The St Andrew Lodge

Cullompton

The following information is written to answer some of the questions we as Freemasons are often asked.

If whilst reading this, you have any questions not covered, please contact me.

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What is Freemasonry?

Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest and largest fraternal societies. There are approximately five million Freemasons throughout the world and more than three hundred thousand English Masons. It is a non-profit making organisation, committed to supporting charitable causes and to bringing people together.

The particular bond, which makes Freemasonry unique is the traditional manner in which we conduct our ceremonies. We have inherited these from our predecessors hundreds of years ago and by ‘working’ them at our meetings they are preserved, providing a dignified and a splendid context to our meetings.

It is by means of these ceremonies that a man is gradually introduced to and helped to understand the meaning of our organisation.

Our ceremonies date from a time when lessons and ideas were taught and explained by demonstration and simple symbolism rather than in writing. It is through these ceremonies in which we all participate, that the values and instincts which we believe characterise a good man, and a mason, are explained to our new members.

Freemasonry is old; it’s precise origins are not clear, but certainly our ceremonies are related to the working practices of medieval stonemasons who, as highly skilled craftsmen formed themselves locally into ‘Lodges’ in order to preserve the standards of their trade. An apprentice Mason was introduced into full membership of that Lodge by means of a series of ceremonies and tests by which he gradually proved that his skill was such that he deserved to become a full member of the Lodge.

By the early eighteenth century, these practical ceremonies and tests had evolved into symbolic ceremonies with moral meanings. The ceremonies, which we ‘work’ now are substantially the same. Mozart was made a Mason in a ceremony very similar to that of a new Mason today.

Whilst our ceremonies are ancient, they teach us and remind us about the most important issues in our modern world.

Why would a man wish to become a Freemason?

Freemasonry is unique. It is unlike any other institution in that it offers experiences not found elsewhere.

Freemasons are ordinary men from every walk of life, of all religious backgrounds. They share a concern for human values, moral standards and the importance of helping others.

So is Masonry a secret society?

Absolutely not! We are proud for you to know we exist; what we do and why we do it. We welcome as members all good men who feel that they would want to do what we do. Just as the ancient stonemasons did, we meet in private and as the new Mason progresses to full membership, he is successively taught new symbolic ‘secrets’, which are only applicable within the Lodge and which hi is expected not to disclose.

By continuing in this traditional manner, we believe that each new Mason comes to realise, with unique clarity, that he has joined a substantial organisation with serious moral purpose.

In the course of his earliest ceremony, the new Mason must publicly declare his clear understanding that he is not joining Freemasonry in the expectation of any worldly advantage from doing so and that there will be no place for him within the fraternity should he attempt to do so. We make no secret of this.

Is there more to Masonry than ceremonies?

Our ceremonies only take up a part of our evenings together and once we have left our Lodge Room, we usually enjoy drinks and a dinner together in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere. We regularly invite our ladies and men who are not Masons to join us at some of our Festive Boards (as we call them). In this way, we hope the warmth and enjoyment of our gatherings can be made clear to more people.

Is Freemasonry a religion?

It most emphatically is not. Because our traditions and ancient history give, in the popular mind, a certain impression of mystery, some have assumed that Freemasonry has some religious purpose. Freemasonry has a moral purpose, but as long as a member is able to profess a belief in God, Freemasonry quite deliberately does not involve itself in the nature of his personal worship. Our membership being diverse and including men of many faiths, the name of God, is quite deliberately referred to as ‘The Great Architect of the Universe, and is used at all our meetings (for example, we still say grace before dinner). Otherwise, all discussion of religion (and politics, incidentally) is forbidden at a Masonic meeting and men of all faiths can be found side by side and at ease in a Freemasons Lodge.

It is noteworthy that the Lodges in Ireland are governed by just one Grand Lodge if Ireland, regardless of which side of the border they meet; and at a recent lodge meeting in Israel, at Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee, one of our members found himself, a Christian, sitting beside Arab and Jewish Masons as they worked a bi-lingual ceremony. Afterwards, they all dinned together in unity.

What charitable work is Freemasonry involved in?

Freemasonry is a major charitable institution and donates millions of pounds each year in assisting others: both Masonic organisations and to those with no such connections. We fund projects for the infirm, the elderly, the disadvantaged and the young. Every hospice in the land receives an annual grant from The Freemasons. We contribute, for example, to the Scout and Guide movements, the Air Ambulances and the Samaritans. There can be few areas of society where Freemasonry has not helped those with needs.

Regular contributions to charity are expected of a Freemason, but he only gives what he can afford and it is done in private.

Why can’t women become Freemasons?

But they can. There are distinguished and dignified organisations for ladies who wish to be Freemasons. They have their own traditions and purposes that are similar to ours. They do not admit men, just as we do not admit women.

What will a man get out of Freemasonry?

As a freemason, it is our hope that a man will feel part of a centuries-old, but modern international organisation, which is determined to play a part in encouraging good and thoughtful conduct; a love of family and friendship, an instinct to help others and a desire to have enjoyment in good company.

Kindest Sincerest and Fraternal Regards

Ray Weinstein

Dear friends and supporters

Where has this year gone? You like me I imagine, are probably asking the same question as 2006 draws so quickly to a close , and you may also well be asking just "what have I done this year". Perhaps I should try and answer that question for you.

I myself have to sit back and hold my hands up in admiration and gratitude as I look back on this year and to say thank you everyone, for your great kindness and support for all that I and my son Adam are in the process of doing for Honeylands Childrens Centre in Exeter. 

As you will have read in my last communication via the town website, that we have now launched our own dedicated website for the Jack Godfrey Honeylands Support fund, and I am amazed at how quickly Adam has progressed with the mechanics of the site so that it will be comparatively easy for a lesser mortal like myself to be able to put items on there for you all to read.

 If you have already visited us then I hope that you will have found it interesting and worthwhile. If you have not yet found the time in your busy schedules then why not, over the Christmas holidays pay us a visit, you will find us at www.jackgodfrey.org.uk  You too can become involved in our crusade for this wonderful place in 2007 by simply becoming a member of our team, you can do this by simply registering on our website, as the more voices that speak out for Honeylands the more can be done for parents who have children with special needs just like Jack. 

You will probably have noticed a lack of events in November and December, this has been quite deliberate on my part as I felt strongly that you, my wonderful friends and supporters, will have many things to contend with on the run up to Christmas and the last thing in the world that you would want is for yet another knock on your front door by someone wanting to sell you another draw ticket book, and I definitely would not want to be a burden to you in that way.

This has now left me some, dare I say free time (not) to get myself a little breathing space so that I can prepare for the continuing crusade in 2007. Most, if not all of the things that happened this year will be also happening next and will include some very new items as well. 

The advertised Banquet and Ball will be taking place sometime next year as will the art auction, both of there were due to have taken  place in November. The art auction is proving to be a very exciting event as we have one of the UK's top landscape artists supporting us. You can read all about this on our website.

Most, if not all, of the events that took place this year will be happening next, so please do visit us regularly to keep up to date on our programme.

In 2007 we launch the Travel & Entertainment club, to bring to you, our supporters and the community, some new entertainment and travel features for your enjoyment. It has always been a priority of mine, to bring to everyone something very special in return for the support that you give us.

To do this we are now going to put on special entertainment evenings which will include singers, comedians, bands and magicians. We will also be arranging some special ‘Away Weekends' to shows in London and other areas, and special events that will include sport and general relaxation.

To make this happen we will need your help, by filling in a short questionnaire to let us know your likes and dislikes in music and general entertainers, and what you like to do at weekends and what hobbies you have. You will find the questionnaire on the website soon. So please take a little time to fill it in, print it off and send it back to us at the email address on the website. Questionnaires will also be available from central points in our towns and villages early next year. 

We recognise that we have many supporters in and around Mid Devon and the Exeter area, so we will try our best to arrange things to cover all areas in the community throughout the year when we put on these entertainment evenings.

As an example for the away weekends, we are planning one that will cover walking and the countryside, as we have many supporters who like to do this as a means of relaxation and enjoyment, so the plan is to arrange something away from the norm, away from our own communities, by going to somewhere, maybe in Cornwall or even Wales for the weekend, staying at a hotel and generally having a good time, and of course walking. This type of event will be held in the late spring, summer or autumn months when hopefully the sun will once again shine on us. 

We hope that you will find this to be fulfilling to you in yourselves and we would like to think that you have had something to remember, as you always give us something to remember, in that, "the world we live in can be better, if we spread a little love, care and compassion to those around us" as you, our supporters have done in so many ways in 2006 for the good of Honeylands Children's Centre Exeter in Jacks memory.

We will be holding several different prize draws, with some really fantastic prizes one of which will be a holiday for seven days for six people and we also have the Cheltenham gold cup day coming, and a great football event for all you footie fans out there, and as the saying goes "you gotta be in it to win it" but I wont give to much away here, so just log on to our website to keep up to speed, and watch for news in the press and on the radio.

In closing may I wish for you all a lovely and peaceful Christmas, whoever, and wherever you are and may the New Year be a year of personal fulfilment in where ever your life may lead you. 

David Godfrey

Jack Godfrey Honeylands Support Fund