Meet Eduardo, a 24-year-old Freemason from Somerset who recently joined the organisation.
Moving to a new country can be challenging, but Freemasonry gave him a sense of belonging, strong connections, and a supportive community. In this exclusive interview, Eduardo shares his engaging and eye-opening experience, revealing how Freemasonry helped him socialise, build friendships, and feel at home in a new environment.
Can you please introduce yourself?
Ed: My name is Eduardo Ferreira Simoes, I am 24 years old, and I have built my career as an international wealth planner. I moved to the United Kingdom about 9 years ago, in March 2016, but originally, I am from Portugal.
How long have you been a Freemason for?
Ed: I have been a Freemason for over 3 years. I joined in December 2021, during COVID-19, and it has been an amazing experience so far.
How did you get to know about Freemasonry?
Ed: I first heard about Freemasonry through casual conversations while growing up. It came up frequently enough for me to remember and notice how much people appreciated the work of Freemasons. This built up my curiosity about the organisation, and I felt the need to learn more. So, I searched for information online, and I feel it was the best decision I’ve made so far.
What made you join Freemasonry?
Ed: Moving to a new country with a different culture and background while starting a career can be difficult, especially during COVID-19, which was a challenging time for all of us.
I was looking for ways to connect with people and make meaningful friendships, especially online. Once I joined Freemasonry, I no longer felt lonely. It allowed me to interact with intellectual and like-minded people on a daily basis. After having a few conversations with members of a Lodge in Bath, I decided to join.
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What did you think about Freemasonry before you joined?
Ed: Before joining, I thought Freemasonry was a traditional group where people helped each other out, like a brotherhood or fraternity.
I never subscribed to the common myths surrounding Freemasonry. In reality, Freemasons are committed to openness and transparency about their values and mission.
How has your experience been as a Freemason, and did it align with your expectations?
Ed: First and foremost, I really appreciate the traditional aspects of Freemasonry. The way ceremonies are conducted and how everything is structured within the organisation is very interesting to me.
One of my favourite parts is the Festive Board—the social dining that takes place after Lodge meetings. I get to meet fellow members and visitors in a relaxed setting where we enjoy great food, drinks, and conversations. I probably wouldn’t have found such like-minded people if I had spent my time at nightclubs or other places.
My experience so far has been incredible, and it aligns perfectly with my expectations. The only challenge is the time commitment. It requires more dedication than most people initially expect. But considering everything, I truly enjoy being a Freemason.
What is it that fascinates you being a member of the organisation and how does it impact you personally?
Ed: The social aspect is what fascinates me the most.
For example, when I moved to the UK at the age of 15, I initially found it challenging to make friends and connect with people. Living in Cheshire, where the community is fairly close-knit, I appreciated the warm welcome but still felt a void.
Since joining Freemasonry, I have built strong friendships. I was warmly welcomed by members, including our then Worshipful Master, who, like everyone else, was incredibly kind, polite, and supportive.
What do you find to be the most rewarding aspect of being a Freemason?
Ed: The most rewarding aspect is our service to the community, followed by the strong sense of community.
Many people overlook how much Freemasons contribute to society. We come together for the greater good, and that’s something truly special.
I’d like to share a personal story: I needed someone to pick me up from the garage at 7am and drive me to Bath. At that time, I had only been a Freemason for about 6–12 months. A fellow member, Vince, offered to help. He drove me back from the garage to Bath, where I was working. If it weren’t for him, I would have had to pay a hefty taxi fare.
Beyond that, the dinners, ceremonies, conversations, and laughter create a sense of community that’s hard to find elsewhere. One of the best things about Freemasonry is that it brings people together in an open and inclusive environment, free from discussions of politics or religion. It offers a welcoming space where individuals from all backgrounds can connect, share experiences, and support one another.
What would you say to someone thinking about joining Freemasonry and why should they join?
Ed: Only join if you’re willing to invest time and effort into it. If you don’t plan to commit, there’s no point in joining.
It’s like joining a football club—you need to be consistent and show up to the games to be part of the team. Freemasonry is a long-term commitment that becomes more rewarding over time.
If you’re looking for a community that values integrity and camaraderie—without considering race, religion, or background—Freemasonry is for you. Over time, it will make you a better person and be a deeply fulfilling social and moral experience.
How would you describe Freemasonry in one phrase?
Ed: "A bunch of men gathering together to perform crazy theatre and have dinner, all in pursuit of moral and personal growth"
Eduardo’s story perfectly exemplifies how Freemasonry has evolved with the times while staying deeply rooted in its core values — Integrity, Friendship, Respect, and Service.
What do you think? Could Freemasonry be the key to your personal growth and a stronger sense of belonging?
If you're curious about how Freemasonry can help you connect, grow, and find purpose, take the first step today. Register Your Interest and discover what it means to be part of our community!
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