There are two categories of membership into any Lodge under the United Grand Lodge of England – Initiates and persons who are already Freemasons and are joining from another lodge. 

New  Initiates.

Freemasonry, under the United Grand Lodge of England is open to men of 21 years or over, of sound judgement and strict morals , who believe in a Supreme Being.

Why 21 Years of Age?

This is because the age of majority in England when the United Grand Lodge of England was formed, was 21.  It is possible to join at a lower age , 18 years, however, this would be in special circumstances and would have to be sanctioned by The Provincial  Grand Master

What is meant by a Supreme Being?

On our home page you will see that our Worshipful Master refers to a Supreme Being, this may have worried you, it need not.     Persons of all Religious Persuasions  are welcome.   Freemasonry is not a religion.  It is, however, an Institution of teaching and the practising of high moral standards, and a belief in a God, however he is known , is required, as a basic tenet of the Craft.   In Freemasonry there are members of many faiths, including,  Jews, Hindu's, Islamic, Shinto, and Christianity.  There may well be members of other faiths.  They all share one thing in common; Freemasonry allows them to meet together in a spirit of fellowship, without religious differences coming between them.    

In this enlightened age, why only men? Again, the United Grand Lodge of England was set up in different times, before laws of sexual equality and " men only" status is  a basic tenet of our Order.    All of our tenets are held in very high regard by our members. This doesn’t mean that Freemasonry in its widest sense is sexist – indeed the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons is another Grand Lodge in England,  has a number lodges that admit only women,  So, women are not left out in the cold

I want to become a Freemason - How do I join ?

First send our Secretary an email from the link on our home page, and leave him your contact details.   A member of the Lodge will contact you about Freemasonry and what would be expected of you and, of course, what you could expect in return.   Arrangements will be made for you to visit our Lodge Rooms, and maybe even meet some of us at one of our  social events.

Should you express an interest in joining Freemasonry, and this lodge in particular, we will arrange for a couple of Past Masters to visit you at your home. The purpose of this visit is to allow you, and more importantly your family, to ask questions, and be sure of the financial and time commitment that will be placed upon you. You will need a proposer & seconder, and we will ask you to provide two independent references.

All this seems rather onerous we know, but it does serve to ensure that the unique character of each Lodge is maintained, and that applicants who join remain life long members of a very special fraternity. And once you're in, we feel sure that  you will have no regrets!

Many people believe that you have to be invited to join, this is not true, – All you have to do is ask.

New members

Elkington Lodge is always pleased to hear from persons who want to become Freemasons, as well as those who are already Freemasons and  who would like to join our lodge.  We have members from many walks of life, all who are dedicated to Freemasonry and are willing to help newcomers fit into the lodge.   If you feel this is the way forward for you please contact us. (secretary@elkingtonlodge.)org