Did You Know ?
Ten facts about freemasonry that you perhaps didn't know
Fact 1
The first president of the United States of America, George Washington was a Freemason. He was initiated into The Lodge of Fredericksburg, Virginia in 1752.
The first president of the United States of America, George Washington was a Freemason. He was initiated into The Lodge of Fredericksburg, Virginia in 1752.
Fact 2
Winston Churchill was a Freemason too
Winston Churchill was a Freemason too
Fact 3
Rudyard Kipling was an enthusiastic Freemason, even writing poems about it
Rudyard Kipling was an enthusiastic Freemason, even writing poems about it
Fact 4
Elias Ashmole, the founder of the Ashmolean Museum and Library at Oxford was initiated into Freemasonry on 16th October 1646 at Warrington in Lancashire
Elias Ashmole, the founder of the Ashmolean Museum and Library at Oxford was initiated into Freemasonry on 16th October 1646 at Warrington in Lancashire
Fact 5
Freemasons do not raise money for charities from the general public. It is mainly contributed by Masons and their families
Freemasons do not raise money for charities from the general public. It is mainly contributed by Masons and their families
Fact 6
Since the Grand Charity was formed in 1981 over £50m has been donated to national non Masonic charities to help with such things as national disasters, medical research and care provision for vulnerable groups. In 2010 The Freemasons’ Grand Charity donated over £4.9 million to support Masonic individuals in need. Locally the Province of Yorkshire, West Riding annually makes a number of grants to worthy non Masonic causes, donating in the region of £250k each year.
Since the Grand Charity was formed in 1981 over £50m has been donated to national non Masonic charities to help with such things as national disasters, medical research and care provision for vulnerable groups. In 2010 The Freemasons’ Grand Charity donated over £4.9 million to support Masonic individuals in need. Locally the Province of Yorkshire, West Riding annually makes a number of grants to worthy non Masonic causes, donating in the region of £250k each year.
Fact 7
Hospices throughout the UK have benefitted by £8.7m in grants since 1984 and they continue to be supported annually by grants from the Grand Charity.
Hospices throughout the UK have benefitted by £8.7m in grants since 1984 and they continue to be supported annually by grants from the Grand Charity.
Fact 8
"Over the last four years, our Everyman scientists have made many breakthroughs into the causes, prevention, diagnosis and methods of treatment of male cancers, thanks to our generous supporters, the Freemasons" - Institute of Cancer Research.
"Over the last four years, our Everyman scientists have made many breakthroughs into the causes, prevention, diagnosis and methods of treatment of male cancers, thanks to our generous supporters, the Freemasons" - Institute of Cancer Research.
Fact 9
Many of the terms used in Freemasonry have come into everyday usage, for example "Is he on the level?" or "Is he being square with me?"
Many of the terms used in Freemasonry have come into everyday usage, for example "Is he on the level?" or "Is he being square with me?"
Fact 10
The United Grand Lodge of England, far from being secretive, runs organized tours of the Grand Lodge building in Great Queen Street, London, the tours include the Grand Temple, the Library and the Museum where well informed and friendly professional staff are on hand to assist those engaged in serious research, Freemason or not. There is also a video, which is on sale to the general public, about Freemasonry and the UGLE.
The United Grand Lodge of England, far from being secretive, runs organized tours of the Grand Lodge building in Great Queen Street, London, the tours include the Grand Temple, the Library and the Museum where well informed and friendly professional staff are on hand to assist those engaged in serious research, Freemason or not. There is also a video, which is on sale to the general public, about Freemasonry and the UGLE.
