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Welcome to English Freemasonry in the District of South Africa North

Happy 130th Birthday to the District Grand Lodge of South Africa, North. Consecrated on the 30th of April 1895

The Home of English Freemasonry in South Africa, North.

Welcome! You've arrived at the online home of the District Grand Lodge of South Africa, North, a vibrant part of English Freemasonry.

Established in 1895 under the esteemed United Grand Lodge of England (founded in 1717 and recognized as the premier Grand Lodge worldwide), our District is a welcoming community with a rich history.

As the largest of the nine Districts in Southern Africa, we proudly bring together over 1300 members from diverse ethnic, cultural, and social backgrounds. Our 82 Lodges span across Gauteng, North West, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga, and extend to include Lodges in Botswana, Eswatini, and Mauritius.

Freemasonry stands as one of the world's oldest secular social and charitable organizations, drawing its traditions from the skilled medieval stonemasons who crafted magnificent castles and cathedrals.

At the heart of Freemasonry are our guiding principles:

  • Brotherly Love: Fostering kindness and understanding amongst our members.
  • Relief: Providing support and aid to those in need.
  • Truth: Encouraging honesty and integrity in all our dealings.

These principles are reflected in our core values:

  • Integrity: Upholding moral and ethical standards.
  • Friendship: Building strong and lasting bonds between members.
  • Respect: Valuing the dignity and worth of every individual.
  • Service: Contributing positively to our communities.

In today's ever-changing world, these enduring principles remain as relevant and vital as ever.

We warmly welcome men over the age of 18 from all walks of life to join our community. Our aim is to empower our members to reach their full potential by fostering character development, offering individual support, and encouraging meaningful contributions to society.

Freemasonry provides a supportive framework for members to connect through shared values, forge new friendships, cultivate personal growth, and collectively support numerous charitable endeavours. We invite you to explore our website further and discover how you can become a part of this remarkable tradition.

PURPOSE

Our aim is to empower members to be the best they can be – it’s about building character, supporting members as individuals and helping them make a positive contribution to society.

Freemasonry provides a structure for members to come together under these common goals, enabling them to make new friendships, develop themselves and make valuable contributions to charitable causes.

VISION

“Together, we create an environment where the Modern Mason thrives and Masonry retains relevance"

MISSION

We will enhance our reputation as a thriving organisation that people aspire to join and broaden our membership across all age groups.

The Core Values of English Freemasonry

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 150,000 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. 

Did You Know?

Service and Freemasons

Service is in a Freemason’s DNA. It is the focus of our First Degree ceremony and its importance and virtues are the first lesson a newly made Freemason learns.

HISTORY & ACHIEVEMENTS

Barely a decade after the foundation of the Grand Lodge of England in 1717, Freemasonry had become the largest and arguably the most influential of Britain's many clubs and societies. This continued into the 20th century. A key factor was the widespread promulgation of the 1723 Constitutions of the Freemasons, which pioneered the cutting-edge principles of the Enlightenment:

  • Religious tolerance, something wholly radical in a world characterised by religious conflict.
  • Meritocracy, at a time when birth and wealth determined success.
  • High standards of interpersonal civility.
  • Scientific and artistic education.
  • Societal and personal self-improvement.

Unique and diverse

An organisation for all cultures and backgrounds

Our members have come from all walks of life, each with their own unique story to tell of why they became a Freemason.

What is Freemasonry?

Over 300 years of history

One of the oldest social and charitable organisations in the world

Freemasonry’s roots lie in the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who built our cathedrals and castles. Let us take you on a journey back in time.

History of Freemasonry?