What is Freemasonry

One of the oldest social and charitable organisations in the world, Freemasonry's roots lie in the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who built our cathedrals and castles.

It is here that a number of the famous elements of Freemasonry find their roots. In the medieval era, stonemasons often travelled around to find work in different locations. To demonstrate their level of qualification, they would use grips, words and signs in order to distinguish themselves from unqualified builders.

Freemasonry uses building analogies to teach members how to lead productive lives that benefit the communities that they live in. In the medieval era, stonemasons wore aprons and gloves to protect themselves while working on shaping rough pieces of stone, but in today’s society Freemasons meet to build friendships and communities rather than cathedrals and castles.

Guiding principles of Freemasonry

For Freemasons, there are four important values that help define their path through life: Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Service. In today’s world filled with uncertainty, these principles ring as true now as they have at any point in the organisation’s history.

Integrity

Building good people

Freemasons are focused on building themselves as people of integrity, and membership provides the structure to help achieve that goal. Being a Freemason gives members a sense of purpose, supporting and guiding them on their journey through life. Collectively, members are bonded through an understanding of unity and equitability – principles fundamental to Freemasonry.

Respect

Building unity

Freemasonry brings people together irrespective of their race, religion, or other perceived differences that can divide us as a society. Members are expected to be of high moral standing and are encouraged to talk openly about what the organisation does and what it means to be part of it.

Friendship

Building together

Freemasonry provides the common foundation for friendships between members, many of which will last for life. Being a Freemason means something different to each person who joins, but whether looking to make acquaintances or develop their own potential, all members share a sense of togetherness that strengthens their ability to succeed and grow.

Service

Service focus

Whether participating in events, fundraising for a charitable cause or volunteering for public or community organisations, service is at the very heart of Freemasonry. Our members make valuable contributions by donating time, resources and skills.

How to Join

Becoming a Freemason means you’ll be joining more than 175,000 members throughout England and Wales, as well as Districts overseas.

Membership is open to people from all backgrounds and the organisation’s aim is to empower members to be the best they can be – it’s about building character, supporting members as individuals and helping them make a positive contribution to society.

What happens at a Lodge meeting?

Lodge meetings are typically held in two parts. The first involves more administrative procedures, such as proposing and balloting for new members and receiving news about charitable fundraising. The second part focuses on ceremonies, which might relate to areas such as the admittance of new members or the installation of the Master of the Lodge and his officers – a process made up of three degrees, or stages, each one marked by a special ceremony.

True to the sense of friendship and togetherness among Freemasons, meetings are also social events, providing an occasion for members to dine together. Outside of the Lodge, activities include community fundraising and volunteering activities, as well as a varied programme of events where spouses, partners and families are welcome.

How do I join?

Whether or not you already know a Freemason, just contact the Lodge Secretary to discuss your wish to join.

About Our Lodge

By 1970 the Membership of Eastbourne Lodge No 7057 was in excess of 80 and it felt the time was right for an additional lodge in the town. They decided to sponsor Pevensey Castle Lodge as their Daughter Lodge. Initially there were 28 Petitioners but 3 withdrew before the Lodge was consecrated, leaving 25 Founders of which eight were from the sponsoring Lodge and the remainder either residing or having business in the Pevensey District.

The Lodge was consecrated on Monday 19th October 1970 at the Town Hall with the ceremony being conducted by the Provincial Grand Master, the Right Worshipful Bro. Arthur Jolly assisted by the full Provincial Team. The Festive Board was held at the Cavendish Hotel.

The Banner was Dedicated at the Masonic Temple on the 2nd November 1981 at a ceremony presided over by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, the Very Worshipful Bro. George Turner. The Design was based on the original badge that depicted the sea lapping at the Castle walls and a red Eagle in the sky, protecting the building. The Eagle being the crest of the de Aquila (the latin word for Eagle) family who protected the castle in the 10th and 11th centuries.

Since the consecration there have been 200 initiates or joining members.

Charity

Charitable work is just one of the things Freemasons are involved with. It’s undoubtedly an important aspect but not the be all and end all of Freemasonry. It is more an inevitable result of, who we are or who we strive to become.

All the money raised by Freemasons, and given to charities, is raised internally. Nothing is collected from the general public. We don’t do ‘chugging’! All Masons are encouraged to give generously, but only within their means (there is no set amount or percentage), through alms collections, gift aid etc.

Freemasons give to charity in four ways. First through our annual dues to the Grand Lodge, second through gift aided donations, third by alms collected at each meeting and fourth, in lodges which hold raffles, by purchasing raffle tickets. The brethren decide themselves where their donations are applied. The Lodge Charity Steward is the brother who carries out those wishes.

Contact Form

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