What is freemasonry?
Freemasonry is an organisation focused on brotherhood, ethics, and community service, using symbolism and rituals to promote personal growth and charitable activities.
A journey...
Freemasonry is an age-old fraternal organization that brings together like-minded individuals who share values like brotherhood, ethics, and community service. It's a journey of self-discovery and personal development, wrapped in rich symbolism and tradition.
The Local Connection
UNDERSTANDING FREEMASONRY
MORE THAN AN ORGANISATION
In Ashby de la Zouch, Freemasonry is not just a global tradition but also an integral part of our community. Local Masonic lodges provide a platform for people to come together, create lasting friendships, and work together for the betterment of our town.
Key Aspects of Freemasonry
Brotherhood
Freemasonry fosters a sense of brotherhood, offering a support network and a unique camaraderie among its members.
Moral Values
Members are encouraged to live by high moral and ethical standards, striving to be better individuals in both their personal and professional lives.
Symbolism
Freemasonry is filled with symbolism and rituals, creating a rich tapestry of traditions that carry profound meanings.
Charity
Local Masonic lodges are actively involved in charitable activities, making a positive impact on the Ashby de la Zouch community.
OUR CORE VALUES
THE FOUNDATIONS OF FREEMASONRY
Integrity
Rather than working on buildings like the masons of old, today’s Freemasons focus on building themselves as people of integrity, and membership provides the structure to help achieve that goal.
Friendship
One of the oldest social organisations in the world, Freemasonry is not defined by an ideology. It is open to people from all religions and political persuasions and provides the common foundation for friendships between members, many of which will last for life.
Respect
With a membership of more than 150,000 people drawn from communities across the UK, Freemasonry brings people together irrespective of their race, religion or any other perceived differences that can divide us as a society.
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.
Exploring Freemasonry
Discovering Your Place
Freemasonry is open to men of all backgrounds who are over the age of 21 and have a belief in a higher power. It's a personal journey, and members join of their own free will. If you're seeking personal growth, strong friendships, and a sense of purpose in your community, Freemasonry might be for you.
Is Freemasonry for You?
Dress Code & Symbols
Masonic Attire
In the temple, Freemasons don a distinctive uniform. This attire includes an apron, collars with jewels, and gloves. These garments hold historical and symbolic significance, reflecting our heritage as stonemasons.
explaining differently
think of freemasonry like 'man scouts'
“Where’s Ken? He’s at ‘Man Scouts’ tonight" Or; “Mike’s going out…. He’s got ‘Man Scouts’ tonight”
I know it’s a bit of a laugh calling our Masonic Journey ‘Man Scouts’ but actually its not far off the mark.
Consider, Why we send our children to Cubs, Brownies, Guides and Scouts? We want them to be developed and more rounded young people. We want them to gain confidence and life skills (and maybe a few knots!) in a safe and supportive environment.
As we progress through life, there are plenty of places to go if you want to improve a skill, if you want to say be an Engineer, there’s school, Technical College and University. Improve at sport, there are Sports academies, Training Plans and Youtube.
In fact you can learn to do pretty much anything, except maybe become a better person, there are no high street shops you can buy it at, no outlets you can go to and only a few organisations that offer support but provide little in development.
Freemasonry, In my eyes, fits all of our needs.
from the perspective of bro. mike bailey, Senior Warden
Why people join & why they stay
I consider myself as an Outsider, in regard to Freemasonry and our Lodge…
What I mean by this, is that, I joined from outside of the Lodge, I wasn’t approached or invited to join by an existing member and I didn’t know anybody who was in Freemasonry or in fact, where the nearest Lodge was.
Having moved to Ashby, I knew I wanted to get involved with the community and have a social group within the town.
Having search the Provincial Website I applied online and was, after some time invited for an interview. Where I was accepted and have steadily progressed through the ranks to Senior Warden.
The early years felt slow, the relationships I expected to develop were slow in coming, I barely had enough holiday to cover Lodge Nights, let alone rehearsals. I was getting a little down over the whole experience.
So I made a decision, for one masonic year, I would attend, no fail, ALL of the rehearsals and meetings… if that didn’t work then... Hmm
And genuinely that was a revelation for me, just the act of getting together to rehearse; chat and have a collective goal; was what I was craving, the camaraderie improved. And I began to understand what Freemasonry was about.
So, here’s an analogy, I’d like to leave you with.
THE SHOW:
You can go to London to see a Show; buy your tickets; take your seats; be entertained for the evening and go for a meal afterwards. And be contented you’ve had a good night out… Yes, the seat was a bit lumpy; I wanted to cough but held onto it; and some bloke stumbled over his lines… But we had a good night; didn’t we?
Now compare that to,
THE CAST OF THE SHOW:
They’ve gone out to when others have stayed at home; laughed and joked in rehearsals; gone for a beer after; have learnt two hours’ worth of material and performed it without notes. Have helped those who’ve felt they could have done better, with heartfelt praise and support; and have been congratulated on a job well done by people they’ve not known before.
And have left at evening with an overwhelming sense of achievement.
No where else, (not even at work) have I ever felt this bond…
This is what I believe Freemasonry IS and this is what it means to me.
freemasonry from an outsider
Outsider meaning - not invited by a current member or having a family relation within freemasonary. I wanted to be a part of a community after moving to a new town...
Ceremonial One-Act Plays
Freemasonry incorporates ceremonial one-act plays, rich in symbolism. These plays represent various stages of life and provide valuable moral and ethical lessons.
Musical Accompaniment
Our ceremonies are often accompanied by music, adding to the atmospheric and profound experience.
The Festive Board
The Freemasonry experience includes a social aspect. After meetings, members gather for a festive board, a four-course meal, good company, and an opportunity for laughter and camaraderie.
The Freemasonry Experience
START YOUR Journey
If the rich history and values of Freemasonry in Ashby de la Zouch intrigue you, consider joining our local Masonic lodge.
Uncover the historical mysteries and timeless values of Freemasonry, and become a part of a tradition that has left an indelible mark on the world.
