Freemasonry
Learn More About Freemasonry
About Freemasonry
In an increasingly divisive world, many people are looking for unity and purpose to help guide their way. Compassion and respect are much more important now than ever before.
Freemasonry is one of the oldest social and charitable organisations in the world, open to those of all backgrounds. The organisation’s aim is to empower members to be the best they can be, both for themselves and society around them.
It does this by providing a structure of support to help them make positive contributions to their local communities, whether it be through fundraising events or volunteer work. In an uncertain world, the Masonic principles of integrity, respect and charity ring as true today as they ever have before.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is freemasonry?
It is commonly believed that the Masonic fraternity evolved out of a guild of stone-masons dating from the middle-ages. As the centuries passed, many people in society became members of those masonic guilds and by the early enlightenment era, Freemasonry had become a purely social and fraternal institution which preserved the traditions and practices of those original guilds.
Despite common opinion, Freemasonry is not a political or religious organisation. In fact those two topics are not to be discussed at any Masonic meeting. Freemasonry enables men from different parts of society to meet together as equals, regardless of religious background, political leaning, class or any other social category. Members of the Freemasons therefore quickly make close friends and acquaintances from many different walks of life.
Freemasons meet together in individual units called Lodges. Lodge meetings are fundamentally private assemblies where the business of a Lodge takes place. While there are traditions and formalities within the Fraternity, much of a Lodge meeting is taken up with simple business such as minutes, correspondence and other items that would usually be found on the agenda of a Committee.
Is it a charity?
Benevolence has always been the cornerstone of Freemasonry. Goodwill to all and a desire to help those less fortunate are fundamental principles of the Masonic Fraternity and therefore, charitable giving is a major part of membership of the Freemasons.
Our members engage in acts of benevolence in a variety of ways, either through simple gestures such as gift giving, or through the raising of monies for a variety of funds which help a wide variety of people.
How to become a freemason?
Many people assume that to become a Freemason, one must be invited to join. This is not correct. In fact, while members might encourage their friends to join, they do not typically recruit or invite candidates for membership.
Any man of the age of 21 may join, regardless or ethnic group, political views, economic standing or religion although he is expected to have a faith. The Grand Lodge of Ireland oversees lodges on the island of Ireland.
Becoming a Freemason is like going on a journey: from joining as an Entered Apprentice, it typically takes one or two years to become a Master Mason, with each of the three stages marked by a special ceremony.
A person who is interested in joining is encouraged to simply ask a member. Even if you don’t know a member and wish to join, contact us at info@lisburnmasonic.org and we can initiate the process.