Is Freemasonry For You?

Freemasonry has records that confirm it has been practised since the early 1500s. The organisation can assist, help and support you in your journey to develop the unique life skills attributed within this wonderful fraternity.

What is Freemasonry?

Freemasonry is a brotherhood of men sharing a focus on moral and spiritual values, it is also regarded as a philosophy introduced to every member by progressing through several degrees. These ceremonies are rooted in the history of medieval stonemasons, highly skilled craftsmen, who were responsible for building some of the great cathedrals, churches and castles throughout the UK. The stonemasons, to ensure apprentices were properly trained, sick craftsmen cared for, and widows and dependents looked after, formed themselves into guilds. These ancient guilds of operative stonemasons form the foundation upon which modern Freemasonry is built. It offers like-minded men a unique opportunity to broaden their social, cultural and intellectual horizons. Freemasonry teaches lessons and emphasises the practice of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth, which are the foundations of Freemasonry as practised today.

Brotherly Love: Freemasonry unites men of every country, colour, creed and opinion and conciliates true friendship.

Relief: To relieve the distressed by listening carefully to troubled minds is a duty incumbent upon all men, but particularly Freemasons, who are linked together by an indissoluble chain of sincere affection.

Truth: Truth in all our dealings is essential to trust and happiness. To be good and true is the first lesson taught in Masonry. On this theme we contemplate, and by its dictates, endeavour to regulate our conduct so that sincerity distinguishes a Freemason.

Freemasonry, Politics and Religion

Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for religion. This important qualification means that Freemasonry is open to men of many religions, and it expects and encourages them to continue to follow their own faith. Neither does it seek to influence any political beliefs and discourages any discussions about religion and politics at lodge meetings, promoting an acceptance for the political and religious views of fellow brethren.

Freemasonry is not a secret!

Let's be honest, if it were a secret society, you would not be reading this page as it would never have been written. Much has been made of the secrets of Freemasonry over the centuries, but many would argue that if it was, it's the worst kept secret in the world. It is a fraternity of men of good and high ideals but, it is not a public association. As with many other organisations, certain information is reserved for members only rather than it being described as a secret. Any information about Freemasonry can be found in bookstores or local libraries. Masonic buildings are clearly marked and, in many instances, used by the local community. The so-called Masonic Secrets are confined to modes of recognition by which a mason can prove he is a member and allow him to attend a lodge meeting anywhere in the world.

Benefits of being a Freemason

Freemasonry offers much to its members — the opportunity to grow, build confidence, make a difference and help to build a better world. It offers the chance to socialise and work with men who have the same values and ideals. Strengthening and improving a member's character by learning and practising basic virtues of fraternal love, charity and truth. These principles extend far beyond interactions with each other and strive to apply them to daily lives and the local communities.

Freemasonry in Queensferry

In 2024 Lodge St Margaret No 548 celebrated 150 years since receiving its Charter from the Grand Lodge of Scotland on 2nd February 1874. The meetings of the committee of founder members of Lodge St Margaret were held in the Newhalls Inn, now known as the Hawes Inn. For the Consecration meeting on 7th May 1874, the Lodge hired the Queensferry School classroom, part of its current premises. In December 1874 the Lodge purchased the classroom and the adjoining schoolhouse, at the west end of the building, for £200 from Dalmeny and Queensferry School Board. In 1930 the Lodge purchased the current East section of the building, known then as the Old Library, along with the land to the east towards Lilybank for £50 from Queensferry Burgh Council.

The summer of 1970 saw major transformation of the building when the partition between the main hall (classroom) and kitchen/bar (Old Library) was removed, and the main hall extended to the east gable wall. A new bar and storeroom were built on land along the south wall and a new kitchen, ladies' toilets and committee room built in the former hall keeper's house. This was in preparation for the Lodge's Centenary in 1974. In 1981 the Lodge was further renovated when the west end of the building and the lower floor were redeveloped to create a bar, lounge seating, kitchen, ladies' and gents' toilets and a committee room.

In preparation for the Lodge's 150th Anniversary, the members undertook the refurbishment of the main hall which was completed in September 2022.

Since 2005 the Lodge has held an annual Speakers Dinner and during the 20 years have raised and distributed over £70,000 to local good causes. This emphasises one of Freemasonry's core principles of charity. Also worthy of note is that by 2024 Freemasons throughout Scotland raised more than £1.2 million for Prostate Scotland.

The well-maintained Lodge premises are used by the local community and many Queensferry organisations have fund-raising events including the RNLI, Ferry Fair, Queensferry Pipes and Drums, Queensferry Tennis Club, Echline Primary PTA, Christmas in Queensferry, to name but a few.

Want to join a worldwide fraternity?

Gentlemen, over the age of 18, who apply and are accepted into Freemasonry join that lodge, known as their Mother Lodge, which allows them to attend lodge meetings, social events and visit other lodges not just within their own area but around the world. It is a fantastic opportunity to meet and make new global friends, that will last a lifetime. But membership also allows you to put something back into your local community. So, if you are truthful, sociable, kind and want to make a difference to mankind you have the correct attributes to be a good Freemason.

Key Freemasonry Facts

Globally there are over 100 Grand Lodges that recognise and speak to each other. There are over 6,000,000 Freemasons worldwide, and over 30,000 in Scotland.

There are over 620 lodges in this country, all are governed by the Grand Lodge of Scotland with headquarters in George Street, Edinburgh.

If you are interested to find out more about our organisation and would like to consider joining Freemasonry, then please contact us using this form.