Per Caelum Lodge
8602
Freemasonry is about helping good men to become better men and is probably one of the oldest, and most enduring personal development courses in existence.
Freemasonry looks to develop and promote five core principles:
There is more information available to browse on the United Grand Lodge of England website, and any of our members will be pleased to answer any of your questions, and to tell you what Freemasonry means to them.
Freemasonry is a society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values. Its members are taught its precepts (moral lessons and self-knowledge) by a series of ritual dramas – a progression of allegorical two-part plays which are learnt by heart and performed within each Lodge – which follow ancient forms, and use stonemasons’ customs and tools as allegorical guides. At Per Caelum we use the Emulation Ritual in our ceremonies.
Freemasonry instils in its members a moral and ethical approach to life: it seeks to reinforce thoughtfulness for others, kindness in the community, honesty in business, courtesy in society and fairness in all things. Members are urged to regard the interests of the family as paramount but, importantly, Freemasonry also teaches and practices concern for people, care for the less fortunate and help for those in need.
Brotherhood
Every true Freemason will show tolerance and respect for the opinions of others and behave with kindness and understanding to his fellow creatures.
Relief
Freemasons are taught to practise charity and to care – not only for their own – but also for the community as a whole both by charitable giving and by voluntary efforts and works as individuals. From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been concerned with the care of orphans, the sick and the aged. This work continues today. In addition, large sums are given to national and local charities.
Truth
Freemasons strive for truth, requiring high moral standards and aiming to achieve them in their own lives. Freemasons believe that these principles represent a way of achieving higher standards in life.
Some of our members have offered to share some of their reflections of what Freemasonry means to them:
“I believe that Freemasonry enriches me as a person and helps us make this world a better place”.
“Freemasonry started from a sense of curiosity and I have learnt to appreciate the sense of belonging and support that is available from it, but mostly the guidance it provides in bettering myself not only for my benefit but also for others.”