Freemasonry and what it means to me

Freemasonry means a couple of things to me.

It means a place to go, for a semblance of normality and stability. A place of comfort and support that encourages learning and development.
It means I have a group of friends that mean so much to me, they are happy to listen to my gripes (which number millions) and they are happy to give advice, help me out, cheer me up and take the mickey.

So, my normal night for attendance at the masonic centre is a Thursday. That is my lodge’s night of either practice or meeting. Three nights in the month we practice for the main meeting. The main meeting we dress formally and have guests and visitors and a three or four course meal. Meeting first and followed by the Festive Board. Where we can relax and connect and share stories. Any other night of the week, I could probably attend other mason’s lodges and have the same experience. This period of time, spent in getting to know people’s stories means that the support and friendship is genuine and an absolute pleasure to grow in.

Freemasonry Books My friends are very special, they are there for me. They listen and understand, and I have to be the most complicated person in the world. I don’t even understand myself, but what is great about my masonic friends is that their friendship is unconditional. I care about their well being and they reciprocate mine. The fact that they might not agree with anything Im saying does not matter, they respect my choices and help me.

There are so many individuals who stand out I could not point out those individuals and I am certain that they would not want me to anyway. From senior officers who take the time to ring and check what is happening, to distant friends who make sure things are ok, to a families who are prepared to share their christmas with me. That alone is such a big thing. To share such a special day, and open your house shows the depth of care.

Recently a fairly new mason was slightly concerned (we are friends) that on seeing him after a long period of time that I gave him a Paul cuddle. I explained you are all my brothers and therefore Im happy to have you as my close friend and brother. After a roller coaster night of him doing ritual, and all the people telling him what a good job he did, and me coming up after in such a manner, he could have taken the whole thing badly, but he started to see the bond. Why it is all so special. If we could take that and bottle it for the public, there would be a queue to the door to join.

In the modern world freemasonry needs to focus more on families, we know through data, that women investigate freemasonry on behalf of their partners as much as men do. They are intrinsically interested in helping their hubbies. Before the second world war, masonry was hugely involved in public society, open and visible. Post war, it was good practice to go underground, due to the dangers of being involved. We have failed to come back out of the lull, to take advantage of modern marketing and getting ourselves out there. There are no secrets or secret society, you can find everything out on the internet. Yet, predominantly, public opinion is extremely negative. Any opportunity to put masonry down, is taken.

If you have questions on freemasonry, then check out justask1.org for joining and also check out http://eastkentfreemasons.org/ both of these places are great resources for joining masonry in the Province of East Kent. Alternatively, if you want to ask me questions, please do so in the comments below, if I can help I will