Why Become a Freemason

Throughout 300 years of heritage and history, our members have come from all walks of life and each with their own unique story to tell for why they became a Freemason.

As one of the oldest social and charitable organisations in the world, we have a thriving community of over 200,000 members throughout England and Wales, as well as Districts overseas. Freemasons use four important guiding principles to help define their path through life: I ntegrity, Friendship, Respect and Charity.

Membership is open to people from all backgrounds and our aim is to empower members to be the best they can be.

Here's just a few reasons to become a Freemason:

You want to make new friendships

From the Universities Scheme and new and young masons clubs, to special interest Lodges, Freemasonry gives members many opportunities to make a wide circle of friends for life. Finding bonds with people who share common interests and meeting people from all different backgrounds are only some of the ways Freemasonry can help cultivate lasting friendships.

You want to develop yourself

Freemasonry is all about building character and supporting members as individuals. It’s these foundations that allow members to develop themselves, from increased self-confidence to transferable skills such as public speaking.

You want to make a positive contribution to society

Whether taking part in social events or fundraising, charity is at the very heart of Freemasonry. Our members make valuable contributions to deserving causes and it’s because of this we’re recognised as one of the largest charitable givers in the country, contributing £42 million to deserving causes in 2019.

Now hear what our members have to say

Find out what made them join, what they continue to enjoy most about being a Freemason and the fun they have along the way.

“Since joining Freemasonry I have pushed myself into everything thrown at me and I thrive on being a trailblazer for Freemasons helping towards mental health.

“I’m also a member of the Cornerstone Young Masons Club in Essex, which I believe is a great network suited for inspiring young and new Freemasons to get stuck in and having fun while they do it.”
Adam Mills – Ostrea Lodge No. 8209, Essex

“Contributing at local charitable events makes me feel deeply connected to my community. When I stand back and see how Freemasonry contributes globally, the sense of pride I feel is incredible.

“The bond of friendship is stronger in Freemasonry than anywhere else I’ve experienced. I now have a wider, more diverse circle of friends than I ever thought possible.

“I’ve been guided throughout my journey in Freemasonry by meaningful, useful, and important lessons of self-discovery and integrity. These lessons truly help me to be the very best I can be.”
Elliot Chevin – Earlham Lodge No. 7266, Essex

“What I get most out of Freemasonry is more self-confidence in my abilities as a person.”
Matthew Fearnley – Malvern Hills Lodge No. 6896, Worcestershire

“I joined Freemasonry whilst at university as part of the Universities Scheme and have been involved ever since. What I love most about it is not only the friendships and camaraderie, but also the skills you learn that you’d never think of such as increased confidence in public speaking, research, and the confidence to go out of your way to help others when necessary, all whilst having fun.”
Elliot Conway – Wyggeston Lodge No. 3448, Leicestershire & Rutland

Read more testimonials . . .

“I joined through a desire to widen my circle of friends and help charities. I’m currently working my way through the offices in my Lodge and as an active member of the Provincial membership team, hoping to share my experience to make those expressing an interest make the right decisions around Freemasonry.”
Andrew Bond – St John’s Lodge No. 328, Devonshire

“For me, Freemasonry replaced almost everything I lost when leaving the army. The values, camaraderie, teamwork, discipline, respect, a sense of belonging – and much more.”
Paul Robinson – Wiltshire Lodge of Fidelity No. 663, Wiltshire

“I joined Freemasonry as I had moved away from home and was quite isolated. I’m a nurse so the unsocial and erratic hours prevent you having a normal social life. Someone at work suggested Freemasonry and now there’s always something going on! I love the challenge of ritual and getting it word perfect, all the senior members love that younger members work hard to get ritual correct and they’re as proud as I am.

“Why do I still enjoy being a mason? For me it’s everything outside the Lodge you can do. I set up a Freemasons rugby team in my spare time because I felt like I wanted to show the community that it’s a lot more than just men in aprons behind closed doors! It’s paid off, as we’ve played local games and shown the value of Freemasonry, as well as making some great friends along the way.”
Garry Hacking – Greenhill Lodge No. 6260, West Lancashire

“I became a Freemason because I was looking for a way to make a difference in a more large scale way than my profession allows me to do. I have found that my very best friends are all fellow Freemasons and I simply cannot imagine what life would be like without Freemasonry. It has become a major part of my life and I would not have it any other way.”
Shaun Brookhouse – Prince Leopold, Doric and Parkfield Lodge No. 1588, West Lancashire

“Freemasonry to me is very simple: it is great fun! It puts a smile on my face. It makes me a better person and makes me see the best in others. Freemasonry keeps strong the tradition of inclusivity, cohesion and support.

“It brings us back together and is so relevant in these times.”
Gaurav Jamnadass – Benfeldsyde Lodge No. 7807, Durham

“I joined Freemasonry not really knowing anything about it. As my mentor at work was someone I respected, I thought if he was a part of this society, it had to be a good thing and I’m so glad I joined; I thoroughly enjoy meeting people and visiting other Lodges when I’m traveling for work.

“The biggest thing I’ve got out of Freemasonry is the confidence to speak in public. Our ceremonies are like little plays and taking part in these has helped me grow in confidence in my own work.”
Luke Facey – Radnor Lodge No. 4451, Wiltshire

“Freemasonry has changed my life. There are so many reasons why I absolutely love being a Freemason. I have made the best group of friends I’ve ever had and feel like I’ve known them forever.

“I have always endeavored to support local charities prior to becoming a Freemason and since joining I’ve discovered that charity is at the very heart and foundation of Freemasonry and not only am I now more involved with charity than ever, I also strive for the best morals to follow in my life, but also to teach my son the same thanks to the inspiration of what Freemasonry teaches you.

“Freemasonry is far more than people may think. It is a life-changing and constantly inspiring organisation to be part of and I would recommend anybody to consider joining.”
Liam Hayward – University Lodge of Liverpool No. 4274, West Lancashire

“I had been looking for a social group with a difference, something that appealed to my love for tradition and history, which would bring me into contact with a variety of new and interesting people. Freemasonry was one of the first places that came to mind and having spoken to a good friend who was a member, I took the plunge.

“Freemasonry has certainly achieved the goals I sought, and now I take great pleasure in the social aspect as well as the fellowship offered not only in my Lodge, but amongst the many other Lodges I have had the pleasure to visit since joining. As a new Freemason, I have found nothing but friendly people wherever I have gone, who really do take the time to welcome you and make you feel a part of the society.”
Steven Marriott – Lightcliffe Lodge No. 3332, Yorkshire, West Riding

“Freemasonry for me is a much bigger and deeper part of my life than I ever thought possible. I initially joined because I wanted the camaraderie, but found much more than that. I found that it made me, and continues to make me, a better man. It helps me understand myself, it has improved my confidence and it’s given me countless opportunities to give to charity.”
Mat Round – United Service Lodge No. 1428, Hampshire & Isle of Wight

“I originally joined Freemasonry out of curiosity, but ever since I’ve expanded my friendship with other like-minded members going beyond my expectations.”
Adam Daisley – Mottingham Lodge No. 6753, West Kent

“I joined Freemasonry to spend more time with my father, to meet different people from outside of my own social circle and give something back to my community in the terms of charity. I joined at 37 – I should have joined when I was in my late 20s.”
Paul Callaghan – Lodge of Stability No. 217, London

“I’m serving in the military (RAF) and the bond between everyone in the military is unique. Within our, Lodge are many ex-airmen, but I’ve also enjoyed the company of many former soldiers, sailors, and marines, sharing their experiences. They are always keen to listen to me impart my own experience from more modern service life. Even though there are many differences between their time and mine, the link between us through Freemasonry is always fascinating. I think the commonality between Freemasonry and military life is amazing and I’m sure it will long continue.”
Gary Hurst – Olive Union Lodge No. 1304, Lincolnshire

“What I enjoy most is being part of something meaningful, which challenges me and provides friendship and support all at the same time. It’s like Scouting for adults.”
Tony Harvey – Walesby Forest Lodge No. 9674, Nottinghamshire

“What I enjoy most about Freemasonry is everything. It’s become a huge part of my life, but on a personal level, it has given me a defined focus to use my amateur poetry to raise funds for not just one cause but a myriad of causes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, the Freemasons’ charity. My decision to join was largely based on the fact my perception was Freemasonry could be a ready-made group of friends everywhere you go, nearing the end of my military life I desired the camaraderie and all that goes with it to continue and have found this was true in spades.”
Anthony Wilkins – Penwith Lodge No. 8538, Cornwall

“I’ve enjoyed making acquaintances with people from all walks of life and backgrounds. Freemasonry has also enhanced my confidence in all aspects of public speaking.”
Brian Denton – Purcell Lodge No. 4236, Northumberland

“I joined Freemasonry because of the traditions, ethics, family connection and enjoyment. I enjoy Freemasonry because you’re made to feel welcome by people when you visit a new Lodge – plus the friendships last forever no matter where you are in the world.”
Rhydian Burston – Dane Lodge No. 7640, Cheshire

“What do I enjoy most about Freemasonry – it’s hard to narrow it down! The moral lessons and ways of teaching through the ceremonies, the Brotherhood and friendship found globally, and the golden link to history and stability. Now I have friends from such a variety of generations, backgrounds, professions I would never find anywhere else.”
Will Hearnshaw – Cockfosters Lodge No. 6883, London

“I joined Freemasonry on the suggestion of a friend of mine in Scouting. I joined Torch Lodge No. 7236 – a Lodge formed by Scouters for volunteer youth workers – and what I got then, and still get now, is the ability to work alongside like-minded people, who want to improve themselves and the communities they are part of.”
Richard Sams – Torch Lodge No. 7236, London

How to join