Frequently Asked Questions
Elmbridge Freemasons Lodge, Surbiton – FAQs
Curious about Freemasonry or what to expect at Elmbridge Lodge?
Here you’ll find clear and honest answers to some of the most common questions we’re asked.
Whether you’re thinking about joining or just want to learn more, this section is a great place to start.
Freemasonry is a long-standing fraternal organisation that has grown and evolved over more than 300 years. It brings together men from all walks of life, backgrounds, and beliefs, united by shared values and a commitment to personal growth and service to others.
Freemasonry has no political or religious agenda. Our members represent a wide range of faiths, cultures, and life experiences.
We meet in individual lodges across the country, including right here in Surbiton, where we take part in ceremonies that promote moral reflection, tolerance, and a sense of civic responsibility.
Our meetings are also an opportunity to socialise, share a meal, and form lasting friendships.
Freemasonry offers a framework for personal development and encourages its members to lead with integrity, compassion, and thoughtfulness.
We aim to attract people from all backgrounds who are looking to better themselves while contributing to society in a positive way.
Our goal is to uphold Freemasonry as a relevant, respected, and welcoming organisation — one that continues to make a meaningful contribution to local communities and society more broadly.
Integrity – Freemasons are encouraged to lead honest and principled lives. While we no longer work with stone, we do focus on building character.
Friendship – Freemasonry offers a space to build lasting bonds with people you may not otherwise meet. Our Lodges are open to men of all faiths and political beliefs, creating a shared foundation for lifelong companionship.
Respect – Freemasonry brings people together regardless of race, religion, or background. Our diverse membership promotes understanding and mutual respect in an often divided world.
Service – Giving back is central to Freemasonry. Whether through fundraising, volunteering, or supporting charitable initiatives, our members are committed to making a positive difference in their communities.
People join for many different reasons. Some are drawn to the sense of belonging and companionship; others are interested in the structure, symbolism, and history of our ceremonies.
Many simply want to be part of something that has purpose and meaning.
At Elmbridge Lodge, you’ll meet people from all walks of life — from professionals to tradesmen, retirees to students — brought together by shared values and mutual support.
Freemasonry offers a space for personal reflection, a chance to support charitable causes, and opportunities to socialise in a respectful, friendly environment.
Our Lodge meetings include ceremonial work that has been passed down over generations. These ceremonies use symbolism and allegory to explore life’s journey and the values we hold.
New members begin as Entered Apprentices and may later progress to Fellow Craft and Master Mason, each stage representing personal and moral development.
While the ceremonies are at the heart of our meetings, we also make time to share a meal afterwards, enjoy good conversation, and build lasting friendships.
The experience is both meaningful and enjoyable.
The aprons we wear are symbolic and rooted in the stonemason origins of Freemasonry. Historically, they were worn for protection while working.
Today, they serve as a visual symbol of one’s journey and progress within the fraternity.
Members receive a simple white apron when they join, which becomes more ornate as they take on further responsibilities.
Freemasonry in England and Wales, under the United Grand Lodge of England, is open to men aged 18 and over.
However, there are two well-established Masonic organisations for women: Freemasonry for Women and the Order of Women Freemasons.
These groups share the same values and work closely with us, often meeting in the same Masonic venues. While we each maintain single-sex membership, we do so with mutual respect and cooperation.
Charitable giving is central to Freemasonry. Members regularly support a wide range of causes — from local initiatives like air ambulances and youth projects to national campaigns and international disaster relief.
Many members also donate time, skills and energy to charitable work within their communities.
Our national charitable arm, the Masonic Charitable Foundation, supports vital work across the UK, including mental health services, medical research, and care for older people.
Freemasons also support each other in times of hardship, providing a strong network of care and assistance when it’s needed most.
In the UK, Freemasonry is made up of around 180,000 members under the United Grand Lodge of England.
The Grand Lodges of Scotland and Ireland add a further 47,000 members, and the two female Grand Lodges have approximately 5,000 members. Globally, the number of Freemasons is estimated to be around six million.
Freemasonry welcomes men of all faiths. To join, a candidate should hold a belief in a Supreme Being — how that is interpreted is a personal matter.
We do not require adherence to any specific religion, nor do we discuss religious or political views within the Lodge.
Freemasonry encourages spiritual and moral reflection, whatever your faith background may be.
find out more about joining
If you’re curious about Freemasonry and what it could offer you, we’d be pleased to hear from you.
Whether you’re ready to take the first step or simply have a few questions, we’re here to help.
Get in touch today to learn more about Elmbridge Lodge, arrange an informal chat.
There’s no obligation — just an opportunity to discover if Freemasonry is right for you.