About Us

What is the Leeds Light Blues Club? – Formed in 2019, the Leeds Light Blues (LLB) is a club for Freemasons and invited masonic candidates, around Leeds and Wakefield, (including Wetherby, Garforth, Pontefract, Castleford, Batley, Morley and Pudsey), to socialise, learn from, and support each other on our unique and individual masonic journeys.

The LLB Club is not a private Masonic Lodge, and it works within the constitutions of the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) and within the Masonic Province of Yorkshire, West Riding.

What’s in it for me? –  The LLB club is a complementary addition to a brother’s craft lodge experience. As a cross-lodge initiative, we form a collective peer group for all Light Blue* Freemasons (and invited candidates) to enable:

• the widening of masonic friendships,
• visiting different lodges together,
• organising and attending online and in-person lectures and meetings, (including charity and social events).
• Helping retain Freemasons within the Craft.

We also liaise with other New masons clubs in the province of Yorkshire, West Riding, and across the country.

Please note, the first point of contact for a New Mason should always be their proposer and Lodge Mentor. The Leeds Light Blues aims to complement Freemasonry and work harmoniously with all Lodges.

*_{Terminology: Light Blues are Freemasons who have not yet reached the seniority or years in “the craft” to be appointed Provincial Lodge or Grand Lodge Honours (Dark Blues).  The club was formed to serve the needs of all, but is aimed at Light Blues, New Freemasons and now, invited potential Freemasons (candidates).}

What is Freemasonry?

Freemasonry is one of the oldest secular social and charitable organisations in the world. Its roots lie in the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who built structures such as bridges, castles and religious buildings. Whilst working on a project, medieval stonemasons were formed together as a “Lodge”, with a hierarchy of roles, depending upon knowledge and experience. When stonemasons were no longer tied to a specific employer, they were deemed “Free”, and as building projects became more diverse, such as constructing universities, manor houses and civil projects, non-stonemasons were increasingly being admitted as “Accepted” masons. Hence the term, Free and Accepted Masons.

As the membership of operative stonemasons declined, the ceremonies of the lodge meetings became more centred around symbolic plays and speeches about morality, truth, character ethics, charity and caring for people. Modern day Lodges can often trace their history and lodge family tree back over hundreds of years. They still continue these traditional ceremonies that remind members to: be conscious of their own actions and the impact unto others, obey the laws of the land, and fulfil their charitable and civil responsibilities. Freemasons aim to shape their lives around four important values: Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Charity.

Are there really secret handshakes?

Freemasons do have some traditional secrets that are still used during our ceremonies. This comes from times when medieval stonemasons travelled to find work and applied to join a new Lodge or project, there were no CV’s, identity documents or easy way to contact a previous employer for a reference. To prove they were qualified at a particular grade to work on those important projects, secret words and handshakes were the traditional way to communicate their suitability and aptitude for that position.

The secrets and handshakes must only shared as part of traditional ceremonies in masonic settings. Outside the Lodge and in the modern world, they would never guarantee success at a job interview, enable a get out of jail free card, or unlock any hidden treasure! Only when a Freemason promises not to share them to anyone outside of a lodge, (not even to other Freemasons below that grade), are they given the traditional secrets and handshakes, just as their medieval counterparts were. However, anyone can find them on the internet, if they search carefully enough. Remember that Freemasonry is a society with secrets, it is not a secret society!

What is the relevance of Freemasonry today?

People join Freemasonry for many reasons and there are many aspects to the craft. Some are interested in self-development and public speaking, along with the history, traditions and ceremonies. There may also be a family connection. Many candidates hope to meet like minded people, make friendships and enjoy the social aspect, whilst others are attracted by, and become involved in, charity work.

For anyone hoping to get ahead in business or to move up the social ladder, a good LinkedIn profile and joining a golf club will be far more beneficial!

Is Freemasonry only for men?

No, it’s not, and there are, and have been, many women Freemasons, including several suffragettes, with grand lodges in England, and as far away as India. Mens and Womens Freemasonry each have their own traditions and work closely together, however, our ceremonies and meetings are held separately.

I’ve seen Freemasons presenting cheques on social media, but I’ve not seen anyone collecting money. Where does this come from?

For charity funds, we don’t collect money in public, this is donated at our own events and ceremonies, by taking collections and running raffles. As individuals, Freemasons often work directly with charities to raise money for them, or they can ask their own Lodge, or provincial and national masonic charities, for funds towards specific projects. As part of the local community, Freemasons Lodges and brethren often support local good causes and smaller charities that need the support and publicity. National charities are often supported by the Masonic Charitable Foundation.