Freemasonry is the UK's largest secular, fraternal and charitable organisation. It has flourished for more than three hundred years and brings together men of goodwill and integrity, tolerant to beliefs of others, charitable in disposition, all striving to achieve high moral standards in every aspect of their lives.

Freemasonry has been involved in charitable activities from its very early beginnings, but not just for the benefit of its own members. Yes, it does provide support for Freemasons, their widows and children in need; but it also provides support for all kinds of good causes in the wider community. All such charitable money is raised within Freemasonry and not from the general public.

In the last five years alone, Freemasons (under the United Grand Lodge of England) have raised more than £75 million for a vast range of projects in the wider community. These include medical research, disaster relief, respite and community care, work and education with young people etc. You can find full details on our local and national web sites.

The Masonic Samaritan Fund provides grants to fund private medical treament covering a wide variety of needs. This support is available to Freemasons, their wives, partners, widows and dependants. In a recent Financial Year, £2.9m was allocated in support of 457 applicants. This equates to £8000 allocated for each and every day of the year.

A Freemason - The Family Man

Being a Freemason makes you feel that you are doing something positive for other people. Many Freemasons are married men with daily work and family committments. Whilst a mason has an obligation to attend his Lodge meetings, he is always expected and encourgaed to put his family and work before Freemasonry.

Do partners become involved?

Yes, if they wish to. We take care to ensure that our partners understand the meaning of what we do. In fact, they can attend many social functions and even some meetings. Most Lodges hold dinners, dances and less formal events. Some even have trips abroad.

Masonic Charities give assistance to families with child education, university fees, caring for the elderly at home or in a nursing home, and with medical care and financial aid for those in genuine need.

Visiting other Lodges

There are 190 Masonic Lodges spread all over Northumberland. Of these Lodges, 14 meet at the Fern Avenue Masonic Centre between seven and ten times a year on various specific evenings of the month. There are however many more Lodges you can visit in the other areas through Great Britain and indeed the rest of the world. One aspect of being a Freemason is the pleasure of visiting other Lodges; meeting other masons and making new friends, regardless of their race, colour, religion or political beliefs. As a visitor, you are always made welcome.