Discover

What is Freemasonry?

“A peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory which is illustrated by signs and symbols”

“Freemasonry is an ancient and honourable society” (Grand Lodge of Scotland, 2021). It is the worlds oldest and largest fraternal and charitable organisation. Although a belief in a Supreme Being is required to join it is not a religion and our members abstain from discussing matters of religion and politics.

It can mean many different things to the millions who range under its banners across the world who come from a diverse variety of cultures and creeds. To some, it may be a source of meeting new people and forming new friendships from all walks of life. For others, it is about charity and being able to help those less fortunate than themselves and for others, it is merely a hobby.

It is a moral system portrayed through a series of ritualistic ceremonies that guide good men (rough and unpolished stones), to become better men (the smooth and polished stones), that will lay the foundations for the moral building they have begun to erect when they join.

The system of Freemasonry is built upon three fundamental principles.
Brotherly Love

The concern that the Freemason has for his Brothers and the respect he shows for their opinions, beliefs, and practices.

Relief

Assisting those less fortunate, whether a Freemason or not. It is the charity, respect, and care that he can provide to his community.

Truth

The Freemason’s belief in honesty and integrity in all facets of life, ensure his moral compass continues to point in the right direction.

Why you should

Join Freemasonry?

If you are interested in becoming a freemason or are looking for some general information about what we do, here are some of the reasons why you might like to join our wonderful organisation at Lodge St Thomas Kilwinning Dalmellington, in particular.

New Friendships

Meet people that will become life-long friends. Not only in the Lodge, but throughout the Province of Ayrshire, Scotland, and around the world. Freemasonry provides an environment for people to meet new people, have fun and build long trusting friendships.

Charity

Freemasons play an active role in their communities and are major contributors to society by supporting local and UK-based charities through donations and becoming involved in the work of those charities, as well as contributing to worldwide funds for disaster relief.

Discovering Yourself

Everyone’s journey through Freemasonry is different. We provide you with the tools to embrace the moral lessons that we impart and apply them to your life. If you become an office-bearer of Lodge 433 and progress through the offices thereafter, you will gradually be given more responsibility which is reflective of your career and life in general.

Becoming a better version of yourself

The members of our organisation strive to be the best citizens they can be within society, by practising the fundamental Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth. These morals are learned through a series of degree rituals that are acted out at our meetings.

Harmony

No matter your creed, colour, race, or political disposition we at Lodge 433 pride ourselves on our transparency. Freemasonry’s doors are open to all those men, who have a belief in a Supreme Being and seek its moral education. Knock and the door shall be opened unto you!

The Degrees In Scotland

A series of four degrees are practiced in Craft lodges

01
Entered Apprentice Degree

The first degree, gives understanding that we should take care of, and be charitable to our fellow man.

02
Fellow Craft Degree

The second degree teaches us that education is important to create better societies.

03
Master Mason Degree

We all have different journeys, but all paths lead to the same destination. Therefore we should all be humble.

04
Mark Master Mason Degree

Accept differences and consider another’s perspective. Someone may hold the knowledge to a better way.

Criteria for membership

Any individual who wishes to embark on a journey of self-discovery and improvement can apply for membership. That individual must however meet the following criteria

  • Have a ‘Belief in a Supreme being’
  • Be a male of 21 years old – Unless he is a ‘Lewis’ (son of a Master Mason) where he can join at 18 years old or where a special dispensation is sought by the lodge to the Grand Lodge of Scotland to admit a candidate at 18 years old
  • Be a moral, upstanding character and reputable in the community

How to join

If you are a resident in the vicinity of Dalemllington and you meet the criteria for membership please feel free to get in touch with our Lodge secretary through our ‘contact’ section or by clicking on the link below.

If you reside elsewhere in Scotland and are looking for more information on lodges in your local community our Lodge secretary will be more than happy to point you in the right direction and provide you with contact information for those lodges.

Or, if you have any friends who are already members of Freemasonry, have a discussion with them about joining and they will be happy to help you in finding the right lodge to apply to.

Charities and Organisations Lodge 433 support