My old lodge in the summer informally adopted a sort of uniform, tan khakis and a dark polo. I know of one lodge that has a custom designed team tie. My only insistence for at least a jacket and tie is during a degree, but I wouldn’t turn away a brother who was dressed more casually. Sometimes circumstances make it difficult.
Skykomish Lodge, the second Lodge I joined, wears blue jeans and railroad shirts. The outfits look sharp, everyone matches, and there is a lot of pride in the Brothers.
Centralia Lodge, when I was WM, wore hickory shirts and jeans. I thought that worked extremely well too.
My Lodge doesn't have any official dress code. Always rather have you with us than miss us. Most wear suit and tie anyway because that is the norm that was created long ago.
Installation the majority wear a tux. For those that don't have one it's no big deal. Same for degree work, mainly the principle officers in a tux while everyone else in suit.
One of our PM had moved out of state. He returned in business but wasn't expecting to have the time to join us in the evening. Well somehow work was done early and he made it over as we were opening. The Tyler let us know a Brother was properly clothed and was waiting to be admitted. In he walked, wearing a Hawaiian shirt and shorts. It was great to be in Lodge with him after a 2 year absence.
When I travel to a Lodge to one of the local Lodges I know, then I dress appropriately for them. If I don't know, then always suit and tie. I visit that fancy Railroad Lodge at least once a year, I skip the tie.
Unless it is White Sock and Wigs night. Then if you are without your white socks, the GM will fine you. Of course, he will fine you for your white socks too...
I think I might kind of be a renegade when it comes to regalia too. I seem to have a fondness for white aprons without all the purple and gold. At least from time to time.
Isn't it funny how poorly dressed you are when you *first* enter a lodge? No one would doubt that this is acceptable dress. We're taught that (in part) this is about signifying the internal rather than external qualifications of a man.
I rather like suits and ties as a way of showing respect & creating a "sense of occasion" for lodge. I rather like the cultural norm that's established that's how we should dress. But I strongly agree no one should be made fun of, criticized, or made to feel bad for whatever they're wearing, particularly trivial stuff like when they came from work. Best not to separate men based on external qualifications and dress, it draws us away from real qualifications
You make an excellent point about the candidate's clothing. Perhaps we do well to remember from time to time that we were all once clothed in that way. It truly does work to teach an important lesson about what we should judge in our fellow man, and I think judge in ourselves as well.
definitely do well to remember these things. It's baked into the DNA of the institution, let nobody doubt it. It couldn't be more loud and explicit in the degree work and what are we if not what's in the degree work?
it's the nature of the thing, you can't go wrong referring back to / remembering the lessons of the degrees
I agree with all of Cameron's assertions in this post. I come from a lodge that has a "uniform" so-to-speak, and it's black suit, shirt, and tie. I think what most people don't understand is that this isn't to set us apart, but rather to bring us together. This shows all of us on-the-level, and as such we also don't wear specific officer aprons for similar reasons.
That being said, I do believe that we should treat our time in lodge as a "sacred retreat". This means that I do think we should put in the effort to be present and create harmony. I wouldn't ever turn someone away from the lodge for not wearing a suit and tie, but just as we take the time to set up the tools and decor of the physical lodge, I believe we should attempt to take some time to get ourselves ready to attend that "sacred retreat" both mentally and physically. There will always be exceptions and times where this cannot occur and that is more than acceptable. Life happens after all.
It also depends on the lodge you are visiting as well. If a uniform doesn't exist and it is a more casual attire, then that is obviously what works best for the lodge as a whole. If everyone comes as they are, then that could be considered on-the-level as well. After all... Harmony is the strength and support of all institutions....
I'm a member of one Lodge that has a 'uniform' and has had it for a very long time now. One Lodge that had a 'uniform' for a time, and two that have never tried it. Based on those experiences, I clearly see the power that having a Lodge 'uniform' brings. It is a superb tool for building fellowship and brotherhood within a Lodge. I think that Lodges would do well to put that into practice.
But, as you say, life happens, at least sometimes. We can't be overly rigid about it. For rigidity tends to make good things miserable.
Feb 14, 2023·edited Feb 14, 2023Liked by Cameron M. Bailey
I think this speaks to a greater issue. We all talk about we all meet on the level, but do we really? Why do we have different titles and honors for everyone? Do you value someone’s opinion over someone else because of the title they hold? Does someone with some award over another mean they are special? Is the color of their apron mean they know anything about masonry?
Here is where the un-level comes most strongly in my mind.
I noticed this way back when I was a brand spankin' new Mason, and I still think it holds. I actually mention it to candidates when I'm mentoring them.
Guys who can do the ritual extremely well are I think, in my experience, more respected in our Fraternity. Their voices are often louder in Lodge, and their opinions tend to carry more weight. I'm not saying that guys who can't do the ritual well aren't looked up to, but I think it is much harder for them to reach that position.
There is no doubt that memorizing a pile of ritual isn’t impressive. Kudos to them for putting the work to do so. I admire them for their dedication.
But there is no relationship between memorizing ritual and masonic knowledge.
I am not belittling them for it. Far from it. But does that make them better masons? If so, how? I’ve known masons that never learned anything beyond getting raised, but I respect more than others than can do all the work, because while they can regurgitate words, they have no conception of what that are saying. Not all. But they exist.
I know men who perform flawless ritual, but haven't absorbed the lessons. Just as I know men who have risen to the very peaks of Freemasonry, but don't understand the Craft.
I know that in the past there was a term 'Bright Mason' used to refer to a man who truly understood Freemasonry. That always struck me as the best badge of honor. Regretfully, I don't think it is used any longer.
A little bit for Both WB Glenn and MWB Cameron here:
“Guys who can do the ritual extremely well are I think, in my experience, more respected in our Fraternity. Their voices are often louder in Lodge, and their opinions tend to carry more weight.”
Likely because they have developed their public speaking skills. That’s what happened to me when I joined Lodge. I was quieter and the little student, learning the Lectures as a goal that I set as a teenager, but the more I learned the lectures and delivered them, watching other Brothers who did well in their deliveries of the Installation Ceremony and the Degree Ritual, the better I got at delivery. As such, my voice got “louder,” as I was more able to communicate my views in Lodge. I had a 55 year member tell me that, that the Brothers tend to lean in the direction I suggest, because when I talk, Brothers listen. I responded like I will here – along with that ability comes a LOT of responsibility, as you can destroy just as easily with this Tool as you can build. Hence the importance of learning the lessons contained in our Lectures and Charges.
“Do you value someone’s opinion over someone else because of the title they hold?” Back in the day, Brothers didn’t achieve positions unless they demonstrated in their regular conduct that they could do the duties of the position, as well as understand and accept the responsibilities related to the position. From what I recollect, that’s mentioned in one of the Masonic books I read.
For both: “… but I respect more than others than can do all the work, because while they can regurgitate words, they have no conception of what that are saying. Not all. But they exist.” “I know men who perform flawless ritual, but haven't absorbed the lessons.” Personally, I can’t imagine this, but like WB Glenn said, they exist. For me, as I learned these lectures, it naturally occurred that I learned the lessons contained in them, and my conduct has adjusted accordingly. It just… happens. I cannot understand how someone can learn, and recite, a half-hour’s worth of words and not be able to at least absorb SOME of the meaning behind the words. As you learn the Lecture, you start to “own” the lecture, and as such, you’d think you’d become one with the lecture’s meaning.
So, to answer the questions, for example, I have a title, and the Apron and Jewel that come along with it, but I understand the responsibilities that go along with it. To lay those responsibilities aside would be an affront to the position in our organization. This sounds like common sense, but I acknowledge where you’re coming from, unfortunately.
Is it not a case of when in Rome?
Indeed. But I think that sometimes Rome needs to decide what it is going to do.
My old lodge in the summer informally adopted a sort of uniform, tan khakis and a dark polo. I know of one lodge that has a custom designed team tie. My only insistence for at least a jacket and tie is during a degree, but I wouldn’t turn away a brother who was dressed more casually. Sometimes circumstances make it difficult.
Skykomish Lodge, the second Lodge I joined, wears blue jeans and railroad shirts. The outfits look sharp, everyone matches, and there is a lot of pride in the Brothers.
Centralia Lodge, when I was WM, wore hickory shirts and jeans. I thought that worked extremely well too.
My Lodge doesn't have any official dress code. Always rather have you with us than miss us. Most wear suit and tie anyway because that is the norm that was created long ago.
Installation the majority wear a tux. For those that don't have one it's no big deal. Same for degree work, mainly the principle officers in a tux while everyone else in suit.
One of our PM had moved out of state. He returned in business but wasn't expecting to have the time to join us in the evening. Well somehow work was done early and he made it over as we were opening. The Tyler let us know a Brother was properly clothed and was waiting to be admitted. In he walked, wearing a Hawaiian shirt and shorts. It was great to be in Lodge with him after a 2 year absence.
When I travel to a Lodge to one of the local Lodges I know, then I dress appropriately for them. If I don't know, then always suit and tie. I visit that fancy Railroad Lodge at least once a year, I skip the tie.
Just don't wear white socks with a black suit LOL
Unless it is White Sock and Wigs night. Then if you are without your white socks, the GM will fine you. Of course, he will fine you for your white socks too...
Good you skip the tie at my fancy railroad Lodge! I fear otherwise they just might hang you from the fire escape!
Regalia
I think I might kind of be a renegade when it comes to regalia too. I seem to have a fondness for white aprons without all the purple and gold. At least from time to time.
Isn't it funny how poorly dressed you are when you *first* enter a lodge? No one would doubt that this is acceptable dress. We're taught that (in part) this is about signifying the internal rather than external qualifications of a man.
I rather like suits and ties as a way of showing respect & creating a "sense of occasion" for lodge. I rather like the cultural norm that's established that's how we should dress. But I strongly agree no one should be made fun of, criticized, or made to feel bad for whatever they're wearing, particularly trivial stuff like when they came from work. Best not to separate men based on external qualifications and dress, it draws us away from real qualifications
You make an excellent point about the candidate's clothing. Perhaps we do well to remember from time to time that we were all once clothed in that way. It truly does work to teach an important lesson about what we should judge in our fellow man, and I think judge in ourselves as well.
definitely do well to remember these things. It's baked into the DNA of the institution, let nobody doubt it. It couldn't be more loud and explicit in the degree work and what are we if not what's in the degree work?
it's the nature of the thing, you can't go wrong referring back to / remembering the lessons of the degrees
I agree with all of Cameron's assertions in this post. I come from a lodge that has a "uniform" so-to-speak, and it's black suit, shirt, and tie. I think what most people don't understand is that this isn't to set us apart, but rather to bring us together. This shows all of us on-the-level, and as such we also don't wear specific officer aprons for similar reasons.
That being said, I do believe that we should treat our time in lodge as a "sacred retreat". This means that I do think we should put in the effort to be present and create harmony. I wouldn't ever turn someone away from the lodge for not wearing a suit and tie, but just as we take the time to set up the tools and decor of the physical lodge, I believe we should attempt to take some time to get ourselves ready to attend that "sacred retreat" both mentally and physically. There will always be exceptions and times where this cannot occur and that is more than acceptable. Life happens after all.
It also depends on the lodge you are visiting as well. If a uniform doesn't exist and it is a more casual attire, then that is obviously what works best for the lodge as a whole. If everyone comes as they are, then that could be considered on-the-level as well. After all... Harmony is the strength and support of all institutions....
I'm a member of one Lodge that has a 'uniform' and has had it for a very long time now. One Lodge that had a 'uniform' for a time, and two that have never tried it. Based on those experiences, I clearly see the power that having a Lodge 'uniform' brings. It is a superb tool for building fellowship and brotherhood within a Lodge. I think that Lodges would do well to put that into practice.
But, as you say, life happens, at least sometimes. We can't be overly rigid about it. For rigidity tends to make good things miserable.
I think this speaks to a greater issue. We all talk about we all meet on the level, but do we really? Why do we have different titles and honors for everyone? Do you value someone’s opinion over someone else because of the title they hold? Does someone with some award over another mean they are special? Is the color of their apron mean they know anything about masonry?
My response? No, we shouldn’t, no, no, and….no.
Here is where the un-level comes most strongly in my mind.
I noticed this way back when I was a brand spankin' new Mason, and I still think it holds. I actually mention it to candidates when I'm mentoring them.
Guys who can do the ritual extremely well are I think, in my experience, more respected in our Fraternity. Their voices are often louder in Lodge, and their opinions tend to carry more weight. I'm not saying that guys who can't do the ritual well aren't looked up to, but I think it is much harder for them to reach that position.
There is no doubt that memorizing a pile of ritual isn’t impressive. Kudos to them for putting the work to do so. I admire them for their dedication.
But there is no relationship between memorizing ritual and masonic knowledge.
I am not belittling them for it. Far from it. But does that make them better masons? If so, how? I’ve known masons that never learned anything beyond getting raised, but I respect more than others than can do all the work, because while they can regurgitate words, they have no conception of what that are saying. Not all. But they exist.
Agreed.
I know men who perform flawless ritual, but haven't absorbed the lessons. Just as I know men who have risen to the very peaks of Freemasonry, but don't understand the Craft.
I know that in the past there was a term 'Bright Mason' used to refer to a man who truly understood Freemasonry. That always struck me as the best badge of honor. Regretfully, I don't think it is used any longer.
A little bit for Both WB Glenn and MWB Cameron here:
“Guys who can do the ritual extremely well are I think, in my experience, more respected in our Fraternity. Their voices are often louder in Lodge, and their opinions tend to carry more weight.”
Likely because they have developed their public speaking skills. That’s what happened to me when I joined Lodge. I was quieter and the little student, learning the Lectures as a goal that I set as a teenager, but the more I learned the lectures and delivered them, watching other Brothers who did well in their deliveries of the Installation Ceremony and the Degree Ritual, the better I got at delivery. As such, my voice got “louder,” as I was more able to communicate my views in Lodge. I had a 55 year member tell me that, that the Brothers tend to lean in the direction I suggest, because when I talk, Brothers listen. I responded like I will here – along with that ability comes a LOT of responsibility, as you can destroy just as easily with this Tool as you can build. Hence the importance of learning the lessons contained in our Lectures and Charges.
“Do you value someone’s opinion over someone else because of the title they hold?” Back in the day, Brothers didn’t achieve positions unless they demonstrated in their regular conduct that they could do the duties of the position, as well as understand and accept the responsibilities related to the position. From what I recollect, that’s mentioned in one of the Masonic books I read.
For both: “… but I respect more than others than can do all the work, because while they can regurgitate words, they have no conception of what that are saying. Not all. But they exist.” “I know men who perform flawless ritual, but haven't absorbed the lessons.” Personally, I can’t imagine this, but like WB Glenn said, they exist. For me, as I learned these lectures, it naturally occurred that I learned the lessons contained in them, and my conduct has adjusted accordingly. It just… happens. I cannot understand how someone can learn, and recite, a half-hour’s worth of words and not be able to at least absorb SOME of the meaning behind the words. As you learn the Lecture, you start to “own” the lecture, and as such, you’d think you’d become one with the lecture’s meaning.
So, to answer the questions, for example, I have a title, and the Apron and Jewel that come along with it, but I understand the responsibilities that go along with it. To lay those responsibilities aside would be an affront to the position in our organization. This sounds like common sense, but I acknowledge where you’re coming from, unfortunately.