It’s natural that you’ll have questions about Freemasonry and what goes on in our Lodge. You probably want to know more about what we look for in our members, what we actually do and more besides, so here are a few of the most common questions answered. Our Lodge secretary will be glad to help with any further questions you may have so please contact him via our membership enquiry page.

What do we do in our Lodge meetings

There are four meetings every year where the members gather in “Lodge” in Essex and carry out ritual which are “playlets” based around the allegory of the building of King Solomons Temple. Various members take part after learning portions of the ritual. It’s relatively unchanged for 300 years.

We also have set items of agenda covering the business of the Lodge, charity, news and other updates.

Who are we looking for?

You’ll need to be at least 21 years of age (you can join at 18 in certain circumstances) and a trustworthy decent man. Race, colour, religion or sexuality do not matter. You should be able to afford the dues and charitable donations.

How much time will I need to give up?

You must be to commit to attending the four meetings on the second Saturdays in Feb, May, June and November.

As and when you progress (there are three degrees) you will need to put additional time aside to learn the ritual and attend our “Lodge of Instruction” where we practice the playlets. These are generally once a fortnight on a weekday evening leading up to a meeting. Like many things in life, you get out what you put in.

Is Freemasonry a religion?

No, although you should believe in a supreme being in order to join Freemasonry. That belief though is entirely your own business. We do not discuss religion or politics in our meetings in any form.

What’s the cost?

Each Lodge has its own dues which may or may not include dining. Our fees are £165 per year excluding dining, and there is a one off joining fee. of around £218.00. Dinner is usually around £30 per meeting. What you give to charity is your own concern and should be as little or as much as you can afford. Other Lodge members will not know how much you donate. We may have a raffle too, which is usually £5 per strip of tickets.

What will I get from Freemasonry?

If you thought that you’d get business contacts or some other financial advantage from Freemasonry then you are wrong. However what you will get will be a whole new set of likeminded friends and brothers, confidence and a pride in playing a part in a tradition stretching back over 300 years.

As with much in life, you’ll get out of Masonry what you put in, but to give you some idea:

• Improved confidence in public speaking.
• Strategies for retaining information through learning ritual, that will help you in all aspects of life.
•  The chance to visit other Lodges and expand your group of friends.
• A sense of satisfaction in playing your part in helping charities both Masonic and non-masonic.

Want to find out more? Enquire about becoming a Freemason.