Yorkshire Freemasons’ video throws light on ancient fraternity

Freemasons in Yorkshire have made a new video, which throws light on what Freemasonry is all about.
 
The film, which has been made by The Province of Yorkshire West Riding and viewed thousands of times, features a number of Freemasons, including a university undergraduate, retired fire fighter, former soldier and a financial consultant, explaining what enticed them to join - and how good being a Freemason is.
 
It also shows the splendour of a Masonic ceremony, the charitable side of the organisation and, more importantly, the diversity of its members from so many different walks of life and social backgrounds.
 
Based on the old West Riding of Yorkshire, the Province has over 5,000 members and over 180 individual Lodges, and covers an area from Sheffield in the South, Ripon in the North, Goole in the East and across to High Bentham in the West.
 
James Newman OBE, who will become the Province’s most senior member at a ceremony being held in Harrogate next month, said: “For those interested in Freemasonry, this short film will help shed some light on our organisation at the same time as introducing viewers to some of our members.’’
 
“Freemasonry in Yorkshire dates back well over 200 hundred years and, in a nutshell, it is about making good men better. For those considering joining Freemasonry, it is about individual development rather than business contacts.’’
 
“Our members range in age from those in their late teens and early twenties to those who are in their nineties and older and they hail from many different professions, ethnic backgrounds and religions.’’
 
“Charity is very much at the heart of Freemasonry and each year Freemasonry across the country give tens of millions of pounds to support charitable causes in the UK and overseas.
 
“In addition, this Province gives in excess of £200,000 to a variety of local good causes, including schools, hospices, youth organisations and community groups.
 
“In times gone by, you could only join Freemasonry if you were invited by a Freemason. Now, we encourage anyone, who may be interested in joining a vibrant and forward looking organisation with values of integrity, respect and charity, to contact us.”

The video can be viewed at https://www.wrprovince.org.uk/freemasonry-in-yorkshire-west-riding.html .
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