What is Freemasonry and What Does It Stand For?
Freemasonry is a three hundred year old social network with a serious purpose. It is a highly convivial organisation concerned with the promotion of friendship, the social, intellectual and moral development of its members and the wellbeing of communities in which they live and work. It instils in its members an ethical approach to life: it encourages thoughtfulness for others, kindness in the community, honesty in business, courtesy in society and fairness in all things. Members are urged to regard the interests of the family as paramount but, importantly, Freemasonry also emphasises and practises concern for people, care for the less fortunate and help for those in need.
We believe in tolerance and equality; in helping those less fortunate than ourselves; and in the importance of integrity in all of our dealings with others. Masons are encouraged to speak openly about Freemasonry as long as they are not trying to use their membership to create an advantage for themselves. There are more than a quarter of a million Freemasons in England and Wales meeting in nearly 8,000 Lodges under the authority of The United Grand Lodge of England. Worldwide, there are nearly 6 million Freemasons.
Just in case this all sounds too earnest, we must also emphasise the social nature of Lodge membership. Masons are extremely sociable and Lodge meetings are both convivial and rewarding. Freemasons enjoy helping others and enjoy their masonry!
Our Charitable Work
Freemasonry is not primarily a charitable organisation. Our charitable activities are the result of members applying the principles of masonry in their everyday lives. Over the years Portcullis Lodge has a proud record of supporting both masonic and non-masonic good causes. In a recent campaign to support The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution in its work looking after elderly masons and their dependants, the Lodge raised over £25,000. This money came from Freemasons. We do not make street collections nor do we solicit funds from non-masonic sources. Freemasonry is not just for wealthy individuals however. Each member gives according to his means, in complete confidence. There is no pressure or compulsion to donate. We are more concerned with a man's character than his material assets.
Within the last month the Lodge made small donations of £100 to the Roke and Benson Brass Band and £100 to the Wallingford Stroke Club.
Who Are We?
Membership is open to all men of good public record, strict morals and integrity, who believe in a Supreme Being. There are no other requirements, and members come from all walks of life and all types of ethnic, social, economic and educational backgrounds, occupations and religions.
Under The United Grand Lodge of England, Lodges are organised into county areas called Provinces. In The Province of Berkshire there are 93 Lodges. Portcullis Lodge is one of three Lodges meeting and working in Wallingford. Every Lodge has its own schedule of meetings at which the members and their guests advance their knowledge of Freemasonry and enjoy each other's company by sharing a meal together. Portcullis is a Craft Lodge working Emulation ritual.
The United Grand Lodge of England publishes its rules, known as the 'Book of Constitutions'. It likewise publishes lists of lodges and their meeting places. These publications are in the public domain and can be downloaded or purchased from the United Grand Lodge in London.
Portcullis Lodge
Portcullis Lodge was founded in 1948 and is a medium sized Lodge having approximately 40 members coming from many different walks of life, trades and professions and ranging in age from early thirties upwards. We meet seven times a year at the Wallingford Masonic Centre.
If you are a mason in good standing, you will be made welcome as a visitor to our Lodge. Please contact our secretary to make the usual arrangements.
If you are not already a mason, we have more information here.