Saint Alfege Lodge

Freemasonry is a worldwide organisation with lodges throughout the free world.  Whilst England is considered the home of Freemasonry many countries have their own constitutions aligned to it.  Visiting lodges in far flung regions of the world is not only another benefit but brings home the truly international nature of the principles of the organisation.

Essentially a candidate for Freemasonry may join regardless of his ethnic group, political views, economic standing or religion.  There are a few but important requirements to becoming a Freemason:

• Being a man of good repute. 
  Masonry is essentially a male organization and whilst there are some women’s and mixed sex groups, these are not officially recognised by the United Grand Lodge  of England.  Being of good repute is an essential requirement as membership by those whose actions would stain the reputation of the fraternity would not be entertained.
• A belief in a supreme being.
  Masonry is not a religion and does not attempt to define any religious belief, all are free to pray to their own supreme being but belief in such a deity is a requirement of membership.
• Ability to support one’s self and family.
  This is important to ensure that those who seek membership understand the priority of freemasonry is secondary to family, religious and work / business obligations.
• Of the full age of eighteen or over. 
• Come to Freemasonry of your own will and accord. 
  Candidates should not have been coerced or unduly pressured into membership but have willingly presented themselves of their own free will and without any unworthy motive.

Candidates for membership need to be proposed and seconded by lodge members and are subject to an interview by a lodge committee.  This not only provides a chance for members to meet the candidate but also for the candidate to ask questions and seek answers to any queries he may have.

Freemasonry instills in its members a moral and ethical approach to life.  Its values are based on integrity, kindness, honesty, and fairness.  Members are urged to regard the interests of family as paramount, but importantly, Freemasonry also promotes concern for all people, care for the less fortunate and help for those in need.