Videos
Freemasonry means different things to each of us. Some members are interested in its history, its traditions, its philosophy, its rituals, stretching back into the mists of time. For others it’s about making new friends and acquaintances. For others it’s about helping deserving causes and making a contribution to society. Others get their satisfaction from filling the administrative roles found in all organisations. Or it may be a mixture of all of these. Please view the videos above from the United Grand Lodge of England.
What binds us together is membership of an exclusive and ancient worldwide organisation of men who strive to attain the highest standards of behaviour and morality. An organisation which professes to ‘make good men better’. Freemasonry is, in fact, the world’s oldest and largest non-religious, non-political, fraternal, and charitable organisation.
Within Spain, Freemasonry is organised into 8 Provinces, all of them operating under the auspices of the Grand Lodge of Spain in Barcelona.
Situated here, in the Province of Valencia, there are 20 local Lodges. Depending upon their location, Lodges will be Spanish, English, German, Dutch, or Norwegian speaking, so if you are considering joining us, it is important for you to select the lodge which matches the language you are most comfortable with.
Freemasonry has been shrouded in a veil of mysticism for centuries. However, while our history is very important to us, modern Freemasonry is anything but a secret society
Freemasonry welcomes men of all nations and religions who embrace our ideals. You do not need wealth, power, or talents, just an unblemished character and virtuous conduct.
We are a charitable institution that raises money for local and national charities, and for individuals who may be sick, aged or simply need a helping hand at a time of crisis.
If you think you would like to join, why don’t you come along and meet us on an informal basis to find out more about what we do and receive an introduction to Freemasonry?
We will be delighted to meet you and answer all your questions.
Whether you are already a Freemason or just interested in joining, contact the Provincial Secretary at sec@glpvalencia.com, telling him where you live and what language you speak. He will then arrange for the closest, suitable lodges to contact you.
Freemasonry History
Ancient Freemasons
While Freemasonry can trace its history going back hundreds, perhaps thousands of years, its present organised structure has its roots in the English and Scottish guilds of the early middle ages. In the Regius Manuscript from 1390 the term Free Mason is used.
Members of these guilds, or professions as they are now called, banded together to develop their skills and to protect their profession from unwelcome intruders.
There arose guilds of bakers, butchers, tailors, and also of stonemasons and masons.
The candidates in these guilds had to demonstrate proficiency in their profession before they were finally allowed to call themselves Masters.
These traditions still persist in today’s Freemasonry. Degrees, Ceremonies, and tests of competence for apprenticeship, meetings in the Lodge (or workshop as it used to be called), and progression to becoming Master of the Lodge.
What do Lodges do ?
Typically, there are between 20 and 40 members in a Lodge, although there is no limit on the membership numbers.
Ancient Festive Board
Lodges typically meet formally once per month at the local lodge premises outside of June to August, and less formally on a weekly basis. Even at these less formal meetings however, there is a structure to the meeting for opening and closing the meeting and for conducting the business of the evening. Normal business could include the practising or rehearsing our ceremonies and the presentation of lectures, as well as discussing what we are doing or arranging in the weeks ahead.
Following the monthly meeting, lodges will normally organise a meal, called a Festive Board. Members of the lodge and their male guests are invited to this, although one or two lodges do allow the member’s partner to dine.
There are additional Provincial Assemblies held for all members and the lodge may run fundraising events for local good causes.
For all formal meetings it is a requirement for members to wear a dark suit and a masonic tie. Additionally you will wear the regalia of your lodge once the meeting commences.
As with any ‘club’, there is a joining fee and an annual ‘subscription’ which covers the overheads of running both your local lodge and the Provincial organisation. No-one is paid though and fees are necessary to cover the normal overheads of running all premises.