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Franklin RoomsGillingham Masonic Centre

Our Orders

Craft Freemasonry

United Grand Lodge of England, through the Provincial Grand Lodge of East Kent

About the order

Craft Freemasonry is where every Freemason begins. Its lodges confer three degrees, drawing on the traditions of the medieval stonemasons to teach moral lessons.

Organised Freemasonry dates from 24 June 1717, when four London lodges formed the first Grand Lodge. The United Grand Lodge of England was created on 27 December 1813 by the union of the two rival grand lodges, the ‘Moderns’ and the ‘Antients’.

Freemasons share four values: Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Service.

The degrees

  1. Degree 1

    Entered Apprentice

  2. Degree 2

    Fellow Craft

  3. Degree 3

    Master Mason

Meeting at Franklin Rooms

13 lodges meet at Franklin Rooms.

Formerly met here

Meeting details change — please confirm with the lodge or chapter before visiting. Listings last reviewed 29 September 2026.

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