Become a Freemason in Whyalla
We welcome new members so please browse the site, look at the questions and answers below and if you feel you would like to find out how to become a freemason in Whyalla and how to join us or just find out more about freemasonry please contact the Secretary. He will happily answer your questions and provide you with further information.
Whyalla Lewis Lodge No 160 was founded in 1946. We have Brethren from all walks of life. Our ages range from young men to nearly 90 and whatever age or background we are, we are equal as Brothers no matter what the profession of those who join us. External rank and fortune are of no importance to us or any other freemason and neither are religious choices, colour, creed or sexual preferences.
What do we get out of Freemasonry?
If you asked Whyalla Lewis Brethren what they get out of membership, they might say many different things. However, most would point to fellowship and mutual support. A feeling of doing the right thing. A sense of continuity with the past and future. The satisfaction of ritual well performed. Perhaps an enjoyment of the theatrical aspects. A great deal of laughter, a few drinks, a good meal and something not easy to put into words. While many of the Brethren might be a little embarrassed to say it out loud, what we really gain is a feeling of something beyond ourselves. Something that lifts us onto a higher plane, makes us glad that we have become a freemason and makes us want to live up to the ideals of Freemasonry.
What do we do?
In our meetings, we practise age old ritual. This is a matter of learning and performing stories based upon the allegory of the building of the Temple at Jerusalem. Our ceremonies are designed to teach and remind us of important truths about our relationship with each other and to the world at large. It is a form of teaching that pre-dates books which has been going on in Masonry for many centuries and is enjoyed by freemasons throughout the world.
What about politics and religion?
We never discuss politics or religion in the Lodge. Neither of these has any place in Freemasonry. However, if you want to become a Freemason in Whyalla and join us you must have a belief in a “Supreme Being”. This belief, although necessary to become a Freemason, is entirely the affair of each individual and is not our business. The Bible, referred to by Freemasons as the Volume of the Sacred Law, is always open in Lodges. Every candidate is required to take his Obligation on that book or on the Volume which is held by his particular creed to impart sanctity to an oath or promise taken upon it. You must also promise never to propose or countenance “any act which may have a tendency to subvert the peace and good order of society”. A Freemason must pay due obedience to the law of any state in which he resides or which may afford him protection, and he must never be remiss in his allegiance due to the sovereign of his native land. That is as far as it goes.
Who are we looking for?
We want decent, trustworthy men, of at least 18 years of age, who can afford the dues and the charitable donations and are willing to get involved. Creed, colour, race, religion or sexual preference are of absolutely no importance. Freemasonry is open to all men and so is Whyalla Lewis Lodge so why not become a Freemason in Whyalla and join us.
What does it cost?
The initial one off registration fee is around $240 and our dues are currently $260 a year (payable in advance). If you join part way through the year the dues payable would be pro-rata. You may give a small amount to charity each meeting but the exact amount is entirely up to you and is a private matter between you and the charity steward. You will spend a bit on regalia but not normally in the first year and even then we can probably find you a used set. To become a Freemason in Whyalla is generally less expensive than to become a Freemason in most other Lodges.
What is the time commitment?
It really does depend on you. We currently have eleven meetings a year. These take place on the fourth Monday of each month from January to November. They are by no means mandatory but they do enable you to learn and practise the ritual in a friendly environment while getting to know your fellow freemasons.
What about the bad press?
Attacks on Freemasonry commenced in 1693. None have any substance. We’d be happy to chat to you about them or answer other questions you may have about Freemasons, Freemasonry and how to become a Freemason in Whyalla.
Do we have secrets?
Yes. There are indeed some ‘secrets’ in Freemasonry which have ancient roots; and while they mean little in themselves, they are important to us. The ability to keep a secret is considered a virtue and anyone wanting to become a Freemason should be able to do so.
How do people join?
You will need a proposer and a seconder. If you don’t know us we can arrange an informal meeting to make contact and get to know you. If by mutual agreement it is then decided that your application should proceed you will be interviewed by the Lodge committee and if all goes well the Lodge at large will then vote on the proposal for you to join us at Whyalla Lewis Lodge and become a Freemason in Whyalla. This process can take anything between 3 and 6 months. In addition you will need a current Police check certificate. We can provide more information on how to apply at the initial interview.
So, as mentioned above, if you do feel you would like to become a Freemason in Whyalla and join us, have any questions or want further information, please contact the Secretary.
