"The more I learned
the more I became interested.
Now I am a Mason
there is still so much more to discover.
I feel now that my membership
has improved me as a person.
Freemasons help to bring
some goodness and caring
back into the world"

The first stone masons were highly skilled artisans who built the worlds greatest structures; cathedrals are an example. They developed a means by which each level of skill could be recognised by an employer anywhere across the country, without the need for a lengthy practical exam. Other trades down the centuries have used similar methods of recognition. Many of the tools originally used by the early masons have been adopted by Freemasons and applied to a moral code of conduct.

It is not known for certain when Freemasonry began, but records have been found throughout the last millennium. England formed the first Grand Lodge in the world in 1717. One of the attractions for what were then known as “Gentlemen Masons” (as opposed to operative stone masons) was that Freemasons did not permit the discussion of religious or political topics at meetings, so men of all faiths and political persuasions could still meet together for an enjoyable ceremony, a social meal and carry out charitable work.

Freemasonry quickly spread from Britain to Europe and America mainly through travelling military lodges. Today it is a world-wide organisation and many members enjoy the opportunity to make new friends, many of them for life.

Freemasonry promotes character development, good moral conduct, fairness in all things and the ability to speak in public. It gives a feeling of self worth and provides challenges to self-discipline that helps one to have a positive mind and respect for others and creates many lifelong friendships.

The energising force that stimulates Freemasonry is being happy and communicating happiness.


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What makes Freemasonry so special to a Mason?
Ask any member. Enjoyment is the cornerstone. There is no substitute for the experience of a Masonic ceremony; that, and our charitable work, helping all kinds of people, makes it special. Freemasonry is fun. Not a riot but highly enjoyable.


What does a Freemasons meeting entail?
Most lodges in Northumberland meet at around 7.00pm. The formal business is conducted first, usually followed by a meal with a few short speeches. Meetings end at around 10.30pm.


What kind of person can become a Freemason?
The principle qualifications are that he is usually 21 years or older, of good character and believes in a Supreme Being –his God. He is expected to have good morals, compassion and a kind and charitable disposition.


Is there any personal gain from being a Mason?
No. A Mason should not expect to gain any material advantage from membership. If he seeks to do so he may be expelled.


What will be expected of me?
Members do as much as they wish. The administration, ceremonial, accounting, fund raising and general running of the Lodge is carried out voluntarily by its own members.


Where can I find out more about Freemasonry?
Public libraries hold books on the fascinating subject. Websites will tell you more about us, and there are links to other Provinces and indeed the United Grand Lodge of England.

The Provincial Grand Lodge of Northumberland web site is: www.northumberlandmasons.com
The United Grand Lodge of England web site is:
www.grandlodge-england.org
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Freemasonry is the UK's largest secular, fraternal and charitable organisation. It has flourished for more than three hundred years. It brings together men of goodwill and integrity, tolerant to the beliefs of others, charitable in disposition and striving to achieve high moral standards in every aspect of their daily 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 provides 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 —see page 3

A Freemason's charity isn't only the giving of money; it is also about giving time to others. Making the effort to give your time to someone who needs it — e.g. the elderly, the lonely and the sick — Masons and non-Masons alike.

Fern Avenue Freemasons (Community Group) work with and are members of the Jesmond Community Forum.
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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 commitments. Whilst a Mason has an obligation to attend his Lodge meetings, he is always expected and encouraged 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 throughout 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.
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Membership is open to men of all faiths who acknowledge belief in their God.
They must be of good character and law-abiding.

If you know a member of a Lodge he can put your name forward. Alternatively, you can contact:-
The Secretary of Fern Avenue Freemasons (Community Group), Fern Avenue Masonic Centre, Fern Avenue, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 2PT.
Give your full name and contact details and let us know which of the Fern Avenue Masonic Centre Lodges, listed below, is/are of particular interest to you.

Athelstan Lodge Meet 1st Tuesday
10 months of the year

Novocastrian Lodge Meet 1st Thursday
9 months of the year

Pilgrim Lodge Meet 1st Friday
9 months of the year

King Solomon Lodge Meet 2nd Monday
7 months of the year

Lodge of Free Burgesses Meet 2nd Wednesday
7 months of the year

White Friars Lodge Meet 2nd Thursday
10 months of the year

Prince of Wales Lodge Meet 2nd Friday
10 months of the year

Legion Lodge Meet 3rd Monday
10 months of the year

Lodge De Loraine Meet 3rd Tuesday
10 months of the year

Carliol Lodge Meet 3rd Wednesday
10 months of the year

St. Marks Lodge Meet 4th Monday
10 months of the year

Grainger Lodge Meet 4th Wednesday
10 months of the year

Morden Lodge Meet 4th Thursday
10 months of the year

Lodge Temperance Meet 4th Friday
9 months of the year


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