What is Freemasonry?

Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest and most respected fraternal organizations. Its roots can be traced back to the medieval guilds of stonemasons who built Europe’s great cathedrals and castles.

Over time, membership in these guilds expanded beyond working craftsmen to include men from many professions. By the early Enlightenment period, Freemasonry had evolved into the social and fraternal order we know today, preserving the traditions, symbolism, and values of its origins.

A Fraternity Beyond Politics and Religion

A common misconception is that Freemasonry is a political or religious movement. In truth, the Fraternity strictly forbids the discussion of political or religious topics during its meetings. Freemasonry welcomes men of all faiths, backgrounds, and beliefs, encouraging respect, harmony, and mutual understanding.

Within a Lodge, all members meet “on the level” — as equals — regardless of social status, profession, or personal background. This unique environment allows Freemasons to form genuine friendships and strong bonds with individuals they might otherwise never have encountered in everyday life.

Lodge Meetings and Structure

Freemasons gather in local groups known as Lodges. These meetings are private assemblies where members conduct the regular business of the Lodge, such as reading minutes, addressing correspondence, planning activities, and participating in traditional Masonic rituals and ceremonies.

While Freemasonry has its own customs and formalities, Lodge meetings are friendly, welcoming, and focused on fellowship, personal growth, and charitable support.

Frequently Asked Questions:

The term “Lodge” in Freemasonry carries two related, but distinct, meanings.

Firstly, it refers to the meeting place itself. Historically, operative stonemasons would construct temporary shelters beside the buildings on which they worked. These structures served as spaces where craftsmen could rest, take meals, plan their work, receive wages, and enjoy fellowship. They were also centres of instruction and learning, where skills and knowledge were passed from master to apprentice.

Secondly, the term “Lodge” came to denote the body of Freemasons who meet together. Over time, as these groups multiplied, a national system of oversight developed to maintain order, standards, and tradition. This governing structure became known as the Grand Lodge.

Modern Grand Lodges trace their authority to the three historic Mother Grand Lodges:

  • The United Grand Lodge of England

  • The Grand Lodge of Ireland

  • The Grand Lodge of Scotland

Each of these was established in the early 18th century and remains central to the heritage and organisation of Freemasonry today.

As in any organisation, the meeting is first called to order, and the ceremony of opening the Lodge is quite formal and draws on elements of the very foundations of Masonry. It serves to remind Freemasons of the virtues they seek to live by.

Once this is complete, minutes and correspondence are read, projects are planned, and other business taken care of, very much like any other organisation.

When new members are being received or are being advanced through the degrees of Craft Masonry, formal ceremonies are again used to teach Freemasons important moral lessons.

Following the formal closing of the Lodge, it is usual for some socialising to take place, often over supper.

New members make solemn promises about how they will conduct themselves, both within the Lodge and in everyday life. They also agree to keep private the traditional ways Freemasons recognise one another when visiting other Lodges. In addition, they promise to offer support to fellow members in times of need—always without neglecting their responsibilities to family, work, and community.

There are many reasons why men choose to become Freemasons, each rooted in the four timeless pillars that define our fraternity across the world:

Integrity – Friendship – Charity – Respect

Our members join for many different reasons. Some follow in the footsteps of family members; others seek friendship, purpose, or an opportunity to serve others. Many are drawn by curiosity about this ancient and honourable institution. Yet, regardless of how they begin their journey, what keeps them within the Craft is the unparalleled sense of brotherhood, support, and belonging that Freemasonry provides.

It is this enduring bond and shared commitment to moral and personal growth that have sustained our fraternity through the centuries.

Put simply, Freemasonry makes good men better.

Certainly not. Such behaviour is not permitted and may result in disciplinary action. When joining, every new member clearly states that he seeks no financial or personal gain from being a Freemason.

While some Masonic charities provide support for Freemasons and their families, many also make substantial contributions to wider community causes and non-Masonic organisations.

Yes. Freemasonry is open to men from all walks of life, regardless of race, religion, or social background.

Membership is available to men aged 21 and above who are of good character and who hold a belief in a Supreme Being.

We are an organisation dedicated to helping good men become better.

Freemasonry is a worldwide fraternity, and the Grand Lodge of Ireland is one of the oldest, with Lodges and Districts in many countries. Members are welcome to visit these Lodges abroad and will often find a warm and friendly reception from those familiar with the local community.

Many other countries also have their own sovereign Grand Lodges. Members are free to visit these as well, and their members frequently visit us in return. However, it is important to note that there is no single international governing authority for Freemasonry. Each Grand Lodge is independent.

Freemasonry does not discuss or promote any particular religion. However, members are required to hold a belief in a Supreme Being—regardless of whether they are Christian, Muslim, Sikh, Jewish, or of any other faith.

Craft Freemasonry consists of three degrees:

  • Entered Apprentice
  • Fellow Craft
  • Master Mason

There is an initiation fee when joining, and each Lodge has an annual subscription to help cover operating costs.

Members may also choose to donate to charity, but this is always voluntary and should only be done within one’s personal means.

Costs vary from Lodge to Lodge, especially for meals and social events. Your proposer and seconder will explain these details to you before you join.

Freemasonry is not a secret society. However, it does have a small number of traditional secrets—specifically, the ways in which members recognise one another. These methods of recognition are simply a means for a Freemason to prove his membership. They have been handed down through history and are preserved today out of respect for tradition.

Freemasons are guided by three core principles:

Brotherly Love
Freemasons show tolerance, respect, and kindness toward others, valuing harmony and understanding in all dealings.

Relief
Freemasons are encouraged to practice charity and to support both fellow members and the wider community, through giving and voluntary service.

Truth
Freemasonry upholds integrity and expects its members to live by high moral and ethical standards.

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