What is Freemasonry?
One of the world's oldest social and charitable organisations
Freemasonry brings people together in friendship, encourages each member to develop as a person, and puts charity at the centre of everything it does.
What Freemasonry is
Freemasonry is a society of men who meet regularly, in groups called Lodges, to enjoy each other's company, to take part in ceremonies that have been handed down for centuries, and to support charitable causes together. Its teachings use the tools and language of the medieval stonemasons as a way of talking about how we might live: with honesty, kindness, and care for other people.
Being a Freemason means belonging. It means having an evening in the diary that is yours, in the company of men of every age and background who will become your friends. It means learning something — about ceremony and history, and about yourself. It means giving: Freemasons in England and Wales are among the country's largest charitable givers. And, just as importantly, it means sitting down to a good meal together afterwards, which is where much of the friendship is really made.
UGLE Mission Statement
[Paste official UGLE mission statement here]
The four values of Freemasonry
Integrity
We aim to be honest and straightforward in everything we do, keeping our word and taking responsibility for our actions.
Friendship
Freemasonry brings together people who might never otherwise meet, and builds friendships that last a lifetime.
Respect
We welcome members of every background, faith and walk of life, and we listen to one another with courtesy.
Charity
Giving time and support to our neighbours in Medway and to good causes further afield is at the heart of our name.
Discover Freemasonry
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Discover Freemasonry — Provincial leaflet (PDF) [Placeholder — upload the Provincial leaflet to this path]
Frequently Asked Questions
Freemasonry for women
Women can and do become Freemasons. In this country they do so through two women's Grand Lodges: the Order of Women Freemasons and the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons. The men's and women's Grand Lodges are happy to be separate organisations that work together on friendly terms, and each will gladly help an enquirer find a Lodge near them.
The Royal Arch
Many Freemasons go on to join the Royal Arch, which is widely regarded as the natural next step after the Craft and completes the story its ceremonies begin. Members of our Lodge would be glad to tell you more, and you can read about it at ugle.org.uk.
Finding out more
The United Grand Lodge of England website at ugle.org.uk holds a great deal more information, and the Province of East Kent website covers Freemasonry in this part of Kent.