FREEMASONRY – AN EXPLANATION:

Freemasonry (or Masonry, for short) is one of the world’s most historic membership organizations, a 300-year-old worldwide Fraternity of like-minded people committed to bettering themselves and their communities. Masonry encompasses a series of moral teachings based on allegory and the symbolism of ancient stonemasonry. But we are so much more than our history. We are a way to find friendship, purpose, and connection.

At its core, Freemasonry is about:

True Friendship:

Many members meet their best friends through Freemasonry. That’s because Masonry offers a combination that’s hard to find anywhere else: shared traditions, shared purpose, and a shared commitment to fostering lifelong relationships.

Personal Development:

Ancient Freemasons focused on building structures. Today’s Masons focus on building character. We believe in strong values, and we embody them through our actions, our relationships, and our service to others.

Community Service:

Masons take an obligation to support those around them. Masons give back in a multitude of ways, from local charity drives to National efforts through the UGLE masonic foundation.

Who We Are

Our secret isn’t ancient rituals or secret ceremonies. It’s our members, and how ordinary men from all backgrounds and all walks of life in the local area come together to enjoy each other’s friendship and company and raise monies for charities while having a good time. While the Masons of the Prince of Wales’ lodge represent one masonic lodge Masonic in Llanelli and west Wales, it isn’t the only one. See a list of other West Wales masonic halls and lodges here.

Did You Know

There are about 6 million Freemasons worldwide, and more than 200,000 in the UK, meeting in over 7,000 lodges.

What Is a Masonic Lodge?

A Masonic lodge is essentially a local group of men/members. The term “lodge” refers to both the members of that group and the building in which they meet. Keep in mind that Freemasonry exists in nearly every country in the world. Lodges in a given region are overseen by a grand lodge, or larger administrative organization. The United Grand Lodge of England is made up of more than 7,000 local lodges. Contrary to popular belief Freemasonry is not just for men, there are Women's Lodges too .

What Happens in a Lodge?

Lodges often have many recurring events or meetings on the calendar, During a meeting members share announcements, vote on new members, and do the ongoing work of running the lodge which includes performing “degree ceremonies” which are essentially a series of one act plays that represents a different stage in life that help teach members how to be better people. It’s also a regular chance for members to catch up and support one another.

What Do Freemasons Do Outside of Lodge?

Freemasons get together for lots of varied reasons, from sharing a cup of coffee to watching a game of rugby or football to hosting large events where one and all are invited to attend.

For example, we get together to:

Socialize: That includes everything from days away to sporting events to formal dinners to Saturday morning breakfast.

Host special events: Many lodges breakfast mornings to Sunday dinners and other parties to help raise funds for charity while having fun.

Create interest groups: Masons love to form clubs about common interests—for instance, motorcycle groups, classic car groups or even Rugby club groups.

Give back: Masons support their local community and important causes. On a local level and national level, for example supporting the Scouts, air ambulances, Royal college of Surgeons, and many Children's charities through the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF).

Why do Freemasons wear aprons?

The aprons stem from our historical and symbolic roots as stonemasons. Being leather, they were designed to protect them from sharp tools and rough stones. For today’s Freemasons, the apron is a mark of their membership. They are presented with a white leather apron and as they progress this becomes more elaborate.

Why become a Freemason?

People join Freemasonry for many varied reasons, some join for the friendships they will make; friendships that last a lifetime and encompass the key milestones in life for better or worse. You will meet people who are different to you, those of different ages with radically different life experiences and interests, drawn together by common experience through Freemasonry.

Our members are, and have been for three centuries, drawn from all walks of life. From Captains of industry and chief executives to manual labourers and forklift truck drivers, so you will find people with a wealth of different outlooks from all races, religions, classes, and backgrounds

How much does it cost to become a Freemason?

On average the annual dues and other fees amount to £200 a year, although there are local variations.

Do you have to believe in a God?

When becoming a Freemason, members are expected to be able to affirm a belief in a ‘Supreme Being.’ This is deliberately phrased so as to be fully inclusive; most of our members generally believe in a God - be it Christian, Muslim, Sikh or Jewish etc - of some sort, and there is no requirement to be an active practitioner of any particular religion.