Discover Freemasonry in Canterbury - Your Journey Starts with a Single Step
Welcome to the official website of the Simon Langton Lodge.
Founded in 1958 by a dedicated group of "Old Langtonians," our Lodge maintains a proud and unique bond with The Langton School and is made up of a combination of members who did and did not attend the school.
We trace our heritage back to our namesake, Simon Langton, the 13th-century Archdeacon of Canterbury and brother to Archbishop Stephen Langton. Our history began with a memorable Consecration in the Chapter House of Canterbury Cathedral, attended by nearly 500 Brethren.
Today, we continue to uphold the traditions established by our founders and although the lodge was created for former pupils of the school, the lodge has developed over the years to welcoming members with any academic background.
To support members travelling from afar, we meet on Friday evenings, five times a year.
We proudly wear the Old School Tie and end our Festive Boards with the school song, "40 Years On".
True to our Lodge and School motto, Meliora Sequamur, we strive to "follow better things"
Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest social and charitable organisations, with its origins rooted in the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who built our cathedrals and castles.
It is here that a number of the famous elements of Freemasonry find their roots. In the medieval era, stonemasons often travelled around to find work in different locations. To demonstrate their level of qualification, they would use grips, words and signs in order to distinguish themselves from unqualified builders.Freemasonry uses building analogies to teach members how to lead productive lives that benefit the communities that they live in.
In the medieval era, stonemasons wore aprons and gloves to protect themselves while working on shaping rough pieces of stone, but in today’s society Freemasons meet to build friendships and communities rather than cathedrals and castles.
Throughout 300 years of heritage and history, our members have come from all walks of life and each with their own unique story to tell for why they became a Freemason.
As one of the oldest social and charitable organisations in the world, we have a thriving community of approximately 170,000 members throughout England and Wales, as well as Districts overseas.
Freemasons use four key values to help define their path through life: Integrity, Friendship, Respect, and Service.
Those values, upheld by its members, offer a framework for making better choices in life and living a more fulfilling and purposeful existence.Membership is open to people from all backgrounds and our aim is to empower members to be the best they can be.
Service has always been a core principle of Freemasonry, and we take pride in our 300-year history of actively supporting those in need.
Our members play a crucial role at local, national, and global levels each year, dedicating both their time and resources to make a tangible difference to various organisations and communities.Freemasonry stands out as one of the largest contributors to charitable causes in the country, with a noteworthy almost £1 million donated per week. Beyond monetary contributions, our members actively engage in volunteer work, making a significant impact in their communities.
Our members engage in many activities including community fundraising and volunteering, as well as a varied programme of events where spouses, partners and families are welcome and as a lodge, we donate money to local charities as well as support national and international causes via the Masonic Charitable Foundation
Freemasonry has made substantial donations across the country to local air ambulances, blood bikes and provide a number of emergency response vehicles, including two super aerial platforms for the London Fire Brigade.
Freemasonry does a huge amount for medical research into treatments for cancer, diabetes, heart disease and a whole range of other conditions, including Alzheimer's, by funding UK medical scientists to make ground breaking discoveries.
Honesty, trustworthiness, honour, reliability, and conscientiousness form the foundation of a virtuous character. They foster trust, maintain integrity, and demonstrate commitment, ultimately leading to a life of strong principles and dependable actions.
Freemasonry gives members many opportunities to make a wide circle of friends for life who share common interests and values. It provides a bond of friendship and a sense of belonging. This promotes a feeling of enjoyment and fulfilment.
From its earliest days, Freemasonry has respected the beliefs of its members. It promotes an environment where diversity is valued. It is a space where different beliefs and backgrounds converge, fostering an atmosphere of inclusivity, tolerance and harmony.
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.
Simon Langton Lodge welcomes membership applications from men of good character, and there is no requirement to have attended The Langton School to join.
Interested in joining a masonic lodge which prioritises good friendship and fun?
Simply click the button below to connect to our membership team and we'll be in touch!
![[background image] image of educational brochures (for a university)](images/Gemini_Generated_Image_xrwml0xrwml0xrwm.png)
Explore the fundamentals of Freemasonry and learn how you can become part of our community.
Freemasonry is a centuries-old tradition built on friendship, self-improvement, and helping others. We gather to support each other, learn, and make a positive difference in our local area.
Anyone of good character is welcome. We value openness, diversity, and encourage anyone interested to reach out and discover more.
Lodge meetings are typically involve administrative procedures around lodge business and also ceremonies, which might relate to the admittance of new members or the installation of the Master of the Lodge and his officers – a process made up of three degrees, or stages, each marked by a special ceremony.
Freemasonry isn’t a religion. We welcome people of all faiths and encourage everyone to follow their own beliefs. Respect and understanding are at our core.
Just get in touch! We’re happy to answer your questions, invite you to an event, or chat about what membership involves. There’s no pressure—just a warm welcome.
You’ll find lifelong friendships, personal growth, and the chance to make a real impact. It’s about belonging, learning, and being part of something meaningful.
No, freemasonry is not a secret society although it is a society with some secrets. These secrets all centre around our ceremonies which are like a series of plays telling a story of personal development.
Our 'secrets' can all be found online if you're curious enough to look although if you are considering joining, we'd advise against looking as there's nothing quite like experiencing it first hand!
We meet at the Masonic Centre in St Peter's Street, Canterbury, directly behind the Masonic Library and Museum.
We have 5 regular meetings each year on Friday Evenings and also get together for rehearsals and social occasions throughout the year too.
As you might expect, membership comes with a subscription paid each year.
If you are interested in joining, please do get in touch and we can discuss the costs with you.
Why join freemasonry?
Joining the lodge gave me a sense of community and purpose. The support and camaraderie here are unmatched in Canterbury.
Freemasonry in Kent has opened doors to lifelong friendships and personal growth. I highly recommend it to anyone interested.
The lodge offers a welcoming environment for new members. I found guidance and a strong network from day one.
Being part of this lodge has deepened my understanding of Freemasonry in Canterbury and helped me give back to the community.
If you’re considering how to become a Freemason in Kent, this lodge is the perfect place to start your journey.
The structured approach and friendly members made my introduction to Freemasonry in Kent both easy and rewarding.