Every Mason is a member of at least one Craft Lodge. A man becomes a Freemason by being initiated into one of these Craft Lodges, usually the one which meets nearest to where he lives or works, although there may be reasons why he joins one further away.

Craft Masonry forms the bulk of what is normally known about Freemasonry by the general public. It is here where the three degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason are conducted.

Following the candidate being raised to the degree of Master Mason, they are considered to be a brother of full qualifications and an equal to everybody else within the fraternity. The structure of Craft Masonry is as follows: 

The candidate is initiated to the degree of Entered Apprentice. The degree is symbolic of birth. 

They are then passed to the degree of Fellowcraft, symbolic of life. 

Finally, they are raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason, which symbolises death. 

The content of the Craft ceremonies revolves around the building of the First Temple of Solomon. The candidate is taken through a series of allegorical events and conversations that are intended to impart various moral and spiritual teachings.

They are also instructed through a number of short lectures – known as ‘charges’ – as to the symbolism of Freemasonry and the precepts that one is expected to conduct themselves with. 

The three degrees of Craft Masonry can be very powerful experiences, and are in the truest sense of the term initiations. This is quite relevant in the modern world, where our participation in such ceremonial conduct is increasingly rare.

Because of this, the ceremonies are often quite impacting on the candidate and become a very strong memory in their lives. 

The business of Craft Masonry revolves predominately around these three initiation ceremonies. However, there is plenty of other business conducted which centers upon Masonic education lectures and charitable initiatives.

Many Freemasons also get much benefit out of the social and fraternal nature of a lodge, with a large focus of a meeting being on the fraternal meal that is taken once lodge business has been conducted. 

There are five private Lodges that share their home at The Masonic Lodge, St. John’s Avenue Bridlington which meet on separate days and times to hopefully suit everyone.