Somewhat
mysterious organisation
Many people think the Freemasons are a secret, somewhat mysterious organisation. Naturally all lodge meetings are open only to members, but in all other regards we’re open and honest about what we do.
Frequently asked questions
Many people think the Freemasons are a secret, somewhat mysterious organisation. Naturally, lodge meetings are open only to members, but in all other regards we’re open and honest about what we do. The headquarters of the Grand Lodge of Scotland is even open to the public.
Click below on the cross hairs to find answers to many common questions about Freemasonry.
On average fees amount to £250 when you join, although there are local variations.
When you become a Master Mason, there is an initiation fee and an apron to buy, after which there is an annual subscription.
The aprons stem from our historical and symbolic roots as stonemasons. Being leather, they were designed to protect them from sharp tools and rough stones. For today’s Freemasons, the apron is a mark of their membership. They are presented with a white leather apron and as they progress this becomes more elaborate.
If you are a son of a Mason (a Lewis), 18 years of age otherwise 21 are allowed to join the Grand Lodge of Scotland, Based in Edinburgh.
Women can become members, when of age, of the Eastern Star which is a social order comprised of persons with spiritual values, but it is not a religion.
When becoming a Freemason, members are expected to be able to affirm a belief in a ‘Supreme Being’. This is deliberately phrased so as to be fully inclusive; most of our members generally believe in a God – be it Christian, Muslim, Sikh or Jewish etc – of some sort, and there is no requirement to be an active practitioner of any particular religion.
There are three ‘degree ceremonies’ performed during masonic meetings. They are essentially one act plays and teach members how to be better people and each play represents a different stage in life.
As an ‘initiate’ or Entered Apprentice, Freemasons are taught we are all born equal, we learn that in life some do better than others and it is up to those that do well to look after the less fortunate. From this stems our belief in the importance of Charity.
The next stage is to become a ‘Fellow Craft’ where Freemasons are taught the importance of improving yourself as a person, and finally as a ‘Master Mason’, where we learn that we have but one life, and the importance of using it wisely.
When you apply to our Lodge at Alford to be a member, each new member requires a ‘proposer’ and a ‘seconder’, and these may be people you already know. There is then a short meeting with existing members of the lodge, which is an opportunity for them to find out more about you, and for you to ask any questions you might have. There after you will be balloted and all references checked, you will be informed if successful or not.
