Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest social and charitable organisations, with its origins rooted in the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who built our cathedrals and castles.
It is here that a number of the famous elements of Freemasonry find their roots. In the medieval era, stonemasons often travelled around to find work in different locations. To demonstrate their level of qualification, they would use grips, words and signs in order to distinguish themselves from unqualified builders.
Freemasonry uses building analogies to teach members how to lead productive lives that benefit the communities that they live in. In the medieval era, stonemasons wore aprons and gloves to protect themselves while working on shaping rough pieces of stone, but in today’s society Freemasons meet to build friendships and communities rather than cathedrals and castles.
Guiding principles of Freemasonry
What do Freemasons believe? For Freemasons, there are four important values that help define their path through life: Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Service. In today’s world filled with uncertainty, these principles ring as true now as they have at any point in the organisation’s history.
INTEGRITY
Honesty, trustworthiness, honour, reliability, and conscientiousness form the foundation of a virtuous character. They foster trust, maintain integrity, and demonstrate commitment, ultimately leading to a life of strong principles and dependable actions.
FRIENDSHIP
Freemasonry gives members many opportunities to make a wide circle of friends for life who share common interests and values. It provides a bond of friendship and a sense of belonging. This promotes a feeling of enjoyment and fulfilment.
RESPECT
From its earliest days, Freemasonry has respected the beliefs of its members. It promotes an environment where diversity is valued. It is a space where different beliefs and backgrounds converge, fostering an atmosphere of inclusivity, tolerance and harmony.
SERVICE
Whether participating in events, fundraising for a charitable cause or volunteering for public or community organisations, service is at the very heart of Freemasonry. Our members make valuable contributions by donating time, resources and skills.
Information on this paged is sourced from the United Grand Lodge of England website. For more information please check out their full article: https://www.ugle.org.uk/discover-freemasonry/what-is-freemasonry