Freemasonry originated in Scotland from the system of lodges used by stonemasons when travelling to the building-sites of churches and the great houses. From these humble beginnings, it has grown into one of the world's largest fraternities with thousands of lodges across Scotland and throughout the world.

Freemasonry today seeks to benefit all of humankind through the inculcation of high moral and spiritual values, using the stonemason's working tools as allegorical guides in a series of ritual dramas. These values have three basic tenets: Brotherly Love (tolerance and respect towards fellow human beings), Relief (charity and generosity to anyone less fortunate), Truth (being true to oneself, others, and high moral standards).

True to these principles, Freemasonry is non-religious, non-political, and welcomes members from all walks of life irrespective of race, religion, sexuality, or socio-economic status. St David (University Lodge) No. 36 is particularly diverse, reflecting as it does the cosmopolitan nature of the Scottish further and higher education system.