Wigmore Masons represents the Masonic Lodges that meet at our centre in Rainham, Medway. As part of the wider tradition of Freemasonry in Kent, we bring people together in friendship, support local charities and play an active role in our community.
“The grand object of Masonry is to promote the happiness of the human race.”
George Wasington, Freemason
Wigmore Masons website and social media presence represents the vibrant and active Masonic community that meets at Howard Hall, Wigmore, in the heart of Rainham, Kent. Bringing together a number of Male Craft Lodges and side Orders along with a Women Lodge too, We provides a welcoming focal point for Freemasonry in the local area.
Our Lodges are united by a shared commitment to personal development along with our core values of Integrity, Friendship, Respect, and Service. While each Lodge has its own character and traditions, all are guided by the same core values that have defined Freemasonry for generations.
Whether you are a long-standing Mason, a visiting Brother, or someone simply curious to learn more, Wigmore Masons aims to offer a clear, friendly, and approachable window into who we are and what we do.
Wigmore Freemasons, pride ourselves on being warm, friendly, and inclusive. Our Lodges are made up of men from all walks of life, backgrounds, and ages, brought together by shared values rather than social standing or profession.
New members are welcomed openly, treated equally, and supported from their very first visit. Freemasonry is a journey taken together, and we believe that everyone should feel comfortable, valued, and encouraged as they progress.
Beyond our formal meetings, we enjoy a lively social calendar that strengthens friendships and helps create the sense of belonging that lies at the heart of Masonic life.
Charity, Service & Community Involvement is central to everything we do. Wigmore Masonic Lodges that meet at Howard Hall actively support a wide and varied range of charitable causes, spanning local, regional, and national initiatives, alongside wider Masonic charitable efforts.
Members are encouraged to put forward and support charities that matter to them personally, helping to ensure our fundraising remains purposeful, inclusive, and responsive to genuine need. This approach allows our charitable work to reflect both the values of Freemasonry and the communities in which we live and work.
Through events, collections, and organised fundraising activities,
All Wigmore Masons seek to make a positive and lasting contribution to the wider community.
Freemasonry is about far more than meetings alone. Each of our Lodges host and support a variety of social events throughout the year, many of which welcome family and friends to join us.
For many socials highlights include annual Christmas meetings and our Lady's Nights all of which are a relaxed and enjoyable occasions that bring members, partners, and guests together to celebrate our efforts and enjoy good company.
These shared experiences play an important role in building friendships, strengthening connections between Lodges, and ensuring that Freemasonry remains a living, social, and enjoyable part of modern life.
Everything we do is guided by the enduring principles of Integrity, Friendship, Respect, and Service. These values shape how we conduct ourselves within the Lodge, how we support one another, and how we contribute to the wider community. They are as relevant today as they have ever been, providing a lasting framework for personal growth, responsibility, and fellowship.
Rather than working on buildings like the masons of old, today’s Freemasons focus on building themselves as people of integrity. Freemasonry provides a structured environment that encourages self-discovery, the development of strong moral character, and the formation of enduring friendships. Through our ceremonies and rituals, members are encouraged to reflect on these principles and apply the lessons learned in their everyday lives. In essence, Freemasonry seeks to make good men better.
One of the oldest social organisations in the world, Freemasonry is not defined by any single ideology. It is open to people of all religions and political persuasions, providing a common foundation for friendship, mutual respect, and understanding. With a membership of more than 150,000 people drawn from communities across the UK, Freemasonry brings people together irrespective of race, religion, or any other perceived differences that can divide society.
Service sits at the very heart of Freemasonry. Whether through charitable fundraising, volunteering, or supporting local and national causes, our members make valuable contributions by donating their time, skills, and resources for the benefit of others and the wider community.
Our doors are open to individuals of all races and religions. While Lodges under the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) are traditionally male—reflecting the customs of the original stonemasons—Freemasonry is not exclusively for men. There are two long-established female Grand Lodges operating alongside UGLE: The Order of Women Freemasons and The Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons. Women Freemasons have been meeting for over 100 years and often work alongside us in community and charitable initiatives.
Together, these branches of Freemasonry continue a shared commitment to integrity, friendship, respect, and service—principles that remain steadfast, even in today’s uncertain times.
East Kent Freemasons’ central office is situated in Whitstable, Kent, being under the leadership of our Provincial Grand Master. Our Province is just one among several governed by the UGLE across England and Wales.
The Province of East Kent is further subdivided into eight distinct Area Groups, strategically set up to furnish localised guidance and assistance to the Lodges within their respective regions. Kent is split into Eight Area Groups which have been established to provide guidance and support at a local level to the Lodges with that area.
Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest social and philanthropic institutions, and its relevance today remains as strong as at its inception. With a membership of over 200,000 people across England and Wales, Freemasons are united under the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE).
Freemasonry means different things to different people. For some, it is about forming new friendships and enjoying fellowship; for others, it is the opportunity to support charitable and community causes. For many, it offers an engaging and rewarding journey that also encourages personal development and self-improvement.
The origins of modern Freemasonry can be traced back to the medieval stonemasons who built castles and cathedrals. These skilled craftsmen formed lodges to share knowledge, regulate their trade, and support one another.
During the 1600s, lodges began to admit members who were not stonemasons. These “freemasons” gradually took on leadership roles, shifting the focus from trade matters to moral philosophy, equality, and tolerance—particularly significant during times of religious intolerance and civil unrest.
While Freemasonry has evolved over the centuries, it has remained firmly grounded in its founding principles. Today, the tools of the stonemason are used symbolically to encourage members to improve themselves and to contribute positively to a more inclusive and understanding society.
Freemasonry is a unique members’ organisation that has flourished for over 300 years. It has no political or religious affiliations and welcomes men from all ages, races, religions, cultures, and backgrounds. Members meet in local Lodges across the country, where ceremonies and traditions encourage tolerance, respect, and civic responsibility. Just as importantly, Freemasonry provides opportunities to socialise, dine together, and build lifelong friendships.
We are a unique members’ organisation that 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.
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.
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.
WHAT WE ARE
We are a unique members’ organisation that 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.
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.
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.
OUR VALUES
Our core values are the underlying principles behind who we are, what we stand for, and what we do. They are vital to understanding Freemasonry.
INTEGRITY
Honesty, trustworthiness, honour, reliability, and conscientiousness form the foundation of a virtuous character. They foster trust, maintain integrity, and demonstrate commitment, ultimately leading to a life of strong principles and dependable actions.
FRIENDSHIP
Freemasonry gives members many opportunities to make a wide circle of friends for life who share common interests and values. It provides a bond of friendship and a sense of belonging. This promotes a feeling of enjoyment and fulfilment.
RESPECT
From its earliest days, Freemasonry has respected the beliefs of its members. It promotes an environment where diversity is valued. It is a space where different beliefs and backgrounds converge, fostering an atmosphere of inclusivity, tolerance and harmony.
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.
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 Ceremony of Exaltation sees members follow the clues from the Third Degree to complete their journey in Pure Antient Masonry, in a spectacular and unforgettable ceremony. Through ongoing participation, members will work together with old friends and new Companions to build on the principles of the Craft and unlock fresh perspectives on the meaning and value of Freemasonry.
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.
Common misconceptions arise from a combination of historical and cultural factors:
Together, the interplay of historical mistrust, cultural misrepresentation, and a lack of understanding perpetuates the enduring notion of Freemasonry as a secretive, male only, organisation–overtime these misunderstanding are being addressed.
Wigmore Masonic Centre is based in Rainham, Medway and welcomes enquiries and visitors from Gillingham, Chatham, Rochester, Sittingbourne and the surrounding areas.