What is Freemasonry?

Freemasonry is one of the oldest social and charitable organisations in the world. We are a fraternity of Brothers who work together to help make our communities better.

Our roots lie in the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who built our cathedrals and castles. Throughout our 300-year history we’ve brought together likeminded men from diverse backgrounds who seek self-improvement and friendship, while offering support to those who need it.

Who are we?

We are a unique members’ organisation - comprised of members of all ages, races, religions, cultures and backgrounds. We meet in our individual Lodges throughout the country where we hold ceremonial traditions which encourage us to learn, be more tolerant, respectful and actively to fulfil our civic and charitable responsibilities; we also make time to eat, drink and meet together - forming lifelong friendships.

What is our purpose?

To welcome good people from all backgrounds and walks of life, enabling them to develop into more thoughtful and confident people. To inspire and challenge them to practise the core values we celebrate - Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Service - in their private and public lives. To embrace our reputation as a force for good in our communities and as a thriving organisation that people aspire to join.

Why should people join?

In today’s world, which is frequently filled with uncertainty, our core principles ring as true today as they ever have done, at any point in our history.

Integrity | Friendship | Respect | Service

Freemasonry is not defined by an ideology, it is open to people from all religions and political persuasions, all backgrounds and age groups. In West Lancashire alone, we have members aged between 18 to 100 years old - with each Brother sharing their experiences and knowledge to support each other through difficult and stressful times in our lives. It provides the common foundation for friendships between members, many of which last a lifetime.

Being a Freemason means something different to each person who joins, whether looking to make acquaintances, to develop their own potential, for moral support, or to get involved in helping others, all members share a sense of togetherness that strengthens their ability to succeed and grow.

We encourage engagement and involvement from family and friends in our social and charitable giving. Kindness is deeply ingrained within the principles of Freemasonry and members offer support when they can through fundraising, but also in giving that most precious of gifts - our time volunteering.

West Lancashire is one of the largest Provinces in the United Grand Lodge of England with around 6,500 members. UK membership is over 250,000 with approx 6 million Freemasons worldwide, so you would be joining an amazing organisation focused on building people of integrity, bonded through a sense of unity and equability.

Freemasonry is experiential, that is to say the lessons of integrity, friendship, respect and charity are taught through a series of plays or ceremonies that every member participates in as part of becoming a Freemason. There is work involved in learning and understanding the morals of each ceremony, and each lodge guides and supports each member. All masons find membership personally rewarding and after it’s done, we always enjoy ourselves at a social meal afterwards.

It is hoped that each and every member values and enjoys being a Freemason.