UGLE Temple
Inside the Grand Temple at Freemason’s Hall, 60 Great Queen Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2B 5AZ
For years, in films and on the internet, Freemasonry has often been portrayed as a “Secret Society” filled with hidden handshakes, mysterious symbols and as an elite group intent on World Domination.
But if you want to know what REALLY goes on in this discrete organisation, then why not arrange to come along and Meet The Masons at Moorland Lodge, Hoyle Court, Baildon, BD17 6JS?
Want to get in touch? Email us from here – CLICK HERE
Meanwhile, here are some answers to a few of the Frequently Asked Questions, which we trust you will find of interest.
Q: How did Freemasonry start?
Freemasonry originated hundreds of years ago, when Stone Masons built stunning public buildings, such as Bridges, Cathedrals, Town Halls, Stately Homes, Ancient Landmarks and the like.
They would have their own temporary buildings next to the intended structure, which were called Lodges, so they could meet, plan and work, no matter the weather.
Once completed, Stonemasons would travel on to the next project, seeking employment, but the difficulty for the Project Managers or Foremen was how to identify a True Stonemason from just another labourer.
How could they avoid employing someone purporting to be a Master Builder, who was actually unskilled or unreliable? Today, it is just as difficult finding and hiring “Master Builders” and avoiding “Cowboy Builders”.
Freemasonry was born as a way of identifying Reliable, Trustworthy and Skilled men who could be trusted to build a complicated, high-quality edifice on time and on budget.
York Minister
The rebuilding of York Minster started in 1220. The project took some 250 years to complete.
Q: What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is one of the oldest social and charitable organisations in the world having survived and thrived for hundreds of years.
With no Religious or Political affiliations, men over the age of 21 are welcomed, irrespective of their race, religion, culture or background.
One main aim of Freemasonry is to make Good Men Better; to empower members to be the Best they can be.
Becoming a Freemason is all about building one’s character, personal development, supporting others and encouraging our members to make a positive contribution to society.
For Freemasons, there are four important values to uphold through life:
Freemasonry provides a structure for members to come together under these core principles, enabling people to make new friendships, develop themselves and make valuable contributions to charitable causes and their local community.
As well as freely giving their time, Freemasons in England & Wales are one of the largest charitable givers in the country, second only to the National Lottery, contributing £51.1m to deserving causes in 2022.
Q: Do you really have a special handshake?
Contrary to popular belief there’s not just One handshake, but Several, each one relevant to which Rank or Degree a Freemason has reached.
Hundreds of years ago, as few people could read or write, there were no such things as CVs or Letters of Recommendation.
Instead, when arriving at a new site looking for employment, a Qualified Stonemason would have to prove that he was a Master Mason, using a specific Hand-grip or handshake. To prevent imposters, each handshake also comes with its own unique Password, as an extra level of security to prove that the Stone mason was genuinely trained to a certain level of proficiency.
Q: Are you really as secretive as people think?
Nowadays, Freemasonry is a very Open Organisation and freely talks about its work in the community. The need for secrecy came about when Nazi Germany persecuted Freemasons & members were forced “underground” to survive.
Modern Freemasonry is no different to any other Group, Organisation or Business. Most Companies have private information which they share specifically amongst their employees and we are no different.
Our Traditions, Rituals and Ceremonies have been passed down, Generation to Generation over hundreds of years and our History is not only intriguing but fascinating.
Symbols like these can be found throughout a Masonic lodge room (or Temple)
Q: Are you secretly running the New World Order?
No – we’re not secretly running things. Just ask our Social Secretary! We sometimes struggle to organise our Social events, so World Domination would be too much of a headache!
We truly believe that ALL Freemasons are Equal. Job Titles, Education, Wealth, Status, Religious and Political beliefs are all irrelevant.
The important principles in Freemasonry are being Trustworthy, having Integrity, being Respectful to others and Supporting those less fortunate than ourselves.
We are a cause for Good, not Evil.
Q: Why do you all wear different aprons?
All Freemasons wear a dark suit, apron and white gloves when entering a Lodge room or Temple. Aprons are different colours and designs, depicting where you are on your Masonic journey.
A New Member, commonly referred to as an Entered Apprentice (or Trainee) would have a plain white apron, and as a Member is Promoted through the various Degrees (and eventually on to Provincial and National offices) the colours change.
Freemasons wear gloves to symbolise equality
Q: Are women allowed to join?
Yes, Absolutely.
Currently, Hoyle Court Masonic Hall near Shipley is home to over a dozen “male-only lodges”, but there are lots of “female-only lodges” who meet across Yorkshire, including Masonic Halls in Bingley, Otley, Batley, etc.
For more information about Women Freemasons, please visit: https://www.owf.org.uk/
Q: Can anyone become a Freemason?
Whilst anyone can apply to become a Freemason, not everyone is Accepted.
In most cases, an applicant will be over 21 years old and needs to believe in “A Supreme Being” of whatever Faith. Atheists therefore are not suitable.
Before becoming a Freemason of Moorland Lodge in Baildon, (or indeed any other Lodge) applicants are first interviewed on a 1-2-1 basis, to answer any questions an applicant may have and to assess their suitability.
If still interested, they can then complete an Application Form, which will require the Applicant providing at least two References, (preferably from existing Freemasons who are known to the Applicant).
The next stage is to invite the Applicant to meet members of Moorland Lodge at Hoyle Court, near Shipley, first socially and later for a more formal interview. If the Applicant feels comfortable with Moorland Lodge (and if the members of Moorland Lodge feel comfortable with the Applicant), then Confidential Enquiries are made throughout West Yorkshire to ensure the Applicant is suitable to become a member of Freemasonry in general and of Moorland Lodge in Baildon, in particular.
This whole process can take several months to complete. As the saying goes: “Good things happen to those who wait”.
Assuming the above process goes well, then a date is set for the Applicant to join Moorland Lodge at Hoyle Court.
Q: How much does it Cost to join Freemasonry?
New members pay a small, one-off Administration Fee, before they join Freemasonry.
Each year, members of Moorland Lodge pay an Annual Subscription of around £275, (which goes towards the running costs of the organisation.)
On the 4th Wednesday of every month, the whole Lodge meets at Hoyle Court in Baildon for a Ceremony, followed by a 3-course meal & drinks. The cost of the meal is usually around £25.
In addition, Masons often hold Social events, which involve Partners, Friends and Family members. These vary from Children’s Christmas parties to Quiz nights, evenings with live music & entertainment, to weekend trips away.
If possible, Freemasons are encouraged to set up a monthly donation to Charity, although this is entirely voluntary.
Q: When and Where do you meet?
Members of Moorland Lodge meet most Wednesday evenings at Masonic Hall, Hoyle Court, Baildon, Bradford, BD17 6JS.
For more information, please visit: www.moorlandlodge.co.uk
