Freemasonry Today

Whatever its origins, Freemasonry has evolved to become a worldwide organisation of men of good intention, who share concern for the well-being of all other people.

At the same time, the organisation and its members make a special commitment to assist fellow Masons and their dependants in times of personal crisis or need.

Freemasonry has nothing whatever to do with undermining or corrupting government, the judicial system, the local planning department, or any other section of society   -  and Old Tauntonians would want no connection with it, if it did.

There are some extraordinary misconceptions about Freemasonry and it is hoped these few pages will set the record a little straighter.   

The common perception that Freemasonry is a secret society is much mistaken.  The headquarters building in central London is open to the public and all Masons are actively encouraged to discuss their membership with family and friends  -   and to answer any questions they may have.

The two OT Lodges  -  together with around 8,000 others  -  come under the umbrella of the United Grand Lodge of England.  The Duke of Kent is the present Grand Master and something like 300,000 individual members are drawn from all sections of society  -  with no distinction between class, wealth, religion, race or occupation.

Further Grand Lodges have been established around the world and it is estimated there are some 5,000,000 Freemasons altogether, with vast numbers in North America.

There are three abiding principles to Freemasonry.  They are: Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth  -  which can be briefly explained, as follows:

Brotherly Love means to act in word and deed as a brother to all Masons  -  but not without conditions.  Every Freemason makes a solemn promise never to use his membership improperly, especially by either seeking or granting favours at the expense of others. 

Relief means charity.  As well as being charitable in nature, all Freemasons are encouraged to contribute financially to Masonic Charities according to their ability, though never at the expense of their families or other personal obligations.  An annual payment of £50 or £100 might be typical but there are those who are able to give considerably more.

Primarily, the Masonic Charities support Masons and their dependants in time of need but it doesn't end there.  In particular, a central fund known as the Grand Charity makes contributions in excess of £2 million each year to a wide range of non-Masonic causes.  The Hospice movement, for example, receives regular assistance, as do many other charitable organisations  -  and it would be rare for a national or international disaster to occur without the Grand Charity being swift to respond, typically with a five or six figure donation.

Truth simply means what it says.  Every Freemason must promise to be a law abiding citizen and honest and truthful in his dealings with all other people  -  not just fellow Masons.

These principles are, of course, ideals  -  and not every member manages to live up to them all the time.  Nonetheless, they are worthwhile goals and Freemasons are expected to strive to achieve them.

Within individual Lodges, such as the Old Tauntonian and Taunton School Lodges, Freemasons meet together in a quite unique atmosphere of friendship and goodwill, to discharge the business of the Lodge and to welcome new members.

So, what actually goes on inside a Masonic Meeting?  

Take a look at the Inside Story.