There is more to it, however,  than just enjoyment.
Participation in the dramatic presentation of moral lessons and in the working of a lodge provides  a member with a unique opportunity to learn more about himself and encourages him to live in such  a way that he will always be in search of becoming a better man, not better than someone else but  better than he himself would otherwise be and therefore an exemplary member of society.

Each Freemason is required to learn and show humility through initiation. Then, by progression  through a series of degrees he gains insight into increasingly complex moral and philosophical  concepts, and accepts a variety of challenges and responsibilities which are both stimulating  and rewarding. The structure and working of the lodge and the sequence of ceremonial events,  which are usually followed by social gatherings, offer members a framework for companionship  teamwork, character development and enjoyment of shared experiences.

What Promises do Freemasons take
New members make solemn promises concerning their conduct in the lodge and in society. These  promises are similar to those taken in court or upon entering the armed services or many  other organisations. Each member also promises to keep confidential the traditional methods  of proving he is a Freemason which he would use when visiting a lodge where he is not known.
The much publicised 'traditional penalties' for failure to observe these undertakings were  removed from the promises in 1986. They were always symbolic not literal and refer only to  the pain any decent man should feel at the thought of violating his word.
Members also undertake not to make use of their membership for personal gain or advancement;  failure to observe this principle or otherwise to fall below the standards expected of a  Freemason can lead to expulsion.

Who can join?
Membership is open to men of all faiths who are law-abiding, of good character and who  acknowledge a belief in God. Freemasonry is a multi-racial and mult-cultural organisation.  It has attracted men of goodwill from all sectors of the community into membership. There  are sililar Masonic organisations for women.