We are one of 15 lodges in Gibraltar, within the three Constitutions ( 9 English- 2 Irish and 4 Scottish). Calpe Lodge was set up by our founders in 1826 , so we have been going for over 182 years.

We meet once a month, (every second Monday of the month except June, July , August and September ). We always dine after our meetings. The food is good and the company, excellent.

We have thirty eight resident members and six overseas members of all age ranges ( age 23 to 70 ) but we have, a lodge with an average proportion of young members.

When you first join, you undergo the first of three ceremonies all designed to awaken your consciousness to morality. Those ceremonies will form the bedrock of your Masonic career. We meet eight times a year and given that we have to have a meeting once a year to elect new officers, it means you will probably take eighteen months to accomplish all three ceremonies but it is worth the wait: Freemasonry is a lifelong vocation.

Afterwards, if you wish, you can join the "ladder" and work your way up the various offices and eventually end up as WM (the chairman effectively). Although it is not obligatory, your understanding of Freemasonry and personal development undoubtedly increases as you progress through the offices.

Commitment amounts to no more than eight evenings a year in the early part of your Masonic career. Thereafter, you might feel able to take on an office of some responsibility. Progress is expected but not essential, particularly if you have difficult periods at work or home.

Irish Freemasonry is only open to men and we prefer it that way. We doubt it will ever be open to women as well. Although there are Women's lodges and even "mixed" lodges, they are not officially recognised by the Grand Lodge of Ireland. This is because it was historically an organization set up by men and its atmosphere and character would inevitably change by the introduction of women. Interestingly, most of our wives and girlfriends seem more comfortable knowing we will be in the company of men on lodge nights rather than in a mixed environment.

Applicants must believe in a Supreme Being. This is crucial because Freemasonry requires freemasons and applicants to make commitments on a bible or other holy representation with sincerity and humility and strive towards perfection which can only be embodied in a Supreme Being.

Applicants must be of at least 21 years of age.

Applicants must not have criminal convictions and must agree to adhere to the laws of the land in which they reside.

If the applicant is in a close relationship, joining must be discussed at home as we do not wish to cause family friction.

The Initiation fee is £ 100.00 (one off payment)

Annual membership fee is about £ 95.00,

(lodge fees = £40)

(G.M.I fees = £55)

and the dining cost on top is usually under £12.00 (per meeting including wine. )

Any contributions you may give to charity at raffles, outright donations or raise through lodge events are entirely your business.

In conclusion, freemasonry is not a religion, merely a guide or code to follow towards self-improvement. It is also a vocation to be pursued and enjoyed in the company of likeminded individuals and without any detrimental effect on the obligations you owe to yourself, family or work.

We do however recognise that no matter how we explain ourselves, there will always be those who cannot accept that we as a body seek to do good. In the past, we have been rather secretive about our organization and charitable works; however, in the current climate of accountability where everything needs to be carefully weighed assessed and justified, we are now very open about it.

These attributes can't be bad for an annual fee of £ 95.00 and a commitment of just eight evenings a year. You get out of it what you put in. As you progress through Masonry, you can work out for yourself the personal improvement it can offer and the enjoyment you gain will become self-evident.