What are Freemasons? They are ordinary men who try to live as good citizens with high moral principles. They do not claim a monopoly on these ideals, but by joining together in Lodges, they practice and teach these ideals of kindness, honesty, decency, fairness, courtesy, understanding and concern for others, and hope thus to become better members of society.
Who are Freemasons? They are ordinary men from all walks of life without social or financial distinction. Some do not openly declare membership; others do and wear Masonic ties or rigns. Some you will like; others you may not. They are in other words, a cross section of society.
The names of many former Freemasons will be familiar to you. they include several Kings and political leaders, among them, Edward VII, Sir Winston Churchill. American Presidents Washington, Trueman and both Roosevelts were members.
In the Arts and Entertainment world, Robbie Burns, William Hogarth, Goethe, Sir Walter Scott, Chagall, Clark Gable, Nat King Cole, Peter Sellers, John Wayne and even Davy Crocket and Buffalo Bill were Freemasons.
And in the realm of composers men like Mozart, Haydn and Liszt, and from more recent times Gershwin and Gilbert and Sullivan were all members.
Most Lodges meet twice a month, or around 20 times in the year, and members are expected to attend regularly. Many members will occasionally visit other Lodges.
Dues payable by members are modest compared with most other clubs and societies and can easily be determined by enquiry from a member of a particular Lodge.
Should you decide to join us, once accepted, we and every legitimate Lodge world-wide will make you heartily welcome.
Perhaps the most frequently asked questions nowadays are about the relationship between Freemasonry and religion & politics. The Media frequently implies or directly states that Freemasonry is 'anti-religious' or 'politically orientated'. These charges are, in fact entirely inaccurate and without foundation.
It is an absolute requirement for membership, that a Mason must beleive in a Supreme Being. Every Scottish Lodge, at it's meetings must have the Holy Bible known to Freemasons as 'The Volume of the Sacred Law', in evidence and open. For the Jew the old Testament, for the Muslim the Koran, and so on may also be in evidence if Brethren of such beliefs are present.
Freemasonry regards a man's relationship with his God as a purely personal matter, and never enquires into it or lays down any rule or regulation about it save that: (i) all Masons must believe in God, however they address Him, and (ii) no discussion on religious matters is permitted at Masonic gatherings.
The ruling on politics is much the same. Freemasonry has no political attitudes except to require its members to be peacable and law abiding citizens regardless of their individual political opinions, and discussion on politics is simililary prohibited in Masonic assemblies.
Freemasonry demands that its members respect the law of the land in which they live and work. It's principles do not conflict in any way with their duties as good citizens, but rather strengthen them in fulfilling these duties. It never calls on a member to put the Order before his family or friends and condemns the use of his membershhip to promote his own or anyone else's business or personal interests. It insists that a Masons duty to society should always prevail and a member may never attempt to shield anoher Freemason who has acted dishonourably or dishonestly.
Masonry is not a secret society, but a society with a few secrets. Very few, in fact, and these are solely concerned with modes of recognition. They are simply the methods by which a Mason can prove he is a member. Like many other aspects of Freemasonry these are traditional, modern Freemasonry has retained the means of mutual recognition.
A candidate, during the degree ceremonies is required to make a solemn promise, or 'Obligation', never to reveal certain matters which are about to be revealed to him. The symbolic ancient penatlies for breach of such promises, were, however, relegated in the last centuary to mere historical mention.
The membership, meeting places and activities are readily ascerained by anyone who is interested enough to enquire. The laws and constitutions are all published and there are many books on Freemasonry that are available in public libraries. Our organisation has its headquarters in George Street, Edinburgh and regularly has open door days for the public. It also has a fantastic museum which the public can look at as well.
The Grand Lodge of Scotland is the supreme authority over all its subordinate Lodges, not only in Scotland, but in Africa, Asia, Australia, India, and many other placesfrom New Zealand in the East to Jamaica in the West. It is an entirely independant and autonomus body, though it works in close co-operation with its sister Grand Lodges in England and Ireland and with more than 100 Regular Grand Lodges throughout the world.
Most of our members will have come into Freemasonry through contact and friendship with existing members but, if you don't know a mason contact our Lodge Secretary As with most other clubs and fraternities application will be considered by a commitee which will meet the candidate to ensure that he has been properly and adequately informed about the Order.
You will not be pressurised into joining. If you join, it will be because you want to, and not because you have been persuaded by us to do so. Membership is a commitment to live with integrity and honour, to care for others, to trust each other and to place one's ultimate trust in ones God.
