No. 3480
In the Province of Warwickshire
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On this page we have tried to answer some of the most common questions about Freemasonry. For more detailed answers, and answers to other questions, try looking at the Frequently Asked Questions sections of the United Grand Lodge web-site (click here) or the Provincial Grand Lodge of Warwickshire web-site (click here). Why
are you called Murdoch Lodge?
Men working in the Gas
Industry, which was a very important employer in Birmingham in those days,
originally founded our lodge in 1911. When they got together to choose
a name for their new lodge, the name of William Murdoch was suggested,
as the first man to develop commercial gas lighting. To find out more
about the history of our lodge click here.
To find out more about William Murdoch, click here. Freemasonry is one of
the world's oldest secular fraternal societies (secular meaning having
no connection with religion). It is an enjoyable association of like -
minded men who work towards a common goal of being happy themselves and
communicating happiness to others. This is achieved by working together
in the Lodge, often in ceremonies which take the form of ritual dramas,
following ancient forms and using stonemasons' customs and tools as allegorical
guides. These seek to instil morality in all men: by teaching and practising
high standards of conduct in society. After the ‘formal’ part
of the evening, members usually get together at the ‘festive board’,
a social get together over a meal. Membership is open to
men of any race or religion who are over 21 years of age and who are of
good repute. Why are there no Women Freemasons? Traditionally, Freemasonry
under the United Grand Lodge of England has been restricted to men. The
early stonemasons were all male, and when Freemasonry was developing,
the position of women in society was different from today. If women wish
to join Freemasonry, there are two separate Grand Lodges in England restricted
to women only. Freemasons take an active role in the community, such as voluntary work, and donate substantial sums of money each year from their own pockets to many charitable causes not connected with Freemasonry. The Masonic Province of Warwickshire donates about £90,000 each year to non-Masonic charities, whilst individual Freemasons and lodges also donate substantial sums. The total amount donated each year by the lodges, provinces and Grand Lodge together amounts to several million pounds. For many years Freemasons have followed three great principles: Brotherly Love - Every true Freemason will show tolerance and respect for the opinions of others and behave with kindness and understanding to his fellow creatures. Relief - Freemasons are taught to practise charity and to care, not only for their own, but also for the community as a whole, both by charitable giving, and by voluntary efforts and works as individuals. Truth - Freemasons strive
for truth, requiring high moral standards and aiming to achieve them in
their own lives. Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for religion. Its essential qualification opens it to men of many religions and it expects them to continue to follow their own faith. It does not allow religion to be discussed at its meeting. Freemasonry lacks the basic elements of religion. a) it has no theological doctrine, and by forbidding religious discussion at its meetings will not allow a Masonic theological doctrine to develop. b) It offers no sacraments. c) It does not claim
to lead to salvation by works, by secret knowledge or by any other means.
The secrets of Freemasonry are concerned with modes of recognition and
not with salvation. Whilst individual Freemasons will have their own views on politics and state policy, Freemasonry as a body will never express a view on either. The discussion of politics at Masonic meetings has always been prohibited. There are groups in other
countries who call themselves Freemasons and who involve themselves in
political matters. They are not recognised or countenanced by the United
Grand Lodge of England and other regular Grand Lodges who follow the basic
principles of Freemasonry and ban the discussion of politics and religion
at their meetings. The use by a Freemason
of his membership to promote his own or anyone else's business, professional
or personal interests is condemned, and is contrary to the conditions
on which he sought admission to Freemasonry. A Freemason who transgresses
this rule may be suspended from Masonic activities or even expelled A Freemasons duty as
a citizen must always prevail over any obligation to other Freemasons,
and any attempt to shield a Freemason who has acted dishonourably or unlawfully
is contrary to this prime duty. |
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