Becoming a Freemason

Thinking of Becoming a Freemason? Here’s What You Should Know

Welcome. If you’re curious about Freemasonry what it stands for, how to join, and why people choose this path you’re not alone. Behind the square and compasses lies a living tradition of friendship, self-discovery, and service that has inspired people for over three centuries. Whether you want to understand its values or find out how to become a Brother, this guide gives you the essentials.

What Is Freemasonry, Really?

Freemasonry is a centuries-old fraternity: a community of people committed to moral excellence, personal growth, and making a positive impact locally and globally. It’s not a secret society, but it does have traditions, rituals, and symbols. What makes it powerful is the fellowship—meeting people from different walks of life, working together for shared goals, supporting one another, growing in character, and making communities better.

What You’ll Gain

  • Friendship & Brotherhood — Connecting with people who share values like integrity, kindness, service, respect, and a desire to improve.
  • Personal Growth — Through rituals, discussion, mentorship, you’ll explore ethics, leadership, self-improvement.
  • Giving Back — Many Lodges engage in local charity work, mentoring, community service.
  • Lifelong Learning — History, symbolism, philosophy—Freemasonry offers layers of meaning and study.

What’s Needed to Join

You don’t need to have everything figured out—but here are the essentials:

  1. Belief in a Higher Power
    You should believe in a Supreme Being or equivalent (this doesn’t tie you to any specific religion, but you must have faith in something greater than yourself).
  2. Adult Age
    You must be of mature age—usually 18 or older—capable of making your own decisions.
  3. Good Character
    Honesty, integrity, respect, and reliability are key. Masonry looks for men of good repute.
  4. Financial Means
    There are membership dues, Lodge fees, often some small costs for regalia or events. You should be in a position where these are manageable.
  5. Time & Commitment
    Monthly meetings, social events, charity events – being a Mason takes time. But it’s a rich investment.

How the Process Works

  • Introduction or Recommendation
    Ideally, a current Freemason introduces or recommends you. This helps ensure you’ll fit in, and they can speak to your character. This might be a friend, family member, or someone you know who’s involved.
  • No Recommendation? That’s OK
    If you don’t have someone to introduce you, don’t worry. It’s not a roadblock. Lodges welcome sincere inquiries and will want to make sure you’ll have a good experience. Many our our members started out right here, filling in a form.
  • Application & Interview
    You’ll submit some basic information. Then there may be a conversation or meeting with members where you can ask questions, learn more, and we can learn more about you.
  • Voting & Acceptance
    If all goes well, members vote. Once accepted, you’ll move through the first degrees with guidance and ceremonies. We use a very old fashioned method with a ballot and is thought to be the origin of the term being ‘black balled’.
  • Initiation & Participation
    After initiation, you participate in Lodge meetings and charitable work. Over time you can deepen your involvement, if you choose, in leadership, mentorship, and ceremony.

Some Interesting Facts You Might Not Know

  • A Proud British Heritage – Modern Freemasonry as we know it began in London in 1717, when four Lodges met at the Goose & Gridiron tavern and formed the Premier Grand Lodge of England—the first Grand Lodge anywhere in the world. From there it spread across Britain and the globe.
  • Iconic Architecture & Meeting Places – The stunning Freemasons’ Hall in Great Queen Street, London—built as a memorial to those who died in World War I—is not only the headquarters of the United Grand Lodge of England but also an architectural landmark, used in films and open to visitors.
  • Symbols with Meaning – The Square and Compasses, along with the letter “G” used in some jurisdictions, are far more than decoration. They are practical tools turned into timeless lessons on integrity, morality, and the importance of “squaring our actions.”
  • Open to All Walks of Life – Whether you’re a teacher in Yorkshire, a tradesperson in Birmingham, a doctor in Edinburgh, or a student in Bournemouth, Freemasonry values character and integrity above social status, education, or profession.
  • Notable British Freemasons – The Craft has welcomed Sir Winston Churchill, Oscar Wilde, Arthur Conan Doyle, Captain Robert Falcon Scott (the Antarctic explorer), and Sir Alexander Fleming (discoverer of penicillin) people who shaped literature, science, and national history.
  • Tradition with Modern Purpose – Today’s UK Lodges remain true to the core principles of Brotherly Love, Relief (charity), and Truth, while supporting thousands of charitable causes, from local community projects to major national charities.

Is It Right for You?

If any of this resonates—if you care about integrity, meaning, service, growing personally—you might be a great fit. Even if you’re younger, or just starting out in life, if your character is strong and your intentions are genuine, don’t discount the possibility. Freemasonry isn’t just for “already established” people—it’s about becoming better versions of ourselves together.

What to Do Next

If you’re interested, here’s what you can do now:

  • Reach out & ask questions. There’s no obligation. Meetings or informal chats help you see if it feels right.
  • Contact your local Lodge. If you’re in Bournemouth & Poole and the surrounding areas including the New Forest, you can email SWA.Secretary@hantsiowmasons.org (or the relevant Lodge in your area).
  • Visit a Lodge event (if possible). Seeing how things work in practice—social events, open nights—can give you a clearer sense.