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Freemasonry is one of the oldest secular social and charitable organisations in the world, modern Freemasonry’s roots lie in the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who built our castles and cathedrals.

For Freemasons, there are four important values that help define their path through life: Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Service. In today’s world filled with uncertainty, these principles ring as true now as they have at any point in the organisation’s history.

Membership is open to men over 18 from all backgrounds and the organisation’s aim is to empower members to be the best they can be – it’s about building character, supporting members as individuals and helping them make a positive contribution to society.

Freemasonry provides a structure for members to come together under these common goals, enabling people to make new friendships, develop themselves and make valuable contributions to charitable causes. We are one of the largest contributors to charitable causes in the country, with a noteworthy almost £1 million donated per week.

 

WHAT WE ARE:-

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We are a unique members’ organisation that has thrived for over 300 years. Having no political or religious affiliations, we comprise members of all ages, races, religions, cultures and backgrounds. We meet in our individual Lodges throughout the country where we have ceremonial traditions which encourage us both to be more tolerant and respectful and actively to fulfil our civic and charitable responsibilities; we also make time to eat, drink and meet together, and form lifelong friendships.

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Our Values:=

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Our core values are the underlying principles behind who we are, what we stand for, and what we do. They are vital to understanding Freemasonry. 

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INTEGRITY

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Honesty, trustworthiness, honour, reliability, and conscientiousness form the foundation of a virtuous character. They foster trust, maintain integrity, and demonstrate commitment, ultimately leading to a life of strong principles and dependable actions.

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FRIENDSHIP

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Freemasonry gives members many opportunities to make a wide circle of friends for life who share common interests and values. It provides a bond of friendship and a sense of belonging. This promotes a feeling of enjoyment and fulfilment.

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RESPECT

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From its earliest days, Freemasonry has respected the beliefs of its members. It promotes an environment where diversity is valued. It is a space where different beliefs and backgrounds converge, fostering an atmosphere of inclusivity, tolerance and harmony.

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SERVICE:-

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Whether participating in events, fundraising for a charitable cause or volunteering for public or community organisations, service is at the very heart of Freemasonry. Our members make valuable contributions by donating time, resources and skills.

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Information about our lodge St Mary of the Harbour in the Province of Sussex.

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 St. Mary of the Harbour Lodge was originally founded (consecrated) in Shoreham in 1896, where it stayed for approx. 100 years until we moved to the Charmandean Centre in Worthing during the 1990’s. Due to this the Lodge attracts members from a wide catchment area, from North, East and West Sussex.

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The roots linking us to Shoreham are of historic interest as Shoreham was listed in the Domesday book of 1086 and the Lodge is now in its 126th year – so we’re must be doing something right! While all Lodges will say that they are small and friendly, St. Mary of the Harbour really is; known for its fun side along with professionalism, a place visitors seek to come that guarantees an enjoyable evening, and workings that do our members justice, while not taking ourselves too seriously and certainly a great place to have fun when formalities are complete! For that reason we attract members from all walks of life, currently we have members who are; painters, decorators, builders, electricians, educators, ex-military, ex-police, engineers, financiers, racing drivers, and even a film star!

 

Social activities are a key feature to all brotherhoods, so much so at St. Mary of the Harbour, we plan a social calendar at the beginning of each year to offer a wide range of activities from country side walks to brewery visits and everything in between. Uniquely our social calendars are a team effort, so as to allow members to select events and activities close to their personal interests. Therefore our events can be very varied as our members have many hobbies, we have keen runners, keen model aeroplane constructors and flyers, keen anglers, motorsport fans, football fanatics, keen local historians, fine dining connoisseurs and many more; along with those who are simply baffled by any interest in the aforementioned list all together!

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So why not click the ‘Join Us’ button and come along to see what all the hype is about.