Freemasonry
Freemasonry offers its members an approach to life which seeks to reinforce thoughtfulness for others, kindness in the community, honesty in business, courtesy in Society and fairness in all things. Freemasonry also teaches and practices concern for people, care for the less fortunate and help for those in need.
Freemasonry is the U.K.’s largest secular, fraternal and charitable organization, and in all lodges worldwide, that fall under the United Grand Lodge of England, practice the maxim “Freemasonry teaches moral lessons and self-knowledge through participation in a progression of allegorical two-part plays.”
Q What do we stand for, what do we get out of Freemasonry?
There are probably as many answers as there are brethren present here today. Some find a moral and spiritual uplift which complements and supports their particular faith. Some enjoy the sense of the theatre. Some the company of like minds and for many the bonding and friendship generated at our meetings.
Q Why are you a secret society?
We are certainly not a secret society. But lodge meetings like those of many other groups, are private and open only to members. The rules and aims of Freemasonry are available to the public. The Book of Constitutions is now also readily available on the United Grand Lodge of England website.
Meeting places are known and in many areas are used by local communities for activities other than Freemasonry. For example, the opening scenes in the movie “Pirates of the Caribbean” was shot at Freemasons’ Hall in Great Queen Street. Here in Nairobi, the American Women’s Association held their monthly meetings at Freemasons Hall on Nyerere Road. Members are encouraged to speak openly about Freemasonry.
Q What are the secrets of Freemasonry?
The secrets in Freemasonry are the traditional modes of recognition which are nor used indiscriminately, but solely as a test of membership, e.g. When visiting a lodge where you are not known.
Q What happens at a lodge meeting?
The meeting is in two parts. As in any association there is a certain amount of administrative procedure – minutes of the last meeting, proposing and balloting for new members, discussing and voting on financial matters, election of officers, news and correspondence.
Then there are ceremonies for admitting new Masons and annual installation of the Master and appointment of officers. The three ceremonies for admitting a new Mason are in two parts. A slight dramatic instruction in the principles and lessons taught in the Craft followed by a lecture in which the candidate’s various duties are spelled out.
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