Craigantlet Masonic Lodge of Friendship No. 486
Belfast
~ Est. 1920 ~
What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest fraternal organisations and is non-political and non-sectarian in nature. It brings together men from many different backgrounds who share values such as integrity, friendship, charity, and personal development.
For some members, Freemasonry is about friendship and fellowship. For others, it is an opportunity to support charitable causes, develop confidence, or simply enjoy a rewarding and meaningful hobby.
Freemasonry encourages members to live by strong moral principles, care for others, and contribute positively to family and society.
Grand Master
M.W. Bro. Richard S. G. Ensor
A video tour of the Freemasons Hall, Dublin, the Headquarters of Freemasonry in the Irish Constitution
Why become a Freemason?
Every Freemason has his own reason for joining, but members often speak about:
Friendship
Building lifelong friendships and belonging to a supportive community.
Personal Growth
Developing confidence, public speaking skills, leadership, and self-improvement.
Charity
Supporting local and national charitable causes and helping those in need.
Tradition & Values
Being part of an organisation built on integrity, kindness, fairness, and respect for others.
Community
Enjoying social events, lodge activities, and becoming part of something bigger than yourself.
Freemasonry has helped build my confidence, enabling me to tackle challenges I used to shy away from.
GROWTH
When you have people with the highest levels of talent, it’s vital that you give them the support and opportunity to make a success of their lives.
PURPOSE
Freemasonry does not discriminate on grounds of race, colour, religion, political views or social standing
PRINCIPLED
We have regular open days at our Hall and welcome visitors to participate in our social and charitable events.
OPENNESS
The Three Principles of Freemasonry
Brotherly Love
Treating others with tolerance, kindness, and respect.
Relief
Supporting charitable causes and helping those in need.
Truth
Striving to live honestly, ethically, and with integrity.
How Do I Join?
You do not need to be asked to join
We welcome enquiries from men aged 21 and over who live, work, or study in Belfast, County Down, or the surrounding area.
Applicants should:
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Be of good character and reputation
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Hold a belief in a Supreme Being
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Be interested in personal development, friendship, and helping others
If you are interested, simply complete our Interested in Joining form or contact us directly.
We will arrange an informal meeting over coffee so that you can learn more, ask questions, and decide whether Freemasonry is right for you.
Religion & Politics
Freemasonry is not a religion and does not replace a member’s faith. Members are encouraged to follow and practice their own religion, whatever it may be.
Freemasonry is also non-political, and political or religious debate is not permitted during Lodge meetings.
How Much Does It Cost?
After a small one-off joining fee, annual Lodge membership is approximately £100 per year, which helps cover membership and the running costs of the Lodge.
Subscriptions can normally be paid annually or by monthly direct debit.
Charitable giving is entirely voluntary and should never come at the expense of family or personal responsibilities.
About our Charity work
Charitable giving and helping others are central to Freemasonry.
Craigantlet Lodge of Friendship supports a wide range of local and national charities and good causes, raising funds and contributing to community initiatives throughout the Province of Down and beyond.
Irish Freemasonry also supports several long-established charitable organisations assisting young people, welfare projects, medical research, and care for older members.
Non-Masonic Charities & Good Causes
It's not just the Masonic Charities that we help support, but charities and good causes nationally and throughout the Province of Down.
Over the years Craigantlet Lodge of Friendship No. 486 have helped raised many hundreds of thousands of pounds for well known non Masonic charities and good causes.
