The Grand Lodge of South Africa, as indeed the whole Order of Freemasonry, consists of men who are desirous of improving their intellectual capacity, moral code of conduct and spiritual well-being. They have joined together so that they may mutually assist each other in this aim. Instruction and help in the achievement of the above objects is imparted at regular meetings by means of ritual address, customs and ceremony, which have their beginnings in antiquity.

Freemasonry does not seek to persuade anyone to join it – candidates should come forward of their own free will and apply.

In the Order are men of widely divergent intellectual, cultural and social backgrounds, but all are motivated by Brotherly love. Although there are no barriers to the Freemason’s improvement within and without the Lodge, the Order demands respect of social conventions and teaches that, whereas some may rule, others must obey.

Freemasons, in their relations with one another, will naturally attempt to help one another in the attainment of their Masonic ideals and to improve relationships in the outside world, but it is not incumbent on the Lodge, or the individual Mason, to support or assist Brethren in their normal business lives, or professions, nor to function as a Charitable or Benefit society. Indeed, any who come to Freemasonry with the idea they are joining a Charitable or Benefit Society will be sadly disillusioned.

There are no pecuniary or material advantages offered by the Order. Freemasonry does however, have certain charities which are solely intended for the assistance of Brethren who, when they joined the Order, enjoyed good circumstances and apparent financial stability, but who subsequently, though circumstances beyond their control, have fallen on hard times. These Masonic charities are not intended to replace the provisions which a man must make for his family in his old age or in the event of his death.

The Freemason is, however, in addition to paying his Lodge dues, expected to make a contribution to Masonic Charities and, as a man’s first duty must be unequivocally be to himself and his family and his home, the prospective Candidate is advised that he should not join the Order if he is unable to meet the financial obligations of membership without strain on his normal family obligations, or if his joining would, in any way whatsoever, be detrimental to his family commitments.

No Masonic Lodge takes part in politics and no discussion on politics generally, or State Policy, is permitted in the Lodge. The Order does not interfere in a Brother’s political belief, or in his activities outside the Lodge, but requires that members be law-abiding and acknowledge the Civil Authorities. The Lodge will not countenance Brethren guilty of criminal misdemeanor or subversive activities. Whilst demanding from its members loyalty and obedience to its principles and constitution, there is nothing in Freemasonry which conflicts with a man’s civil, moral or religious obligations. Masonry is an international fraternity; however each Mason is enjoined to be loyal to his own country, knowing that other men love their country as he loves his.

Although the Freemason must have religious belief, as the Order’s teaching is carried out with religious symbolism, Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is the Masonic Temple a place of Worship. The Order does not attempt to provide, or to supplant religious requirements which are best provided by Churches, or other religious bodies with that specific function. The Order does not usurp these functions. The Freemason must, however, be prepared to undertake solemn obligations in the sight of God, and on the Holy Bible. The Order embraces the concept of brotherly love under the Fatherhood of God.

Summary:

The Prospective Candidate must be male and over 21 years of age before being eligible to join, unless he is the son of a Freemason then he must be over 18 years of age. He must be sincerely desirous of, and have the ability to, improve his intellectual and spiritual and moral code of conduct and must be prepared to devote his time, means and efforts thereto, and to assist his Brethren, by Brotherly love, to achieve their like objects.
He must not seek business, financial or social advantage from the Order.
His joining the Order should not place financial, or other strain on his family commitments.
He must have a religious belief.

Read also  “A Guide to the Prospective Candidate  Continued”    below 

Yes.   Current annual membership varies from Lodge to Lodge which is largely to cover our use of the temples we meet in. Other amounts payable include a once-off initiation fee, which may include your first year of membership.

Donations to our Charitable causes are collected at meetings but the amount given is entirely voluntary. Other costs include your Apron, which you will purchase on your attainment of the Master Mason degree. A small amount is also payable for refreshments at our meetings.

Should you be interested to join our Order please go to “Join” on the home page and complete the required details and contact will be made.

Please note:
1) That you need to be a South African Citizen or be in a possession of a Permanent Resident Permit
2) That you must be gainfully employed, that is earning a salary enough to be a member of our Order without this being financially detrimental to
your family.

It follows that should you be unemployed or a student you are not eligible to join our Order yet