Freemasonry - one of the world’s oldest secular fraternal societies. It is a society that is concerned with moral and spiritual values.

Freemasonry is founded on four guiding principles: Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Service.

Becoming a Freemason isn’t difficult, in fact it is quite straightforward – and means you’ll be joining over 150,000 members throughout England and Wales as well as Districts overseas.

Membership is open to people from all backgrounds and the organisation’s aim is to empower members to be the best they can be – it’s about building character, making new friendships, supporting members as individuals and helping them make a positive contribution to society.

There are more than 7,000 Lodges in the UK, and nearly 100 in Yorkshire North and East Ridings, with any man over the age of 18 eligible to join, irrespective of their race or religion. Students are also able to join one of 87 University Scheme Lodges.

Women are invited to join one of two female-only Grand Lodges: The Order of Women Freemasons (OWF) and the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons (HFAF).

The North and East Ridings of Yorkshire are home to nearly 100 Lodges spread throughout the region. As well as traditional Lodges a growing number of specialist Lodges, including for members or past members of the armed forces or emergency services, sports, motoring, for fans of motorbikes, or for those with connections to scouting, and Lodges with a focus on younger Masons, are to be found in the Province.

Lodge meetings are typically held in two parts. The first involves  administrative procedures, such as proposing and balloting for new members and receiving news about charitable fundraising.

The second part focuses on ceremonies, which might be the admittance of new members or the installation of the Master of the lodge and his officers.

True to the ethos of friendship and togetherness among Freemasons, meetings are also social events, providing an occasion for members to dine together. Outside of the lodge, activities include community fundraising and volunteering activities as well as a varied programme of events.