St James' Lodge No 6852 |
About Freemasonry
What happens at Lodge meetings?
Our Lodge meetings are normally in two parts. The first covers the sort of business that any organisation has, such as approving minutes and dealing with admin matters. The second part usually deals with admitting new members. This is done through a series of allegorical plays, each of which has some moral lessons to teach to the new member.
These dramas are acted out, with our members learning the script. We keep details of them private to make a greater impact on the new member. If a detective novel was recommended to you, you wouldn’t want to know ‘who did it’ before reading the book – this is much the same.
After our Lodge meeting, members usually adjourn to the dining room for a meal, where we enjoy fun and fellowship, both important aspects of Freemasonry.
How much does membership cost?
As with most organisations, there is a one-off joining fee, followed by an annual subscription. Each Lodge sets its annual expenses by democratic vote amongst the members.
Annual subscriptions therefore vary from Lodge to Lodge but about £200 + dining costs and + charitable donations would be a good general guide. Charity however, is always what you can afford.
Organisation
Freemasons meet together as Lodges, usually on a monthly basis, with a break in Summer. Each Lodge has its own name and number. Meetings are usually held in the evening, although there are some Daylight Lodges which are ideal for those who prefer to stay at home in the evenings.
Lodges usually meet on the same day and week of the month, throughout the year, excepting the summer break, e.g. St James' Lodge No 6852 meets on the 4th Friday of the month from September though to April.