What Freemasonry Is
Friendship, self-improvement and service to the community
A members’ organisation with over 300 years of history
Freemasonry is one of the oldest social and charitable organisations in the world. It brings together people of all ages, races, faiths, cultures and backgrounds, who meet in local lodges.
Lodge meetings combine traditional ceremonies, which use allegory to encourage good conduct, tolerance and respect, with charitable and civic work and plenty of time to enjoy each other’s company over dinner.
What it means to be a Freemason
- Friendship. Making friends with people you might never otherwise have met, often for life.
- Personal growth. Taking part in ceremonies, learning and speaking in public builds confidence and character.
- Giving back. Supporting local and national good causes through fundraising and volunteering.
- Belonging. Being welcome at lodges across the country and around the world.
United Grand Lodge of England
Our mission
Purpose: a members’ organisation that welcomes people of every background and brings them together in friendship, charity and personal development.
Vision: to attract people from all walks of life, help them become more thoughtful and confident, and be a positive force in their communities.
Mission: to grow our reputation as a thriving organisation that people aspire to join, and broaden membership across all age groups.
Our four values
Integrity
We focus on developing our own character, and Freemasonry gives us a framework to do it.
Friendship
We welcome people of every faith and political view, and friendships often last a lifetime.
Respect
We bring together people of every race, religion and background in mutual respect.
Charity
Kindness and giving are at our heart, through fundraising and volunteering in our communities.
Women and Freemasonry
Women can become Freemasons too. The United Grand Lodge of England, which Sartoris Lodge belongs to, is for men, and there are two Grand Lodges in England for women. They share our values and ceremonies, and we are happy to be separate organisations that work in friendship. UGLE also hires its facilities to the women’s Grand Lodges.
- The Order of Women Freemasonsowf.org.uk
- The Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasonshfaf.org
The Royal Arch
Every Master Mason is encouraged to join the Royal Arch, which completes the journey begun in the Lodge. Sartoris Chapter welcomes any Master Mason of at least four weeks’ standing.
About Sartoris Chapter →Frequently asked questions
What is Freemasonry?
A members’ organisation over 300 years old, open to people of all ages, races, religions and backgrounds, built on the values of integrity, friendship, respect and charity.
Why become a Freemason?
For lasting friendships with a wide mix of people, the lessons in good conduct taught through our ceremonies, a strong tradition of charity, and an enjoyable social life.
What happens at a lodge meeting?
Members take part in ceremonies – the three “degrees” are like one-act plays about stages of life – and then dine together informally at the festive board.
What happens at a Royal Arch (Chapter) meeting?
The Ceremony of Exaltation completes the journey begun in the third degree, and members continue to take part in the Royal Arch ceremonies over the years.
Why do Freemasons wear aprons?
The apron comes from the protective leather aprons worn by stonemasons. Today it is a badge of membership that becomes more decorated as a member progresses.
Can women be Freemasons?
Yes, through the two women’s Grand Lodges in England – the Order of Women Freemasons and the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons. UGLE lodges, including Sartoris, are for men aged 18 and over.
How do Freemasons support charity?
Freemasonry is one of the largest charitable givers in the country, supporting Freemasons and their families as well as medical research, disaster relief and thousands of local good causes.
Is Freemasonry international?
Yes. There are around six million Freemasons worldwide, and members are welcome to visit lodges in other countries under recognised Grand Lodges.
Do I need to believe in God?
Members must believe in a Supreme Being – a deliberately inclusive phrase that welcomes people of every faith. There is no requirement to follow any particular religion.
More answers are in the UGLE frequently asked questions.
Would you like to know more?
We are always happy to talk to anyone interested in joining, with no obligation.
How to join