Brother William Ramsay McGhee, the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, talked to the press about misunderstandings surrounding Freemasonry during a rare meeting outside the Freemasons’ Hall in Nairobi on May 16, 2025.
Speaking to local news, McGhee stressed that Freemasonry is not a secret society but a brotherhood focused on building strong values, helping others, and personal improvement.
“Freemasonry is not a secret society. We help good men become better men,” he said, trying to clear up old ideas about the group being secretive.
Understanding Freemasonry
McGhee, who leads one of the oldest Masonic Grand Lodges started in 1736, explained that Freemasonry has three levels: Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason.
The first level teaches members to respect their country’s laws and to help their communities. The second level encourages learning about the arts and sciences. McGhee did not go into detail about the third level, saying it contains deeper moral lessons.
“We aim to teach values like integrity, honesty, and respecting God, no matter what religion you are,” he said, making it clear that Freemasonry is not a religion but a group that values good behaviour.
He dismissed rumours that Freemasonry holds strange rituals or tribal ceremonies, which have been spread by false information online. “My concern is that if you look on certain websites, you will find many lies. There is nothing shady about it,” McGhee pointed out, encouraging people to visit open lodge days or official websites for correct information.
He explained that the “secrets” of Freemasonry are just traditions meant to enhance the experiences of members, not hidden motives. “If we were a secret society, I wouldn’t be standing here talking to you today,” he added.
Issues with the Nairobi Lodge
McGhee’s visit also addressed a recent problem with the lodge over a land tax debt of 19 million shillings, which led to the temporary closure of the Grand Lodge of East Africa’s Freemasons’ Hall by the Nairobi County Government.
He confirmed that the issue is now resolved, stating, “I’ve been informed about the closure. As you can see, it’s not closed anymore. It is now being handled by legal advisors, and we are back to normal.”
This resolution allowed the lodge to reopen, highlighting McGhee’s message of openness.
Freemasonry’s Values and Who Can Join
McGhee talked about the three main values of Freemasonry—integrity, charity, and helping humanity—stating that the group aims to turn “good, honest men” into better citizens.
He mentioned that anyone of good character can join, but the only reason someone would be turned away is if they have a serious criminal record, like murder.
“We are looking for good men to help make them better men, living honestly, helping their neighbours, and giving back to the community,” he said.
He also shared the history of Freemasonry, which began with the guilds of stonemasons in the Middle Ages and changed into a symbolic group during the Enlightenment period.
While he recognised that Freemasonry is traditionally for men in Scotland, McGhee defended this choice, explaining, “There are times when men need to be together, and Freemasonry allows that.”
Public Reaction
The press meeting, set off by the lodge’s financial problem, caught the public’s attention on social media. Many shared clips of McGhee’s comments, with some praising his honesty while others remained doubtful, reminding everyone of Freemasonry’s secretive image.
“Freemasonry is not a secret society, says Grand Master McGhee, but why all the mystery then?” one user posted.
McGhee’s visit to Nairobi was part of a larger journey to strengthen connections with the Grand Lodge of East Africa and change negative views about Freemasonry.
His clear comments come at a time when Freemasonry is seeing fewer members worldwide, with efforts being made to attract younger people through university lodges and community outreach.
