DISCOVER MASONRY. DISCOVER YOURSELF.
Integrity
Friendship
Respect
Charity
Welcome to UNITED GRAND LODGE OF CANADA
The home of Freemasonry
Welcome to the United Grand Lodge of Canada (UGLC), the home of Freemasonry in Canada .
One of the oldest secular social and charitable organisations in the world, modern Freemasonry’s roots lie in the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who built our castles and cathedrals.
For Freemasons, there are four important values that help define their path through life: Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Charity. In today’s world filled with uncertainty, these principles ring as true now as they have at any point in the organisation’s history.
Membership is open to men over 18 from all backgrounds and the organisation’s 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 people to make new friendships, develop themselves and make valuable contributions to charitable causes. We are one of the largest charitable givers in the country, contributing $150.5m to deserving causes in 2020
Mission Statement
WHAT WE ARE (PURPOSE)
We are a unique members’ organisation that has thrived for over 300 years. Having no political or religious affiliations, we comprise members of all ages, races, religions, cultures and backgrounds. We meet in our individual Lodges throughout the country where we have ceremonial traditions which encourage us both to be more tolerant and respectful and actively to fulfil our civic and charitable responsibilities; we also make time to eat, drink and meet together, and form lifelong friendships.
WHAT WE AIM FOR (VISION)
To attract those from all backgrounds and walks of life, enabling them to develop into more thoughtful and confident people. To inspire and challenge them to practise the core values we celebrate – Integrity, Friendship, Respect, Charity – in their private and public lives. To cement our reputation as a force for good in our communities and society at large and as a thriving organisation that people aspire to join.
HOW WE WILL ACHIEVE THIS (MISSION)
Over the next 7 years, we will enhance our reputation as a thriving organisation that people aspire to join and broaden our membership across all age groups.
Our Values
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 Canada, Freemasonry brings people together irrespective of their race, religion or any other perceived differences that can divide us as a society.
CHARITY
Kindness and charitable giving are deeply ingrained within the principles of Freemasonry. The organisation provides a support structure that helps members make positive contributions to communities and worthwhile causes through fundraising events or volunteer work
Did you know?
Charity and Freemasons
Charity 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.
OUR HISTORY & ACHIEVEMENTS
Barely a decade after the foundation of the Grand Lodge of Canada in 1717, Freemasonry had become the largest and arguably the most influential of Canada’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 and each with their own unique story to tell for 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
Did you know?
His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh was a Freemason
He started his life in Freemasonry in 1952, at the age of 31. He was initiated into Navy Lodge No. 2612, on 5 December.
Our Blog
Welcome to our blog, where you can keep up to date on all our latest news, read about our charity work and discover more about Freemasonry.
Why become a Freemason?
Hear from our members and find out what they enjoy most about being a Freemason.
Charitable Work
Find out how you can be involved in making valuable contributions to charitable courses.
