Discover Freemasonry at Castlefords Caldaire Lodge 

Imagine those grand cathedrals – their builders are where Freemasonry's story begins!

Back then, skilled stonemasons used secret handshakes and codes to prove their abilities. Today, we might not build castles, but Freemasons still carry on that tradition of building something worthwhile.

Think of those hardworking stonemasons with their sturdy aprons – that's become our symbol of service and dedication. We focus on building ourselves into better people and building stronger communities.

Guiding Principles of Freemasonry

These core values help us on our path: Integrity, Friendship, Respect, and Service. In today's busy world, these ideas are more important than ever.

Let's break it down:

Integrity: Building good people 

Freemasonry gives us a framework to become the best versions of ourselves. It's about finding purpose and having support on your journey. We believe in treating everyone fairly and with respect.

Friendship: Building together 

Being a Freemason means making real connections and friendships that last. Whether you're looking for a sense of belonging or want to reach your full potential, we've got your back.

Respect: Building unity

In Freemasonry, your background doesn't matter. We welcome people of every race, religion, and walk of life. We believe in open communication and respecting every individual.

Service: Building a better world

Giving back is what we do! From charity events to helping out in our communities, Freemasons use their time and talents to make a difference.

Looking for more information, view our resources here

Becoming a Freemason is a special journey, marked by three distinct stages called 'Degrees'. Each one builds upon the last, offering unique experiences and lessons.

Think of it like the way medieval stonemasons learned their craft, progressing from apprentice to skilled craftsman.

Think of becoming a Master Mason as the start of a deeper exploration. You can further your Masonic journey through additional Orders, such as the Royal Arch, each offering new opportunities for growth and connection.

Becoming a Freemason at Caldaire Lodge is a rewarding experience. If you're ready to learn, grow, and become part of something bigger, we're here to guide you.

Where did Freemasonry come from? It's a bit of a mystery, with theories about ancient builders and those incredible medieval stonemasons. Most experts agree that those castle-building guys had a major influence on how it all started.

Let's jump into our time machine and explore!

Medieval Times: Where the Story Begins

Picture those amazing cathedrals! The guys who built them are where our journey starts. We can't be sure exactly how Freemasonry grew from their work, but they definitely passed down traditions of skill, symbolism, and brotherhood.

1646: A Special Record

Did you know Freemasonry is old? In 1646, a guy named Elias Ashmole wrote about joining a Lodge – the first written proof we have! That means groups of guys interested in more than just building were meeting up way before that.

24th June 1717: The Official Start!

This is a biggie! Three existing London lodges and a Westminster lodge held a joint dinner at the Goose and Gridiron alehouse in St. Paul’s Churchyard and elected Anthony Sayer as Grand Master, and they became the Grand Lodge of London and Westminster and formed the world's FIRST Grand Lodge. This kicked off the Freemasonry we know today.

Growing and Changing Through the Years

Freemasonry kept evolving:

• 1723: The first rulebook! Freemasonry's core values were put in writing.
• 27th December 1813: The United Grand Lodge of England (“UGLE”) was constituted with HRH the Duke of Sussex (younger son of King George III) as Grand Master. 
• The World Wars: Tough times, but Freemasonry grew because guys wanted that sense of brotherhood after they came home.
• 1927: Freemasons' Hall was built as a tribute to those lost in WWI. It's still our HQ in London.

Freemasonry Gets More Open

• 1992: For the first time, reporters were invited to a big meeting – Freemasonry was becoming more of a private society than a secretive one, with a desire to show openness. Lodges across England and Wales began formally holding open days, to allow the general public to understand our traditions.
• 2017: Our 300th birthday was a massive party, showing how global Freemasonry had become!

Our evolution continues, with new members joining all the time. Some will define the worlds history, following in the footsteps of our famous brethren, others will contribute to the betterment of their community, all united by our guiding principals of Integrity, Friendship, Respect, and Service.

Take a guided tour of Freemasons Hall.