Become a Freemason in Essex
We welcome new members so please browse the site, look at the questions and answers below and if you feel you would like to find out how to become a freemason in Essex and how to join us or just find out more about freemasonry please contact the Secretary. He will happily answer your questions and provide you with further information.
St Laurence Lodge was founded in 1935. The Founders were a mixed bunch. Of those who wanted to become a freemason in Essex, some worked in the City of London and some were local tradesmen. One was the Rector of St Laurence Church, one was a publican and one was a lighterman on the Thames. Today, membership is just as mixed. We have Brethren in the building trades, 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 and whatever we are, we are equal as Brothers no matter what the profession of those who join us. External rank and fortune is of no importance to us or any other freemasons and neither are religious choices, colour, creed or sexual preferences.
What do we get out of Freemasonry?
What do we do?
What about politics and religion?
Who are we looking for?
What about charity?
What does it cost?
What is the time commitment?
What about the bad press?
Do we have secrets?
How do people 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. While many of the Brethren might be a little embarrassed to say it out loud, what we really gain is a feeling of something beyond ourselves. Something that lifts us onto a higher plane, makes us glad that we have become a freemason and makes us want to live up to the ideals of Freemasonry.
In our meetings, we practise age old ritual. This is a matter of learning and performing stories based upon the allegory of the building of the Temple at Jerusalem. Our ceremonies are designed to teach and remind us of important truths about our relationship with each other and to the world at large. It is a form of teaching that pre-dates books which has been going on in Masonry for many centuries and is enjoyed by freemasons throughout the world.
What about 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 become a Freemason in Essex and join us 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.
We want decent, trustworthy men, of at least 18 years of age, who can afford the dues and the charitable donations and are willing to get involved. Creed, colour, race, religion or sexual preference are also 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.
Freemasons donate millions of pounds to deserving causes each year of which about 50% is directed towards non-Masonic charities.
The initial one off registration fee is around £125 and our dues are currently £250 a year (payable in advance) which includes four dinners 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 and is a private matter between you and the charity steward. You will spend a bit on regalia but not normally in the first year and 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.
It really does depend on you. We currently have four meetings a year but if you want to progress towards becoming master of the Lodge, you will want to attend many of our instruction evenings. These take place weekly from September to May. They are by no means mandatory but they do enable you to learn and practise the ritual in a friendly environment while getting to know your fellow freemasons.
Attacks on Freemasonry commenced in 1693. None have any substance. We’d be happy to chat to you about them or answer other questions you may have about freemasons, Freemasonry and how to become a freemason in Essex.
Yes. There are indeed some ‘secrets’ in Freemasonry which have ancient roots; and while they mean little in themselves, they are important to us. The ability to keep a secret is considered a virtue and anyone wanting to become a freemason should be able to do so.
You will need a proposer and a seconder. If you don’t know us 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 and if all goes well the Lodge at large will then vote on the proposal for you to join us at St Laurence Lodge and become a freemason in Essex. This process can take anything between 3 months and a year.
So, as mentioned above, if you do feel you would like to become a freemason in Essex and join us, have any questions or want further information, please contact the Secretary.
