What does it cost to be a Freemason?
When you join a Lodge, you will be asked for certain fees. These may include a one-off joining fee of about £50.00 depending on the Lodge you want to join. You will then be expected to pay the annual subscription levied by the particular Lodge. This varies between individual Lodges, but as a rule of thumb could be in the region of £120.00 for the year. If you join part way through a year, you may only be asked to pay a pro-rata amount.

Freemasons are encouraged to donate money to charity, dependent upon their means. You will never be pressurised and some Lodges will not ask you at all, as giving to charity is a matter for your own conscience.

Most Lodge meetings have an official ceremony followed by a dinner. You may choose to dine with your brethren or go home after the Lodge meeting, again this is your choice and there will never be any pressure on you to stay to eat. If however, you decide to dine, you will be asked to pay for your meal. The cost is normally less than you would pay for a similar meal in a restaurant. Depending on the Lodge, a Masonic dinner could include a starter, main course, desert, cheese & biscuits and coffee. If you invite any Masonic guests, it is normal that, as their host, you would pay their dining fee in addition to your own. Normally such dining fees are collected on the same evening, although some lodges will ask you to pay later. Some Lodges include a dining fee in the annual subscriptions, which mean that you pay for your meal even if you are absent.

From time to time, many Lodges have a special evening, or daytime event, specifically to raise money for charity. You will never be pressurised into attending them or to donate money at these events if you are unable to, or prefer not to. However, it is hoped that you will participate in the Lodge's efforts to raise money for the various charities they adopt.

Most Lodges will have a 'dress code' which requests that members wear a dark lounge suit, shirt with a white collar, a black tie and black shoes. In time, certain items of regalia will be required, which initally will not expensive, and often, there is the opportunity to buy used regalia at very little cost.

Suggested Steps  If you have any questions not answered by this page, please feel free to contact us, ensuring to include a contact telephone number, or if you prefer, send an email  to the following address;  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it    Your questions will be answered quickly.

After reading the pages on this site, you are interested in becoming a Freemason, we advise that you first talk to a family member, friend or colleague whom you already know to be a Mason. They will be able to explain to you what they can about the fraternity and help you find a suitable Lodge.

If you don't know anyone who is a Freemason and you would like to join one of the Lodges in Macclesfield, please send an email telling us more about yourself and your reasons for wishing to join us to: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   Arrangements will be made to meet you socially to find out more about you, and to give you a chance to find out more about us.

If you live, or want to join a Lodge in another part of Cheshire, The Provincial Grand Lodge of Cheshire, is there to help you. It is based at Ashcroft House, 36 Clay Lane, Timperley, Altrincham, Cheshire WA15 7AB  Telephone: 0161 980 6090   This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it