Freemasonry
society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values
Our members are instructed in the principles of proper behaviour and self knowledge by a series of ritual dramas that follow ancient forms as guides to understanding.
Why do members Join
Make new friends and acquaintances – Socialising and engagement with like-minded people is a basic instinct. Should you need to move home to a completely new location, there will always be a Freemasons lodge ready to make you welcome, and for you to make new friends.
Family tradition – Many members are brought into Freemasonry by a blood or in-law relation. It is wonderful to see how Freemasonry can unite extended families.
Learning new personal skills – Freemasonry offers the opportunity to develop new personal skills, such as; public speaking, leadership, mentoring, even administration.
Freemasonry is Accessible
Everything about Freemasonry can be read in public libraries and through the internet. It does have many ancient customs, traditions and tenets which are shared with its members. We also have a deep respect for our historic means of recognition.
Freemasonry is Global
Under the United Grand Lodge of England, Freemasonry is the country’s oldest and largest secular fraternal organisation. Multi-cultural and multi-racial. There are some 250,000 members in over 8,000 lodges in England & Wales alone. With many hundreds of its Lodges overseas. Total Worldwide membership of many millions under other separate Grand Lodges in other countries. That means wherever you travel, you will have friends to show you the ropes.
Freemasons and Charity
Charitable work is just one of the things Freemasons are involved with. It’s undoubtedly an important aspect but not the be all and end all of Freemasonry. It is more an inevitable result of, who we are or who we strive to become.
All the money raised by Freemasons, and given to charities, is raised internally. Nothing is collected from the general public. We encourage members to give generously, but only within their means (there is no set amount or percentage), through alms collections, gift aid etc.
Freemasons give to charity in four ways. First through our annual dues to the Grand Lodge, second through gift aided donations, third by alms collected at each meeting and fourth, in lodges which hold raffles, by purchasing raffle tickets. The members of the lodge decide themselves where their donations are applied.
How to Join
If you are looking at this web site with a view to joining us in Freemasonry, then you probably aim to share our values and are looking for guidance about joining a Lodge. The following will explain what is required.
Belief in the Supreme Being. Your particular faith is not our concern and does not affect your ability to join. If you are in doubt, do please ask us and we will answer your questions.
In most cases you will be at least 18 years of age. This is a male-only organisation. The ladies do have their own female-only organisations, but they are quite separate and unconnected with us. Females please see HFAF or OWF.
You must be a free man of reputable circumstances. That is to say, you must be legally capable of making your own decisions on your own account and have not been convicted of any serious offense, or awaiting the outcome of criminal proceedings.
Your application to join – Contrary to popular myth, you don’t have to wait for someone to ask you if you want to join – it’s simply up to you to ask. If you already know someone who is a Freemason, he can help you on your way.
Meetings Dates and Times
Stonewell Lodge meets on the following days each year:
4th Wednesday in February,
1st Wednesday in April,
3rd Saturday in May,
1st Wednesday in October,
4th Wednesday in November
Meetings normal start at 5pm followed by a formal dinner.
Stonewell Lodge meets at the Rochford Masonic Hall, Rockford Essex UK
Whether or not you already know a Freemason, just contact the Lodge Secretary to discuss your wish to join.
We look forward to hearing from you!
contact the Lodge Secretary secretarystonewell9137@gmail.com