Joining (5)
Joining Freemasonry in Queensland will take between 2-5 months generally. It will depend on the time of year and the actual lodge you are applying to join.
New members make solemn promises concerning their behaviour both in the Lodge and in society.
Members also promise to keep confidential the way they recognise each other when visiting another Lodge. Freemasons also promise to support others in time of need but only so far as it does not conflict with their family and public obligations.
Certainly not. This would be unacceptable and may lead to action being taken against those involved. On joining, each new member states that he expects no material gain from membership.
Yes. Today there are many Roman Catholic Freemasons.
If you’re a good man, yes you can!
You have to be over 18 and be of good moral standing.
Joining is easy and you’ll be a part of the world’s biggest fraternal organisation.
[contact-form-7 404 "Not Found"]General Questions (10)
Whilst the allegories(stories) of ancient stone masons are used in modern Freemasonry, we meet as spectulative masons. Meaning we don’t actually get to build beautiful Cathedrals, but we do learn some interesting facts in and around the topic of working with stone.
Freemasonry comprises a number of Degrees. UGLQ Lodges have three Degrees referred to as the :
- First Degree – Entered Apprentice Degree
- Second Degree – Fellow Craft Degree
- Third Degree – Master Mason Degree
“The Degrees represent stages of personal development. No Freemason is told that there is only one meaning to the allegories; as a Freemason works through the Degrees and studies their lessons, he interprets them for himself, his personal interpretation being bounded only by the Constitution within which he works.”
from: United Grand Lodge of EnglandBesides your normal annual membership you are not required to pay for Degrees in Freemasonry.
Generally speaking it stands for God, but like many symbols in Freemasonry it has been said it could also stand for Geometry.
Either way they are both very important subjects in Freemasonry.
A very common misconception is that we are losing members. It is true to say that many of our members are older, but in recent years Freemasonry has become more popular and is a topic that has been increasingly talked about by authors and movies.
Wearing regalia is historic and symbolic. Like a uniform, the regalia indicates the rank of the wearer in the organisation.
Freemasonry exists throughout the world. However, each Grand Lodge is sovereign and independent. There is no international governing body for Freemasonry.
Freemasonry, as a body, will never express a view on politics or state policy. The discussion of politics at Masonic meetings has always been prohibited. It is one of the few places in modern society free from any political discussion.
Whilst there are Masonic charities that cater specifically, but not exclusively, for Freemasons or their dependents, others make significant grants to non-Masonic organisations such as a recent donation for a new Electron Microscope for the Queensland Institute of Medical Research in Brisbane.
Lodge meetings are like those of other groups, are open only to members, is normally conducted in two halves.
Firstly, there are normal administrative procedures such as:
- 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
- Admitting new members
Secondly, there are the ceremonies for the conveying of moral lessons and to demonstrate the principles of Freemasonry
Thirdly, after the lodge meeting, a supper is held (also referred to as a festive board in Queensland) to continue the fellowship
Freemasonry is a large secular, fraternal and charitable organisation. It teaches self-knowledge through participation in a progression of ceremonies (referred to as degrees). Members are expected to be of high moral standing and are encouraged to speak openly about Freemasonry.
Religion (4)
There are elements within different churches who misunderstand Freemasonry and its objectives. They confuse secular rituals with religious liturgy. There are many Freemasons in churches where their leaders have been openly critical of the organisation. Freemasonry has always actively encouraged its members to be active in their own religion.
Yes!
No. Freemasonry has members from many different faiths and backgrounds including many whom are Christians.
Yes. Today there are many Roman Catholic Freemasons.
We’ll try our best to answer your questions.
Just ask us!
