Discover Freemasonry
Ancient roots.Modern purpose.
Freemasonry brings people together through friendship, shared values, charitable service and a continuing commitment to personal development.
What is Freemasonry?
One of the world’s oldest social and charitable organisations.
Freemasonry is a membership organisation with traditions shaped over more than three centuries. Members meet in local Lodges, take part in symbolic ceremonies, support charitable causes and enjoy friendship with people they might never otherwise have met.
Its ceremonies use the language and tools of historic stonemasons to explore character, responsibility and the way we conduct ourselves. The lessons are traditional; their relevance is entirely modern.
Guiding principles
Four values to carry through life.
The United Grand Lodge of England describes Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Service as the values at the heart of Freemasonry.
Integrity
Being honest, dependable and true to your principles—even when nobody is watching.
Friendship
Building genuine connections across differences in age, occupation, experience and background.
Respect
Listening to others, valuing their views and treating every person with dignity and consideration.
Service
Giving time, care and practical support to Lodges, communities and worthwhile charitable causes.
Inside a Lodge
What happens at a meeting?
A Lodge meeting combines formal tradition with ordinary friendship. Every Lodge has its own personality, but an evening will usually include several familiar elements.
Lodge business
Members manage the Lodge, welcome visitors and discuss forthcoming activities.
Ceremony or presentation
A traditional ceremony, educational talk or demonstration provides the main focus of the meeting.
Charity and community
Members consider fundraising, charitable support and opportunities to serve others.
Friendship afterwards
Most meetings are followed by a meal and relaxed conversation with members and visitors.
Clearing up misconceptions
Private traditions. Open values.
Faith remains personal.
Freemasonry brings together members of different faiths. It does not replace religion, and religious debate is not part of Lodge meetings.
Different views are respected.
Political discussion is excluded from Lodge meetings, helping members meet as equals despite differing opinions.
Members can be open.
Freemasons are free to acknowledge their membership. Some ceremonial details remain private, much like traditions within many membership organisations.
Who can join?
People from every walk of life.
Bedic Lodge works under the United Grand Lodge of England. Membership is open to men aged 18 or over, regardless of race, occupation, social background or religious tradition.
You do not need to know a Freemason and you will not be pressured to join. The process begins with an informal conversation and gives both you and the Lodge time to decide whether membership feels right.
The essentials
- A man aged 18 or over
- Joining through your own free choice
- Of good character
- Able to affirm belief in a Supreme Being
- Comfortable with the time and financial commitment
Women interested in Freemasonry can contact the Order of Women Freemasons or Freemasonry for Women, the two leading women’s Grand Lodges in England.
How joining begins
A conversation, not a commitment.
Get in touch
Send Bedic Lodge a short message explaining your interest.
Meet informally
Talk with members, ask questions and learn about Lodge life.
Take your time
Consider whether Freemasonry and Bedic are right for you.
Apply if ready
If you wish to continue, the Lodge will explain the formal process.
Bedic Lodge No. 5915
Curiosity is a good beginning.
You do not need to understand everything before contacting us. Ask whatever you would like to know, without obligation or pressure.