What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry means different things to each of those who join. For some, it’s about making new friends, for others it’s about being able to help deserving causes – making a contribution to family and society. But for most, it is an enjoyable hobby.
​
​Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest and largest non-religious, non-political, fraternal and charitable organisation. It teaches self-knowledge through participation in a progression of ceremonies. Members are expected to be of high moral standing and are encouraged to speak openly about Freemasonry.
​
Our core values are:
Integrity: Rather than working on buildings like the masons of old, today’s Freemasons focus on building themselves as people of integrity, and membership provides the structure to help achieve that goal.
​
Friendship: One of the oldest social organisations in the world, Freemasonry is not defined by an ideology. It is open to people from all religions and political persuasions and provides the common foundation for friendships between members, many of which will last for life.
​
Respect: With a membership of more than 200,000 people drawn from communities across the UK, Freemasonry brings people together irrespective of their race, religion or any other perceived differences that can divide us as a society.
​
Charity: Kindness and charitable giving are deeply ingrained within the principles of Freemasonry. The organisation provides a support structure that helps members make positive contributions to communities and worthwhile causes through fundraising events or volunteer work.
What do Lodges Do?
A Lodge is far more than just a occasional dinner club, it opens up a world of new friends, networking opportunities, evenings out, visits to other Lodges and Social Events for the whole family.
​
Why Join Buttercross?
With 52 Freemasons Lodges spread across Oxfordshire in 10 locations there are a lot of Lodges to choose from. After a lot of adjustment, development and progress in the fraternity we are pleased that like a number of Oxfordshire Lodges, Buttercross Lodge finds itself reinvigorated with a number of younger new members and are always looking for new members to join.
Buttercross Lodge was established in 1952.
​
When do we meet?
We meet six times a year on the fourth Friday of the month in September, October, November, February, March and April.
​
What happens at a Lodge Meeting?
Our meetings consist of three elements:
​
The Ceremony
The ceremonial parts are conducted in our Lodge Room (Temple) and are based on a number of plays teaching morality to our members.
​
Informal time
Informal time that we spend together in the bar, catching up with old friends, meeting new people and making new friends.
​
Dinner
The 'Festive Board' or dinner that we enjoy after which consists of a number of courses, speeches and frivolity.
​
How much does Freemasonry Cost?
First thing to note as we get reminded frequently is that Freemasonry certainly isn't 'free'! However it is an increasingly affordable hobby. To join there is a one-off joining fee, plus an annual fee* (in 2022 it is £145) payable on the 1st January each year. The meal is around £24 for three courses and includes a glass of wine or a soft drink. At each meal there is usually a raffle.
​
*If you join mid-way through the year, the fee due is pro rata based, dependent on how many months are left in the year.
​
