2 minute read
A Final Thought
Freemasonry: What is it really about?
by RAY HUDSON
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There is much misinformation and speculation regarding what Freemasonry is actually about. There is also much written about it by those who are not actual members and do not really understand its purpose, ethos or raison d’etre. Although many join it, both men and women, very few leave it. Why is that? It must hold something for many people otherwise it would never have survived for the centuries that it has, especially within our much more enlightened world.
I have been an active Freemason for 36 years, am a Masonic Mentor, lecturer and author of five books covering various aspects of Freemasonry. I feel it is about time some adjustment is made to address the malignment and mythical speculation that has come to be attached to this innocent excellent fraternity.
The whole system of Freemasonry, which has evolved, developed and been perfected over many centuries is simply a sophisticated method of improving oneself, hopefully making you a much better person within your family, profession and society in general. This is effected by a series of dramatic ceremonies based on a gradation system.
The first step, known as ‘The Craft’, is managed by The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) whose headquarters is a wonderful building in Great Queen Street, London, where Masons and non-Masons can simply walk in and look around, so, many things are not so secret as believed. The UGLE administers not only English Lodges but many other Grand Lodges around the world who are affiliated to them. Freemasonry is spread over the four quarters of our world.
The second step is also managed by UGLE in a similar manner as ‘The Craft’ and is called The Holy Royal Arch or ‘Chapter’. Thereafter many other Masonic Orders are governed by Mark Masons Hall which is situated at St. James’s Street London. These Orders range from Historic, Chivalric, Christian, Esoteric and ancient Mystical belief systems. Although these Orders are not directly connected to UGLE, they are managed and follow a very similar path with a healthy respect between the two governing bodies.
Outside of these two much larger institutions there are many more individual self governing groups that work and operate under very similar lines. All these gradually become made known to aspiring new Freemasons should they so desire to follow a particular path.
The teachings, lessons and moral values that each Order promotes are designed to improve the candidates’ understanding of themselves, their family and their important part in society so that a better standard of life can be reached for everything they may be involved with outside of their activity within Freemasonry.
A very important part of Freemasonry, in fact it is an actual cornerstone of the Fraternity, is Charity. The charitable work effected overall within the whole of Freemasonry is second in the UK only to the National Lottery.
As well as supporting Masonic Charities, Freemasonry supports Non-Masonic Charities like Cancer Research, Prostate Cancer, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Great Ormond Street, R.N.L.I. and the Air Ambulance plus disasters abroad, in fact anywhere our help is needed. If a little old lady cannot afford to pay her energy bill we will assist her, or if a local Scouts or Guides group needs help, or a local youth football team needs assistance, we do what we can - and so on. Collectively so much more can be done, and is done, through the generosity of Freemasonry.
