What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest and largest non-religious, non-political, fraternal and charitable organisation. It teaches self-knowledge through participation in a progression of ceremonies. Members are expected to be of high moral standing and are encouraged to speak openly about Freemasonry.
Freemasonry means different things to each of those who join. For some, it’s about making new friends and acquaintances. For others it’s about being able to help deserving causes – making a contribution to family and for society. But for most, it is an enjoyable hobby.
New members can are always welcome! If you are interested in joining then please get in touch here.
What’s it all about?
For centuries Freemasons have followed these three great Principles:
Brotherly Love
Means that every true Freemason will show tolerance and respect for the opinions of others and will behave with compassion and understanding to his fellows.
Relief
From earliest times Freemasons have been taught to help, to the best of their ability, those in distress. without detriment to any who are dependent upon them, and to give their support to outside Charities.
Truth
Freemasons strive for truth both in their view of themselves and in their dealings with others. Masonry requires high moral standards and its members endeavour to uphold these principles in their public and private lives.
Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest secular fraternal societies. It is a world-wide organisation based on the principle of the Fatherhood of your God and the Brotherhood of man. It is a society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values. It seeks to make good men better and thereby make the world a better place in which to live.
Freemasonry has been in existence in its present form for nearly 300 years, and today enjoys a total membership of about 340,000 Freemasons throughout England and Wales who are engaged in many philanthropic and charitable projects. Freemasonry is further explained through answers to some specific questions as indicated below:
- Freemasonry seeks to make good men better.
- It encourages the practice of the moral virtues of Temperance, Fortitude, prudence and Justice.
- It inculcates obedience to your God & observance of the Laws of the country.
- It is committed to extend the hand of fellowship & provide Relief to those in distress.
Who we are at St Michael’s
Each Lodge is unique in it’s membership and history. St Michael’s Lodge has a wonderful history with some highly regarded, respected and distinguished members, read more here.
St Michael’s is today a mix of like minded men from many different backgrounds, faiths and professions. There is certainly a heavy percentage of doctors, dentists, solicitors and accountants, so if you’re one of those then you’ll fit right in! And even if you’re not, St Michael’s has many members that are involved in all sectors of society including teaching and catering. We have family generations and extended family connections alike, every ingredient to make a vibrant, enjoyable and friendly Lodge!
What do we do at St Michael’s
At St Michael’s we meet six times a year, the last Thursday of October, November, December, January, February and March. We are what is termed a winter Lodge, leaving the summer months free to enjoy the long warm evenings and holidays! We do have one event in the summer time and that is the Worshipful Master’s Summer Drinks garden party!
Our Lodge meetings follow a set order –
- Opening the Lodge
- Minutes of the previous meeting
- Proposing and balloting for new members
- Discussing and voting on the annual accounts
- Masonic news and correspondence
- News about charitable work
- Closing the Lodge
Often our meetings include ceremonies and these ceremonies may be for –
- Admitting new members – An Entered Apprentice
- Progressing new members – Fellowcraft and Master Mason ranks
- The annual installation of the Master of the Lodge and his officers (January)
After each meeting we all sit for a meal and drinks at what is termed the Festive Board, this is in the dining room adjacent to our Lodge room at Coventry Masonic Hall. There are some speeches and toasts and it is always a thoroughly enjoyable evening! There is always laughter and time to catch up with friends and colleagues. We celebrate all that is good about Freemasonry and friendship.
We support many charitable causes including the Warwickshire Clubs for Young People, The Warwickshire Association of Youth Clubs, Coventry Myton Hospice, Helen Ley Home and the Coventry Masonic Pantomime Appeal. Much of this support comes from funds that have been set up by our Lodge including the Wells Daffern Fund: a fund bequeathed by our past member and Past Master W Bro T Wells Daffern OBE. Our charity collections are paid to The Freemasons Grand Charity and over the years have been divided between The Masonic Samaritan Fund, The Masonic Charitable Foundation and The Warwickshire Masonic Benevolent Fund.
New members are always welcome! If you have an interest in joining then please get in touch here.
Who Can Join?
Any man who is of good moral character, over the age of 18 years, and believes in the existence of a God or Supreme Being. It doesn’t matter what that Supreme being is or what faith you may follow, if you believe, then you are eligible. There are Lodges for ladies but no mixed Lodges.