FAITH, HOPE & CHARITY

This article by Neil Thomas from the October 2010 issue of The Shropshire Magazine will give you some insight into what Freemasonry is, and the charitable donations made by Freemasons in Shropshire.

 

BBC SHROPSHIRE INTERVIEWS REV TED WARD 

The Reverend Edward Ward, a Freemason for over 30 years and a Shropshire vicar talks to BBC Radio Shropshire about Freemasonry. Click on the link below to hear the full interview.

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.

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 practises concern for people, care for the less fortunate and help for those in need.

THE THREE GREAT PRINCIPLES

For many years Freemasons have followed three great principles:

Brotherly Love
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.

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.

Charity

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.

The Royal Arch

The Royal Arch is the culmination of that four stage journey through 'Pure Antient Masonry' as set out and defined in the Masonic Book of Constitutions.  All Master Masons are eligible to be Exalted into the Supreme Degree of the Holy Royal Arch, more familiarly known as 'Chapter'.

A Royal Arch Chapter is a Masonic body which is attached to, but organized separately from a Craft Lodge.  There are twelve Chapters in the Province of Shropshire.  Some Brethren prefer to join a Chapter where they are well known whilst others have a preference to join a different centre altogether.

Chapters usually meet three to four times during a Masonic season.  The joining and annual fees are considerably less than those of a Craft Lodge.  If you would like more information about the Royal Arch please contact the  Provincial Scribe Ezra, Dave Kettle or any of the individual Chapter Scribe Ezras on the 'All Chapters' link.