Becoming a Freemason in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight means you’ll be joining more than 175,000 members throughout England and Wales as well as Districts overseas.
Membership is open to any man over the age of 18 irrespective of their race or religion, and women are invited to join one of two female-only Grand Lodges: The Order of Women Freemasons and the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons.
In total, there are more than 7,000 Lodges across England and Wales, with students over 18 able to join one of our University Scheme Lodges.
Lodge meetings are typically held in two parts. The first involves more administrative procedures, such as proposing and balloting for new members and receiving news about charitable fundraising.
The second part focuses on ceremonies, which might relate to areas such as the admittance of new members or the installation of the Master of the Lodge and his officers – a process made up of three degrees, or stages, each one marked by a special ceremony.
True to the sense 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 where spouses, partners and families are welcome.
Photo: Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street, London
“I enjoy the company of friends with common aims”
JOE
GEORGIAN LODGE
PORTSMOUTH
There are a growing number of Lodges whose members share a particular pastime or interest from outside Freemasonry. These include football, rugby, aviation, sailing, scouting and country sports Lodges. There is also a Lodge of Brevity which aims to appeal to the busy Freemason.
With around 250 lodges across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight meeting in 37 centres you’ll find a location convenient to your home or work place.