Joining Vigilantes; for Initiates

If you're looking to join Freemasonry for the first time, you'll be known as a Candidate or an Initiate.

Although Freemasonry has something to offer almost everyone, we are selective about who we allow to join our Lodge.
There's no judgement on Age, Race, Religion or Social Status; instead we look for a man of good moral character and values, regardless of his background.

Similarly, it's important that the Vigilantes Lodge is the right fit for you too.

The information below outlines the first steps you can take on your Masonic journey, as well as some frequently asked questions, but if there is anything more you'd like to know please get in touch.
We'd love to speak to you and help you begin your journey.

"My Initiation was amazing;
a really enjoyable evening
and a memorable experience"

"I didn't know much about it beforehand, but everyone goes above-and-beyond to make 'your night' special. Very humbling."

"Joining Freemasonry is an experience
like no other, and I know
I've made friends for life!"

The Process

1. Register your interest

If you've read the contents of this site, seen our Social presence and also the work we do in the community, and you think Freemasonry (and The Vigilantes in particular) is right for you then we'd urge you to get in touch!
Register your interest

2. Informal meeting

A great place to begin is an informal meeting (usually over a beer!) with a couple of our members.
That way we can get to know each other and you can ask any questions you have.

3. Formal meeting

If you like the sound of joining Vigilantes, the next step is to have a 'real' meeting with some of our members.
We'll ask some questions (see below), but this is nothing to be nervous about, it's nothing like a job interview!
If everyone feels like you'd be a good addition to our Lodge, we'll propose you for membership at a future meeting.

4. Balloting

Once Proposed and Seconded in Lodge, an anonymous ballot will be taken amongst our members. Our Lodge is very precious to us, and fellow-members are like family (we call each other Brother) so we take every precaution to ensure each new member is a good fit.

5. Your Initiation

If all is successful, we'll invite you to attend a future meeting where you'll be Initiated and receive the 'First Degree'.
Initiation is a wonderful ceremony (ps. nothing you read on the internet is true; no goats involved!) but we keep what goes on a secret so each new member can enjoy the full spectacle of it without *spoilers*!
This is followed by a 'Festive Board' - in other words a brilliant 3 course meal, with lots of merriment, songs, toasts and more!
It really is a brilliant night, and one that every Freemason remembers for the rest of his life!

Frequently Asked Questions

Anything worth doing is worth taking the time to do well. In Freemasonry, and especially the Vigilantes Lodge, we like to take our time to ensure we select the right men to join; right for the Lodge and also right for them too!

As we only meet once per month, and break for Summer, it can take quite a while from initial meeting to joining our Lodge. A good estimate would be around 6 months.

Our Lodge Secretary and our Membership Officer (who looks after new members) will keep you informed throughout the process.
All we can say is it's worth the wait!

Historically, it had been a requirement that a new member had to be brought into a Lodge by someone he had known for a number of years.

As Freemasonry modernises, it's no longer necessary as we still go to sufficient lenghts to ensure the suitability of our candidates for membership.

Freemasonry is a wonderful, diverse and varied fraternity that has lots of offer. Our members can dive into the social aspect, the history, the personal-growth or a whole range of interests with like-minded Brothers.

We're sure that even if Vigilantes isn't right for you, Freemasonry has something special to offer every man.

We hope so!

Matching the right person with the right Lodge is vital for both parties, so we try our best to get to know you and let you get to know us too.
Hopefully once you've met us and found out a bit more, you'll be excited to start your Masonic journey with us.

Joining Vigilantes does carry some fees; an Initiation fee that you pay upon joining plus annual membership (that we call Dues) of £195.00.
These costs cover the running of the Lodge, our membership under United Grand Lodge of England and support our charitable works.

In addition, each of our 8 meetings of the year is followed by a meal (costing £21.00) and there are drinks and raffle tickets to buy if you choose.

These are some of the important questions you'll be asked when we meet:

Why do you want to be a Freemason?
- Please bear in mind that becoming a Freemason is for friendship & personal growth; not for personal gain or the growth of a career or business.
Are you at least 18 years old?
Do you have criminal convictions?
Do you believe in a supreme being?
- Note that we don't ask about your religion; that's personal to you. We only ask that you believe in a supreme being, as that is the basis of the moral lessons that our rituals focus on. In fact, Freemasons don't ever discuss religion as it's a divisive topic that could divide our harmonious fraternity!
Is your family aware of your interest in Freemasonry and, if so, are they supportive of your intention?
Given your current stage of life and personal circumstances, do you have the time available to commit to joining and becoming an active Freemason?
Can you afford it?
- Especially in these difficult times, we don't want anyone to struggle!

Blackballed!

You may have heard the phrase to be 'blackballed' but not realise it's Masonic in origin.

When a new member is proposed, an anonymous ballot is held, traditionally with the use of black and white stones.

A 'black ball' meant the proposal failed, and the candidate could not be initiated!

An image from 1809 showing an early Masonic Meeting — An exhibit from 1809 in the UGLE Masonic Museum showing an early Masonic Meeting

The First Degree

On your Initiation, you'll be a 'Candidate' for the First Degree - a traditional ceremony that every Freemason has taken part in since at least 1717.

As a Candidate this will be your initial encounter with the spectacle and rituals of the fraternity; the First Degree serves as an introduction to Masonry.

Similarly to all other Masonic ceremonies, it is an event that is both solemn and meaningful.

During the Initiation, the Candidate becomes an "Entered Apprentice" and is given certain secrets of the Masonic Order, which are all moral and ethical in nature, and is called upon to respect them in accordance with the regulations of Freemasonry.

Upon the completion of the Entered Apprentice degree, the candidate takes his first step as a Freemason and is addressed with the title of "Brother".

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VIGILANTES LODGE

Joining Vigilantes; for Initiates

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to join?

Do I have to be Invited?

Is Freemasonry right for me?

Is Vigilantes right for me?

How much does it cost?

What are the requirements of membership?

Blackballed!