St John the Baptist – Luton Freemasons Lodge of Bedfordshire Number 475 About Freemasonry - St John the Baptist - Luton Freemasons Lodge of Bedfordshire Number 475

About Freemasonry

As one of the world’s oldest and largest non-religious, non-political organisations, the relevance of freemasonry cannot be understated. The historical ties to our shared past connect with our history today – the medieval trade guilds who built our churches, our town halls and our monuments.

These stone masons, their social ties and networks, created the freemasonry movement that today helps to enshrine the mystique that underpins the public sentiment towards freemasonry.

This section will help enlighten people’s attitudes to what freemasonry is and how it is a force for social good.

Values – The Central Principles of Freemasonry

As defined by the United Grand Lodge of England, the UK body who oversees Freemasons in the UK, the values that drive individuals within freemasonry are as follows:

“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.”

What does this all mean?

Freemasons at Hazara Cigar Lodge are governed by the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) – based at the famous Freemasons’ Hall in London since 1933. The imposing building, created as an architectural monument to the many Freemasons who died during the First World War, is the headquarters of the governing body, led by the Grand Patron – currently HRH His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent KC – who manage 200,000 members across England, Wales, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and other external overseas territories.

There are 7,000 lodges across the country. Furthermore, lodges are managed by provincial territorial structures. UGLE also manages the freemasonry ‘rule book’ for UK freemasons – which is called The Book of Constitutions which was first published in 1723 and is available to the public.

Freemason lodges hold regular meetings, much like a parish council or town hall meeting, in which minutes are taken, agendas are shared, and the day’s business is discussed.

What makes freemasonry different is the use of allegorical plays that help initiate new and old members about the principles of freemasons and the pathway that is open to each and every member based on their own journey through freemasonry.

This is the unique question that has, for centuries, caused such conspiracies and mysteries to evolve and develop. To give an example, one would join a cricket team to play cricket. Yet, there are other reasons therein like making friendships and engaging in community work. The same can be said of Freemasonry. Every single Freemason’s reason for joining a lodge is unique. For many it is the pursuit of fellowship. Others it is about helping through charitable endeavours. However, for others it is an enjoyable hobby.