Becoming a Freemason is a deeply personal experience. Every Freemason has a reason as to why they joined, and why they stayed. There is no one-size-fits-all answer as to why people did or why you should consider joining.
However, here are some of the common themes that we have found in our lodge.
- Expanding social circle with likeminded men
- Making new friends in a new area
- Seeking an opportunity to do active self-improvement
- Desire to understand and study the History of Freemasonry
- Search for people to do charity together
- Desire to study the more esoteric side of things
- Search for camaraderie after leaving active military service
We are far more open to new members than people think. We do genuinely welcome people of all backgrounds and walks of life, but there are a few requirements that must be met for someone to become a Freemason in Leeds, or anywhere else in England.
- Being a man*
- Being at least 18 years old
- Believing in a Supreme Being (what you name It, however, is a private matter)
- Not having any unspent convictions or ongoing dealings with the Judiciary system
On top of those requirements, you will be expected to commit to attending as often as you possibly can (family and work permitting).
*Women can also become Freemasons. The Order of Women Freemasons (OWF) has Lodges throughout Yorkshire and welcomes new members
How much does it cost to be a Freemason?
Like any member-led organisation, funding must come from somewhere, and therefore there are fees involved in being a Freemason.
There are three key fees for you to be aware of:
- Initiation or Joining Fee (paid once, when becoming a member of a lodge)
- Annual fee – a yearly subscription to that lodge
- Dining (as and when you attend or visit a lodge)
In addition to the above, members will always be encouraged to give to charity within their means, representing an additional, albeit optional, financial factor to consider.
So, should I become a Freemason?
Only you can answer this question.
But…
If you believe you are a good person, you want to meet new friends, help others, grow as a person, and enjoy the backdrop of tradition, pomp and morality plays, this may well be the right move for you.
But, there is another crucial question we need to answer together: will we get along? And the only way to answer that one, is by getting in touch with us.