What is the Cornerstone Circle?

The Cornerstone Circle is a vibrant, social and educational community for Freemasons across the Province of Yorkshire North & East Ridings. Provincially backed (but not run) by the province, it brings together young, new and established masons who want to connect, learn and support one another outside of formal lodge meetings.

Membership is free and open to all Freemasons in the province. We champion connection, because Freemasonry isn’t just ritual; it’s fellowship. The Cornerstone Circle supports lodges, strengthens member engagement and helps make Masonry more accessible and welcoming.
“We are run by our members for our members!”

Vision & Mission

Vision: To inspire vibrant, inclusive Freemasonry in YNER where members of any age, background or experience can connect, learn and grow together.

Mission: To support every Mason through friendship, togetherness and education; to strengthen Lodges, Chapters and the Province; and to uphold our core values while shaping a meaningful, sustainable future for Freemasonry.

What we offer

• A friendly, informal place to share summonses, events and social invites.
• Area WhatsApp communities so brethren can network and arrange visits.
• A dedicated Learning & Development group that runs virtual talks, training events and quizzes to promote a “Daily Advancement of Masonic Knowledge.”
• A Chapter group for Royal Arch members and those considering the next step.
• A platform for lodges to promote meetings, increase visitor numbers and support member retention.
• Since launching, the Cornerstone Circle has seen significant growth and impact: membership has increased rapidly and members consistently report stronger connections, better support and improved retention at lodge level.

How it works

The Cornerstone Circle operates as an online community built around WhatsApp groups. There are three area groups, Northern, Central, and Southern, each managed by an Area Lead. In addition, the Learning & Development group and the Royal Arch (Chapter) group are supported by provincial leads.
Members post summonses, announcements and event flyers, ask questions, and arrange visits. The groups are moderated by members and led by volunteers, so the community is run by its members for its members.

Follow & engage

Follow the Cornerstone Circle through the Province’s social media channels for event announcements and updates. If you want something published on the Cornerstone Circle social media pages, email the content (summons, flyer or event details) to cornerstonecircle@ynerfreemasons.org.uk and we’ll santise and post it.

For Lodges: Cornerstone Circle Representatives

We ask every lodge to appoint a Cornerstone Circle Representative. This is a simple, low-commitment role ideal for newer or younger members who want to get involved without taking on a major office. Main duties are minimal:

1. Be a member of the relevant Cornerstone Circle WhatsApp community.
2. Act as a single point of contact between the Cornerstone Circle and your lodge.
3. Encourage your brethren to join and engage with the community.

The Representative helps ensure your lodge’s summonses and events are seen province-wide and makes visiting and mutual support easier.

Benefits to Lodges

• Improve communication and reach for lodge events.
• Increase visiting and support between lodges.
• Provide an informal route for new members to ask questions and learn.
• Support retention through stronger social connections.
• Access provincial learning opportunities and virtual events.