1913 2008

HFAF - The Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons

"Having been a Lady Freemason for more than 50 years, l am delighted that younger generations are using the most modern technology to disseminate knowledge about our our Order, the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons.

No longer can Masonry be referred to as a secret society - it never was. But it has served the press to believe so and to propagate that image from time to time.

Our Fraternity is open to women of any age, race or creed. The first question asked of any applicant is "Do you believe in God?" The answer must be in the affirmative, but how one worships is a matter for the individual. Freemasonry is not a religion though its teachings have a moral tendency.

It is difficult to describe the immense satisfaction one gets from being a member, suffice it to say that it is an organisation of exceptional amity and support, both between members and to the outside charities who benefit from its generosity.

We have Lodge Meetings where behaviour is of necessity formalised, but Festive Boards and Socials (which are often held to support charitable causes), make for a programme as varied and as interesting as you wish to make it. Commitment both in attendance or participation is entirely up to the individual.

The reason why Women Freemasons have decided to "go public" is twofold:

The Commons Select Committee told representatives of Men’s Masonry, who were the subject of investigation by the Committee at the time, that having established their status and their charitable accomplishments, they should be more open with the public and dispel the "secrecy" image. Because many of our members are married to Masons, we have generally adopted the UGLE lead on such matters, although it must be emphasised, the United Grand Lodge of England has no jurisdiction over us.

Secondly, despite nearly one hundred years of women’s participation, we thought it high time to dispel the notion that Freemasonry exists only for men. Even among women married to Masons we have perceived a lack of awareness of our Order.

All those who are already Masons, need no telling how much Freemasonry means to them and how it has enriched their lives. But to those who are not yet members, but who find themselves attracted by its Precepts, I say to you "Go ahead, and make the first move, you will not be disappointed."