Welcome to Freemason Ghana Lodge
Discover Our Mission, Values, and Commitment to Brotherhood
FREEMASONRY DEFINITION
Freemasonry (or Masonry) is the oldest fraternal organization in the world. Though its origins can be traced to the stonemasons and cathedral builders of Medieval times, Freemasonry remains a vital force in the daily lives of millions of men across the globe.
Through a series of degrees and ceremonies, the values of Freemasonry are passed from generation to generation, Mason to Mason, in a timeless and tireless effort to make good men better. These degrees provide a framework that affects every aspect of modern life and are based on the values of brotherly love, relief, and truth.
Every year in virtually every city and town across Ghana, thousands of men join the ranks of Freemasonry. Men of honor and integrity. Of charity and obligation. Each with a vow to be the best they can be. To be more than just a man. To be a Mason.
Mission Statement
WHAT WE ARE (PURPOSE)
A Freemason is a man who has taken an obligation to uphold our timeless principles of Brotherly love, relief, and truth. Beyond these basics, being a Freemason means so much more. A Freemason is a man who is committed to bettering himself and his community, having taken a solemn vow to help and mentor his Masonic Brothers do the same. A Freemason is a man eager to be part of something bigger than himself, with a reverence for history, compassion in his heart, and a desire to create a better future.
There are three degrees in Freemasonry: Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason. Most men advance to the level of Master Mason, some over the course of months; others may accomplish this goal over years. But once a man has taken his first obligation as an Entered Apprentice, he is, once and forever, a Freemason.
WHAT WE AIM FOR (VISION)
To attract those from all backgrounds and walks of life, enabling them to develop into more thoughtful and confident people. To inspire and challenge them to practice the core values we celebrate – Integrity, Friendship, Respect, Charity – 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 organization that people aspire to join.
HOW WILL WE ACHIEVE THIS (MISSION)
Over the next 7 years, we will enhance our reputation as a thriving organization that people aspire to join and broaden our membership across all age groups.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
The core ethical principles of Freemasonry are about compassion and tolerance for all mankind. Freemasons do not use their position in the fraternity to advance an agenda, whether it be political, professional, religious, or secular.
THE THREE TENETS OF FREEMASONRY INCLUDE:
BROTHERLY LOVE
Devotion to and caring for each other and our community.
RELIEF
Concern for and selfless giving to those in distress
TRUTH
Using knowledge, honesty, and understanding to build ourselves into better men.
FREEMASON MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
SELF-DEVELOPMENT
We will educate you on social conduct and ethics of life. We will help you discover your potentials as a man and your reasons of existence so that you can start to pursue your dreams. The freemasonry is a family any man who strives for self-development and growth should belong to.
COMFORT
Becoming our member will bring so much comfort into your life. This is because you will always have a family to run to in case you have any problem. Our arms are always open to comfort you, and we are always ready to send out helping hands whenever you are in a difficult situation.
INVESTMENT ORIENTATION
Joining this family will create a good connection between you and great business investors all over the world. You will have the privilege to discuss personally with some of the most successful businessmen in the world who are also members of the freemasonry organization.
FAME
You will get a one month fully paid vacation trip to any country of your choice, and access to top VIP treatments. You will go along some great members from your lodge, to eat, drink and share good moments together. You will equally have free trips to most countries during initiation periods. You can use this as a means to build your social life experiences and add fame to your profile Also, joining us will make traveling round the world very easy for you. This is because you can easily have access to visit visas in case you want to visit a follow mason brother in any part of the world.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
A certain amount of money is contributed and offered to all new members prior their initiation ceremony. This amount is kept private from the new member until their registration request is accepted. We do not reveal the amount early enough because we don’t want people requesting to join just because of the financial gains. This money is realized from a general contribution by all existing freemasons in your lodge. This act is mandatory all. You will use this money to start up your investment career, build up your social status, and improve your living standard. It is important to note that we have members who are already successful in different business field, so they can easily orientate you towards success.
PROTECTION BOTH SPIRITUAL AND PHYSICAL
No human being born from woman can bring you down, because you'll be protect both spiritual and physical because Money, Wealth, fame, Power shall be yours. So you need to be protect.
FREEMASONRY: RULES AND REQUIREMENTS
OUR TERMS/CONDITIONS
FAITH:
Belief in a Supreme Being is fundamental. Recognizing the existence of a higher entity allows individuals to worship in their unique fashion. We welcome members from various faiths.
SELF AWARENESS:
Identify what you seek and require in life, and set specific deadlines for achieving those goals. This practice fosters a serious approach to your pursuits, ultimately leading to accomplishment.
WORK:
Holding a legitimate job acknowledged by society is essential, regardless of the financial return it yields.
AGE 18 PLUS:
Being 18 or older indicates that you have the capacity to make independent choices without undue influence.Fulfillment of these requirements enables you to apply for Freemasonry membership.
Must Be Able To Support Yourself and Family
Freemasonry does not focus on an individual's wealth or social standing; however, applicants must show they can financially support themselves and their families.
This standard applies to all members; lacking financial independence may be viewed as a liability within the organization.
You Must Be a Rule Follower
The principles of Freemasonry are governed by numerous regulations that members must adhere to. For example, sharing the organization’s activities with outsiders is not permitted, nor can political discussions take place within the lodge.
These guidelines are in place to ensure members remain aligned with the core values of the craft.
Those who cannot follow rules diligently may struggle to fit into the community.
Contrary to popular belief, the rules are not about dark rituals or extreme demands; they are simply guidelines that steer individuals toward the tenets of Freemasonry.
What Happens in a Lodge?
A Lodge Room or Temple, is thoughtfully arranged with designated seating for Lodge Officers. Each Officer plays a key role in ensuring the Lodge operates effectively. Lodge meetings are typically divided into two halves, with an agenda shared beforehand in a formal notice called a Summons.
In the first half of the meeting, administrative tasks are addressed. Discussions typically cover Lodge news, proposing new members, financial updates, and reviewing minutes from previous meetings.
In the second part of the Lodge meeting, one of the following ceremonies may take place:
First Degree (Ceremony of Initiation): The first step in a Freemason’s journey, where a candidate is formally initiated into the Lodge, taking an oath and committing to the principles of Freemasonry—Integrity, Friendship, Respect, and Service.
Second Degree (Ceremony of Passing): The candidate progresses to the Fellowcraft Degree. This Degree encourages exploration of nature, science, and self within the universe.
Third Degree (Ceremony of Raising): The final stage of the Craft, symbolising self-reflection, moral growth, and the contemplation of life's deeper meanings.
Installation Ceremony: Marks the appointment of the new Worshipful Master, who takes over the leadership of the Lodge and appoints the other Officers for the year.
The Ceremony of Exaltation: The Ceremony of Exaltation sees members follow the clues from the Third Degree to complete their journey in Pure Antient Masonry, in a spectacular and unforgettable ceremony. Through ongoing participation, members will work together with old friends and new Companions to build on the principles of the Craft and unlock fresh perspectives on the meaning and value of Freemasonry.
In practical terms, we are one organisation. From the outset, every new Freemason must understand that their Masonic journey comprises these four elements, with the Royal Arch as the fourth and ultimate stage, which enriches and completes that journey. It is an aspiration we hope all will seek to fulfil when the time is right for them.
Roles of Lodge Officers
A Lodge cannot function without its Officers, who each play a crucial role in its operations.
Since there are many Lodge Officers with different responsibilities, it is completely normal for one to find it daunting when trying to remember them. A Freemason Ghana Lodge gives useful information onthis subject and we highly recommend that you enrol on the Welcome Apprentice Module
Worshipful Master
The Worshipful Master holds the highest position in the Lodge. Elected annually,
He is the most senior Officer of the Lodge. He is in charge of the Lodge for his year, acts as its Chairman
and normally conducts most of the ceremonies. On becoming Master for the
first time a Mason is then referred to as a Worshipful Brother. He is seated in
the East of the Lodge Room which is symbolic of the rising sun
Senior and Junior Wardens
The Wardens assist in opening and closing the Lodge, and conduct the rituals.Wardens who has control over the Director of Ceremonies.
The Senior Warden sits opposite the Master in the West of the Lodge which is symbolic of the setting
sun. The Junior Warden ensures that no unqualified person enters the Lodge
and sits in the South of the Lodge Room which is symbolic of the position of the sun at midday
Treasurer
The role of the Treasurer is to maintain Lodge accounts, collect annual dues from the
members and make payments to creditors or
manages payments, including dining expenses and charitable contributions. He settles any debts incurred by the Lodge,
such as the Lodge rent for the building where meetings are held, the various levies
imposed by Grand Lodge and Provincial Grand Lodge, and dining expenditure.
Secretary
The Secretary ensures the smooth administration of the Lodge by organising summons, advising the Worshipful Master managing correspondence, and keeping members informed of Lodge news and activities. OR
The Secretary is the administrator of the Lodge and advises theWorshipful Master, on matters of
administrative procedures. He deals with the day-to-day affairs of the Lodge, receives the
mail, maintains membership details, organises summons and submits the Annual Returns.
Normally a Secretary holds the post for a number of years, providing continuity and
experience for successive Masters.
Deacons Director of Ceremonies
The Director of Ceremonies is the Officer who has control over the ceremony that is to be
worked. He is also involved in Lodge procedures and protocols and his duties extend to the
Festive Board.
Senior and Junior Deacons
The Deacons look after and guide the Candidates during ceremonies. The enjoyment and
understanding of a candidate can be greatly enhanced by the role of the Deacons.
Inner Guard
The Inner Guard is seated within the entrance of the Lodge and is tasked with guarding the
door. He is armed with a ceremonial poinard or short dagger.
He receives candidates and ensures they are properly prepared before entry
Tyler
Tyler who guard the Lodge from the outside door. The Inner Guard ensures candidates are prepared before entering the Lodge.
This may be an elected Office. It is often carried out by a senior and experienced member of the fraternity, as he is the Officer
who prepares the candidate for the ceremonies, and should make sure that he can give the
correct salutes in which he has been instructed. The Tyler is not necessarily a member of the
Lodge.
Almoner
The Almoner acts as the Lodge Welfare Officer, maintaining contact with the Brethren
who, through age or infirmity, are unable to attend meetings; with Lodge widows; and with
members suffering from illness. He should have knowledge of the variety of resources
that exist in time of need. The Almoner would organise petitions for assistance in cases of
extreme need, and generally be on the lookout for signs of distress or loneliness among the
members of the Lodge or their dependants.
Mentor
The Lodge Mentor is an experienced member of the Lodge whose role is to look after each
new initiate like yourself. He is available to answer any questions you have to ensure you
fully understand all that is happening and to guide you through the process of progression in
the various offices. By the time you read this you should know who your Lodge Mentor is.
Membership Officer
The Membership Officer leads the Lodge Membership Team and will be happy to assist you
in introducing new potential members to the Lodge.
The Final Stop: Festive Board
After the Lodge meeting, members gather for a Festive Board: a formal dinner where they socialise and enjoy fellowship. A dedicated toast is made by members of the Lodge to celebrate the occasion.
Freemasons and Their Attire
Freemasons wear Masonic Aprons as part of each Degree. Their attire typically includes a dark suit, a white shirt, and a Freemason tie. White gloves may also be worn, depending on the Lodge's preferences.
Special Interest Lodges
Freemasonry across the country offers a variety of unique Special Interest Lodges where individuals can connect over shared passions and hobbies. These Lodges provide enriching experiences for social calendars and cater to interests such as sports, military service, and emergency services. A more detailed explanation can be found in the Special Interest Lodges section on our website.
Conclusion
Freemasons and their Lodges uphold timeless traditions of fostering community, personal development, and community engagement. Freemasons continue to make a meaningful impact on society by supporting local organisations, mentoring members, and promoting the values of Integrity, Friendship, Respect, and Service.
Curious About Freemasonry?
Submit an enquiry below and discover how this timeless tradition can inspire personal growth, community connection, and a sense of purpose.
Our Opening Prayer
OPENING PRAYER Great Architect of the Universe: In Thy name we have assembled, and in Thy name we desire to proceed in all our doings. Grant that the sublime principless of Freemasonry may so subdue every discordant passion within us, so harmonize and enrich our hearts with Thine own love and goodness that the Lodge at this time may humbly reflect that order and beauty which reign forever before Thy throne. Amen.
Prayer
*Thou, O God! knowest our down-sitting and our up-rising, and understandest our thoughts afar off; shield and defend us from the evil intentions of our enemies, and support us under the trials and afflictions we are destined to endure while traveling through this vale of tears. Man that is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble. He cometh forth as a flower, and is cut down; he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not. Seeing his days are determined the number of his months is with thee; Thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass; turn from him that he may rest, till he shall accomplish his day. For there is hope of a tree if it be cut down, that it will sprout again; and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. But man dieth and wasteth away; yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he? As the waters fail from the sea, and the flood decayeth and drieth up, so man lieth down and riseth not up, till the heavens shall be no more. Yet, O Lord! have compassion on the children of Thy creation, administer them comfort in time of trouble, and save them with an everlasting salvation." Amen
THE INITIATE’S PREPARATIONT
THE INITIATE’S PREPARATIONT
his document is protected by copyright and it may not be copied, used, or distributed in any form or manner
without the expressed permission of the Freemason Ghana Lodge'
1
No brother will forget the day on which he became a Freemason.
The ceremony that he passed through was founded on the ancient
initiation ceremony of a Mason, a temple builder, and symbolised
the eternal search of the soul of man for spiritual light and
understanding.
Masonry instructs us by means of symbols, and its ceremonies are
dramatic parables. If you are an Entered Apprentice it must not be
expected that you will understand the full meaning immediately.
There are many levels of meaning, just as there are many degrees
of understanding, and you must search for the meaning yourself.
These will be unfolded gradually, but always remember that every
part of the ceremony has a hidden meaning and ponder all this in
your heart.
Being properly prepared also refers to the state of your heart and
soul as you sought admission into our Order. “Seek and ye shall
find, ask and ye shall have, knock and it shall be opened unto you”.
Before you were prepared for Initiation by the Tyler and introduced
into the Lodge room it was ascertained that you were willing to
submit yourself, unconditionally, to the rules of our fraternity. “A
man, who has been properly prepared to be initiated into
Freemasonry, is a symbol of a pure and uncorrupted man, as the
Craft wishes and requires having as a member”.
You were prepared in a particular way. Your physical preparation
was to be considered as the outward expression of your inner
preparation which precedes all true initiation and the form was very
ancient. Let us consider some of the things that happened to you at
your initiation and try to explain them.
In general, your clothing as a candidate is evidence of humility, one
of the greatest of all qualities that Freemasonry attempts to teach.
You were deprived of all metals for three especial reasons -
First, that you might bring nothing either offensive or defensive into
the Lodge to disturb its harmony.
2
Second, as no doubt you remember from the ceremony, you were
received in a seeming state of poverty to serve as a warning to your
own heart that should you meet a brother in distressed
circumstances you should do to him as you would wish him to do to
you.
Third, that such was the excellence of the craft in those days, the
building of King Solomon’s Temple was completed without the aid of
metallic tools. As we read in the First Book of Kings, “The house,
when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was
brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe nor any
tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building.”
You gave up all symbols of wealth to show also that you were ready
to renounce material values and exchange them for spiritual ones.
Being deprived of money and metallic substances is not only
emblematic of being poor and penniless, but can also stress the
polluting influence they create. This is mentioned several times in
the Volume of the Sacred Law.
Our present day procedure is probably a survival of the idea of
pollution. Since you are symbolically erecting a temple within
yourself, you should resist all temptations which might cause
pollution. You came into the Lodge as you came into the world,
without material goods, and throughout life you should be ever
mindful of the opportunity to dispense help and assistance to the
needy.
You were slip shod as a gesture of reverence; an allusion to a
certain passage in scripture when the Lord spoke to Moses from the
Burning Bush saying ‘put thy shoes from off thy feet for the ground
whereon thou standest is Holy’. There is also reference to physical
preparation in The Jewish Talmud which states that ‘no man shall
go into the Temple with his staff, nor with his shoes on his feet, nor
wearing outer garment or with money tied up in his purse’. The
inference to be drawn from the slipshod condition is that,
symbolically, a candidate is entering upon consecrated ground, in a
state suggesting sincerity and honest intention.
You were hoodwinked, that your mind might conceive before your
eyes were enabled to discover the beauties of Freemasonry.
3
As youwere received in a state of darkness you were reminded to keep the
World so in respect of Masonic secrets. Moreover, had you refused
to go through the ceremony you would have been led from the
Lodge without observing its form! That darkness that you went
through also symbolises the humility which acknowledged your
ignorance of the higher truths which were unveiled to you.
Here is part of an old catechism of the eighteenth century:
Q. Why was you hoodwink’d?
A. That my heart might conceal or conceive, before my eyes
did discover.
Q. The second reason, Brother?
A. As I was in darkness at that time, I should keep all the world
in darkness.
The reason why a cable-tow with a running noose was placed about
your neck was explained in part during the ceremony. In ancient
times the Entered Apprentice wore the cable-tow to impress on his
mind his duty to keep within hail, so as to come in due time
whenever summoned by his Lodge, unless prevented by sickness.
The cable-tow is also a symbol of bondage, and that bondage is a
state of ignorance of the ritual of Freemasonry. The cable tow or
halter has from time immemorial been a symbol of captivity,
serfdom and slavery. Conquerors in ancient and medieval times
made leaders of defeated peoples appear before them wearing
halters.
Your left breast was made bare to indicate that there was no veil
between you and your fellow Masons, and that in your heart there
was no evil intention. It would also reveal gender as none save
freeborn men of mature age can be made Freemasons, but is also
likely due to the universal tradition that the heart, associated with
the left breast, is the seat of the soul, thereby signifying the
candidate’s fervency and sincerity, and to remind us that the heart is
the most delicate of the human organs, that it stimulates life and is,
symbolically, the repository of our emotions. Your right arm was also
bare, as a token of singleness of purpose and sincerity, and that the
Brethren might see that you carried no weapon about you.
Your left knee was bare in order that you could kneel at the altar
with nothing between you and the earth – from which we all spring.
4
Your right foot was formed in a square; your right hand was placed
on the Volume of the Sacred Law, while your left was employed in
supporting the compasses, one point presented to your naked left
breast. It was in this position that you took your great and solemn
obligation of an Entered Apprentice Freemason.
You gained admission to the Lodge by three distinct knocks which
allude to the biblical exhortation already mentioned, ‘Seek and ye
shall find, ask and ye shall have, knock and it shall be opened unto
you’. There can be no better illustration of this than your presence
as a Freemason. For you sought in your own mind; you asked of a
friend whom you knew to be a Brother; and the door of Freemasonry was opened unto you