John Bunyan Lodge
No.5973

Bedfordshire's premier lodge

Integrity

Friendship

Respect

Service

What is Freemasonry

British Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest and most respected fraternal organisations, tracing its roots back to the early 18th century. It began with the formation of the first Grand Lodge in London in 1717, marking the beginning of the modern Masonic tradition. Freemasonry is often associated with secrecy and elaborate rituals, but at its core, it is built on principles of brotherhood, charity, and self-improvement.

Members, known as Freemasons or Masons, often participate in community service and charitable activities. They follow a structured hierarchy, with members progressing through various degrees that symbolize personal growth and moral development. The organisation emphasizes moral and ethical teachings, using allegories and symbols to impart lessons.

Despite its historical roots and traditions, British Freemasonry today strives to be open and relevant, actively engaging with communities and dispelling misconceptions. It's a diverse organisation, welcoming members from various backgrounds who are united by a common desire to make themselves and their communities better.

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About our Lodge

Our lodge was founded during the challenging times of World War II, when a group of local Freemasons came together to create a lasting institution that would uphold Masonic values and contribute to the betterment of society. Since then, we have continued to grow, guided by the principles that have been at the heart of Freemasonry for centuries.

What we do

John Bunyan Lodge is actively involved in a variety of charitable and social activities. We support local and national charities, with fundraising events and volunteering efforts that make a meaningful difference in our community. Our members regularly meet for lodge meetings, ceremonies, and educational sessions that foster personal development, friendship, and brotherhood

Who can join

We welcome inquiries from men of good character who are interested in learning more about Freemasonry and potentially joining our lodge. Becoming a Freemason offers an opportunity for self-improvement, lifelong friendships, and the chance to make a positive impact on the world around you. If you are curious about joining John Bunyan Lodge No. 5973, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Our Meetings

Our meetings begin at 4.30pm on the third Saturday in October, November, December, January, February and March, catering for those who have difficulty committing to midweek activities. Each meeting is followed by a meal and an informal drink at the bar.

Meetings are held at the Bedfordshire Masonic Centre, The Keep, Bedford Road, Kempston. MK42 8AJ.

Whether you are considering becoming a Freemason, or you are already a mason seeking to join or visit another Masonic lodge, the members of John Bunyan would be pleased extend to you a very warm welcome.

United Grand Lodge of England
Mission Statement

Purpose

WHAT WE ARE

We are a unique members’ organisation which has thrived for over 300 years. Having no political or religious affiliations, we comprise members of all ages, races, religions, cultures and backgrounds. We meet in our individual Lodges throughout the country where we have ceremonial traditions which encourage us both to be more tolerant and respectful and actively to fulfil our civic and charitable responsibilities; we also make time to eat, drink and meet together, and form lifelong friendships.

Vision

WHAT WE AIM FOR

To attract those from all backgrounds and walks of life, enabling them to develop into more thoughtful and confident people. To inspire and challenge them to practise the core values we celebrate – Integrity, Friendship, Respect, Service – in their private and public lives. To cement our reputation as a force for good in our communities and society at large and as a thriving organisation that people aspire to join.

Mission

HOW WE WILL ACHIEVE THIS

Over the next 7 years, we will enhance our reputation as a thriving organisation that people aspire to join and broaden our membership across all age groups.

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INTEGRITY

Rather than working on buildings like the masons of old, today’s Freemasons focus on building themselves as people of integrity, and membership provides the structure to help achieve that goal.

FRIENDSHIP

One of the oldest social organisations in the world, Freemasonry is not defined by an ideology. It is open to people from all religions and political persuasions, and provides the common foundation for friendships between members, many of which will last for life.

RESPECT

With a membership of more than 200,000 people drawn from communities across the UK, Freemasonry brings people together irrespective of their race, religion or any other perceived differences that can divide us as a society

SERVICE

Whether participating in events, fundraising for a charitable cause or volunteering for public or community organisations, service is at the very heart of Freemasonry. Our members make valuable contributions by donating time, resources and skills.

United Grand Lodge of England

Frequently Asked Questions

People join Freemasonry for many different reasons, some join for the friendships they will make; friendships that last a lifetime and encompass the key milestones in life for better or worse. You will meet people who are different to you, those of different ages with radically different life experiences and interests, drawn together by common experience through Freemasonry.

Our members are, and have been for three centuries, drawn from all walks of life. From Captains of industry and chief executives to manual labourers and forklift truck drivers, so you will find people with a wealth of different outlooks from all races, religions, classes and backgrounds.

There are also those who enjoy the ceremonial aspects. Our meetings consist of centuries old lessons centered around you as an individual. How you live your life, the decisions that you make and how to become a better person are all found within our meetings.

Freemasons are taught to look after those less fortunate than themselves, charity is our lifeblood and many members devote their time and energy to helping those less fortunate than themselves.

We also have a huge amount of fun along the way, we eat, drink and meet together and form lifelong friendships.

There are three ‘degree ceremonies’ performed during masonic meetings. They are essentially one act plays and teach members how to be better people and each play represents a different stage in life.

As an ‘initiate’ or Entered Apprentice, Freemasons are taught we are all born equal, we learn that in life some do better than others and it is up to those that do well to look after the less fortunate. From this stems our belief in the importance of Service.

The next stage is to become a ‘Fellow Craft’ where Freemasons are taught the importance of improving yourself as a person, and finally as a ‘Master Mason’, where we learn that we have but one life, and the importance of using it wisely.

The details of the ceremonies can easily be accessed online but nothing beats experiencing it for yourself.

After the meetings members dine together informally in order to enjoy good food, good wine, and good company. And most importantly, to have fun together.

The aprons stem from our historical and symbolic roots as stonemasons. Being leather, they were designed to protect them from sharp tools and rough stones. For today’s Freemasons, the apron is a mark of their membership. They are presented with a white leather apron and as they progress this becomes more elaborate.

Only men aged over 18 are allowed to join the United Grand Lodge of England in England and Wales.

The two leading women’s Grand Lodges, that we have the closest relationship with, are: Freemasonry for Women (HFAF) and the Order of Women Freemasons. These two groups only admit women because that is the choice of their memberships. Both of the women’s organisations, and ourselves, prefer to practice our Freemasonry in single sex environments. The United Grand Lodge of England regularly hires its facilities out for meetings of the two women’s Lodges due to our mutual respect and close relations.

It is the sheer scale. We are one of the biggest charitable givers in the country and gave £51.1m to charities in 2020 alone.

The Masonic Charitable Foundation, the Freemasons’ Charity – our national charitable grant giving arm, tackles some of the most significant challenges facing society, in particular, reducing loneliness in later life and ensuring a positive future for young children. We work in partnership with some of the biggest charities in the country to deliver our support.

Freemasonry also does a huge amount for medical research into treatments for cancer, diabetes, heart disease and a whole range of other conditions. In addition it makes donations to support those affected by overseas disasters as well as those at home, such as the Grenfell Tower disaster.

During the pandemic, Freemasons worked together to help their communities. The United Grand Lodge of England, and its members, did all they could to help in the fight against Covid-19. We have seen remarkable stories from across the country of how our members came together – from helping to raise vital funds for the NHS and delivering food to the community, through to purchasing ambulances and manufacturing vital personal protective equipment (PPE). To support Freemasonry’s charitable response to the pandemic, UGLE and the Masonic Charitable Foundation, the Freemasons' charity, established the Freemasons’ COVID-19 Community Fund.

This Fund has helped to support a range of local and national charities and projects that are helping people through the current coronavirus pandemic and in total has donated £3m during the pandemic.

Freemasonry exists throughout the world and the United Grand Lodge of England has Districts in many overseas countries. Our members are free to visit any of our Lodges abroad and will often find a warm welcome from fellow members who know the local country very well.

In addition to our Lodges, many other countries have sovereign Grand Lodges, which our members are free to visit and whose members visit us in England and Wales when travelling.

The United Grand Lodge of England has 180,000 members. The Grand Lodge of Scotland has approx. 27,000 members and The Grand Lodge of Ireland has approx. 20,000 members, whilst the two female Grand Lodges in England comprise of around 5,000 members. Worldwide there are estimated to be around six million members.

On average the annual dues and other fees amount to £200 a year, although there are local variations.

When becoming a Freemason, members are expected to be able to affirm a belief in a ‘Supreme Being’. This is deliberately phrased so as to be fully inclusive and we celebrate the diverse nature of the beliefs of our members. There is no requirement to be an active practitioner of any particular religion.

Begin your Freemasonry journey with the John Bunyan Lodge today!

CONTACTS

The Keep,
Bedford Road,
Kempston.
MK42 8AJ
secretary@5973.org.uk

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John Bunyan LodgeNo.5973