Join the FreemasonsJoin the Freemasons in Essex

We welcome new members so if you want to join the Freemasons in Essex, please carry on reading below. Also, to find out how to join the Freemasons in Essex and get more information, please contact the Secretary. He will happily answer your questions. Also see our home page!

St Laurence Lodge was founded in 1935 although the Founders were a mixed bunch. Of those who wanted to become a freemason in Essex, some worked in the City of London. Some were local tradesmen. One was the Rector of St Laurence Church, another was a publican and one was a lighterman on the Thames. Today, membership is just as mixed. We have Brethren in the building trades,and also accountants, a master mariner and an author. A diver, a civil servant, a taxi driver, an arboriculturalist, people in IT and so on. Our ages range from 23 to nearly 90 though whatever we are, we are all equal as Brothers. No matter what the profession is of those who join us. External rank and fortune is of no importance to freemasons nor are religious choices, colour, creed or sexual preferences.

What do we get out of Freemasonry?
The benefits of Freemasonry.

Politics and religion.

Who are we looking for?

Charity.

The cost?

What is the time commitment?

Bad press?
Do we have secrets?

How do I join?

What do we get out of Freemasonry?

If you asked St Laurence Brethren what they get out of membership, they might say many different things. However, most would point to fellowship and mutual support. A feeling of doing the right things. A sense of continuity with the past and future. The satisfaction of ritual well performed. Perhaps an enjoyment of the theatrical aspects. A great deal of laughter, a few drinks, a good meal and something not easy to put into words. Brethren might be embarrassed to say it out loud, but what we gain is a feeling of something beyond ourselves. Something that lifts us onto a higher plane and makes us glad that we have become a Freemason. To make us want to live up to the ideals of Freemasonry.

The benefits of Freemasonry.

In our meetings, we practise age old ritual. This means learning and performing stories based upon the allegory of the building of the Temple at Jerusalem. Our ceremonies teach and remind us of important truths about our relationship with each other and to the world. It is a form of teaching that pre-dates books which has been going on in Masonry for many centuries. This is enjoyed by freemasons throughout the world.

Politics and religion.

We never discuss politics or religion in the Lodge. Neither of these has any place in Freemasonry. However, if you want to join the Freemasons in Essex, you must have a belief in a “Supreme Being”. This belief, although necessary to become a Freemason, is entirely the affair of each individual and is not our business. You must also promise never to propose or countenance “any act which may have a tendency to subvert the peace and good order of society”. That is as far as it goes.

Who are we looking for?

We want decent men of at least 18 years of age, who can afford the dues and the charitable donations. They should also be willing to get involved. Creed, colour, race, religion or sexual preference are of absolutely no importance. Freemasonry is open to all and so is St Laurence Lodge so why not become a freemason in Essex and join us.

Charity.

Freemasons donate millions of pounds to deserving causes each year of which about 50% is directed towards non-Masonic charities.

The cost?

The initial one off registration fee is around £125 and our dues are currently £250 a year (payable in advance). This includes four dinners a year with wine. If you join part way through the year the dues payable would be pro rata. You may give about the same again to charity but the exact amount is entirely up to you. It is a private matter between you and the charity steward. You will spend a bit on regalia but not normally in the first year. Even then we can probably find you a used set. To become a Freemason in Essex is generally less expensive than to become a Freemason in London.

What is the time commitment?

It really does depend on you. We currently have four meetings a year. If you want to progress towards becoming master of the Lodge, you should also attend many of our instruction evenings. They are know as Lodge of Instruction (LOI) and take place weekly from September to May. The LOI not mandatory but attendance does enable you to learn and practise the ritual in a friendly environment. It is at LOI that you get to know your fellow Freemasons and can make life long friendships.

Bad press?

Attacks on Freemasonry commenced in 1693. None have any substance and we’d be happy to chat with you about them. Also to answer other questions you may have about Freemasons, Freemasonry and how to join the Freemasons in Essex.

Do we have secrets?

Yes, there are indeed some ‘secrets’ in Freemasonry. These have ancient roots; and while they mean little in themselves, they are important to us. To keep a secret is a virtue and anyone wanting to become a freemason should be able to do so.

How do I join?

You will need a proposer and a seconder. To start the process we can arrange an informal meeting to make contact and get to know you. If by mutual agreement it is then decided that your application should proceed you will be interviewed by the Lodge committee. The Lodge will then vote on the proposal for you to join us and a favourable vote will enable you to join the Freemasons in Essex. This process can take anything between 3 months and a year.

So, if you would like to join the Freemasons in Essex, or want further information, please contact the Secretary.