A real example of how Lodges can support members with additional needs while preserving full participation in Lodge life

In Freemasonry, inclusion is not defined by uniformity, but by participation.

For Richard Greenwood, that principle is not theoretical — it is lived experience. A member of Oxleas Wood Lodge and Wellington Lodge, Richard has navigated a lifetime of visual impairment alongside a highly active personal, professional, and Masonic journey.

Born prematurely in 1961 and registered blind at just 18 months old, Richard’s life has been shaped by adaptation from the very beginning. Yet his story is not defined by limitation, but by achievement — academic success, public service, family life, and a long-standing commitment to Freemasonry.

“I have been given every opportunity to participate as fully as any other member,” he reflects.

His experience offers Lodges a powerful example of what inclusion looks like in practice — not in principle.
Richard Far Right

A life built on resilience and contribution

Richard’s early life began with unexpected complications following premature birth, which led to severe visual impairment. Despite this, he progressed through residential education for visually impaired children before moving into mainstream schooling.

He later attended Lancaster University, earning a degree in Social Administration, before building a career in public service, including roles within the RNIB, local government, and the Royal London Society for Blind People.

Alongside his professional life, Richard also served as a councillor and trained as a careers officer. His life has consistently combined independence, leadership, and public contribution.

In 2017, Richard experienced a cardiac arrest, which resulted in a hypoxic brain injury, affecting short-term memory, speech, and processing. Yet even this major life event did not diminish his engagement with Freemasonry or his commitment to remaining active within his Lodges.

Finding a place in Freemasonry

Richard first joined Freemasonry in the mid-1990s, introduced by a fellow councillor. He also had a family connection — his grandfather had been a Mason in Manchester and North Wales.

“I think my grandfather’s involvement was an influential factor,” he explains, “but I also like the learning, the ritual, and the fellowship.”

From the outset, Richard found a strong sense of belonging.

“I played a full part in my Lodge… I was accepted and welcomed, as were my guide dogs.”

That inclusion extended to all aspects of Lodge life — including his guide dogs, one of whom even had an apron made by a Lodge member’s wife.

Over time, Richard progressed through the offices, served as Worshipful Master twice, and received his 30-year certificate — a reflection of sustained, active participation.

Adapting in practice — not in principle

When asked about adjustments within the Lodge, Richard is clear that most changes have developed naturally over time rather than through formal intervention.

Rather than fixed systems, support has been built through observation, communication, and familiarity.

Key adaptations include:

• Ensuring additional space for his guide dog during meetings and dining
• Providing large print and Braille ritual materials where needed
• Offering discreet verbal prompts during ceremonies when required
• Supporting navigation of raffle draws and festive board activities
• Assisting with practicalities such as dining arrangements and booking

Some adjustments are small, but meaningful. For example, ensuring the guide dog is accommodated comfortably — and, as Richard notes with humour, ensuring “no one feeds the dog at festive boards, no matter how persuasive the look might be.”

More broadly, support is often informal but consistent — members naturally assisting as part of Lodge culture rather than through a structured process.

Communication and flexibility

A key theme in Richard’s experience is communication.

Adjustments are not static; they evolve with circumstances. As Richard explains, he requires additional support with certain ceremonial signs and visual references, particularly in more complex sections of the ceremony.

However, rather than being a barrier, this has been addressed through preparation, rehearsal, and mutual understanding.

The result is a flexible approach that allows him to remain fully engaged in Lodge activities while maintaining the integrity of the ceremony.

Belonging through connection

Perhaps the most important outcome of these adjustments has been relational rather than procedural.

“I would say that closer bonds are created when extra support or nurture is evident,” Richard reflects.

Rather than creating distance, support has strengthened the connection. Fellow members become more aware, more engaged, and more attentive to each other’s needs.

These experiences are not seen as exceptions but as part of Lodge life, reinforcing a culture of care and mutual respect.

Challenging assumptions

When discussing barriers, Richard is clear that the greatest challenges are not always physical, but perceptual.

“The barriers which exist in Freemasonry are the same as elsewhere in society,” he says, “and are about uninformed judgements and assumptions.”

His experience highlights the importance of openness — not assuming limitations, but instead understanding individual strengths and working from there.

“Inclusion is about getting to know individuals,” he explains. “Their strengths and their weaknesses — and supporting both.”

A naturally inclusive Craft

Richard describes Freemasonry as naturally inclusive, but acknowledges that experience can vary depending on the culture and approach of individual Lodges.

“Inclusion depends on the make-up and personalities of the Lodge,” he notes, highlighting the importance of awareness and openness at a local level.

For him, the foundation is already there — what matters is how it is applied in practice.

Advice for Lodges and candidates

Richard’s advice to Lodges is simple and practical:

• Focus on communication
• Understand the individual
• Avoid assumptions
• Adapt where reasonably possible

For those considering Freemasonry but uncertain due to accessibility concerns, his message is equally direct:

“I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Freemasonry from my experience… I have been accepted, welcomed, and given meaningful roles within both of my Lodges.”

He currently serves as Chaplain in both Lodges — a role that reflects not only trust, but active participation and respect.

Conclusion

Richard’s journey demonstrates that accessibility in Freemasonry is not defined by structures alone, but by people.

Through small, thoughtful adjustments and a culture of openness, Lodges can ensure that every member is not only accommodated but fully included.

His experience shows that when communication is open and attitudes are flexible, Freemasonry remains what it has always aspired to be — a place of belonging, contribution, and shared purpose.

Article from FMT Live