Clerestory Lodge always welcomes new members. The following summarises the steps that a potential initiate would follow as he seeks membership:
It is likely that the aspirant candidate will have been identified either by a member of our Lodge, or has been recommended to us either from UGLE, Metropolitan Grand Lodge, or other Lodge who knows of an individual who seeks membership based upon residency in London. Once the applicant becomes known to Clerestory Lodge, we must ensure that he meets the following criteria:
- Male;
- Have no criminal record (exceptions can be made in special circumstances).
The Lodge will identify the most appropriate brethren from amongst their membership who will propose and second the application. This is likely to include the Brother who originally contacted, or was approached by the applicant, where a direct approach to Clerestory Lodge, was made.
The next stage of the process will be for the applicant to be interviewed by the Lodge Committee who will then make a recommendation as to his suitability. This recommendation will then be presented at one of our regular meetings where a vote, in the applicant’s favour will be passed. The aspirant candidate will then be initiated into Clerestory Lodge within 12 months from the vote being taken.
It should be noted that, as part of the interview process, the aspirant candidate will be asked to affirm that:
- He must have a belief in “a higher being” or some appreciation of an inner consciousness that gives moral guidance
- He must be free to attend Lodge on a regular basis;
- His family must be aware of his intentions and supportive of them;
- He must be aware of the financial implications of being a Mason, in terms of his annual subscriptions and charitable donations
Within Clerestory Lodge, we give high regard to the friendly and fraternal aspects of Freemasonry. We therefore strive to arrange for aspirant candidates to meet Lodge members in a social context, before being initiated. This could take place, for example at one of our “White Table” evenings or other social event.
