Joining the lodge
What Freemasonry is
Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest fraternal organisations. Its members are ordinary men from every walk of life, of all religions and backgrounds, who share a concern for human values, moral standards and the rights of the individual.
Its teachings are passed on through stories and symbols, and they point at something simple: be better this year than last. The lodge sets a standard of conduct to carry into ordinary life — integrity, humility, and care for the people around you.
Freemasonry is not a religion, nor a substitute for one. It asks that a man have some belief, and then leaves the matter entirely to him. Discussion of religion and party politics has no place in the lodge room, which is part of how men of very different views sit comfortably together.
Charity and community
Charity is not a side activity — it is one of the working principles of the Craft. In New South Wales and the ACT, that work is coordinated through Masonicare, founded in 1990 to help lodges give practically to the communities around them.
Through the Masonicare interACTION Grants programme, money a lodge raises for a local charity of its choosing is matched dollar for dollar, up to $3,000 — so $3,000 raised becomes $6,000 received. The Grand Master's Disaster Relief Fund provides fast aid to communities hit by fire, flood and other disasters.
Lodges also give in less visible ways: a hand for a member's widow, a scholarship, a hospital appeal, or help for a family having a hard year.
Fellowship
Much of the value of a lodge is the company. Members meet across generations and occupations — trades, professions, business, public service, retirement — and the friendships formed tend to outlast careers.
Every meeting is followed by a festive board: dinner, conversation and the odd speech. Partners and guests are welcome at many lodge functions, and visiting other lodges is a long-standing habit.
Freemasonry is not a means of personal advancement, and using membership to solicit business is contrary to its principles. The connections are genuine, but they are a consequence of fellowship, not its purpose.
Who can join
Membership is open to men aged 18 and over, of good character, from any religion or background. No one is ever recruited — a man must ask of his own free will, which is what this form is for.
Membership carries modest financial obligations you should be comfortable meeting: the costs of joining, an annual fee to the lodge, and occasional voluntary donations to masonic charities.
The usual next step is a conversation. Someone will meet you, answer your questions properly, and invite you to a dinner before any commitment is made.
Enquire about joining
Tell us a little about yourself and one of our officers will be in touch.
Information about Freemasonry on this page follows the public guidance of Freemasons NSW & ACT, the constitution under which this lodge works.