Frequently asked questions

Freemasonry has gathered more than its fair share of myths over the years. Here are honest, plain-English answers to the things people most often wonder — and ask — about us. If your question isn’t here, just drop us a line; we’re happy to help.

What is Freemasonry, really?

At its simplest, it’s one of the world’s oldest social and charitable organisations — a society of friends who share a few core values and meet to enjoy each other’s company, support good causes, and help one another become better people. There’s a bit of ceremony and tradition involved, which many members come to love, but the heart of it is friendship and a sense of purpose.

Is it a secret society?

No — and we’re quite cheerful about saying so. We don’t hide who we are; our Lodge, our meeting place and our charity work are all out in the open. There are a few traditional words and gestures we keep within the Lodge, much as any club or team has its own customs, but that’s about as mysterious as it gets.

Is Freemasonry a religion?

No. We ask that members have a belief in a supreme being, but we leave religion firmly at the door. Men of all faiths sit side by side in our Lodge, and discussion of religion (and politics) during meetings is something we deliberately avoid. It’s one of the reasons Freemasonry has kept good men together, peacefully, for centuries.

Who can join?

Any man aged 18 or over, of good character, who believes in a supreme being. That’s genuinely it. We welcome members from every background, trade and profession — your job, your bank balance and your background matter far less than the kind of person you are.

I’m a woman — is there something for me?

Our Lodge is for men, but there are well-established, completely separate organisations for women in Freemasonry, and we’re always glad to point you in their direction. Our partners and families are also a big part of Lodge life through our social and charity events — you’ll never be on the outside of it.

Do I need to be invited or “know someone”?

Not at all. That’s one of the oldest myths going. Plenty of our members simply got in touch one day and asked — exactly as you might be thinking of doing now. A friendly enquiry is all it takes.

How much time will it take? I’ve got a busy life.

So do we — that’s rather the point. Remember the saying we live by: family first, work second, Freemasonry third. Our formal Lodge night is once a month, on the second Tuesday, with a handful of social events through the year. You give what you can, when you can, and a good Lodge will always understand when family or work has to come first.

What actually happens at a meeting?

An evening usually has two halves. First the formal meeting in the Lodge room, where we handle Lodge business and, on many nights, carry out one of our traditional ceremonies. Then the part everyone looks forward to — the “Festive Board,” which is really just a good dinner together, with toasts, conversation and plenty of laughter. It’s relaxed, it’s sociable, and nobody goes home hungry.

What does it cost?

There’s an annual membership subscription and a modest charge for dinners, plus whatever you choose to give to charity. We’ll always be upfront about the figures before you commit to anything, and we’d never want cost to be the thing that stops a good man joining. Just ask, and we’ll talk you through it honestly.

What do you do for charity?

Quite a lot, and most of it stays close to home. Freemasons are among the country’s largest charitable givers, and Lodges like ours support local clubs, schools, scout groups, hospices and the air ambulance, as well as national appeals. Every penny is raised by our own members and friends, and much of it goes straight back into the Huddersfield community.

This sounds a bit like a sports team or the Forces…

You’ve put your finger on something. A lot of our members come from sport or from the Armed Forces, and they tell us a Lodge feels familiar straight away — the same loyalty, the same “your word is your bond,” the same instinct to stand by the people beside you and leave no one behind. If that’s a feeling you’ve valued before, you’ll find it here in good supply.

What are your values?

Across our Province they’re summed up in four words: Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Service. Underpinning everything are Freemasonry’s three great principles — Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. They’re simple ideas, but lived out properly they make a real difference, both to our members and to the people around us.

I’m interested. What’s the next step?

The easiest thing in the world: send us a message. We’ll reply, answer any questions, and — if you’d like — arrange for you to meet a few of us informally over a coffee or a pint. No pressure, no commitment, and no aprons required. From there, it moves entirely at your pace.