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.
Some members of the public believe Freemasons are part of the fraternity for what they can get out of Freemasonry. That is completely incorrect an totally contradicts Freemasonry’s stated aims and objectives:
- Do good in the local community – whether that be charity or volunteering.
- Self development – making each of us a better person.
- Having good, honest fun in the company of like minded individuals, whilst doing the above 2 items.
We in Alfred Robbins Lodge are particularly proud of our charitable achievements, both as a stand-alone Lodge and as part of London Freemeasonry – please see the charity page for further details.
