Frequently Asked Questions - Membership Issues

Why do people join and remain members?

People become Freemasons for a variety of reasons, some as the result of family tradition, others upon the introduction of a friend or out of a curiosity to know what it is all about. Those who become active members and who grow in Freemasonry do so principally because they enjoy it. They enjoy the challenges and fellowship that Freemasonry offers. There is more to it, however, than just enjoyment. Participation in the dramatic representation of moral lessons and in the working of a lodge provides a member with a unique opportunity to learn more about himself and encourages him to live in such a way that he will always be in search of becoming a better man, not better than someone else but better than he himself would otherwise be, and therefore an exemplary member of society.

Each Freemason is required to learn and show humility through initiation. Then, by progression through a series of degrees he gains insight into increasingly complex moral and philosophical concepts, and accepts a variety of challenges and responsibilities which are both stimulating and rewarding. The structure and working of the lodge and the sequence of ceremonial events, which are usually followed by social gatherings, offer members a framework for companionship, teamwork, character development and enjoyment of shared experiences.

What promises do Freemasons take?

New members make solemn promises concerning their conduct in the lodge and in society. These promises are similar to those taken in court or upon entering the armed services or many other organisations. Each member also promises to keep confidential the traditional methods of proving he is a Freemason which he would use when visiting a lodge where he is not known. The much publicised 'traditional penalties' for failure to observe these undertakings were removed from the promises in 1986. They were always symbolic not literal and refer only to the pain any decent man should feel at the thought of violating his word. Members also undertake not to make use of their membership for personal gain or advancement; failure to observe this principle or otherwise to fall below the standards expected of a Freemason can lead to expulsion.

Who can join?

Membership is open to men of all faiths who are law-abiding, of good character and who acknowledge a belief in God. Freemasonry is a multi-racial and multi-cultural organisation. It has attracted men of goodwill from all sectors of the community into membership. There are similar Masonic organisations for women.

How much does it cost to be a Freemason?

It varies from lodge to lodge. The subscription rates for our Lodge is approximately £170 per annum, and there is a £70 joining fee. The cost of the meal is presently £8.50 with drinks on top.It is entirely up to the individual member what he gives to Charity, but it should always be without detriment to his other responsibilities. Similarly, he may join as many lodges as his time and pocket can allow as long as it does not adversely affect his family life and responsibilities. Both the annual subscription and the donation to Charity can be paid monthly by standing order, if required.

What is the joining process?

If you live in or around the Huddersfield area, and are interested in joining, we suggest you e-mail one of our Lodge members. If everything seems to be in order you will be invited down to one of our Practice Nights on a Monday evening to have a look around the Lodge building and meet some of the members. If there is a social on at this time, you will be invited along with your partner, where appropriate. This is to ensure that you are comfortable with the members of the Lodge and the Lodge members are comfortable with you. After this you will be asked to attend an interview with senior members of the Lodge and your name will be read out in the Lodges in the districts in which you live and work, and in the Huddersfield District, to verify you are a man of good repute.

When people join they are asked to make the following declarations on their membership forms:

  1. My application is entirely voluntary.
  2. I do not expect, anticipate or seek any pecuniary benefit as a consequence of my being a member of Freemasonry.
  3. I have never been convicted by a Court of any offence. *
  4. I have never been the subject of a finding of dishonest or disgraceful conduct.
  5. I have never been disciplined by any professional, trade or other tribunal.
  6. I am not awaiting the outcome of proceedings against me before a criminal court or a professional, trade or other tribunal.
  7. I am not, to the best of my knowledge, the subject of any criminal, professional, trade or other investigation.

* What can be considered as a minor traffic offence or a "youthful indiscretion" do not normally count against an application to join.

When the reports come back favourably you will be proposed into the Lodge and balloted for by the members. The whole process can take from three to nine months, assuming there is no waiting list. If at any time you have any misgivings or reservations you should discuss these with your Proposer or Seconder and you may withdraw your application at any point in the process. It is natural to have doubts about joining Freemasonry because you do not know the nature of the ceremony, though it is better for everyone if an application is withdrawn than if somebody feels they are joining out of a sense of responsibilty. Please note that "blackballing" a candidate is extremely rare as we take a lot of care to ensure that any problems are taken care of at an earlier time.