More About Being A Freemason
There are three stages a Freemason goes through before he becomes a Master Mason, these are referred to as 'degrees' and start with him being an Entered Apprentice, followed by becoming a Fellowcraft and finally a Master Mason.
This is very much the same system used by the traditional stone masons, where the apprentice would progress through various stages of instruction and learning culminating in him becoming a fully qualified craftsman.
The 'Apron' worn by a Mason denotes the stage he has achieved within the Craft.
The signs and passwords used on ceremonial occasions are a throwback to a time when methods of communciation, especially that of identification, depended on the use of a password - advancing to be indentified as 'friend or foe' and giving the password of the day was the only sure way of gaining entry to the safety of your own camp. The use of such signs and passwords is restricted to ceremonies held within the confines of the Lodge or when visiting a Lodge where one is not known.
Freemasonry in common with many other organisations does regard some aspects of its activities as confidential. This public web site offers positive confirmation of the openness of Freemasonry and we welcome enquiries with regard to our contribution to local causes within the County borders and beyond.
The word Lodge to a Freemason means two things. Firstly it refers to a group of Masons belonging to a specific Lodge, each Lodge in Wiltshire having a unique name and number. Secondly, the word Lodge identifies the room or building in which they meet.
Generally all Lodge rooms follow a similar pattern in the way they are set out; in very much the same way as a church, court, committee room or council chamber would be set out to serve a particular purpose.
Sometimes you may hear the room in which the Lodge meets referred to as the Temple
Lodge meetings are held in two parts. The first being the actual meeting where Lodge business is conducted. The form of agenda for the meeting would be instantly recognised by anyone used to attending meetings of a society, charity or even a works meeting. Previous minutes are read, apologies for absence taken and reports from the treasurer and secretary are received. Promotion within the degrees is conducted and once every year a new head of the lodge, the Master, is elected
The second part of the meeting is probably of greater interest when members adjourn to the bar for a short period before enjoying a meal together. The meal is very simple fare and during the meal a few traditional formalities and courtesies are observed.
In Wiltshire, most Lodges meet about 5 or 6 times a year. The majority of Lodges meet on weekday evenings in the winter starting around 6.00pm.
One Lodge in Devizes meets in the daytime and another Lodge actually meets on Saturdays.
Almost all Wiltshire Lodges meet at a specific location, The Masonic Hall, Masonic Centre, Freemason's Hall or a meeting room within a Hotel or Community Centre. However, there are two Travelling Lodges in the Province which meet at different locations in the County.
There is an annual membership subscription which varies between Lodges, but as a general rule is approximately £100.
There is an additional initial joining fee to cover administrative costs.
Masonic regalia can be obtained from a number of local suppliers at extremely reasonable cost.
