Freemasonry holds a unique meaning for every member.
As one of the world’s oldest secular fraternities, Freemasonry has flourished through brotherhood, charity, and personal growth. In County Down and the Greater Belfast area, we warmly welcome new members who live, work, or study here, with Lodges gathering in our Centre in Newtownards.
Every Mason joins for his own reason—whether seeking achievement, friendship, or insight into our storied traditions—and must hold a belief in a Supreme Being while upholding integrity. Guided by the principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth, we strive to improve ourselves and our society.
Every true Freemason will show tolerance and respect for the opinions of others and behave with kindness and understanding to his fellow creatures.
Freemasons are taught to practise charity, and to care, not only for their own members, but for the community as a whole, by both charitable giving, and by voluntary effort.
Freemasonry strives for truth and requires high moral standards of its members.
Freemasonry has been concerned from its earliest days with the care of orphans, the sick and the aged. This work continues today, and in recent times, substantial sums have been donated to both Masonic and non-Masonic charities.
Lt. Col. Robert Blair Mayne, affectionately known as “Colonel Paddy,” is celebrated as one of the most decorated soldiers in British military history. Born in Newtownards in 1915, Mayne demonstrated remarkable talent in rugby, boxing, and academics, studying law at Queen’s University Belfast. His bravery and leadership during World War II, particularly with the Special Air Service (SAS), earned him the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) with three bars, the French Legion d’Honneur, and the Croix de Guerre.
Beyond his military achievements, Mayne was an active Freemason, joining Eklektikos Lodge No. 542 and Friendship Lodge No. 447 in Newtownards. He valued the camaraderie and fellowship of his fellow Masons, regularly attending meetings until his untimely death in 1955. READ MORE
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