Click the link below to see what social events are open to our members.
THE JOURNEY
OF A LIFETIME
On leaving the Forces, I was looking to join an organisation with a similar sense of comradeship, made up of ‘good men who did good for others’. I found it in Freemasonry.
I like the chance to fight for a good cause like the medical charity which helped my new-born son when he was battling for life
When you have people with the highest levels of talent, it’s vital that you give them the support and opportunity to make a success of their lives.
Becoming a Freemason is more than wearing aprons. It opens your friendship circles up to an international level and enables you to do better with what you have.
What is expected from me?
Freemasonry is a value system, based upon Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. If you are simply looking to network, then joining a Rotary Club is probably more for you. If however, you are looking for a new hobby which will last with you a lifetime, where you will make new friends from varied backgrounds, and want to help others, then Freemasonry is for you.
The Arun Lodge meets formally five evenings a year, where we perform our ceremonies and afterwards, have our festive board dinners. Outside of that, there are multiple social events throughout the year, and many side orders you can join. All we ask is that you are available for the 5 meetings a year. If you wish to give more time or take up an office within the Lodge, then more commitment is required. Don't worry though, for your first couple of years we don't expect any additional commitment from, until you're comfortable doing so, if at all.
Is Freemasonry free?
During the course of your Freemasonry career, certain fees will be asked of you, like any organisation. They include joining fees, and annual subscription fees. These go towards the running of the Lodge as well as the upkeep of our temples and buildings, which as an organisation we own.
In total, to join is about £250, with subsequent annual subscriptions of £155 following on. In addition to this, the meals at the festive board are around £20 a head for a three-course meal, plus whatever you wish to spend on drink. In the early stages you will not need to buy any regalia but when you do need to in a couple of years, an apron will set you back around £30-£50. All you need is a dark suit, white shirt, black tie and shoes, and white cotton gloves.
As mentioned multiple times on this site, Freemasons do a lot for charity both for Masonic purposes in addition to non-Masonic causes both locally, nationally and internationally. As such you will be asked to create a covenant for charity. This is done anonymously, and no-one will know what you give, as everyone is at a different station in life and as such can give more or less than other people. The saying is, 'give what you can when you can'. If you can't for whatever circumstances, that is also fine.
Can I tell my family?
Yes, of course! This isn't MI6. In fact, we insist on it. Family comes first, then work, then Freemasonry. Your family must be happy for you to give up your time to become a Mason. There are multiple occasions throughout the year where your family can be involved in things we do, but we are a male only fraternity and we don't want to be the reason for any arguments in the household.
MORE THAN JUST AN APRON
Social events for you and your loved ones happen all the time, from BBQ's, comedy nights, and paintballing, to Ladies nights and sporting events.
Joining Member?
If you are already a Mason, and are interested in becoming a member of Arun Lodge as a Joining member, please email the secretary and we will be in touch. Thanks
If you are still interested in finding out more and would like an informal chat with us, and you can answer yes to the four following questions, then either fill in the form below or send us an email and we'll be in touch.
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You are a man
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You believe in a supreme being (of any description)
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You are over 21 years old
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You do not have a criminal record
We run many social events throughout the year where non-Masons can attend. Get in touch if you'd like to join us on one of these social gatherings to get a feel for what we're about.
Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest and largest non-religious, non-political, fraternal and charitable organisations. Its roots lie in the traditions and ceremonies of the medieval stonemasons who built our cathedrals and castles. Some rituals are still celebrated today.
Freemasonry has always been about making good men better. Individuals aim to shape their lives round five core principles.
Integrity: We say what we mean and we keep our promises. Kindness: Although our families come first, we believe in playing a key role in our communities and give time and money to charitable ventures. Honesty: We pride ourselves on openness, about what being a Freemason means for us. Fairness: We treat everyone as equal – we listen to others, explore any differences and look for common ground. Tolerance: We respect the opinions of others and behave with understanding towards them.
FURTHER
CONSIDERATION
Freemasonry teaches its members that their first duty is to their families and its connections, that they should be honest, friendly, and proper in their conduct to everyone. They are urged to be good citizens, obey the law, and maintain the good order of society. Members who fail to live up to those high standards may in appropriate cases be asked to resign or be expelled.
Freemasonry is a multicultural organisation. Members of all races are welcome to join. Members of all faiths are welcome. It requires of its members that they should believe in a deity and no man can become a Mason unless he does so. He will be required to take certain obligations with his hand upon his religion's sacred book. Freemasonry does not concern itself which religion a member follows, but urges a member to follow its teachings. It is a requirement that topics of religion should not be discussed in Lodge nor should politics. English Freemasons do not associate with some foreign Masonic organisations which permit such discussions in a Lodge.
Freemasonry is not a benefit society. It offers no pecuniary advantage or reward, nor does it require its members to support one another in business or employment. The organisation does have charities for those Freemasons and their families who were once self supporting, but now through misfortune are unable to do so. It also has a Charity which supports other charitable causes unconnected with its membership. Money paid to these charities are from private donations from its members. Freemasonry does not solicit donations from members of the public.
No one should join Freemasonry unless he can afford to pay the expenses involved without affecting his ability to support his family and those who have a claim upon his resources. These expenses include the joining fee, the annual subscription and a regular donation to charity. In addition, most Lodge meetings are followed by a dinner or supper. The actual amounts differ from Lodge to Lodge. He should have discussed the prospect of his becoming a Freemason with his partner and be satisfied that she is supportive of his wish to become a Freemason. He should not put at risk his employment by becoming a Freemason.
Anyone contemplating becoming a Freemason should be satisfied in his own mind that he desires the intellectual and moral improvement of himself and his fellow citizens; that he is willing to devote part of his time and money to promoting fellowship, charity and integrity and be able to afford it without adversely affecting himself or his family's responsibilities and that he seeks no commercial, social, or pecuniary advantage by wishing to become a member.