Freemasonry
A Global Brotherhood of Values
Freemasonry stands as one of the world’s oldest and most distinguished secular fraternal organisations. It is a global brotherhood dedicated to uniting men of integrity from diverse backgrounds around a set of shared ideals. At its heart, Freemasonry is not merely a society, but a supportive community committed to the timeless principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. We strive to make good men better, empowering them to become positive influences in their families, workplaces, and the wider community.
From Cathedral Builders to Character Builders
Our rich heritage traces its philosophical and symbolic roots to the medieval stonemasons’ guilds. These highly skilled “Operative Masons,” who built Europe’s magnificent cathedrals, used secret signs and symbols to protect their trade secrets and ensure quality. While modern Freemasonry formally began in 1717, we preserve this symbolic framework. Today, our focus has beautifully shifted from the construction of physical buildings to the metaphorical building of men of character, using the tools and tenets of our ancient predecessors to shape individuals dedicated to virtue and integrity.
A Moral Framework, Not a Religion
A common and important misconception is that Freemasonry is a religion. It is not, nor does it seek to replace an individual’s personal faith. We welcome men of all faiths who believe in a Supreme Being, however they conceive of that entity. Our teachings encourage moral living, ethical behaviour, and spiritual contemplation, but they are distinctly separate from theological doctrine. The “Volume of Sacred Law”—be it the Bible, Torah, Quran, or other appropriate text—is always open in our Lodge, symbolising the importance of divine guidance and moral law in our pursuit of truth.
