We thought it would be useful to introduce you to a few of our younger members of the Lodge of Dawn. It will provide you with a little personal insight into who joins, why they join and what they get from being part of our Lodge of Dawn.
We have three members for you to meet…
1. Eóin Byrne – IT Consultant
Eóin, with his rescue dog Bram, out in Woodhouse Moor, Headingley for an early morning walk.
When and why did you join Freemasonry?
I joined The Lodge of Dawn in November 2021. I had been moving around quite a lot over the previous few years and after meeting my now-wife decided that I wanted to start putting down roots in Leeds. I’d joined a number of community-based Facebook groups and Twitter channels to find opportunities and one day the algorithm served me up a tweet from The Lodge of Dawn saying that if you were interested in joining Freemasonry, you should get in touch. I assumed that it had to be some kind of joke, but having visited the website and read up on the focus on charity and community, I knew this was something I wanted to be a part of.
What do you feel are the most rewarding aspects of Freemasonry ?
For me, it’s two-fold. Firstly, I love being part of a community of like-minded guys who want to help make themselves and their community better. There’s no talk of religion or politics so our focus is just on finding ways to be better and make our world better. Secondly, it’s difficult to make friends as a man in your 30’s. Freemasonry has allowed me to join a community of like-minded individuals who genuinely care about each other and the world around them.
How would you best describe your fellow Freemasons?
Honestly, they’re some of the best men I know. They take Freemasonry seriously but they don’t take themselves too seriously. They’re fun, interesting people who are there for you whether you’re in a pinch or you just want company for a coffee. I wouldn’t be without them.
What would you say to somebody who was thinking of joining?
I’d suggest that you reach out – formally or informally – and have a chat with us. Freemasonry isn’t for everyone, but the only way you’ll find out if it’s for you is to ask. We’re always happy to chat about it and separate the truth from things that are a bit Da Vinci Code-y.
What are your other spare time interests unrelated to Freemasonry?
I’m father to a 3 year old so I don’t have a lot of spare time right now. That being said, I’m a big fan of rugby (union), comic books and graphic novels, and I love to cook, pickle, and make my own hot sauce.
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2. Mark Raw – Care Home Provider
Mark is a big fan of Leeds United and likes to get out on his motorbike when he can.
When and why did you join Freemasonry?
I joined just over a year ago. I was chatting with a friend at New Years Eve party who was open about joining and letting me know about it. He was also a friend of one of my business partners, who I never knew was a Mason. He approached me, asking if I’d be interested, no hard sell at all, and left me to come back to him. I attended a few ‘open’ events, met others I knew who were Masons and was initiated in October 24. I’ve had a lot of fun since and made many new friends, both inside and outside my lodge. I’ve been pleasantly surprised how many other, younger, 25+ are Freemasons. We all enjoy a good social life in town, having a laugh together too. Age doesn’t seem to matter; the common bond is more important.
What do you feel are the most rewarding aspects of Freemasonry ?
Charity for me – the good it does in the community would astound you. There is no requirement to give lots; you offer what you can afford, but given how many Freemasons there are, the money raised each week for good causes is very generous. Currently we are looking at how Freemasonry can help and support children coming into care. We currently donate teddy bears into hospital across the Province.
How would you best describe your fellow Freemasons?
Of all ages, all backgrounds, all walks of life. I have not met a policeman or a politician yet. However, I have met couriers, engineers, warehouses staff, IT consultants, builders, roofers and electricians, amongst others.
What would you say to somebody who was thinking of joining?
There is a lot of information on the website – make sure you look around here. You can also visit a few social events such as quiz nights, whiskey tasting and meals. I suggest you meet a few Masons and see if you like them. For me personally, Freemasonry can be a challenge but it’s also a great way to broaden your friendship group, with like-minded folk who just want to do good by themselves and others. It’s like the old days of community spirit and supporting each other. Freemasony engenders enuine bonds of friendship, trust and respect.
Do you have a funny story you could share with regards to your experience in Freemasonry?
My strangest and proudest moment was at our annual New & Young Masons Night when I was asked to perform three roles; quite a challenge for someone so very new at the time. I had the honour of explaining the apron to The Provincial Grand Master of West Yorkshire, West Ridings. (a VERY important person in Freemasonry!). Having practiced and then on the night recited several sentences in front of my fellow masons left me feeling quite proud of myself. A great feeling and one I will always remember as part of my first year.
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3. Martin Dootson – CEO Manufacturing
Martin outside his home in Meanwood
When and why did you join Freemasonry?
I joined a lodge in Doncaster back in 2006. It was a lodge my Dad was in, and it was a night in the month where we would spend time together. Unfortunately due to work commitments I had to resign from the lodge in 2015. However I rejoined a Leeds lodge four years ago and picked up the journey where I had left it.
What do you feel are the most rewarding aspects of Freemasonry?
For me there isn’t one big reward, it is made up of small rewarding moments. I love the separation from technology during the ceremony, phones and emails are forgotten about. Even just for an hour you get to be present which I find a wonderful recalibration from the stresses of life today. I love the process of learning ritual and the practice and work that has to go into that. After the covid years I had what I can only describe as a brain fog. I learnt a piece of ritual by heart and delivered in a ceremony of which I was complimented on and it was almost like someone turning a switch back on in my head. It was very rewarding and something I like to do wherever the opportunity presents itself.
How would you best describe your fellow Freemasons.
I would simply describe them as friends. Membership guarantees you a friendship group you can socialise with, learn the craft with, work with if you wish. Like anything, you get out what you put in.
What would you say to somebody who was thinking of joining?
Something similar to what I tell my 10 year old when getting him to try new foods. ‘Try it, if you don’t like it leave it’, but at least you will know. There are also many social events around Freemasonry which non-masons are welcome to, and I would encourage people to attend those and ask lots of questions.
Joining The Lodge of Dawn
If you are not a Freemason and, having read the above, would like to find out more, read our Seven Reason to Join The Freemasons, our guide on ‘How to join The Freemasons‘ or our simple ‘What is Freemasonry?’ page.
And if you would like to join The Lodge of Dawn in Leeds, please feel free to get in touch via our ‘Contact Us’ page.