{"id":1045,"date":"2026-04-14T12:24:10","date_gmt":"2026-04-14T12:24:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rogergreen.org.uk\/staugustines\/?page_id=1045"},"modified":"2026-05-01T12:05:40","modified_gmt":"2026-05-01T12:05:40","slug":"faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/rogergreen.org.uk\/staugustines\/faq\/","title":{"rendered":"faq"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Your frequently asked questions about St Augustine\u2019s Lodge and Chapter 3713 in Redditch are answered. Got another question? Just ask.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Got another question?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tContact Us<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Questions and Answers<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/polygon><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/polygon><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat is Freemasonry?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

WHAT WE ARE (Purpose)<\/u><\/strong><\/p>

We are a unique members\u2019 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.<\/p>

WHAT WE AIM FOR (Vision)<\/u><\/strong><\/p>

To attract those from all backgrounds and walks of life, enabling them\u00a0to develop into more thoughtful and confident people. To inspire and challenge them to practise the core values we celebrate \u2013 Integrity, Friendship, Respect, Service \u2013 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.<\/p>

OUR VALUES<\/u><\/strong><\/p>

INTEGRITY:<\/strong> Rather than working on buildings like the masons of old, today\u2019s Freemasons focus on building themselves as people of integrity, and membership provides the structure to help achieve that goal.<\/p>

FRIENDSHIP:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>

RESPECT:<\/strong> With a membership of more than 150,000 people drawn from communities across the UK, modern Freemasonry brings people together irrespective of their race, religion or any other perceived differences that can divide us as a society.<\/p>

SERVICE:<\/strong> Whether participating in events, fundraising for a charitable cause or volunteering for public or community organisations, service is at the very heart of modern Freemasonry. Our members make valuable contributions by donating time, resources and skills.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/polygon><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/polygon><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhy become a Freemason?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

People join Freemasonry for many different reasons, some join for the friendships they will make; friendships that last a lifetime and encompass the key milestones in life for better or worse. You will meet people who are different to you, those of different ages with radically different life experiences and interests, drawn together by common experience through modern Freemasonry.\u00a0<\/p>

Our members are, and have been for three centuries, drawn from all walks of life. From Captains of industry and chief executives to manual labourers and forklift truck drivers, so you will find people with a wealth of different outlooks from all races, religions, classes and backgrounds.<\/p>

There are also those who enjoy the ceremonial aspects. Our meetings consist of centuries old lessons centered around you as an individual. How you live your life, the decisions that you make and how to become a better person are all found within our meetings.<\/p>

Freemasons are taught to look after those less fortunate than themselves, charity is our lifeblood and many members devote their time and energy to helping those less fortunate than themselves.<\/p>

We also have a huge amount of fun along the way, we eat, drink and meet together and form lifelong friendships.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/polygon><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/polygon><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat goes on in a lodge meeting?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

There are three \u2018degree ceremonies\u2019 performed during masonic meetings. They are essentially one act plays and teach members how to be better people and each play represents a different stage in life.<\/p>

As an \u2018initiate\u2019 or Entered Apprentice, Freemasons are taught we are all born equal, we learn that in life some do better than others and it is up to those that do well to look after the less fortunate. From this stems our belief in the importance of Charity.<\/p>

The next stage is to become a \u2018Fellow Craft\u2019 where Freemasons are taught the importance of improving yourself as a person, and finally as a \u2018Master Mason\u2019, where we learn that we have but one life, and the importance of using it wisely.<\/p>

The details of the ceremonies can easily be accessed online but nothing beats experiencing it for yourself.<\/p>

After the meetings members dine together informally in order to enjoy good food, good wine, and good company. And most importantly, to have fun together.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/polygon><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/polygon><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhy do Freemasons wear aprons?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

The aprons stem from our historical and symbolic roots as stonemasons. Being leather, they were designed to protect them from sharp tools and rough stones. For today\u2019s Freemasons, the apron is a mark of their membership. They are presented with a white leather apron and as they progress this becomes more elaborate.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Only men aged over 18 are allowed to join St Augustine’s Lodge 3713. <\/span><\/p>

However, there are two women\u2019s Grand Lodges that meet in Lodges rooms across the country. They are: Freemasonry for Women<\/a> and the Order of Women Freemasons<\/a>. These two groups only admit women because that is the choice of their memberships. Both of the women\u2019s organisations, and ourselves, prefer to practice our Freemasonry in single sex environments. The United Grand Lodge of England<\/a> regularly hires its facilities out for meetings of the two women\u2019s Lodges due to our mutual respect and close relations.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/polygon><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/polygon><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat is different about the way Freemasons give to charity?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

It is the sheer scale. We are one of the biggest charitable givers in the country and gave gave \u00a351.1m to charities in 2020 alone.. The Masonic Charitable Foundation<\/a>, the Freemasons\u2019 Charity \u2013 our national charitable grant giving arm, tackles some of the most significant challenges facing society, in particular, reducing loneliness in later life and ensuring a positive future for young children. We work in partnership with some of the biggest charities in the country to deliver our support.\u2028 Freemasonry also does a huge amount for medical research into treatments for cancer, diabetes, heart disease and a whole range of other conditions. In addition it makes donations to support those affected by overseas disasters as well as those at home, such as the Grenfell Tower disaster.\u2028 During the Covid Pandemic Freemasons worked together to help their communities. The United Grand Lodge of England, and its members, did all they could to help in the fight against coronavirus.\u2028<\/span><\/p>

We saw remarkable stories from across the country of how our members came together \u2013 from helping to raise vital funds for the NHS and delivering food to the community, through to purchasing ambulances and manufacturing vital personal protective equipment (PPE). To support Freemasonry\u2019s charitable response to the coronavirus pandemic, UGLE and the Masonic Charitable Foundation, the Freemasons’ charity, established the Freemasons\u2019 COVID-19 Community Fund. This Fund helped to support a range of local and national charities and projects that supported people through the pandemic and in total donated \u00a33m during that period.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Modern Freemasonry exists throughout the world and the United Grand Lodge of England has Districts in many oversees countries. Our members are free to visit any of our Lodges abroad and will often find a warm welcome from fellow members who know the local country very well. <\/span><\/p>

In addition to our Lodges, many other counties have sovereign grand lodges, which our members are free to visit and whose members visit us in England and Wales when travelling.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/polygon><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/polygon><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow many Freemasons are there in the UK?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

The United Grand Lodge of England has 180,000 members. The Grand Lodge of Scotland and Ireland also have 10,000 members and the two female grand lodges in England comprise of around 25,000 members. Worldwide there are estimated to be around six million members.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/polygon><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/polygon><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow much does it cost to join St Augustine's Lodge?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

Costs are subject to change, but are currently:<\/p>

  • The St Augustine’s Lodge 3713 has an annual membership fee which is currently \u00a3300.00. This price includes meals.<\/li>
  • We have seven regular Lodge meetings each year followed by a two or three course meal (called The Festive Board). Meal costs are included in our annual subscriptions.<\/em><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/polygon><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/polygon><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow much does it cost to join St Augustine's Chapter?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

    Costs are subject to change, but are currently:<\/p>

    • The St Augustine’s Chapter 3713 has an annual membership fee which is currently \u00a380.00.<\/li>
    • Meal prices are around \u00a328.00.<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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      \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/polygon><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/polygon><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDo you have to believe in God?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

      Whilst some Freemasons are agnostic, most generally believe in a God \u2013 be it Christian, Muslim, Sikh or Jewish etc – of some sort, even if they do not necessarily practice any particular religion.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t