The Grand Lodge of Freemasonry for Men and Women
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Per Ardua ad Spiritus
Spiritus est qui Unificat
Great Britain
Frequently asked questions
- What are the origins of Freemasonry
- No one knows the true origins of Freemasonry and entire books have been written debating the subject. Some scholars believe that the origins extend as far back as either the Ancient Mysteries, the Crusades, the Jewish religion, the Rosicrucians or the Knights Templar. Although all of these theories have been considered, no firm conclusions have been established and there is a wealth of material for any mason to access if they have an interest in exploring the historical side of Freemasonry.
- According to some legends the fraternity dates back specifically to the time of the construction of King Solomon’s Temple Building such an enormous structure required the workforce to be highly organised. This resulted in the various workers, such as stonemasons and architects, forming themselves into guilds, each with it’s own responsibilities. These legends appeared to be substantiated when the British Archaeologist and Egyptologist, Sir William Petrie, towards the end of the 19th century, unearthed papyrus records in the Liberian desert describing meetings of these guilds. These records not only discussed working hours but also the relief and assistance of workers in distress, widows and orphans. Some scholars however do not feel that there is sufficient data to fully substantiate the claims.
- During the Middles Ages masonry focused mainly on the building of great cathedrals which required considerable knowledge of geometry, arithmetic and engineering. It was necessary for these craftsmen to form themselves into guilds to maintain a level of qualification for their members and to protect the secrets of their trade. These craftsmen moved from a finished building to another that was under construction but, as it was not possible to verify a craftsman’s credentials by certificates or union cards, signs and words were used instead. The status of these craft guilds rose to such a height that it became common for leading citizens to become members and they were known as speculative rather than operative masons. As their numbers grew and as the regulations of craftsmen were formalised at national level so the structure of the guilds changed and over the years the Lodges became composed entirely of speculative Freemasons.
- The history of Mixed Masonry previously known as Co-
Masonry in anglicised countries was established by Annie Besant in England in 1902 and in India in 1904. Dr. Annie Besant established in Benares, India, a Triangle of three important people, herself, Francesca and George Arundale as a Co- Masonic Order, Le Droit Humain. This Order was firmly established by Dr. Besant in India, Pakistan, Burma, Ceylon, Indonesia, New Zealand and Australia and other countries where she was known for her work as President of The Theosophical Society. - Due to changes in countries where government banned such organisations, Freemasonry either went underground or was eliminated. Recently Masonic Orders or obedience's in some countries have felt the need to exam regulations imposed upon them, (or about to be imposed by their Supreme Council). Many countries where the influence of Dr. Annie Besant made differences to the education and social qualities of the poor have now re-
established themselves in a new Order following the example of the Grand Lodge of Freemasonry for Men and Women. - In December 2002, at a Conference in Adyar, India, a new Order was established called The Eastern Order of International Co-
Freemasonry. Ties with the Supreme Council of International Co- Freemasonry, Le Droit Humain, were completely severed. Countries who seceded were India and New Zealand together with Lodges and individual members of America, Brazil and Costa Rica. Delegates from our Order, GLF4MW were in attendance to assist and take part in their deliberations. History is changing Masonry and we acknowledge the need for continuous reflection to the needs of members. - What are Lodges ?
- The term Lodge not only refers to the place in which Masons meet, but it is also the generic name by which a group of Masons are known.
- Today Masons meet either in a building specifically built for the purpose of holding Masonic meetings or in a suitable hall into which the Masonic furniture is taken and the Lodge is set up according to ancient tradition. The ancients were reputed to hold their Lodges outside and the teachings would take place with the Masonic images drawn in the dust or sand and wiped away after use. In more recent times Lodges were temporarily convened in buildings for other purposes such as Public Houses where operative Masons would meet to plan their projects, receive their wages and socialise. Training and education would also have taken place here.
- What happens in a Lodge ?
- An agenda is sent to all members of the Lodge informing them of the next meeting and the order of business in a similar manner to any other meeting. The Lodge will be opened in a ceremonial manner that is considered to be the same as it was when Lodges were first formed, drawing on the very elements of Freemasonry. Apologies for absence are received, minutes are approved and signed. The business of the day will be different at each meeting and is decided by the Master and Committee of the Lodge. Usually there will be a ceremony either admitting a new member or conferring a further degree on a candidate who is progressing through the three degrees. Sometimes a study session will take place when a topic relating to Masonry will be discussed. All ceremonies are used to teach Masons an important moral lesson. After the meeting refreshments are usually provided which allows time for social interaction with other members before they leave.
- Why do Masons dress up and have secret handshakes ?
- A dress code is given to all members and the gentlemen are expected to wear dark or black suits and the ladies wear black suits/trouser suits with a white blouse. Over this is worn the Masonic Regalia which consists of an apron denoting the degree or rank and Officers wear the collar of their rank.
- The regalia was designed to reflect the aprons worn by the Operative Masons which would usually be made of leather to protect themselves as they handled the stones. When non-
masons were admitted to the Craft they were called Speculative Masons. These Speculative Masons began to wear more ornate aprons and the decoration became symbolic of the rank that a person had reached. Aprons are now made of leather, silk or plastic depending on the choice of the Brother. - The handshake or grip is a means of recognising another Mason and was used by Operative Masons to recognise a Brother by night as well as by day. Speculative Masons today also use different grips to distinguish between different ranks and not to pass secret messages to each other outside the Lodge as it is sometimes suggested.
- Why is it often Referred to as a Secret Society ?
- Freemasonry is not a secret society but a society in which certain aspects are not disclosed to any one but a member of that degree. There are in fact very few secrets that are concerned with masonry. The traditional signs of recognition are used by members to identify each other in a Lodge and each degree has it’s own signs. It was traditional for Operative Masons to use these signs when moving from one place of employment to another. He would need to prove his rank as a Mason to find employment and would use the word and grip of his degree to confirm his position in the Craft.
- Following the same traditions as Operative Masons, we are required to keep these signs secret, not only from outsiders but to those having a special degree i.e. Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craftsman or Master Mason. Masons are however, happy to admit to being members and will freely discuss the aims and principles of Freemasonry with interested people.
- How often do you Meet ?
- Craft Lodges are autonomous within the confines of the Constitution of the Order and Bye-
Laws of the Lodge and can decide how many meetings they wish to hold each year. Most Craft Lodges meet eight times per year but this will vary according to the Lodge you decide to join. - What is the Structure of the Organisation ?
- The Grand Lodge of Freemasonry for Men and Women holds meetings four times a year, in February, April, July and October, these meetings are called Grand Lodge Quarterly Communications. Representatives are the Worshipful Masters, Senior and Junior Wardens and Grand Stewards of all Lodges and are held in the Royal National Hotel, Bedford Way, London. Past Masters and Grand Officers are in attendance and the business of the day, is to impart news, make decisions on matters pertaining to the organisation and the future, from the Board of General Purposes; which is the Governing body, and to receive the views of Lodges. An Annual Grand Lodge Festival Meeting is held during the month of June close to the date of the Summer Solstice.
- The, Grand Lodge of Freemasonry for Men and Women Great Britain, are the Mother Grand Lodge to the Grand Lodge of Freemasonry for Men and Women in Bulgaria. Nine Lodges joined the GLF4M-
W Bulgaria at their Inauguration in May 2005. - How much will it Cost to belong to the Order ?
- Lodges are autonomous and set their own annual subscription however certain fees are required when joining any organisation. On joining you will be asked to pay your membership fee to the Order. This fee is paid annually and goes towards the general management of the organisation. There will also be an annual subscription payable to your own Lodge and this will vary depending on which Lodge you decide to join. You will also be asked for an entrance fee which generally covers the cost of your Initiation Ceremony, ritual and instruction books. Before your Third Degree Ceremony you will be expected to purchase your own regalia.
- What will be my responsibilities ?
- Once a Freemason you will be expected to follow the main Principles of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. You will also be expected to keep the secrets of the degree, which have been entrusted to you during your ceremony. As a member of a Lodge you will be expected to attend regular meetings and undertake some learning related to the degree that you are in and join in with Lodge studies.
- How will Freemasonry affect my religious beliefs ?
- Freemasonry is not a religion but it is essential that all members have a belief in a Supreme Being. In Lodges Volumes of The Sacred Law are opened on an Altar and Masons take their Obligations on their chosen religious book. Some Lodges have further Holy Books open especially if there is a Brother of a different religion present. Discussion about a specific religion or religious differences is not permitted in Lodge meetings where different faiths are recognised and respected.
- The Esoteric Side of Freemasonry ?
- Some Masons study their belief of a deeper esoteric quality to Freemasonry and attribute hidden meanings to the teachings in the ritual. The Origins of Freemasonry, according to some scholars, are considered to have evolved from the Temples and schools of the Ancient Mysteries. The ceremonies of the Ancient Mysteries, some of which marked seasonal festivals, were exceptional occasions of dignity, power and beauty and were presided over by initiate priests who had considerable knowledge of creating ceremonial magic in a beautiful ceremony. These ceremonies were considered to be allegoric representations of birth and growth and reflected mans' own inner progress along the path of spiritual unfoldment. Through the ages the ceremonies have enabled the brethren to search for the deeper esoteric spiritual or hidden meanings of Freemasonry. It could be argued that in the ceremonies some things are only half said, leaving a Brother with the feeling that something is missing. This in turn engenders the need to search for the hidden truths of the allegories and symbols and also for a deeper spiritual meaning. A desire to seek esoteric knowledge will help the serious student to unravel the inner meanings of the Ceremonies. Although knowledge is important, Freemasonry is free and speculative and we value all aspects of study, encouraging a Brother to engage at whichever level of Freemasonry he finds interesting and stimulating. Whilst there is no pressure to undertake a particular line of study there is a general respect for whichever branch a Mason chooses to follow and there are always like minded Masons to act as mentors and guides. Esoteric study is not demanded, however for those who seek deeper knowledge, Freemasonry can and will fulfil their desires.
- What is the Old Pal’s Factor ?
- In recent times Masonry has received some bad publicity where it has been inferred that by joining a Lodge one could benefit professionally, receive favours or even escape prosecution. This is not the case. Whilst it would be impossible to state that it has never happened it is a practice that is frowned upon by all true Masons. A true Mason is expected to respect the law of the land in which they live and to be a good citizen. The Principles of Freemasonry strengthens rather than conflicts with this ideal. A Mason is never asked to put the Order before their family and a Mason’s duty to society should always prevail. Freemasons should not use Masonry to promote their own or a colleagues business neither should they shield a fellow who has acted dishonourably or dishonestly.
- I am interested, what do I do now ?
- Established Lodges can be found in London, Letchworth, Bristol, Nottingham, Leicester and a Provisional Lodge exists in Berkeley, Gloucestershire. (To be Consecrated, Constituted and Warranted on 8th May 2016). The Grand Lodge has an e-
mail Lodge called the ‘Wayfarers’, this is a non- local lodge and caters for remote members who are abroad or in parts of England, Ireland and Scotland where at present, lodges of our Order do not exist. The Board of General Purposes has a Grand Officers Ceremonial Team, who perform the ceremonies of the first, second and third degrees for Provisional Lodges who work under the Authority of the Board of General Purposes. Host Lodges, that are regularly Constituted Lodges, perform the ceremonies of the first, second and third degrees for Pioneer Lodges. The Host Lodges are located at Letchworth, and Bristol.
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