Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest and largest fraternal organisations. There are about 1200 members in Shropshire, 200,000 in the England and Wales and around 6 Million worldwide.
Freemasonry means different things to each of those who join. For some, it’s about making new friends and acquaintances. For others it’s about being able to help deserving causes – making a contribution to family and for society.
Masonry teaches self-knowledge through participation in a progression of ceremonies. For some this is the most important and enjoyable part of Freemasonry. There are a number of offices, or ranks within a Lodge, through which each year members can rise, if they choose, each office requiring its own unique bit of ritual to be learnt.
A very important element of Freemasonry is Charity. We are truly proud of our charitable giving and support for the community. Members are invited to donate to charity, but this should always be done within their means and it is entirely up to individuals how much they wish to contribute.
More information about how Shropshire Masons in particular give to charity can be found here.
The national Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) is funded entirely by Freemasons and helps vulnerable and disadvantaged people to live happy, fulfilling lives. The MCF participates actively in society awarding grants to local and national charities, and by encouraging opportunity, promoting independence and improving wellbeing for Freemasons and their families.
The MCF supports 500 local and national charities every year at a cost of £5.5 million. In the most recent annual report into the top 300 grant making foundations in the UK, the MCF was in the top 25. When you add to that the amount given by lodges and Provinces we estimate that freemasonry gives over £40M annually to good causes.
Find out more about the Masonic Charitable Foundation: mcf.org.uk
You can find out more information on Freemasonry in general using these links:
For the United Grand Lodge of England: www.ugle.org.uk,
For the Provincial Grand Lodge of Shropshire: www.shropshiremasons.org.uk.
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