What is it like to be a member of Freemasonry? We spoke to three members of the United Grand Lodge of England. Here's what they told us.
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Why did you want to become a Freemason?
My father was a Freemason. My grandfather did too, so I asked to be admitted to the lodge. They were delighted and I had to undergo an informal interview. I was asked a few questions and then a date was set for my joining the lodge. The reception ceremony took place and the rest is history. It was 20 years ago, but I still remember it like it was yesterday
says Elliott Chevin, retail manager.
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My interest in Freemasonry was sparked at a very early age. I remember my father and grandfather going to meetings and being very happy to be members of Freemasonry. I was very attracted to the history and mysticism associated with Freemasonry. At the same time, before going to college, I was very involved in scouting, and Freemasonry was a natural continuation of this activity for me
explains Jack Gilliland, MD.
— I joined Freemasonry for several reasons. The main one was to expand my circle of friends. Secondly, because I have an inquisitive mind, I wanted to learn a little more about the history of Freemasonry. I was invited to join Freemasonry by a good friend of mine. He was my neighbor and asked me to write a letter to the lodge expressing my interest in joining and describing what I could offer. After the letter was approved, I went for a short interview, met a few people and was accepted, which made me very happy, recalls Barry Hayward, Customer Service Manager.
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What are the benefits of being a member of Freemasonry?
—When I joined Freemasonry, I thought I was only joining one lodge. However, I became part of a much larger community. I have developed very good, lasting friendships with members of many different lodges. We have a club of young Masons called the Essex Cornerstone Club which gives like-minded people the opportunity to meet and participate in social and charitable activities says Gilliland.
Sometimes we have to get up and make a speech. I can transfer this to my job because having the confidence and ability to stand up and speak to people holds me in good stead
says Hayward.
—Being a member has allowed me to meet people from different backgrounds that I had not had the opportunity to meet before. I travel a lot for work, so whether it's local or international, I have great contacts all over the world. Secondly, it gave me great life skills. During box meetings we get up, present and talk, which is great. We do the same at work, so it gives me confidence. Another advantage of attending our meetings is that they are a good break from the hustle and bustle of life and work says Chevin.
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What was the initiation ceremony like?
— My initiation was really very exciting. Although she seemed quite intimidating at first. It was very personal and refreshing. I will remember and treasure her forever,” Gilliland recalled.
— I was in a room with a lot of people I knew. There were also many people I didn't know. The atmosphere was warm and friendly. It was a fantastic story. This has been and has remained so throughout my Masonic journey. After the meeting, we ate a delicious meal and had a few drinks. And that's the point, says Chevin.
My initiation ceremony was unique and has special meaning for any new Freemason. I was extremely impressed by the amount of work that went into this ceremony, many people I had never met before, and the people who approached me after it was over. After the ceremony you almost feel like a superstar because everyone is there for you and you make great friends that will stay with you for life
says Hayward.
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Initiation ceremonies are extremely mysterious. Here's what the process looks like
— These ceremonies take us back to our roots as medieval stonemasonsbut they also contain elements of learning and personal development. There are three ceremonies that we perform quite often. The first is the initiation ceremony. It introduces the candidate to Freemasonry and allows him to reflect on who he is and the fact that all are born equal, and as life progresses, some do better than others. It teaches us that we need to be aware of this and think about what we can do to help those who are less fortunate than us. The second ceremony, or second degree, teaches us how to become better people We reflect on who we are, how we find ourselves in the world and how we can become better people through education. The final ceremony, the third step, teaches us that we only have a limited time in this worldthat we are all mortal and that we really need to make the most of our time here, explains David Staples, president of the United Grand Lodge of England.
