Freemasonry, long regarded as a secretive men only society, has a reputation for being a bit odd with rumours of funny handshakes and raised trouser legs, however, Nigel Buckland, a 53-year-old Mechanical Engineer sees this differently. For him being part of a lodge offers the access to an environment that enables a person to develop and learn about themselves, their fellow lodge members, and society in general.

Nigel joined a Lodge in Ashton one year ago and has just completed his 3rd Degree which means he is now what we call a ‘Master Mason’. 

Read on about Bro Nigel Buckland’s experience, what interested him about Freemasonry, how membership is enhancing his life after joining, and a background of what Freemasonry is all about.

So, Nigel, what first brought Freemasonry to your attention?

In my mid-twenties I was introduced to the father of a friend who made an immediate and lasting impression on me. I admired the way he conducted himself around others with compassion, morality, and respect, always thinking to myself, that is the type of person I aspire to be.

Subsequently, I learnt he had been a Freemason for many years and often wondered how much of a part it played in shaping his character.

I was invited as a guest to a Lodge event, enabling me to gain a snapshot into what Freemasonry was all about. Shortly after this came a suggestion of becoming a member, as temping as this was, I felt at that particular moment in time, I would not be able to fully commit.

And what was it about Freemasonry that made it right for you?

You reach a certain period in your life, in my case my children have grown up and become self-sufficient in the world, you have the skills to be confident in your career, you have pursued numerous hobbies and potentially have some spare time on your hands. Maybe It is now time to focus on me and develop further that person I aspired to be in my twenties, establish new friendships, learn more about myself and acquire new skills.

Now you’ve become a member, are you enjoying your time in the Fraternity?

Absolutely, the first thing that I experienced was an immense sense of belonging amongst my fellow Brethren, the way they supported me was amazing.

The rituals and teachings we prepare, and practise have enabled me to learn about myself, having had a positive impact on my personal and moral self-improvement.

I have just been raised to the 3rd degree – I am now a ‘Master Mason’ which means I am now eligible to become an officer of my lodge. It also means I can join the Holy Royal Arch, which is considered to completion of my craft freemasonry and also means I can join other companion orders like The Knights Templar! This will occur next March when a new master is installed as master of my lodge. From here I will hopefully progress to master of the lodge in 6 years’ time. 

What exactly is Freemasonry, and what do Freemasons do?

Freemasonry is a fraternal organization with roots in medieval stonemasons’ guilds. Freemasons today focus on self-improvement, charity, and building strong communities. They are well known for their charitable work, raising significant amounts of money for various causes. The money raised by Freemasons, unlike other charity organisations, is raised by its members. Below is a list example of local recipients:

  • Ashton United in the Community: Ashton United Football Club’s charity that supports community projects and volunteers in the Hurst area of Ashton under Lyne. By supporting local volunteers in local projects they help to improve their confidence, physical and mental health and well-being and to give skills and knowledge that can lead to work opportunities.
  • Willow Wood Hospice: This local gem provides incredible care and support for individuals and their families facing life-limiting illnesses. Our donations have helped them continue to offer compassionate care and vital services. Many of the Lodges in Southern Area make recurring annual donations.
  • Oldham Mountain Rescue Team: They have a team of 50 or so volunteers and provide a professional rescue service 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. The team has strong links with the police, ambulance and fire services and sometimes works as a back up to the ambulance and fire services at busy times or when their specialist skills are required.
  • Christies, of course, is always up there, with donations often from Lodges where a member or member’s relative has been under their care
  • And most Lodges will make  occasional donations to local groups, not necessarily charities, but where a little bit of cash helps the group to continue happily, like the Denton Knitting Circle, Ancoats Lads’ Club, Chadderton Drama Club and local foodbanks

Can I now ask you for a little more detail about the Freemasons and Freemasonry in General? Let’s start with 

Is Freemasonry a religion?

No, Freemasonry is not a religion. While it is a secular organization, a belief in a ‘Supreme Being’ is a prerequisite for membership of Freemasonry. Because of the deeply personal nature of religion, and politics, discussions about those topics are forbidden at Lodge meetings – indeed, some Manchester lodges don’t like discussing football!

Why is Freemasonry so secretive?

Freemasonry’s secrecy stems from a tradition of using secret words and symbols to recognize members, similar to medieval stonemasons’ guilds protecting their craft. While some aspects remain private to maintain a sense of mystery and symbolism, Freemasons today are more open about their organisation, with websites, social media presence, and even museums open to the public. We have a phrase…”we are not a secret society, just a society with secrets!”

What happens in a Masonic Lodge meeting?

Lodge meetings are typically held in two parts. The first involves administrative procedures like proposing new members and discussing charitable fundraising. There are ceremonies related to the admittance of new members and the installation of Lodge officers. These ceremonies are described as symbolic rituals that teach moral and ethical principles. The second part is called ‘the social board’ and involve a meal, toasts, singing and are a great way to make new friends and relax!

What are the Freemason’s secret rituals and symbols, and what do they mean?

Freemasonry employs a rich system of rituals and symbols, often referencing stonemasonry and building allegories to teach moral lessons. Examples include the square and compasses, representing morality and self-control, and the All-Seeing Eye, symbolizing the Supreme Being’s watchfulness.

What are the requirements to join Freemasonry?

Generally, potential members must be male (though there are separate female-only Masonic organisations), at least 21 years of age, of good moral character, and believe in a Supreme Being.

Are women allowed to be Freemasons?

Yes, they are. Although the United Grand Lodge of England and its Lodges are male only, there are, not just one, but two separate, recognized Masonic organisations for women in the UK, The Order of Women Freemasons and The Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons – Freemasonry for Women. These organisations follow similar traditions, ceremonies, and regalia as their male counterparts. 

https://hfaf.org/     https://www.owf.org.uk/

Who are some famous Freemasons?

Many historical figures and notable personalities have been Freemasons. Some examples include Rick Wakeman, Freddie Parrotface Davis, Ray Dorset of Mungo Jerry, and Peter Sellers. Other famous British Freemasons include scientists like Sir Joseph Banks and Sir Alexander Fleming, explorers like Sir Ernest Shackleton and Captain Robert Falcon Scott, and actors like Peter Sellers and Vas Blackwood.

What are the benefits of being a Freemason?

Freemasons cite benefits such as developing lasting friendships, opportunities for community service, personal and moral self-improvement through structured teachings and rituals, and a sense of belonging to a supportive fraternity. Some freemasons says that the learning of ritual helps ‘exercise’ their brain!

If you’d like to know more about freemasonry please email: membership@pglel.co.uk and one of our membership team will get in touch with you for a chat and invite you to take a look at one of our halls…and if you like what you see, join us at one of our lodge night dinners.