INTEGRITY FRIENDSHIP RESPECT CHARITY
Oxfordshire Freemasons are accountants, bakers, builders, butchers, caterers, chiropractors, dentists, draughtsmen, electricians, firefighters, gardeners, hairdressers. IT technicians, jewellers, kitchen managers, lab assistants, mechanics, newsagents, organists, police officers, painters and decorators, quality control managers, retired people, students, teachers, utility workers, vicars, webmasters, x-ray machine operators, yoga instructors, zoology professors, in fact just about anyone and everyone.
Oxfordshire Freemasons bring all kinds of people together.
A VERY WARM WELCOME AND AN INVITATION FROM JAMES HILDITCH HEAD OF OXFORDSHIRE FREEMASONS
Welcome to our Oxfordshire Freemasons website.
I am really proud to lead the Oxfordshire Freemasons. The website provides more details of our values, but my members' involvement in, and support of the local communities, extends far and wide, and is just part of the £50 million and 18 million hours that Freemasonry gives nationally each year. Our meetings are returning to normality, although always in line with government guidelines, but it means that our members are once again enjoying the social side and friendship that Freemasonry brings. Come and find out more about us and if interested, please ask about joining - you don't have to wait to be invited
Kind regards
James Hilditch
Provincial Grand Master for Oxfordshire Freemasons
Provincial Grand Lodge of Oxfordshire
OXFORDSHIRE FREEMASONS MEET IN CHIPPING NORTON, CAVERSHAM, BICESTER, BANBURY, OXFORD, BURFORD, HENLEY ON THAMES, WITNEY, WOODSTOCK, AND THAME. THERE'S LODGE AND CENTRE NEAR YOU.
FOUR CORE VALUES THAT DEFINE EVERY FREEMASON
INTEGRITY
Building good people.
INTEGRITY: Rather than working on buildings like the masons of old, today’s Freemasons focus on building themselves as people of integrity, and membership provides the structure to help achieve that goal.
FRIENDSHIP
Building together
One of the oldest social organisations in the world, Freemasonry is not defined by an ideology. It is open to people from all religions and political persuasions, and provides the common foundation for friendships between members, many of which will last for life.
RESPECT
Building tolerance and understanding.
With a membership of more than 200,000 people drawn from communities across the UK, Freemasonry brings people together irrespective of their race, religion or any other perceived differences that can divide us as a society.
CHARITY
Building kindness and compassion
Kindness and charitable giving are deeply ingrained within the principles of Freemasonry. The organisation provides a support structure that helps members make positive contributions to communities and worthwhile causes through fundraising events or volunteer work.
IT'S WHAT FREEMASONS DO... EVERYWHERE.
We are one of the largest charitable givers in the country, contributing £51.1m to deserving causes in 2020.
WHAT WE ARE...
We are a unique members’ organisation which has thrived for over 300 years. Having no political or religious affiliations, we comprise members of all ages, races, religions, cultures and backgrounds. We meet in our individual Lodges throughout the country where we have ceremonial traditions which encourage us both to be more tolerant and respectful and actively to fulfil our civic and charitable responsibilities; we also make time to eat, drink and meet together, and form lifelong friendships.
WHAT WE AIM FOR...
To attract those from all backgrounds and walks of life, enabling them to develop into more thoughtful and confident people. To inspire and challenge them to practise the core values we celebrate – Integrity, Friendship, Respect, Charity – in their private and public lives. To cement our reputation as a force for good in our communities and society at large and as a thriving organisation that people aspire to join.
HOW WE WILL ACHIEVE THIS...
Over the next 7 years, we will enhance our reputation as a thriving organisation that people aspire to join and broaden our membership across all age groups.
Now is the perfect time to find out about joining Oxfordshire Freemasons.
"I thought I was joining just one Lodge, but in fact I joined a much wider community. It is a Freemasonry family with no limits.."
I've made so many new friends, not just in my own lodge but everywhere that I visit. This includes far flung places and even on board cruise ships at sea.
In 2020 Freemasons and their families donated £51 million pounds to charities and good causes, not only in our communities, but all over the country, and much further afield.
WHAT'S FREEMASONRY ALL ABOUT?
People often ask us what is Freemasonry all about? We're free to answer every question, and we positively encourage enquiries about becoming a member of Oxfordshire Freemasons.
It's about being the best that you can be.
Let's start at the beginning and say that we've been meeting in Oxfordshire for nearly 300 years.
The first few local Oxfordshire Freemasons gathered in a humble Oxford city inn.
In many ways we were the earliest social medium, attracting men of all backgrounds, and cutting through traditional barriers. There were tradespeople, ordinary citizens, academics, students and even the innkeeper himself.
A SIMPLE SOCIAL IDEA
Their simple idea was to build friendships outside their own social or work circle, enjoy some food and drink in a happy social atmosphere, help charities and the needy, and to strengthen character, confidence and integrity.
From a tiny handful back then, we've grown to nearly 1,700 Oxfordshire Freemasons, 56 Lodges, meeting in 10 centres, located in just about every local town.
CAN WOMEN JOIN?
If you think that Freemasonry is a male only activity, you may be surprised to discover that there are 2 autonomous Grand Lodges for women, both with many members throughout our beautiful county.
Their activities and objectives exactly mirror ours. In many cases the women's Orders meet in our premises. You can find links to both organisations at the bottom of this page.
WE ARE NEAR YOU
We're absolutely open about who can join, how to join and what to expect.
With many different Lodges, there's one to suit you nearby. Our own centres and halls are in Witney, Thame, Burford, Henley on Thames, Woodstock, Caversham, Bicester, Oxford, Banbury and Chipping Norton.
CAN I JOIN?
You should be of good character, be aged 18 or over, and live or work in Oxfordshire, and you must be able to profess belief in a Supreme Being.
YOU DON'T NEED TO WAIT
You don't have to wait for an invitation to join. Even if you don't already know a Freemason or have a family member who is, we can assist.
Just click the blue button to get in touch.
We are very sociable
We meet, make enduring friendships, have fun, enjoy our unique degree ceremonies and celebrate with a meal together afterwards.
Our teaching takes the form of small plays, and the idea was handed down from early travelling stonemasons. They are meaningful to watch and participate in.
The often repeated regret expressed by many members is that "I wish I'd joined earlier."
Our Province is small and very friendly.
There are many different Lodges, each with a unique character and history, some are even based on common hobbies or interests, such as Motor Vehicles, Rugby, Scouting, Round Table and even Bell Ringing.
Kindness and compassion are paramount
At the very point of joining, every Freemason makes a commitment to give to relief causes, charities and the needy.
In 2020 Freemasons gave more than £51 million pounds to charities.
This extends far beyond our own circle. We give to famine relief, natural disasters, training Doctors, cancer research and thousands of other UK and worldwide charities.
Donations come from Freemasons themselves, but we are clear about this being only what you can afford.
Equally as important as money is time and effort. You will find Oxfordshire Freemasons involved in all kinds of Community Projects and National Charity Campaigns.
We build character, confidence and integrity
Yes we do dress up when we meet. It's a special occasion and our kit is symbolic of our history, teaching and obligations.
Being good citizens is at the very centre of what we do. We're inclusive, bringing men of all ages, nationalities, religions, races and standing together.
The phase "On the level" points out this breaking down of conventional social barriers. We generally don't talk about religion, business, politics, or contentious issues at our Lodge Meetings.
Many say they are an escape from the outside world.
Our charities and individual Lodges work in all kinds of ways... Teddies for Loving Care bring smiles to Oxfordshire hospital patients.
In the Community Covid has meant our annual pantomine for youngsters with health and other challenges, has been postponed.
We distributed 600 Goody Bags in December 2020...
We give grants and support to countless local causes all over Oxfordshire in addition to time and effort.
We Would Like To Tell You More About Joining Oxfordshire Freemasons.
Our membership officer Dave Robinson is standing by to help answer your questions or put you in touch with a local Lodge.
Just let him know your best email and details in the box below.
Privacy and Cookies Policy. We do not share your information with any 3rd Parties. Read the full Policy Information here https://oxfordshirefreemasons.co.uk/privacy-and-cookie-policy/
JOIN WOMEN FREEMASONS IN OXFORDSHIRE
