Masonic Life
WHAT IS A MASONIC LODGE?
The term “lodge” itself comes from the structures which the stonemasons built against the sides of the cathedrals during construction. In winter, when building had to stop, they lived in these lodges and worked at carving stone.
But a Masonic lodge is more than just a building; the Constitutional Lodge No. 294 is a living, breathing organization made up of and sustained by the members themselves. It is a tight-knit group of men who make solemn vows to one another and become comrades in Masonry and life.
Above all, the Constitutional lodge no. 294 represents open arms, a helping hand, and brotherly love to every Mason, anywhere, at any time.
Lodge Life
No two Masonic lodges are the same. All have their own unique personalities driven by their members and the Constitutional Lodge No. 294 is no different. We have over 200 years of history as an operating lodge and celebrated our bicentenary in 1993.
Beyond our monthly meetings, the fabric of our Masonic lodge is a place for Side degree meetings, other craft lodge meetings, Festive Boards, dinners, special events, and meeting new Brothers.
From the outside, a Masonic lodge can look rather mundane. But inside the lodge room itself, Freemasonry comes to life, often with age-old artifacts, art, and the pageantry of our sacred ritual.
More than anything, when Masons gather in the lodge, it’s a reaffirmation of our Masonic values of brotherly love, relief, and truth.
A unique aspect of lodge life is the coming together of generations and differing backgrounds. To become a Mason, one only needs to be a man of good character and to believe in a supreme being, whatever form that may take for each individual. What binds Freemasons together is our obligation to each other to become the best possible versions of ourselves.
With this bond as common ground, strong, lifelong friendships form naturally between men of different generations, religions, races, economic backgrounds, or political beliefs. Ask any Mason, and he’s sure to tell you that through the lodge, he has become Brothers with men whom he may otherwise never have crossed paths with, in everyday life. This is one of the fundamental constancies of life as a Freemason.
Masonic Symbolism
Freemasonry is rife with symbolism, and, while much has been made about the secrets and mysteries of the craft, most of its famous symbols are straightforward in meaning.
Of the many symbols of Freemasonry, the most prominent is the square and compasses. The unofficial trademark of Freemasonry, these symbols are said to have descended from the stonemasons, or operative masons, of old and represent the actual tools they used as builders.
In modern-day Freemasonry, the square represents honour, integrity, truthfulness, and the ways in which we should relate to the people around us. The compasses represent the importance of self-control and of leading a truly spiritual life. The G stands for God, who must reside at the centre of our thoughts and deeds as Freemasons.
Using these symbols is an easy way to remind ourselves as men and Freemasons of the obligation we have to lead a true and virtuous life.
Freemasonry & Charity
The values of Freemasonry are based on integrity, kindness, honesty, and fairness. Freemasons are taught to practice charity and to care, not only for their own, but also for the community as a whole through charitable giving and volunteer efforts. We gather together to help each other become better men and to forge a better world.
From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been concerned with the care of orphans, the sick, and the aged. This work continues today.
Join with men of honour and integrity. Of deep caring with a devotion to helping others. Each with a vow to be the best they can be.
TAKE YOUR FIRST STEP
When you become a Freemason, you begin your journey toward being a better man. You will build rich, meaningful relationships with your Brothers, commit to the service of those around you, and strive for a deeper, more honest connection with yourself and others. It’s a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.
Make a difference.
Find your truth.