What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is different things to different people. ‘A system of morality, steeped in storytelling and replete with peculiar and mysterious symbols and objects’ is one way of looking at it. What is true, is that Freemasonry is one of the oldest social and charitable organisations in the world. Here in England, for example, our history extends back more than 300 years.
To the uninitiated (a phrase that surely must come from masonry), masonry is often wrongly seen as a ‘secret society’ — a corrupt fraternal group that exists to help its own gain an unfair advantage over others through strong bonds of brotherhood conferred through membership of masonry. Maybe in some cases this was once true. Today, however, that view is barely credible: recruitment processes for example are too sophisticated to make such casual preferment possible. Integrity is also one of our four guiding values. So, if you’re thinking of joining masonry to get an easy ride in business or politics, you’re looking in the wrong place.
We’re about, as Sir Winston Churchill once put it, ‘making good men better’, not giving men an unfair advantage in life. Masons are now also encouraged to talk openly about our work. Yes, there are some secrets (around the ‘signs, tokens and words’) but we are not a clandestine society that presents a threat to anyone. Yes, we do support each other, but only in the same way as any one of us would try to support a friend or family member who found themselves ‘in need’.
What do Freemasons do?
We meet in Lodges (or local groups) typically 4-6 times a year. At a Lodge meeting – which typically lasts between 30 and 90 minutes – we deal with the usual admin involved in running any organisation and then we hold a special ceremony. This may involve initiating a joining member or installing a new Worshipful Master to run the Lodge in the coming year. Usually after this meeting we dine together at a ‘Festive Board’. While there are some formal elements to this meal, toasts for example, it’s also a chance to socialise and chat with any guests (masons from other Lodges) who might have been invited by our members. These Lodge meetings are also one of the times when we raise money for our charitable causes. In 2023-24 Ockenden Lodge alone raised more than £6000 for our selected local charities.
Why become a Freemason?
People join masonry for different reasons – including out of sheer curiosity. Other reasons include: to build a social life and develop new friendships; to become part of a group committed to supporting local communities; and to develop new skills, a sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of ourselves, and how to work successfully with others.
How can I become a member?
If you’re over 18 years of age, of ‘good standing’ and interested in discovering more about joining us then simply follow this link and drop a note to our Secretary.
Ockenden doesn’t have an associated Lodge for women. More information about all female Lodges in Sussex can be found here.
What is the point of Freemasonry?
Freemasonry ‘does good’. It builds confidence. It builds links and connections that may last a lifetime. It broadens one’s experience and exposes you to new experiences that may be transferable to other settings. It creates opportunities to learn something new and meet a wider circle of people – people you might not otherwise get to know. Together with the other members you can build a powerful sense of purpose that can be personally reinvigorating and widely beneficial to others in the local community who need our support.
What’s my commitment as a Freemason?
Initially you’ll be expected to be a regular attendee at our Lodge meetings and learn the answers to some questions that form part of your initial masonic learning. You’ll be expected to answer these questions by heart in front of the other Brethren in a Lodge meeting. You may also be invited to attend some training events (Lodges of Instruction/LOIs). Then of course there’s the occasional extra social event.
Once you have become a Master Mason (ie been ‘raised to the Third Degree’) there will be more to learn, particularly if you then accept one the various offices/roles available in the Lodge. Some people find this learning by heart easy – others need more time. At this point attending the regular LOIs becomes crucial. So yes, there’s certainly a time commitment that builds over the years, but the more you put into something, the more you’ll get out of it. And that’s particularly true with Freemasonry. There’s also a financial commitment (see below).
How does Freemasonry benefit others?
One of the values of Freemasonry is service. Our members give time, money and skills in support of others. In 2020 for example, Freemasons donated over £50m to charities. Discover more about the Masonic Charitable Foundation. And in 2023, Sussex masons alone donated more than £300,000 to charity.
Is Freemasonry a religion?
Freemasonry is not a religion, although to become a member you must be a person of faith – any faith that is – and believe in a “Great Architect of the Universe’. People of all faiths are therefore welcome, but you don’t need to be an active member of your faith community.
What happens at a Lodge meeting?
A Lodge meeting – once the admin is out of the way – is really like a one-act play where members perform different roles in ceremonies that have been played out time and time again. There are lines to learn but you don’t need acting skills. There’s really nothing to worry about – people are very supportive, and your mentor and the Director of Ceremonies will offer help and encouragement.
There are three key ceremonies including Initiation, Passing (to the Second Degree) and eventual progression (or Raising) to the Third Degree when you’ll become a Master Mason. It typically takes around 12 months to become a Master Mason.
Is Freemasonry a charity?
Freemasonry is not itself a charity but there are numerous charities affiliated to it. These include: the Masonic Charities Foundation at a national level; the Masonic Trout and Salmon Fishing Charity, Teddies for Loving Care; and locally in Sussex, the Sussex Masonic Charitable Foundation, CIO. In addition to these, Ockenden Lodge has its own Benevolent Fund, which is used to collect money for our own charitable purposes, as well as a Relief Chest Scheme run through the MCF.
The Masonic Charitable Foundation also runs The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution Care Company (RMBI Care Co). Locally the RMBI runs Barford Court – a Residential Home for up to 40 residents in Hove.
How much does Freemasonry cost?
As well as a one-off initiation fee of £70 (2024), there’s an annual subscription. At Ockenden the annual subscription is currently £160 (2024). This is likely to increase year on year.
In 2024, the Dining Fee is £30 (excluding drink). There’s always an option not to dine after a Lodge meeting. We meet and dine at the Birch Hotel in Haywards Heath.
As part of the costs of membership of Ockenden Lodge, you’re asked to include a regular £10/month contribution to the Sussex Festival 2028 – the Sussex Provincial appeal – run through the Masonic Charities Foundation.
