• Freemasonry is a society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values. Its members are taught its precepts by a series of ritual dramas, which follow ancient forms, and use stonemasons' customs and tools as allegorical guides
• The essential qualification for admission into and continuing membership is a belief in a Supreme Being
• Membership is open to men of any race or religion who can fulfil this essential qualification and who are of good repute.
• The three great principles of Freemasonry are:
  • Brotherly Love - Every true Freemason will show tolerance and respect for the opinions of others and behave with kindness and understanding to his fellow creatures.
  • Relief - Freemasons are taught to practise charity and to care, not only for their own, but also for the community as a whole, both by charitable giving, and by voluntary efforts and works as individuals.
  • Truth - Freemasons strive for truth, requiring high moral standards and aiming to achieve them in their own lives

The United Grand Lodge of England was founded in 1717 and is widely regarded as the Principal Grand Lodge in the world. There is no international organization as such, but a system of mutual recognition by sovereign Grand Lodges operates successfully. Essex is the fourth largest province in England and Wales with more than 300 Lodges and 11,600 members.