the Chantry lodge

No. 6454

non Nobis solum  - Not merely for ourselves

How to become a freemason - suggested steps

Becoming a Freemason

What will i get out of Freemasonry?

Our fraternity has a wonderful history, which dates back more than three centuries. It is one of the world's oldest secular fraternities, a society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values. Founded on the three great principles of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth, it aims to bring together men of goodwill, regardless of background and differences.

  • You will meet some nice people from very different walks of life, both socially and whilst doing Masonic work.
  • You will have the satisfaction of helping others less fortunate than yourself.
  • You should find your self-confidence and ability to learn improve as you become more involved.
  • You will NOT get preferment in your career.
  • You will NOT increase your business.
  • You will NOT make any more money.

Who can become a freemason?

  • Membership is only open to men over the age of 21 (18 in certain circumstances).
  • All Freemasons are required to have a belief in a Supreme Being.
  • All Freemasons are required to obey the law and to be good citizens.
  • Freemasons are specifically prohibited from using their masonic affiliations to further their own (or anyone else's) business interests.
  • Freemasons regularly donate money to Charity. No one, however, is asked to donate more than they can afford.
  • ​A Freemason's first duty is always the well-being of his family.

People might think that becoming a Freemason is quite difficult, but it's actually straightforward. It is open to men from all walks of life, regardless of their personal circumstances or background. However, there are a few things that must be considered before applying to join -

If our website has aroused your interest in Freemasonry in general and this Masonic Lodge, Chantry Lodge, in particular, and you would like to know more about joining the Freemasons, or you have any other questions, please contact our secretary using the enquiry form on the Contact page 

If you do not live or work in or near Gravesend, or it would be difficult for you to travel to Gravesend for our meetings, but you are still interested in becoming a Freemason, we advise you to first talk to a family member, friend or colleague whom you already know to be a Freemason. They will be able to explain to you what they can about the fraternity and help you find a suitable Lodge.

If you don't know anyone at all who is a Freemason, don't worry, you can simply get in touch will a Masonic Office in your area. Your local office will be pleased to hear from you, simply write or email them telling them a little bit about yourself and why you are interesting in joining Freemasonry. 

You can find your local Masonic Office in the index to Provinces  If you are overseas, check the index of foreign Grand Lodges​. 

Once you have contacted, or been introduced to, a particular Lodge, arrangements will be made to meet you informally to find out more about you and to give you a chance to find out more about the Lodge and Freemasonry. You would then, in due course, be invited to meet a committee of members from that Lodge. All being well, a date would then be fixed for your admission