Society opens its doors

10:31am Monday 8th October 2007

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THE world of freemasonry was revealed to the public, as Minster Lodge opened its doors.

The event, on Saturday, was a chance for people to learn more about freemasonry, and explore the building in St Saviourgate, where the lodge holds its meetings - as well as help raise cash for both the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the Great North Air Ambulance.

Lodge master Keith Bell said the day had been a great success, with around 150 people taking the chance to ask questions and explore the building. A total of £508 was raised for the two air ambulances.

Asked what the public had been asking about, he said: "They were surprised at how interesting freemasonry is and were especially interested in the Lodge Room, where we conduct our ceremonies, and we were very open about everything."

He said people also enjoyed seeing the furniture and ornaments, as well as 18th-century books about freemasonry in the library.

He added: "They were rather surprised at the amounts freemasonry raises for non-masonic charities, and they were just delighted to be able to come into a lodge and talk to freemasons.

"The day could not have gone better as far as I was concerned, as we had several people interested in looking into freemasonry more deeply."

He said anyone interested in freemasonry should contact the lodge secretary at its premises in St Saviourgate.