The Longmynd Lodge No 4877 · Church Stretton, Shropshire

Why Be a Freemason?

We live in a more connected world and yet many of us feel more isolated than ever. Work, home, screen, sleep, repeat. Freemasonry offers something increasingly rare: a genuine blend of friendship, service, tradition and personal development, brought together within a shared framework of values, and open to men of any background. Each of those things can be found elsewhere; friendship at a sports club, purpose through charity work, growth through a career; but all this can be found side-by-side in Freemasonry.

"It's about belonging to something meaningful, meeting interesting people from all walks of life, and having a structured way to reflect on how I can live well and do some good."

Ask any of us why we are Freemasons and you'll hear some version of that same answer: a group of friends that can be relied upon, a sense of belonging, a structure for personal development and the chance to contribute to Church Stretton and the wider community.

What is Freemasonry?

Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest fraternal organisations. A group of people from all walks of life who come together to try to be better individuals, support each other, and contribute to society. It is not a religion and it is not political. It's a mix of friendship, personal development, tradition and charity, using old symbols and ceremony to explore ideas like integrity, responsibility, kindness and self-improvement.

Those principles aren't abstract. At its heart, Freemasonry rests on four enduring virtues; temperance, fortitude, prudence and justice. These virtues shape how members live in their families, workplaces, and communities, and in how they treat other people.

Is It a Secret Society?

No, Freemasonry is better described as a society that values discretion, not secrecy. A secret society hides its existence, its membership, and its activities; Freemasonry does none of those things. This website, our published content, our meeting times and location are all public, and our members are happy to explain to others why they are Freemasons.

What does stay private is a handful of traditional ceremonies, kept back for the same reason you wouldn't reveal a film's ending before someone has seen it for themselves; they form part of the experience for new members. That principle of discretion also means members are free to share their own membership if they wish, without someone else doing it for them.

Faith, Belief & Politics

Freemasonry is not a religion and doesn't replace one. Members come from many different religious backgrounds, and everyone is expected to hold some personal belief in a higher power. Freemasonry doesn't define what that means; it's a personal matter, left entirely to the individual. It's about shared values, not shared doctrine.

Freemasonry as a body will never express a view on politics or state policy either. Discussing politics at a Lodge meeting has always been prohibited.

Who Can Join?

Freemasonry is open to men from every background, race, religion and profession. The essential requirements are being an adult man of good character who holds a personal belief in a higher power. Inside the Lodge, what matters is character, not job title or postcode.

Current members of The Longmynd Lodge reflect exactly that mix: business owners, engineers, accountants, retired forces, teachers, tradespeople, retired. We are people from very different backgrounds and all ages, including Shropshire's first Freemason who was initiated at age eighteen.

And yes, women can be Freemasons too, and have been in England for over 100 years. Men's and Women's Freemasonry, recognised by the United Grand Lodge of England, work very closely together and share the same rituals although we meet separately.

What Does It Cost?

There is an initiation fee when you join, and each Lodge charges an annual subscription to cover its running costs. The exact figures for The Longmynd Lodge are best discussed directly with our Secretary. Meetings are normally followed by a dinner, so you'll be expected to wear a dark suit, white shirt and black tie, and in due course you'll need your own regalia. Charitable giving is always encouraged, but entirely voluntary and within your own means.

What Happens at a Lodge Meeting?

The Longmynd Lodge meets on the 4th Friday of the month, September to April (excluding December), at 6:15pm, at The Masonic Hall, 65 High Street, Church Stretton, SY6 6BY. Meetings, open only to members, are normally in two parts. First, ordinary business, much like any well-run voluntary organisation:

• Minutes of the previous meeting
• Proposing and balloting for new members
• Masonic news and correspondence
• News about charitable work

Second, ceremony — admitting new members, or the annual installation of the Master and his officers. Then, as ever, dinner — which is where the toasts, speeches, and most of the laughter happen.

Charity & Service

Freemasonry's charitable reach nationally is substantial: Freemasons in England and Wales gave over £27 million worth of support to to charitable and community causes in 2024/25 alone. Freemasons also volunteer their time and skills; it is not just about giving money.

At The Longmynd Lodge, we make an effort to support local good causes. Recent donations have supported Ring & Ride, Blind Veterans UK, Teddies for Loving Care, and Hope House Hospice. The full list of recent local donations is on our donations page. Members give their time in support of the local Ring & Ride, Fire Service, Blood Bikes, Talking Newspapers and other worthy causes. Charitable giving is entirely voluntary and must always be within your own means.

What You Gain

Beyond fellowship, members often point to real, practical benefits: a support network that matters especially through illness, bereavement, or difficult times; friendships that cross generations, learning from older members and sharing experience with younger ones; and genuine confidence in public speaking, built through ceremony and after-dinner toasts alike. This confidence tends to spill over into work, social life and family.

Find Out More

You can find out more information on Freemasonry at www.ugle.org.uk, and also www.shropshiremasons.org.uk.