Freemasonry helps each member become a better version of himself, and the lodge supports him in it.
Open to men of every outlook, Freemasonry gives common ground for friendships that last a lifetime.
Freemasons meet as equals, whatever their background, and treat one another with tolerance and courtesy.
Members give their time, money and skills to charity and to the communities they live in.
What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is one of the oldest fraternal organisations in the world. Men from every walk of life meet as equals, learn through ceremony and allegory, and give generously to charity, locally and nationally.
A lodge meeting has two parts. First the lodge carries out its business and its ceremonies, which are best thought of as short plays with a moral lesson, learned and performed by the members. Then everyone dines together at the Festive Board.
Membership is private, as are the ceremonies themselves, but Freemasonry is open about what it is and what it does. Masonic halls hold open days, Freemasons’ Hall in London is open to the public, and members are happy to answer questions.
You do not need to know anyone to begin. You only need to be curious, of good character, and willing to ask.
What we stand for
Purbeck Lodge, today and tomorrow
Our aims follow those of the United Grand Lodge of England, shared by every lodge in the Province of Dorset.
A members’ lodge with more than a hundred years behind it, part of a tradition over three hundred years old. Our members come from every age, culture and walk of life. Our ceremonies encourage tolerance and respect and remind us of our duty to our community and to charity. And we make time to eat, drink and meet together, and to form friendships for life.
To welcome men from every background and help them grow into more thoughtful and confident people, living by Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Service in their private and public lives. To be known in Purbeck, Poole and beyond as a force for good.
By being a lodge that men want to join: open about who we are, active in our community, and welcoming members of every age.
Our values in practice
- Integrity
- The masons of old built cathedrals and castles. Today’s Freemasons work on building themselves into people of integrity, and the lodge gives them the structure to do it.
- Friendship
- Freemasonry is one of the oldest social organisations in the world, open to men of every outlook. It gives common ground for friendships, many of which last a lifetime.
- Respect
- Freemasonry brings people together from every community, whatever their background, and sets aside the differences that can divide us.
- Service
- Through events, fundraising and volunteering, service sits at the heart of Freemasonry. Our members give their time, resources and skills to Dorset and beyond.
Brotherhood, community and charity
Freemasonry is about people. Every new member is paired with an experienced brother who helps him find his feet, and friendships form across ages, jobs and backgrounds that would rarely meet otherwise. When a brother or his family hits hard times, the Lodge is there.
Families are part of it too: ladies’ evenings, summer events, carols with the Salvation Army Band each December, and skittles evenings with neighbouring lodges that raise money for good causes.
Freemasonry is also one of the largest charitable givers in the country, through the Masonic Charitable Foundation and through lodges like ours. Purbeck Lodge raises money each year for Dorset causes, supports the widows of the Lodge, and joins Provincial appeals.
Women Freemasons
Women can be Freemasons too. Purbeck Lodge, like every lodge under UGLE, is for men, but two Grand Lodges in England are for women: The Order of Women Freemasons and the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons. They work the same ceremonies, wear the same regalia, and work alongside UGLE on community projects.