Our Ladies
Our ladies are a vital and integral part of Freemasonry and without them and their cherished support the fraternity would not function in today’s society. Indeed, it is reasonable to say that without them there would be little or no point in Freemasonry at all. Freemasonry is a system of morality, which teaches good men to be better men, better citizens, better employers or employees, better husbands and better fathers and to uphold all the virtues of family life. To exclude our ladies from this mix would render the teachings of Freemasonry meaningless.
In an ever-changing world
One of the many charms and attractions of Freemasonry is its adherence to its ancient customs and traditions. In our ever-changing world the stability of our Masonic traditions, offer a tranquility and peace that is almost unique in a society where change is so often confused with improvement. One of these traditions dates back to the time of the operative masons when the physical work of a stonemason was so severe as to render it impossible for woman. The stonemasons trade also required men to travel long distances away from home and live closely together in a communal dwelling (the lodge). This tradition has been carried into the speculative masonry or Freemasonry of today. Although the passage of time has changed the attitudes and physical capabilities of both men and woman, Freemasonry passionately clings to all its traditions because the stable and unchanging nature of the fraternity is, in essence, one of the major points of difference with Freemasonry in comparison to other organisations. Any fundamental change to the traditions of Freemasonry will alter it to a point where it ceases to be Freemasonry and becomes something else. We believe that Freemasonry is needed by society more now than ever before to offer peace and stability to a world of hectic and often frightening changes in moral values and personal behaviours.
Freemasonry is an international fraternity embracing a diverse range of cultures operating under individual Grand Lodges. To gain agreement on any fundamental change is not only undesirable but also unimaginably complex and difficult.
With our ladies consent
When a man decides to become a Freemason, his chosen lodge will assure themselves that he does so with the complete blessing of his family. Every Freemason knows that it is impossible to function in the fraternity without the full consent and cooperation of his partner and family. In the past many Masons held the misguided belief that families were to be excluded from his Masonic involvement. This has always been quite wrong and members are now encouraged to involve the family at every given opportunity. Many, if not most, of the ladies of current members will say that they derive a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction from the benefits of Freemasonry. The social activities of a Freemasons Lodge are of vital importance and all of these various activities are wholly inclusive of the family. There is the annual lodge ladies night, family picnics and BBQ, theatre nights, restaurant nights, charity fund raising events, children’s Christmas trees and lodge ladies outings. There are also now many opportunities for the family to attend a number of Masonic ceremonies. Ladies and children form lifelong friendships with people of all ages and backgrounds just as their men folk do. Our ladies take great pride in their partner’s progress through Freemasonry and form strong bonds with the lodge and in many instances work alongside the members for its well being. Indeed, there are numerous avenues open for our ladies to advise the members on many aspects of Freemasonry.
Ladies Masonic organisations
There are a number of woman’s Masonic organisations operating in Western Australia notably "The Order of the Eastern Star" for Freemasons' partners and "Jobe’s Daughters" for the younger daughters of Freemasons. These organisations run on Masonic lines teaching and encouraging the highest moral and social standards. The members call on the men folk for their support and cooperation in the same manor as the men do when involving the ladies in their lodge activities. "The Order of the Eastern Star" is renowned for the organisation of their spectacular debutants ball. [Please email us and we will pass on your enquiry]
In conclusion
The fact is that women cannot become Freemasons. However, there are many opportunities for them to be involved in the partner’s lodge and many of its activities if desired.
It is vitally important that the family unit gives its full consent to men who wish to become a Freemason and their cooperation and support are dearly cherished by the fraternity.
It should be understood that a Freemasons meeting is a dignified occasion where the highest standards of conduct and behavior are observed. The ceremonial component of the meeting is solely concerned with the teaching of a strict system of morals. No lady needs ever to worry about the conduct of their partners when at their lodge meetings. For more information on what happens at a lodge meeting please click here.
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