As most of you are aware, I moved from the non-conformist capital of the world to Vermont. Now I am not comparing this to the Orwellian 1984, but there is not a lot of individualism around here. I have been trying to make contact with a lodge without much luck.
Last evening, while at dinner, I noticed a gentleman walk into the restaurant wearing a jacket with numerous pins attached to his lapel; the almost universal sign of a mason. I overheard the word lodge, so I walked up to the gentlemen talking and as I approached I took in the pins and in fact, he was a Master Mason and a member of the Scottish Right. I introduced myself to both men, with the the appropriate grip, and we talked for a while. The person with the pins invited me to lodge and a function for the weekend. I asked about the dress code and he became very serious about how jacket and tie were required for the sidelines and the line wore tuxedoes. It was a sign of respect. We talked a bit about how important that was to masonry, without me being confrontational (ya, right). It is just after being the Secretary under Cameron and Greg, the idea that what we wear is more important than who we are just seems to be anti-masonic to me.
I'm glad to know that you were able to make a Masonic connection in your new home State! Even if it's with a fellow who wears far too many lapel pins! 🤠
I have heard that moving to the other side of the country can subject one to a bit of culture shock. Probably best that I stay here in the Pacific Northwest!
Conformity is important sometimes and in some cases. Dress code conformity works well for sports teams, the military, and various professions. But there's other forms of conformity, like conformity of purpose.
What I like about my Lodge is that we've all conformed to a Masonic Education theme as well as a principal charitible cause. Beyond that we're a "come as you are" lodge. For us a dress code would be a mood killer, and that could eventually become a lodge killer.
I should add that my daughter thinks that a bunch of old men dressing alike is creepy (her words). I haven't been able to come up with a persuasive rebuttal. Maybe she would have felt differently if she was born in the 1950s
I strongly agree, conformity within Masonry is really important, when it comes to morality and purpose. The big, meaningful things. Education and philanthropy as you mention.
>>>my daughter thinks that a bunch of old men dressing alike is creepy (her words)
This is vital intelligence that should be considered with care.
It is really strange to me when a bunch of Lodge members with ages ranging from 55 to 90 are sitting around, discussing 'what young men want.' They figure out 'what young men want' then try to make some change or another to their Lodge in order to attract these young men.
When I see that, I just wonder, how can I, as an old fellow, possibly know what young men want in 2026. I was a young man in 1987. That was a long damn time ago, and the world has radically changed in that time.
Instead of trying to figure it out for ourselves, we should simply listen to young people. If we do, we will hear what they want.
Thoughts that immediately come to mind around this are about the concept of conformity with a dress code, as it relates to private schools, or even schools in some countries. I refer to the use of a school uniform. I was always told, the rationale was to take away the potential problems of students feeling more or less privileged based on the brand of clothes they wear. In other words, everyone is wearing the same thing so one student isn't in designer jeans while another has hand-me-down discount store jeans.
I did a training gig in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for a month. Every male student was wearing a thobe. Most were white, but some were beige. I stood out in my business casual sport coat and slacks. It was accepted that I wore my business casual. It was not acceptable for me to show up in a polo and slacks.
So, what about Masonry?
We do have this concept of meeting on the level. And we talk, in the EA degree about how a candidate should be recommended to be made a Mason. We are not concerned about his status in life or job, how much money he makes, etc.
Many lodges still require a tuxedo for all members. But what happens if a brother cannot afford a tuxedo?
Many times I hear that if you do not own a tuxedo, then a black, or dark suit, is the next best option.
I have attended many lodges where members are wearing gray or blue suits.
Do we decide the dress code should meet the "lowest common denominator"? Perhaps not.
But I heard it best stated before, and you have also stated it in a previous post.
It's more important that the brother be present at lodge, than that the brother is wearing a tuxedo with a black bow tie that is not clip-on but is actually had tied, etc.....
Again, recall what is stated in the Master's Lecture for EA degree. We regard no man on account of his worldly wealth or honors. A strict dress code just might put undue stress and worry on a brother, to think he might have to conform.
As a kid part of my schooling was private, with a school uniform. Part was public with the idea of wear whatever on earth you can find. Honestly, as a kid, I didn't notice any actual difference whatsoever between the two experiences.
That said, I'm really good with the concept of a Lodge Uniform. If the 'uniform' fits the Lodge and the men who compose the Lodge. I created that very thing in my first term as Worshipful Master, and I believe that it was quite well received. It builds an esprit de corps, and that can be quite powerful.
But I don't see something in the middle. In my view, we either create a 'uniform' for our Lodge, that everyone supports and wears, or we allow Brothers to attend as they see fit. Some guys in tux, others in suits, visitors in something different, Grand Lodge guys in Grand Lodge dress, well that's not a uniform, or even a standard. So I don't see much point in it at that stage.
This is an interesting topic. My first exposure to masonry was at a bar. A bunch of guys, ranging from 20s to 70s, all in suits/tux's, with quite a few lapel pins. I being the curious guy, wondered over and found out why they all were dressed the same. So, everyone can blame those guys for me being here. That said, if they had not been just the same, i would not have likely noticed them as a single group and approached them.
So there is some purpose it seems to a uniform. It makes you identifiable.
I understand that this works out quite well for one of our Lodges in Seattle. They have a really standard, unique, and good looking Lodge uniform that they all wear, and after their meetings, plenty of them walk to a local lounge. I'm told that quite a few great prospects have been found in just the way you mention.
I have joined them on a couple of occasions, but haven't seen it happen. I did though watch as a really drunk chick enquired once!
I talk about this a bit in one of my classes at the lodge leadership retreat.
There was a time when men donned their sunday best to attend church services. But sunday best can mean different things to different people. And that is ok. But it does mean you are trying to pay respect to the occasion.
But in todays world, there seems to be less and less attention to those sorts of manners and societal norms.
My first masonic funeral was an eye opening experience, at least enough to make an impression on me. Here we are, all of us wearing dark suits with ties, white gloves and aprons paying our respect to a departed brother. A man none of us even knew. And as we stood in our formation providing him his just due I was looking out at the small gathering and was sort of appalled at what I saw. Men wearing the all too common baseball caps. Jeans and t-shirts. Some of the women dressed like they were going out to a bar later in skimpy outfits. At least they were wearing black pencil skirts. No suits. Just whatever they would normally wear.
Its very indicative how much society has changed over the last 100 years.
I for one, don't think this is a good thing. I guess I am just old fashioned.
But masonry *is* old fashioned, isn't it?
I'd type more, but with a torn rotator cuff on my right shoulder, typing one handed isn't fun.
I get you on the Funeral thing, though. When we dress alike, together, in a solemn, respectful manner, it shows the family that we’re in this together, to pay OUR respects to one of our Brothers. I think it really hits home for the immediate family members, and they appreciate it. And I think if we weren’t there, and everyone present were dressed like it was an everyday event, people wouldn’t notice as much, but when we provide our unity with our presence, it creates a contrast that makes those family members who show up in their Bermudas, flip-flops and t-shirts look like they don’t give a shit about their departed Great-Uncle, etc. That’s why even if I wasn’t a Freemason and was attending a relative’s funeral that included a Masonic service, I’d at least show up dressed like I actually cared. Might not be a dark suit, but it’s be a nice button-up shirt and maybe slacks. But not dressed like Jimmy Buffett. Same applies to a funeral service for a Veteran where there’s military honors. Actually, the contrast might be even more pronounced. Here you have military honor guard with the flag, and the 21-gun salute, and they ceremonially fold the flag, then present it to the widow, and there’s the nephew, looking like something the cat dragged in. I’d be embarrassed. But would they be? Would they even KNOW they’re giving a bad impression of themselves, much less care? It speaks to the character of this era, and it’s not necessarily good. I know there are many on this thread that say to hell with the old-school stuff-shirt crap, come as you are, but it doesn’t matter what they or I think – people DO judge us by how we present ourselves outwardly to the public, in our appearances and actions. It’s human nature.
P.S. One of my mother’s classmates died back in 1998 of a heart attack. He was an avid outdoorsman, and he was buried in his hunting garb. Those who attended his funeral were also dressed like they were heading out to the woods to hunt, fish, etc. but the clothes were clean, and once again, it showed UNITY. It doesn’t necessarily have to be dark suits.
I'm sorry to hear about your shoulder, and I hope that you get better very soon.
If you need surgery, please know that the Brothers of Centralia Lodge can do that for you, all we need is a youtube video of the procedure and a sharp knife'! We'll meet or beat anyone's price.
Seriously though, I too have attended funerals with ball caps and the like, and I share your revulsion of such things. The last one I attended had a guy right there in the front row wearing his ball cap. I asked the minister why he didn't say something before the service started, he said that he doesn't do that anymore because the ball cap wearers just get pissed off.
"The last one I attended had a guy right there in the front row wearing his ball cap. I asked the minister why he didn't say something before the service started, he said that he doesn't do that anymore because the ball cap wearers just get pissed off."
This is why I don't debate you when you refer to ballcaps as "Little Boy caps."
"Balance in everything, everything in balance." - Unknown
I find it interesting which hills we choose to die on, and conversely which ones we won't. I also have a rather specific attire considerations due to my personal faith and medical conditions...
I find that while we must have generally the same shape, as Brother Hyclak so appropriately put in "Perfection" that without a bit of grit a smooth stone can't stick... I think what makes our organization so interesting is how unique and wildly different we each are, yet how we can all come together under the auspices of Brotherhood.
A lot of comments I could make, but I'll stop at one: my wife had the same issue with Star. She doesn't mind dresses, but we've lost potential members because of it. Ironically, one if the Grand Marshals (a woman) wore a tux to Grand Chapter. I don't think anyone had a problem with that. I know I didn't, but I'm not a conformist. I only tolerate it to an extent.
As most of you are aware, I moved from the non-conformist capital of the world to Vermont. Now I am not comparing this to the Orwellian 1984, but there is not a lot of individualism around here. I have been trying to make contact with a lodge without much luck.
Last evening, while at dinner, I noticed a gentleman walk into the restaurant wearing a jacket with numerous pins attached to his lapel; the almost universal sign of a mason. I overheard the word lodge, so I walked up to the gentlemen talking and as I approached I took in the pins and in fact, he was a Master Mason and a member of the Scottish Right. I introduced myself to both men, with the the appropriate grip, and we talked for a while. The person with the pins invited me to lodge and a function for the weekend. I asked about the dress code and he became very serious about how jacket and tie were required for the sidelines and the line wore tuxedoes. It was a sign of respect. We talked a bit about how important that was to masonry, without me being confrontational (ya, right). It is just after being the Secretary under Cameron and Greg, the idea that what we wear is more important than who we are just seems to be anti-masonic to me.
I'm glad to know that you were able to make a Masonic connection in your new home State! Even if it's with a fellow who wears far too many lapel pins! 🤠
I have heard that moving to the other side of the country can subject one to a bit of culture shock. Probably best that I stay here in the Pacific Northwest!
Conformity is important sometimes and in some cases. Dress code conformity works well for sports teams, the military, and various professions. But there's other forms of conformity, like conformity of purpose.
What I like about my Lodge is that we've all conformed to a Masonic Education theme as well as a principal charitible cause. Beyond that we're a "come as you are" lodge. For us a dress code would be a mood killer, and that could eventually become a lodge killer.
I should add that my daughter thinks that a bunch of old men dressing alike is creepy (her words). I haven't been able to come up with a persuasive rebuttal. Maybe she would have felt differently if she was born in the 1950s
I strongly agree, conformity within Masonry is really important, when it comes to morality and purpose. The big, meaningful things. Education and philanthropy as you mention.
>>>my daughter thinks that a bunch of old men dressing alike is creepy (her words)
This is vital intelligence that should be considered with care.
It is really strange to me when a bunch of Lodge members with ages ranging from 55 to 90 are sitting around, discussing 'what young men want.' They figure out 'what young men want' then try to make some change or another to their Lodge in order to attract these young men.
When I see that, I just wonder, how can I, as an old fellow, possibly know what young men want in 2026. I was a young man in 1987. That was a long damn time ago, and the world has radically changed in that time.
Instead of trying to figure it out for ourselves, we should simply listen to young people. If we do, we will hear what they want.
I "liked" your response. If I could have liked it two or three more times I would have!
Thanks VW!
Thoughts that immediately come to mind around this are about the concept of conformity with a dress code, as it relates to private schools, or even schools in some countries. I refer to the use of a school uniform. I was always told, the rationale was to take away the potential problems of students feeling more or less privileged based on the brand of clothes they wear. In other words, everyone is wearing the same thing so one student isn't in designer jeans while another has hand-me-down discount store jeans.
I did a training gig in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for a month. Every male student was wearing a thobe. Most were white, but some were beige. I stood out in my business casual sport coat and slacks. It was accepted that I wore my business casual. It was not acceptable for me to show up in a polo and slacks.
So, what about Masonry?
We do have this concept of meeting on the level. And we talk, in the EA degree about how a candidate should be recommended to be made a Mason. We are not concerned about his status in life or job, how much money he makes, etc.
Many lodges still require a tuxedo for all members. But what happens if a brother cannot afford a tuxedo?
Many times I hear that if you do not own a tuxedo, then a black, or dark suit, is the next best option.
I have attended many lodges where members are wearing gray or blue suits.
Do we decide the dress code should meet the "lowest common denominator"? Perhaps not.
But I heard it best stated before, and you have also stated it in a previous post.
It's more important that the brother be present at lodge, than that the brother is wearing a tuxedo with a black bow tie that is not clip-on but is actually had tied, etc.....
Again, recall what is stated in the Master's Lecture for EA degree. We regard no man on account of his worldly wealth or honors. A strict dress code just might put undue stress and worry on a brother, to think he might have to conform.
As a kid part of my schooling was private, with a school uniform. Part was public with the idea of wear whatever on earth you can find. Honestly, as a kid, I didn't notice any actual difference whatsoever between the two experiences.
That said, I'm really good with the concept of a Lodge Uniform. If the 'uniform' fits the Lodge and the men who compose the Lodge. I created that very thing in my first term as Worshipful Master, and I believe that it was quite well received. It builds an esprit de corps, and that can be quite powerful.
But I don't see something in the middle. In my view, we either create a 'uniform' for our Lodge, that everyone supports and wears, or we allow Brothers to attend as they see fit. Some guys in tux, others in suits, visitors in something different, Grand Lodge guys in Grand Lodge dress, well that's not a uniform, or even a standard. So I don't see much point in it at that stage.
This is an interesting topic. My first exposure to masonry was at a bar. A bunch of guys, ranging from 20s to 70s, all in suits/tux's, with quite a few lapel pins. I being the curious guy, wondered over and found out why they all were dressed the same. So, everyone can blame those guys for me being here. That said, if they had not been just the same, i would not have likely noticed them as a single group and approached them.
So there is some purpose it seems to a uniform. It makes you identifiable.
I understand that this works out quite well for one of our Lodges in Seattle. They have a really standard, unique, and good looking Lodge uniform that they all wear, and after their meetings, plenty of them walk to a local lounge. I'm told that quite a few great prospects have been found in just the way you mention.
I have joined them on a couple of occasions, but haven't seen it happen. I did though watch as a really drunk chick enquired once!
I talk about this a bit in one of my classes at the lodge leadership retreat.
There was a time when men donned their sunday best to attend church services. But sunday best can mean different things to different people. And that is ok. But it does mean you are trying to pay respect to the occasion.
But in todays world, there seems to be less and less attention to those sorts of manners and societal norms.
My first masonic funeral was an eye opening experience, at least enough to make an impression on me. Here we are, all of us wearing dark suits with ties, white gloves and aprons paying our respect to a departed brother. A man none of us even knew. And as we stood in our formation providing him his just due I was looking out at the small gathering and was sort of appalled at what I saw. Men wearing the all too common baseball caps. Jeans and t-shirts. Some of the women dressed like they were going out to a bar later in skimpy outfits. At least they were wearing black pencil skirts. No suits. Just whatever they would normally wear.
Its very indicative how much society has changed over the last 100 years.
I for one, don't think this is a good thing. I guess I am just old fashioned.
But masonry *is* old fashioned, isn't it?
I'd type more, but with a torn rotator cuff on my right shoulder, typing one handed isn't fun.
I get you on the Funeral thing, though. When we dress alike, together, in a solemn, respectful manner, it shows the family that we’re in this together, to pay OUR respects to one of our Brothers. I think it really hits home for the immediate family members, and they appreciate it. And I think if we weren’t there, and everyone present were dressed like it was an everyday event, people wouldn’t notice as much, but when we provide our unity with our presence, it creates a contrast that makes those family members who show up in their Bermudas, flip-flops and t-shirts look like they don’t give a shit about their departed Great-Uncle, etc. That’s why even if I wasn’t a Freemason and was attending a relative’s funeral that included a Masonic service, I’d at least show up dressed like I actually cared. Might not be a dark suit, but it’s be a nice button-up shirt and maybe slacks. But not dressed like Jimmy Buffett. Same applies to a funeral service for a Veteran where there’s military honors. Actually, the contrast might be even more pronounced. Here you have military honor guard with the flag, and the 21-gun salute, and they ceremonially fold the flag, then present it to the widow, and there’s the nephew, looking like something the cat dragged in. I’d be embarrassed. But would they be? Would they even KNOW they’re giving a bad impression of themselves, much less care? It speaks to the character of this era, and it’s not necessarily good. I know there are many on this thread that say to hell with the old-school stuff-shirt crap, come as you are, but it doesn’t matter what they or I think – people DO judge us by how we present ourselves outwardly to the public, in our appearances and actions. It’s human nature.
P.S. One of my mother’s classmates died back in 1998 of a heart attack. He was an avid outdoorsman, and he was buried in his hunting garb. Those who attended his funeral were also dressed like they were heading out to the woods to hunt, fish, etc. but the clothes were clean, and once again, it showed UNITY. It doesn’t necessarily have to be dark suits.
>>>he was buried in his hunting garb. Those who attended his funeral were also >>>dressed like they were heading out to the woods
Yes, this, this exact! If we want to create an effective Lodge uniform.
The trouble I see it is that almost everyone who dreams of a Lodge dressing all alike either thinks tux, or thinks dark suit.
But what about the group of guys in the Lodge that such things don't suit?
What about the Lodge where everyone works outside?
Wouldn't the hunting clothes make a great Lodge Uniform for those guys?
I'm sorry to hear about your shoulder, and I hope that you get better very soon.
If you need surgery, please know that the Brothers of Centralia Lodge can do that for you, all we need is a youtube video of the procedure and a sharp knife'! We'll meet or beat anyone's price.
Seriously though, I too have attended funerals with ball caps and the like, and I share your revulsion of such things. The last one I attended had a guy right there in the front row wearing his ball cap. I asked the minister why he didn't say something before the service started, he said that he doesn't do that anymore because the ball cap wearers just get pissed off.
"The last one I attended had a guy right there in the front row wearing his ball cap. I asked the minister why he didn't say something before the service started, he said that he doesn't do that anymore because the ball cap wearers just get pissed off."
This is why I don't debate you when you refer to ballcaps as "Little Boy caps."
That's good, because if we took the matter to fisticuffs I fear we would end up stabbing each other with pencils! 🤠
"Balance in everything, everything in balance." - Unknown
I find it interesting which hills we choose to die on, and conversely which ones we won't. I also have a rather specific attire considerations due to my personal faith and medical conditions...
I find that while we must have generally the same shape, as Brother Hyclak so appropriately put in "Perfection" that without a bit of grit a smooth stone can't stick... I think what makes our organization so interesting is how unique and wildly different we each are, yet how we can all come together under the auspices of Brotherhood.
https://travelersachord.substack.com/publish/posts/detail/190553915?referrer=%2Fpublish%2Fposts%2Fpublished
I think clean, clothed, and well groomed should be about the extent of our requirements personally.
>>>I think clean, clothed, and well groomed should be about the extent of our requirements >>>personally.
Clean and groomed I can go with, but I figure you guys are lucky I actually wear pants! 🤠
And an explanation of my nakedness will be posted right here on Emeth bright and early Friday morning!
A lot of comments I could make, but I'll stop at one: my wife had the same issue with Star. She doesn't mind dresses, but we've lost potential members because of it. Ironically, one if the Grand Marshals (a woman) wore a tux to Grand Chapter. I don't think anyone had a problem with that. I know I didn't, but I'm not a conformist. I only tolerate it to an extent.