District Grand Lodge of the Eastern Province of the Cape of Good Hope
Welcome to the Eastern Cape Scottish Freemasonry District
What happens at a Lodge meeting?
Freemasonry is organised in smaller units of members, called Lodges, where meetings are held, and members meet together. A Freemason Lodge is a place where members will spend a significant part of their journey in Freemasonry and each member can freely choose the Lodge they wish to be part of.
Lodge meetings are typically held in two parts. The first involves more administrative procedures, such as proposing and balloting for new members and receiving news about charitable fundraising. The second part focuses on ceremonies, which might relate to areas such as the admittance of new members or the installation of the Master of the Lodge and his officers – a process made up of three degrees, or stages, each marked by a special ceremony. Our ceremonies originate from three principles: look after those less fortunate, improve yourself and live life well so as to be remembered for the right reasons.
True to the sense of friendship and togetherness among Freemasons, meetings are also social events, providing an occasion for members to dine together. Outside of the Lodge, activities include community fundraising and volunteering activities, as well as a varied programme of events where spouses, partners and families are welcome.
Entered Apprentice
1st Degree of Craft Masonry, the Entered Apprentice Degree is symbolic of birth. The candidate in a state of darkness is brought into the lodge not knowing what will follow but trusting in his guide to lead him along the way in his quest for light (knowledge). While little of an historical sense is revealed to him, he is instructed about the inner workings and principles of the craft and during the Junior Warden’s lecture is taught the antiquity of the society as well as the symbolism of King Solomon’s Temple and its building, completion and dedication.
Fellowcraft
2nd Degree of Craft Masonry, the Fellowcraft Degree is symbolic of life. The candidate begins by proving that he is in possession of the lessons learned in the former degree. He is instructed in the advancement of the operative workmen of biblical and medieval times and how they were paid for their labors. The lecture presented by the Senior Warden furthers the Fellowcraft’s understanding of the completion of King Solomon’s Temple and the importance therein.
Master Mason
3rd Degree of Craft Masonry, the Master Mason Degree is symbolic of death. Like the Fellowcraft degree the candidate begins by proving that he is in possession of the lessons learned in the former degree. He is taught the legend of Hiram Abiff the Grand Master of the Masons who built Solomon’s Temple and how he was slain for not betraying the secret of a Master Mason. The candidate is then made to represent the fallen Master Mason as a lesson in preparing for the life that lies beyond this one. The lecture presented by the Master furthers the newly raised Master Mason’s understanding of the legendary history, symbolism and inherent philosophies of Freemasonry.
5 Reasons to consider joining
- Make new friends with people who care
- Involve yourself with acts of charity
- Join a brotherhood with members Worldwide
- Learn how to be a better person
- Learn ancient rituals and be part of something 'different'
