About
Our Lodge
We pride ourselves on conducting our meetings with the aim of creating an unforgettable experience of discovery for our candidates and an enjoyable and memorable occasion for our guests and visitors from other Lodges.
During our meetings, we conduct well-rehearsed ‘ceremonies’ that initiate new candidates and provide metaphorical instruction to Brethren in the ‘craft’ of Freemasonry where every Brother embarks on a personal symbolic journey of apprenticeship.
After our meetings, we enjoy each other’s company at dinner in a unique atmosphere of harmony, decorum and joviality. In addition, a few times a year, we organise social events to enjoy with our families, friends and acquaintances.
At our gatherings, we raise money amongst ourselves for charity. This usually takes the form of an ‘alms collection’ during the meeting, a raffle after dinner and voluntary donations from members, but only according to their personal circumstances, without detriment to themselves, their responsibilities or their families and friends.
Dover Castle Lodge is registered as Lodge No.7202 in the Register of the United Grand Lodge of England which oversees the regularity of Lodges in England and Wales and the recognition of Grand Lodges in other parts of the world. Lodges are grouped into Provinces or Districts. Dover Castle Lodge is part of the Province of East Kent.
What Is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is a fraternity consisting of thousands of Lodges all over the world. A Freemasons’ Lodge is a group of ‘speculative’ masons, where many things associated with traditional stonemasons and their craft are represented symbolically. An apprenticeship represents a Brother’s personal development and the building of his character, making a good man a better man. The working tools represent aspects of behaviour that encourage and build good conduct, respect, integrity, morality and charity.
Much of the symbolism in Freemasonry is ultimately for every Brother to interpret for himself and reflect upon aspects of his own behaviour, his value to society and his relationship with his God, whatever faith he has.
Charity lies at the core of Freemasonry. Every year Freemasons’ Lodges nationwide collectively raise among themselves millions of pounds for charity, donated to local good causes, Provincial or District charity funds (like the Cornwallis East Kent Freemasons Charity) or national charity funds (like the Masonic Charitable Foundation).
Much more information is provided by the United Grand Lodge of England and the Masonic Province of East Kent.
Interested In Joining?
If you are a man of at least 18 years of age, you profess a belief in a Supreme Being and you are of good character, you are eligible to join. Here at Dover Castle Lodge, we are proud of our diverse, inclusive membership of many faiths, cultures, ages and walks of life. We would be delighted to hear from you if you are intrigued by what you are reading here.
Freemasonry under the United Grand Lodge of England is open to men only. However, there is another organisation, the Order of Women Freemasons, of which you can read more at the OWF website.
Interested in becoming a Freemason? Need more information, or just have some general questions? Simply reach out via this contact form.