Lodge Dress Code?
Erik Arneson
I'm still waiting to hear back on the final word on my petition
(although I have met with several Master Masons from the Lodge, and
they're all really friendly and nice men). I'm wondering, and actually
am rather certain, that there must be a dress code for attending the
Lodge. What is the dress code?
I don't own a suit or actually anything very classy at all, so I'd like
to be prepared when/if I need to go to the Lodge.
--
# Erik Arneson er...@starseed.com Webring Technical Yahoo! #
# http://www.aarg.net/erik/ GPG Key ID: 1024D/43AD6AB8 #
# "The worst wheel of a cart makes the most noise." - Ben Franklin #
Dr. Roger M. Firestone
Erik Arneson <er...@starseed.com> wrote:
>Howdy everybody,
>
>I'm still waiting to hear back on the final word on my petition
>(although I have met with several Master Masons from the Lodge, and
>they're all really friendly and nice men). I'm wondering, and actually
>am rather certain, that there must be a dress code for attending the
>Lodge. What is the dress code?
>
>I don't own a suit or actually anything very classy at all, so I'd like
>to be prepared when/if I need to go to the Lodge.
A jacket and tie and dress slacks will be adequate for Lodge attendance
in most places. If you intend to serve as an officer, assuming you ever
become a Master Mason, you probably will need to purchase a black-tie
outfit (tuxedo). Some Lodges don't wear black tie, and some go all the
way to white tie. This is really a question you should ask your
sponsors (the men who signed your petition), because they will know the
custsoms of the Lodge you wish to join. (For example, the officers of
the Lodge in which I was Raised wore business attire for stated
communications and formal wear for degrees; at Henry Lodge in Virginia,
the exact opposite situation obtains.)
Roger M. Firestone, 32 KCCH
XRAY TAKR
wear whatever they wish to wear as long as it is in good taste (clean and neat
looking). The brothers who are serving in the line wear a shirt and tie. The
jacket is not necessary at our lodge. However, twice a year the officers wer
Tuxedos. The first occurance is teh annual inspection night formthe Grand
Lodge of Ohio and the second time is Deputy Grand Master Night, which is where
the gentleman who will serve as the Grand Master durign the next year comes to
visit our lodge. Do not worry aobut your clothes to me the attire is secondary
to the fellowship that you will enjoy during meetings.
Steve Wiley, MM
Proctorville, Ohio Lodge #550 F&AM
SClarke505
Dress codes vary greatly not only from Jurisdiction to Jurisdiction but also
from Lodge to Lodge. For example, in most (if not all) UK Lodges, they usually
dress in tuxedos. Lodges on Long Island usually in business suites except for
special nights (visits from Grand Lodge Officers, degree nights etc.) when we
would wear tuxedos. Lodges upstate New York tend to be less formal and might
not wear a suit at all. Lodges in Scotland, formal jackets and kilts (those
well dressed lads look the sharpest of all). You should ask your sponsoring
Brother what you should wear. It was a wise move to ask in advance, every now
and then I have seen new candidates come to a lodge in jeans and a sweater, OK
in some Lodges, not in my District. Good luck on your future journey into
Masonry.
V.'.W.'.Sam Schwarzman
Jim Bennie
wrote:
> Howdy everybody,
> I'm still waiting to hear back on the final word on my petition
> (although I have met with several Master Masons from the Lodge, and
> they're all really friendly and nice men). I'm wondering, and actually
> am rather certain, that there must be a dress code for attending the
> Lodge. What is the dress code?
Erik, check with your Lodge. Things vary around the world.
In BC, officers are generally expected to wear a tux, or dark suit.
Non-officers may wear a business suit. The idea is to show respect
for the Lodge.
Jim Bennie, G.Stwd
WM, Lodge Southern Cross No. 44, Vancouver
Robert Curriden
> to the fellowship that you will enjoy during meetings.
Exactly!
When I was meeting with the investigation committee before I was Initiated,
that was something that came up. And the basic response was just that. Come
dressed neatly, and with a due regard for cleanliness, but don't not attend
Lodge because of clothing. It is far more important that you be there at
all. My WM said to me once, the Lodge allows us to play at being Gentlemen
for a while, and it does. But let's not allow the finery to obscure the
whole reason we are there in the first place. For Fellowship, and
self-improvement, not for a fashion show.
My apologies if the words attempted to be whispered into a Brothers ear
sound like they are coming out of a bullhorn. Chalk it up to being
frustration at the waning numbers in something that I have seen to be such a
good thing.
--
Robert Curriden EA
Glassboro Lodge No. 85 F.+A.M.
Glassboro, NJ
Bmasonjohnson
pre-initiation instruction session. He was wearing levis and a sports shirt,
and some man said, "You're OK just the way you are now." So the poor fellow
came down that night just the way he was, and everybody was wearing suits! By
the way, this was a little country Lodge; I've heard of men in Detroit years
ago showing up in work clothes because they had to go to work right after
Lodge. It's really the interior that makes you a Mason. And rest assured: you
won't be wearing a suit when you're initiated!
John Plug
"Erik Arneson" <er...@starseed.com> wrote in message news:m3vh24r...@inanna.starseed.com...
Howdy everybody,
I'm still waiting to hear back on the final word on my petition
(although I have met with several Master Masons from the Lodge, and
they're all really friendly and nice men). I'm wondering, and actually
am rather certain, that there must be a dress code for attending the
Lodge. What is the dress code?
I don't own a suit or actually anything very classy at all, so I'd like
to be prepared when/if I need to go to the Lodge.
--
# Erik Arneson er...@starseed.com Webring Technical Yahoo! #
# http://www.aarg.net/erik/ GPG Key ID: 1024D/43AD6AB8 #
# "The worst wheel of a cart makes the most noise." - Ben Franklin #
Erik although I'm not yet a mason I know that in the Netherlands we wear suits during the (informal)"comparities" and we wear White tie including gloves etc.etc. during the (formal) "open lodge".John PlugTnatulas Et Irotarcul Raseac Eva
Marko Ronkainen
Erik Arneson wrote in message ...
>Howdy everybody,
>
>I'm still waiting to hear back on the final word on my petition
>(although I have met with several Master Masons from the Lodge, and
>they're all really friendly and nice men). I'm wondering, and actually
>am rather certain, that there must be a dress code for attending the
>Lodge. What is the dress code?
>
>I don't own a suit or actually anything very classy at all, so I'd like
>to be prepared when/if I need to go to the Lodge.
It all depends on the lodge and/or jurisdiction. The fact that I've
always liked in my lodge is that there is no "dress code". Although
people tend to "dress up" for the meetings, suits, some men wear
bow-ties, but I've hardly ever seen anyone wear a tuxedo, for example.
When I joined I couldn't have afforded one anyway, so it was quite
a relief that it was not expected. In my initiation I wore black jeans
and a black turtleneck. I was asked if I had a suit and told that it
might be proper to wear that, but that was in no way forced on me.
I usually wear a suit or a jacket, but sometimes something more
casual. Which is quite OK in my opinion, after all, it's not an
evening gala, but a lodge meeting. Dressing up of course shows
respect to the meeting itself and your brothers, and gives it a
certain flavour separating it from other evenings.
- Marko
James Scott
qualities of a man.
I suggest you wear your nice clothes, whatever they are, and bathe
immediately prior to the meeting, for your own comfort.
The only articles of clothing you will have on, when you are initiated, that
you bring with you, will be you under-clothes. You will be given clothes to
wear over them, for the ceremony.
When the ceremony ends, you will again be allowed to dress in your own
clothes. As long as those clothes are reasonably clean, and comfortable,
you should be comfortable in that lodge. If anyone should have the nerve to
criticize you for the clothes you select, I would find them, not you, as the
one who is out-of-order.
In short, wear what you have. Do not go buy or rent something for the
occasion, as this is not something that should be expected of you.
Welcome to the craft,
--
James Scott
(Affiliations withheld for privacy.)
(Leave off the "-spam" to contact me directly.)
Feed the hungry with a click of your mouse.
http://www.thehungersite.com
Jouni Hiltunen
suit and tie. I enjoy dressing up for the evening, it shows my respect for
the lodge and my brothers and adds to the ambiance. Besides I look GREAT in
a tuxedo.<G>
-Jouni
Dr. Roger M. Firestone
Mad Dan <glyn.d...@virgin.net> wrote:
>Not strictly true - the only lodge I know of that dresses in tuxedo (tails)
>is No 1 - The rest of us just wear suits
A tuxedo does not have tails. A tailcoat is part of a white tie
(formal) outfit. A tuxedo jacket has an ordinary square back and is
part of a black tie (semi-formal) outfit.
The correct definition of terms, according to Miss Manners:
Formal - white tie and tails, starched vest, etc. (in daytime, morning
coat [gray] and striped trousers and striped tie)
Semi-formal - black tie (tuxedo jacket, pants with satin stripe,
matching tie [not necessarily actually black] and
cummerbund; in summer, white jacket may be worn)
Informal - business suit
Casual - jacket and tie, dress slacks
Sportswear - _anything else_, such as polo shirts, jeans, etc. whether
actually worn while participating in sports
Miss Manners noted that things have ratcheted up a notch, so that black
tie is considered formal rather than semi-formal, while "casual" allows
one not to wear a tie. But this is _wrong_, she insists. She notes in
her columns with some frequency the problems that have arisen from such
bizarre ideas as "business casual."
I myself do not come to work during normal working hours except in a
jacket and tie. No one else in my office, however, does so, unless some
VIP is expected.
(A few jobs back, it was announced that the CEO would visit our
location. The men all wore suits, without having to be told. The women
all wore black dresses with pearls--NO GOLD--without having to be told.
Except for the admin. aide, who wore slacks...the perils of having had
the youthful indiscretion to get a highly visible tattoo...)
Proper Lodge attire is determined by the custom of the Lodge. In the
Grand Lodge of DC, customary attire for a Grand Lodge communication is:
Grand Officers - formal (white tie or morning clothes, depending on
time)
Past Grand Masters - semi-formal (black tie)
Members - informal (business suit)
In the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of DC, the customary attire for
Grand Officers and Past Grand Masters is black tie, although some PGMs
do not conform, I've noticed. All others, business suit. (And some do
not conform to that, either...)
Roger M. Firestone, 32 KCCH
Past Master, National-Stansbury-Dawson Lodge #12, FAAM of DC
Past Grand Master of Cryptic Masons in the District of Columbia
Ian J McKiver
under UGLE, basic dress is now dark lounge suit, with evening dress
(black tie) usually only for installations. One or two lodges still have
evening dress at every meeting or evening dress for officers only. Most
Officers of Provincial or Grand Rank wear morning dress with short coat, while
some active GL or PGL Officers are required to wear tails while performing
officially (at GL, PGL or on official visits to Lodges, consecrations, etc). We
always wear a tie or bow tie (black) with black hose and shoes and white shirt.
S&F,
Ian.
Ian J McKiver PPJGD (Hants & IoW)
Mad Dan
in my descriptor. Often happens when you are posting with a sandwich
clamped between your molars (no I don't mean my front teeth - when I clamp a
sandwich it goes right in the gob, like my feet. LOL)
Glyn
--
Lothian Variety Agency
glyn.d...@virgin.net
"Dr. Roger M. Firestone" <rf...@chele.cais.net> wrote in message
news:8c2gmf$2t1f$1...@nnrp-corp.news.cais.net...
Erik Arneson
and ask some members of the Lodge what the appropriate dress is. :)
j ruble
I'm going to inject some of my Mother's wisdom in here. I have always found
her "wisdom" to be well worth listening, and have let it guide me for most
of my life.
My Uncle said to her one time that the reason he didn't go to Church was
that he didn't own a suit to wear. She told him, "GOD doesn't care what you
are wearing, just come clean and reverant."
I would say that the Lodge would be in the same category.
JMHO
SCOTTY
Steve Leazer
internal and not the external that makes a man a mason. Here in
Calfornia there are those who wear suit and tie, I don't happen to
be one of them. We have those who come directly from work and
might be in work clothes ... so be it.
steve
j ruble <jru...@excelonline.com> wrote in message
news:secdce...@corp.supernews.com...
Jim Bennie
<leaz...@thegrid.net> wrote:
> Yes, and I would add to that another injunction; It is the
> internal and not the external that makes a man a mason. Here in
> Calfornia there are those who wear suit and tie, I don't happen to
> be one of them. We have those who come directly from work and
> might be in work clothes ... so be it.
I ride my 10-speed from work (or from home) to Lodge. I place a
suit bag over the handle-bars. I change at the Lodge hall. It's
pretty easy. It doesn't take long. If I can do it, anyone can.
"Work" strikes me as a poor reason.
We're not talking about "what makes a man a Mason". If that's the
case, a Mason doesn't need to attend meetings at all. We're talking
about appropriate attire for a Lodge meeting. Locally, it is expected
that one show up for meetings in attire that shows respect for the
institution of Freemasonry; the same concept in church used to be
called 'Sunday best'. And in the first degree (in many rituals or
monitors), it's explained that our Lodges stand on holy ground.
I can understand exceptions for warm weather .. especially in old Lodge
Halls with poor air circulation in places like southern California.
The word "appropriate" takes on a bit of a different meeting. But
wearing cycling pants and t-shirts because "that's what I feel like
doing" strikes me as self-indulgent, and against the concept of
improvement that winds its way through the Masonic degrees.
dhm
>
> I ride my 10-speed from work (or from home) to Lodge. I place a
> suit bag over the handle-bars. I change at the Lodge hall. It's
> pretty easy. It doesn't take long. If I can do it, anyone can.
> "Work" strikes me as a poor reason.
And I wear a suit and tie 50-60 hours a week at work. There are many
times I can't wait to get that monkey attire off. Sometimes it's nice to
go to Lodge and dress down a tad without being looked down upon.
> We're not talking about "what makes a man a Mason". If that's the
> case, a Mason doesn't need to attend meetings at all. We're talking
> about appropriate attire for a Lodge meeting. Locally, it is expected
> that one show up for meetings in attire that shows respect for the
> institution of Freemasonry; the same concept in church used to be
> called 'Sunday best'. And in the first degree (in many rituals or
> monitors), it's explained that our Lodges stand on holy ground.
It is MAN that judges our outward appearances, not GOD.
I hardly think that when it is all over, and we stand before the GATOU,
what clothing we wore to church or to Lodge will hardly make a
difference in our place throughout eternity.
> I can understand exceptions for warm weather .. especially in old Lodge
> Halls with poor air circulation in places like southern California.
> The word "appropriate" takes on a bit of a different meeting. But
> wearing cycling pants and t-shirts because "that's what I feel like
> doing" strikes me as self-indulgent, and against the concept of
> improvement that winds its way through the Masonic degrees.
Cycling pants and tshirts might be pushing it a tad I agree, but clean
slacks and open shirt certainly won't get stares from any Brother I know
in Lodge. Heck, I've been in small midwest Lodges where jeans and cowboy
boots far outnumber the ties.
Given a choice, I'd rather have a poor destitude brother come to Lodge
in whatever rags he has to wear without fear of being judged and be
welcomed by everyone, than have him not show up at all because because
he doesn't have a suit to impress those one or two that need impressing
with some phoney status mindset.
Jist my 14 cents worth.
dhm
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Jim Bennie
> Given a choice, I'd rather have a poor destitude brother come to Lodge
> in whatever rags he has to wear without fear of being judged and be
> welcomed by everyone, than have him not show up at all because because
> he doesn't have a suit to impress those one or two that need impressing
> with some phoney status mindset.
But this has nothing to do with anything I'm talking about. I'll give
you points for pushing emotional buttons with a wrenching picture of a
penniless Mason down on his luck, the Tyler turning him away. I responded
to a post about Masons coming from work. How did "poor destitute" get
into this? Nor was I talking about attire for the sake of impression.
I'm talking about members of the Lodge ... gainfully employed, I add..
wearing something that shows the respect that the Lodge and the Craft
deserves, not a fashion show (uniform dark suits are a poor fashion show
anyway). What doesn't impress *me* is attitude - like, "I'll do what I
feel like because *I* want to". Masons, I believe, are beyond perpetuating
the Me Generation.
Nor, I might add, am I talking about visitors to the Lodge. As Master,
I'd welcome any visitor however attired. We have Masons pop by from
other jurisdictions that don't have Canada's more formal attitude
toward these things (and some arrive more gaudy than we do; talk about
your fashion show), but they're more than welcome to sit in Lodge. This
situation arose during my first go-around as Master, and I explained to
an unhappy PM that the Bro. in question dressed as in his own Lodge,
and that's enough for me. The PM's attitude didn't impress me, either.
James Scott
dhm <noe...@ddress.com> wrote in message
news:38E6BFFC...@ddress.com...
> Jim Bennie wrote:
>
> Given a choice, I'd rather have a poor destitude brother come to Lodge
> in whatever rags he has to wear without fear of being judged and be
> welcomed by everyone, than have him not show up at all because because
> he doesn't have a suit to impress those one or two that need impressing
> with some phoney status mindset.
AMEN
dhm
But it has everything to do with this thread.
> I'll give
> you points for pushing emotional buttons with a wrenching picture of a
> penniless Mason down on his luck, the Tyler turning him away. I responded
> to a post about Masons coming from work. How did "poor destitute" get
> into this?
True emotional button story for ya so I can get more brownie points. ;)
In my Lodge there is a MAN who makes minimum wage at the local truck
stop as a cashier, and supports his wife and kids on that huge income.
He's not well educated, and would never be a model for GQ. He has no
suit. Jeans and work pants are pretty much his wardrobe. He refuses
handouts and charity. It's his life, his pride, I won't try to judge him
on his mindset. When he comes to Lodge it's usually immediately from
work. Last year some arrogant PM made a comment to him after Lodge on
his clothing being not appropriate. Well guess what...he stopped coming.
After several meetings of not seeing him one of the Brothers called on
him. He told him why he stopped coming and what was said. Needless to
say, the situation was straightened out by the next meeting. Our WM made
it very clear to all, including that certain PM that all are welcome,
regardless. That feeling was echoed by several other PM's in the room,
including our District Master. He eventually came back.
> Nor was I talking about attire for the sake of impression.
> I'm talking about members of the Lodge ... gainfully employed, I add..
> wearing something that shows the respect that the Lodge and the Craft
> deserves, not a fashion show (uniform dark suits are a poor fashion show
> anyway).
They should wear what their budget allows. No more, no less. If they
have a suit, great. If not, great. Just come to Lodge and make everyone
else feel welcome.
> What doesn't impress *me* is attitude - like, "I'll do what I
> feel like because *I* want to". Masons, I believe, are beyond perpetuating
> the Me Generation.
Yea, I know what you mean by attitudes. :)
> Nor, I might add, am I talking about visitors to the Lodge. As Master,
> I'd welcome any visitor however attired. We have Masons pop by from
> other jurisdictions that don't have Canada's more formal attitude
> toward these things (and some arrive more gaudy than we do; talk about
> your fashion show), but they're more than welcome to sit in Lodge. This
> situation arose during my first go-around as Master, and I explained to
> an unhappy PM that the Bro. in question dressed as in his own Lodge,
> and that's enough for me. The PM's attitude didn't impress me, either.
>
It's wonderful to hear that. Thanks!
Richard Irving
> It is MAN that judges our outward appearances, not GOD.
>
* sigh *
No, usually it is WOMAN.
;)
Mad Dan
wear a suit because I think you should give an outwardly smart appearance
when attending any meeting of importance. I would not deride another
brother though for appearing in a sports jacket of blazer. A tie does seem
mandatory over here though, I've never seen anyone in a lodge without one
(except during the obvious).
Glyn
--
Lothian Variety Agency
glyn.d...@virgin.net
"dhm" <noe...@ddress.com> wrote in message
news:38E6BFFC...@ddress.com...
> Jim Bennie wrote:
> >
> > I ride my 10-speed from work (or from home) to Lodge. I place a
> > suit bag over the handle-bars. I change at the Lodge hall. It's
> > pretty easy. It doesn't take long. If I can do it, anyone can.
> > "Work" strikes me as a poor reason.
>
> And I wear a suit and tie 50-60 hours a week at work. There are many
> times I can't wait to get that monkey attire off. Sometimes it's nice to
> go to Lodge and dress down a tad without being looked down upon.
>
> > We're not talking about "what makes a man a Mason". If that's the
> > case, a Mason doesn't need to attend meetings at all. We're talking
> > about appropriate attire for a Lodge meeting. Locally, it is expected
> > that one show up for meetings in attire that shows respect for the
> > institution of Freemasonry; the same concept in church used to be
> > called 'Sunday best'. And in the first degree (in many rituals or
> > monitors), it's explained that our Lodges stand on holy ground.
>
> It is MAN that judges our outward appearances, not GOD.
>
> I hardly think that when it is all over, and we stand before the GATOU,
> what clothing we wore to church or to Lodge will hardly make a
> difference in our place throughout eternity.
>
> > I can understand exceptions for warm weather .. especially in old Lodge
> > Halls with poor air circulation in places like southern California.
> > The word "appropriate" takes on a bit of a different meeting. But
> > wearing cycling pants and t-shirts because "that's what I feel like
> > doing" strikes me as self-indulgent, and against the concept of
> > improvement that winds its way through the Masonic degrees.
>
> Cycling pants and tshirts might be pushing it a tad I agree, but clean
> slacks and open shirt certainly won't get stares from any Brother I know
> in Lodge. Heck, I've been in small midwest Lodges where jeans and cowboy
> boots far outnumber the ties.
>
> Given a choice, I'd rather have a poor destitude brother come to Lodge
> in whatever rags he has to wear without fear of being judged and be
> welcomed by everyone, than have him not show up at all because because
> he doesn't have a suit to impress those one or two that need impressing
> with some phoney status mindset.
>
> Jist my 14 cents worth.
>
XRAY TAKR
secondary to the fellowship that we enjoy together as Brothers. I agree that
we should come to Lodge in a respectable attire, but I do not feel that we
should put so much emphasis on it.
This makes me think of not too long ago when I was in High School and certain
kids dresed with only name brand clothes. The kids who were not able to wear
the name brands felt inferior and were "priced out" of certain activities. I
feel that if too much emphasis is placed on clothing that it may "price out" a
prospective Brother who woudl be a great asset to the Fraternity. As long as
clothes are clean and you are properly groomed I think that is all that is
necessary. Besides, I do not think Jesus judges us on our clothes as a
requirement to salvation. Nor do I think that we should judge a Brother on his
for Lodge attendance
Jim Bennie
> In my Lodge there is a MAN who makes minimum wage at the local truck
> stop as a cashier, and supports his wife and kids on that huge income.
> He's not well educated, and would never be a model for GQ. He has no
> suit. Jeans and work pants are pretty much his wardrobe. He refuses
> handouts and charity. It's his life, his pride, I won't try to judge him
> on his mindset. When he comes to Lodge it's usually immediately from
> work. Last year some arrogant PM made a comment to him after Lodge on
> his clothing being not appropriate. Well guess what...he stopped coming.
> After several meetings of not seeing him one of the Brothers called on
> him. He told him why he stopped coming and what was said. Needless to
> say, the situation was straightened out by the next meeting. Our WM made
> it very clear to all, including that certain PM that all are welcome,
> regardless. That feeling was echoed by several other PM's in the room,
> including our District Master. He eventually came back.
Greetings, dhm. It's evident you're talking about one thing and I'm
talking about something else. Again, I'm talking about the Mason who's
full of attitude and feels he can do just what he feels like, with no
respect for the Lodge or his brn., wearing such that he treats the
Lodge like a visit to the bar. If a Mason is in such financial straights
where a suit is out of the question, I'm sure the Bros. of the Lodge
understand. They should. The Mason, in this case, is not being
disrespectful of the Lodge. Respect is one reason for a Lodge dress code
in the first place, and one must not lose sight of the reason (another
reason is so you DON'T have a fashion show; everyone dresses the same).
Your errant PM was out of line, even if he were unaware of the
particulars of the situation (and more so if he was). He should have
gone to the Master, not the member, in the first place, but PMs are
apt not to do that (as both a WM and PM, I can speak with lots of
authority on this one :).
dhm
> Greetings, dhm. It's evident you're talking about one thing and I'm
> talking about something else.
Thanks, and greetings in return.
Probably so, I do that sometimes, I get hell bent on one train of
thought and can't see the forest because the trees are in the way. Just
one of my passions I'm working on subduing.
> Again, I'm talking about the Mason who's
> full of attitude and feels he can do just what he feels like, with no
> respect for the Lodge or his brn., wearing such that he treats the
> Lodge like a visit to the bar.
Yea, I've seen such 'tudes from many Brothers, both from new MM's to 50
year triple PM's as well, and not just with what clothes they wear
either. Attitudes and egos should remain outside the door.
> If a Mason is in such financial straights
> where a suit is out of the question, I'm sure the Bros. of the Lodge
> understand. They should. The Mason, in this case, is not being
> disrespectful of the Lodge. Respect is one reason for a Lodge dress code
> in the first place, and one must not lose sight of the reason (another
> reason is so you DON'T have a fashion show; everyone dresses the same).
Again, don't misread my intent, I have nothing against a recommended
attire. I'm all for respect. However, a mandated dress code, yes... I
have somewhat a problem with that. But that's me.
I guess my "rant" boils down to this. We must not loose site of what
we're there for. We should focus on learning and teaching Masonry, and
IMVHO, what we wear should be secondary. As long as it's clean and not
offensive to the Craft, it shouldn't matter.
Shoot... there I go... blew it again didn't I? :)))
> Your errant PM was out of line, even if he were unaware of the
> particulars of the situation (and more so if he was). He should have
> gone to the Master, not the member, in the first place, but PMs are
> apt not to do that (as both a WM and PM, I can speak with lots of
> authority on this one :).
Agreed.
I think it's pretty clear where we both stand on this issue, I feel no
need to continue beating THIS dead horse together anymore,
knowhatimeanvern? :)
Fraternally and
Respectully yours,
david.g...@usa.net
Richard Irving <rir...@onecall.net> wrote:
>
> > It is MAN that judges our outward appearances, not GOD.
> No, usually it is WOMAN.
You've got THAT right! When I told my wife that I was petitioning a
lodge, one of the first things she said was "GOOD, now you'll have to
buy a some formal clothes!".
--
David Gurzynski --------------------------------- Brooklyn NY
Americans, while occasionally willing to be serfs, have always been
obstinate about being peasantry. Scott Fitzgerald
Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Before you buy.
Jim Bennie
> I think it's pretty clear where we both stand on this issue, I feel no
> need to continue beating THIS dead horse together anymore,
> knowhatimeanvern? :)
Well, the discussion been better than the same ol' laughable anti
propaganda and the alt.discorder spammers. We've had a good range
of viewpoints. Amazing how this newsgroup can actually do what it
was designed to on occasion.
Jim Bennie, WM No. 44, Vancouver
XRAY TAKR
question and get 10 differnt answers. Discussions like this are good for the
group as a whole and give teh anti's a break. LOL
Ian J McKiver
I like the idea of putting on a particular outfit to go to Lodge.
It's part of my personal ritual for switching out of 'worldly' mode and
into 'reflective' mode. I wouldn't actually care if the special outfit was
a heavy cotton shirt, dungarees and a proper long craftsmans apron, as long
as I associated it with Lodge. There is something to be said for everyone
wearing similar garb. I come from a very modest background and was lucky
enough to be selected for Grammar School. Everyone wore a uniform of black
blazer, white shirt and grey trousers (nearly all of my relations chipped
in a little to buy it). It was a great 'equaliser' for us all to be
wearing similar clothes and I think that works for Lodge as well.
S&F,
ian.
Ian J McKiver PPJGD (Hants & IoW)
Jim Bennie wrote:
> In <eLwF4.15182$84.16...@alfalfa.thegrid.net>, "Steve Leazer"
> <leaz...@thegrid.net> wrote:
> > Yes, and I would add to that another injunction; It is the
> > internal and not the external that makes a man a mason. Here in
> > Calfornia there are those who wear suit and tie, I don't happen to
> > be one of them. We have those who come directly from work and
> > might be in work clothes ... so be it.
>
> I ride my 10-speed from work (or from home) to Lodge. I place a
> suit bag over the handle-bars. I change at the Lodge hall. It's
> pretty easy. It doesn't take long. If I can do it, anyone can.
> "Work" strikes me as a poor reason.
>
> We're not talking about "what makes a man a Mason". If that's the
> case, a Mason doesn't need to attend meetings at all. We're talking
> about appropriate attire for a Lodge meeting. Locally, it is expected
> that one show up for meetings in attire that shows respect for the
> institution of Freemasonry; the same concept in church used to be
> called 'Sunday best'. And in the first degree (in many rituals or
> monitors), it's explained that our Lodges stand on holy ground.
>
> I can understand exceptions for warm weather .. especially in old Lodge
> Halls with poor air circulation in places like southern California.
> The word "appropriate" takes on a bit of a different meeting. But
> wearing cycling pants and t-shirts because "that's what I feel like
> doing" strikes me as self-indulgent, and against the concept of
> improvement that winds its way through the Masonic degrees.
>
SClarke505
(notice the word ask, not demand) that the attendees come in a suit and a tie.
I also tell my brothers that if, due to work or other circumstances a suit is
not practical, come in work clothes or jeans. I rather see brothers find
reasons to attend then not to attend the school. Further, I request that no
brother is to speak about the way someone else is dressed or in any way make
poorly dressed brothers feel self concious. But I do ASK that suit's and ties
be worn for a good reason, that the perception of the general public seeing
those well dressed men entering a Lodge impress them with a sense of dignity
regarding Freemasonry. We must not appear to be a slovenly group but instead
project the image and appearance of respected gentlemen of the community (which
of course we are). Like most of the posters in this NG I don't feel that the
clothes indicate the true character of the man but I do think that there is a
time and a place for everything. I have read some poor examples in this thread,
perhaps sanctimonious, "that it makes no difference how you dress, it is not an
indication of how good a man you are." True, it's not, so why do those same
writers come to their daughters weddings in tuxedo's? In my opinion (not
humble), work clothes in the lodge are permissable but only when it necessary
for a brother to attend or to not be late and should never be encouraged. At a
recent meeting in our Grand Lodge in New York City, our Grand Line wore dark
brown jackets and beige pants. I was sitting next to a couple of brothers who
were visiting from Scotland and England, they made much comment on how this
would not happen in their jurisdiction. They said that their Grand Line would
only appear in formal attire but they did say that our Grand Line did look
sharp. We all travel the same roads in the same direction, some are paved, some
are asphalt and others are unfinished.....what ever the heck that means.
V.'.W.'.Sam Schwarzman
Eugene Goldman.·.
I have been asked, many times, what manner of dress is most
appropriate for a Lodge meeting. I always tell the person asking me
that (unless they are an officer) they should dress in about the same
manner as they would to attend their place of worship, a wedding or
funeral, or an important business meeting or job interview.
No iron-clad "right" or "wrong", IMHBCO. It should be a more personal
measure of respect, and as such will vary widely - according to the
individual's culture, lifestyle, and economic condition. I have seen
men attend Lodge looking extremely Masonic in shirtsleeves. I,
myself, have attended I have also seen some who displayed near distain
in their suit.
Attitude, in this, is everything.
|O| Be well. Travel with a light heart.
Who said that?
Brother Gene .*.
http://www.calodges.org/no442
http://www.blackmountainlodge.net
http://www.freemason.org
MBBFMN #387
And in case I don't see ya' - Good Afternoon, Good Evening and Good Night!
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96.37% of all statistics are made up
Eugene Goldman.·.
> In the School of instruction I conduct as an Assitant Grand Lecturer, I ask
> (notice the word ask, not demand) that the attendees come in a suit and a tie.
> I also tell my brothers that if, due to work or other circumstances a suit is
> not practical, come in work clothes or jeans. I rather see brothers find
> reasons to attend then not to attend the school. Further, I request that no
> brother is to speak about the way someone else is dressed or in any way make
> poorly dressed brothers feel self concious. But I do ASK that suit's and ties
> be worn for a good reason, that the perception of the general public seeing
> those well dressed men entering a Lodge impress them with a sense of dignity
> regarding Freemasonry. We must not appear to be a slovenly group but instead
> project the image and appearance of respected gentlemen of the community (which
> of course we are).
I would even go one step farther, to suggest that whenever confirring
a Degree on a candidate, one dress appropriately.
> Like most of the posters in this NG I don't feel that the
> clothes indicate the true character of the man but I do think that there is a
> time and a place for everything. I have read some poor examples in this thread,
> perhaps sanctimonious, "that it makes no difference how you dress, it is not an
> indication of how good a man you are." True, it's not, so why do those same
> writers come to their daughters weddings in tuxedo's?
Actually, a good friend of mine wore an Aloha shirt and sandles to his
Daughter's wedding. For him, it was High Fashion.
> In my opinion (not
> humble), work clothes in the lodge are permissable but only when it necessary
> for a brother to attend or to not be late and should never be encouraged. At a
> recent meeting in our Grand Lodge in New York City, our Grand Line wore dark
> brown jackets and beige pants. I was sitting next to a couple of brothers who
> were visiting from Scotland and England, they made much comment on how this
> would not happen in their jurisdiction. They said that their Grand Line would
> only appear in formal attire but they did say that our Grand Line did look
> sharp. We all travel the same roads in the same direction, some are paved, some
> are asphalt and others are unfinished.....what ever the heck that means.
> V.'.W.'.Sam Schwarzman
I think it means they're working on the roads out there.
<LOL>
SClarke505
>a Degree on a candidate, one dress appropriately.
Gene, the candidates or the officers?
>Actually, a good friend of mine wore an Aloha shirt and sandles to his
>Daughter's wedding. For him, it was High Fashion.
That comes from eating too many fish tacos. Have no fear Gene, one day
civilization will arrive at the West Coast, even in remote El Cajon!
>I think it means they're working on the roads out there.
><LOL>
Alas, then I guess that you have heard of the never ending saga of New York
City road and bridge construction. All those detoures and there is no way that
I will live long enough to enjoy those new roads! My tax dollars don't build
roads, they encourage detours.
V.'.W.'.Sam Schwarzman
Eugene Goldman.·.
> >I would even go one step farther, to suggest that whenever confirring
> >a Degree on a candidate, one dress appropriately.
>
> Gene, the candidates or the officers?
We seldom confir a Degree on an officer.
> >Actually, a good friend of mine wore an Aloha shirt and sandles to his
> >Daughter's wedding. For him, it was High Fashion.
>
> That comes from eating too many fish tacos. Have no fear Gene, one day
> civilization will arrive at the West Coast, even in remote El Cajon!
Actually, he lived in Chula Vista - "The Gateway to Tijuana". As far
as El Cajon is concerned, I do not think they will EVER be civilized.
> >I think it means they're working on the roads out there.
> ><LOL>
>
> Alas, then I guess that you have heard of the never ending saga of New York
> City road and bridge construction. All those detoures and there is no way that
> I will live long enough to enjoy those new roads! My tax dollars don't build
> roads, they encourage detours.
> V.'.W.'.Sam Schwarzman
When I lived in Hawaii, we used to say that "in Paradise, the shortest
distance between two points is currently under construction". I
wonder if they are still working on the H1?
rms...@bradley.edu
> Proctorville, Ohio Lodge #550 F&AM
I agree with you there...I would like to join Freemasonry (hopefully
soon) but when I see messages about wearing tuxedos, etc, I think,
Tuxedo? Heck, I can't even afford a suit! (I have a jacket that I wear
on special occasions that I got for my HS graduation a few years back,
but no matching suit pants...usually just wear it with my kahkis) At one
of the places I work, nobody evens wears a tie...and this is a Fortune
100 company...
SClarke505
>as El Cajon is concerned, I do not think they will EVER be civilized.
>
Gene, I used to date a lady that lived in El Cajon, (actually she was from and
since moved back to Flint Michigan). One morning we were eating breakfast in a
restaurant and I noticed a lot of rodeo posters. I thought that they were put
up for nostalgia until I noticed that they were all current! Guess I forgot
where I was, but I did like that town (good breakfast too). BTW, I understand
that the best dressed guy in Tijuana HAS shoes, (only kidding).
V.'.W.'.Sam Schwarzman
Ed King
> I agree with you there...I would like to join Freemasonry (hopefully
> soon) but when I see messages about wearing tuxedos, etc, I think,
> Tuxedo? Heck, I can't even afford a suit! (I have a jacket that I wear
> on special occasions that I got for my HS graduation a few years back,
> but no matching suit pants...usually just wear it with my kahkis) At one
> of the places I work, nobody evens wears a tie...and this is a Fortune
> 100 company...
Just so you know.... <grin>
A LOT of lodges have a closet full of tuxedos available for the taking.
Left there by those who've outgrown them, purchased a newer and more
'sporty' one or have passed on, they're designed to provide the
appropriate attire for those who can't afford them at the time. Sometimes
they come in pretty darn handy. That's how I got my first one.
If you're single, it is pretty impressive when a young woman talks about a
dance or whatever and you ask, "Should I wear my tux?".... <BWG>
Regards,
Ed King
http://www.masonicinfo.com -- Anti-Masonry: Points of View
James Scott
respectful of those you meet, you will be welcomed with open arms.
In my lodge, we have a "tuxedo" bank. When we grow out of our tuxes (middle
age spread?) or get a new one, we donate the old tux to the bank. When a
member who can not afford to purchase his own tuxedo becomes an officer, it
is donated to him. It is done quietly, and tactfully, so as not to make the
brother feel somehow lessened for the experience. The great part about a
Tux, is that they never go completely out of style. I have seen brothers
dresses in a 40-year old tux, looking very sharp.
Our financial situation should never be a barrier to our Masonic
involvement. We need what you have to offer from the heart...moreso, than
your wallet.
--
James Scott
(Affiliations withheld for privacy.)
(Leave off the "-spam" to contact me directly.)
Feed the hungry with a click of your mouse.
http://www.thehungersite.com
<rms...@bradley.edu> wrote in message news:8cb5j5$23t$1...@nnrp1.deja.com...
> I agree with you there...I would like to join Freemasonry (hopefully
> soon) but when I see messages about wearing tuxedos, etc, I think,
> Tuxedo? Heck, I can't even afford a suit! (I have a jacket that I wear
> on special occasions that I got for my HS graduation a few years back,
> but no matching suit pants...usually just wear it with my kahkis) At one
> of the places I work, nobody evens wears a tie...and this is a Fortune
> 100 company...
>
>
rms...@bradley.edu
> Just so you know.... <grin>
>
> A LOT of lodges have a closet full of tuxedos available for the
taking.
> Left there by those who've outgrown them, purchased a newer and more
> 'sporty' one or have passed on, they're designed to provide the
> appropriate attire for those who can't afford them at the time.
Sometimes
> they come in pretty darn handy. That's how I got my first one.
>
> If you're single, it is pretty impressive when a young woman talks
about a
> dance or whatever and you ask, "Should I wear my tux?".... <BWG>
>
> Regards,
> Ed King
Thanks for the info..that just made my list as reason number 48 for
joining the lodge. :)
Ryan
rms...@bradley.edu
"James Scott" <j...@hiram-spam.net> wrote:
> Don't let your clothes (or lack thereof) be a roadblock. As long as
you are
> respectful of those you meet, you will be welcomed with open arms.
>
> In my lodge, we have a "tuxedo" bank. When we grow out of our tuxes
(middle
> age spread?) or get a new one, we donate the old tux to the bank.
When a
> member who can not afford to purchase his own tuxedo becomes an
officer, it
> is donated to him. It is done quietly, and tactfully, so as not to
make the
> brother feel somehow lessened for the experience. The great part
about a
> Tux, is that they never go completely out of style. I have seen
brothers
> dresses in a 40-year old tux, looking very sharp.
>
> Our financial situation should never be a barrier to our Masonic
> involvement. We need what you have to offer from the heart...moreso,
than
> your wallet.
>
> --
> James Scott
<Please see my response to Ed's message as I read his before yours. :)>
rms...@bradley.edu
To add a bit more, I was watching Broadcast News the other day and the
one character (not Albert Brooks, but the other guy) was talking about
how he bought a Tux and it cost $1100....and this was back in the early
80's (or whenever the movie was made)..and then people here started
talking about earng tuxes to lodge meetings I just thought "oh boy...i
can't afford that!" :)
Eugene Goldman.·.
> Gene, I used to date a lady that lived in El Cajon,
I didn't know there were any.
<s>
> (actually she was from and since moved back to Flint Michigan).
> One morning we were eating breakfast in a
> restaurant and I noticed a lot of rodeo posters. I thought that they were put
> up for nostalgia until I noticed that they were all current!
I hear the Lakeside Rodeo is much better. Never been to one myself.
|O| Be well. Travel with a light heart.
Who said that?
Brother Gene .*.
http://www.calodges.org/no442
http://www.blackmountainlodge.net
http://www.freemason.org
MBBFMN #387
And in case I don't see ya' - Good Afternoon, Good Evening and Good Night!
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SClarke505
NO WAY GENE!
Now talk about the Calgory Stampede or the Pendalton Roundup and your talking
Rodeo! I happen to really like Rodeos. I have been to Pendalton.
V.'.W.'.Sam Schwarzman
Erik Arneson
> To add a bit more, I was watching Broadcast News the other day and the
> one character (not Albert Brooks, but the other guy) was talking about
> how he bought a Tux and it cost $1100....and this was back in the early
> 80's (or whenever the movie was made)..and then people here started
> talking about earng tuxes to lodge meetings I just thought "oh boy...i
> can't afford that!" :)
I was looking around at tux prices on the web yesterday, and it looks
like you can get them pretty inexpensively. I saw some around the
$200-300 range. The really nice ones were up in the $700s.
So it's still pretty steep, but you only have to give blood six or seven
times to afford a tux now. :)
--
# Erik Arneson er...@starseed.com Webring Technical Yahoo! #
# http://www.aarg.net/erik/ GPG Key ID: 1024D/43AD6AB8 #
# "The worst wheel of a cart makes the most noise." - Ben Franklin #
Eugene Goldman.·.
> rms...@bradley.edu writes:
> > To add a bit more, I was watching Broadcast News the other day and the
> > one character (not Albert Brooks, but the other guy) was talking about
> > how he bought a Tux and it cost $1100....and this was back in the early
> > 80's (or whenever the movie was made)..and then people here started
> > talking about earng tuxes to lodge meetings I just thought "oh boy...i
> > can't afford that!" :)
>
> I was looking around at tux prices on the web yesterday, and it looks
> like you can get them pretty inexpensively. I saw some around the
> $200-300 range. The really nice ones were up in the $700s.
>
> So it's still pretty steep, but you only have to give blood six or seven
> times to afford a tux now. :)
Men's Fashion Depot (where we rip out fancy labels to save you
important dollars) sells a nice one for just over $100.00 Can't even
buy a suit for that.
SClarke505
to whether or not it has any effect on a meeting. I just want to say that last
night I attended our Select Masters meeting of the Cryptic Council and all
those present did wear tuxedos. There is no question (at least to me) that the
meeting was enhanced by that formal (or as one person might call semi formal
due to black, not white bow ties) attire. The Grand Master of Cryptic Masons in
the State of New York was visiting and made positive comments on how the
evening and the work of the evening went. My Cryptic council only meets about 5
times a year so there is no great problem dressing up for it, I hope it will
remain a formal organization.
V.'.W.'.Sam Schwarzman
Ed King
> Men's Fashion Depot (where we rip out fancy labels to save you
> important dollars) sells a nice one for just over $100.00 Can't even
> buy a suit for that.
A LOT of times too, any local place that rents tuxes will have some for
sale. Twice now, when I've attended my professional organization's meetings
and they wanted their officers in matched tuxes so rented them for us, I
was able to buy the used tux (which others had worn but which had been
altered for me) for a 'song'! Good quality too - and since I'd worn it
the night before, knew what it felt like already.
Formal rental stores shouldn't be overlooked as a source for such things.
They're always trying to turn over stock so they'll have the most recent
fashion - but for us at lodge, nobody ever really notices whether you have
one button on your sleeve or three.
Fraternally,
Ed King
http://www.masonicinfo.com -- Anti-Masonry: Points of View
XRAY TAKR
Goodwill Industries for aobut 25 bucks....cant beat that at all
James Scott
front shirt, cummerbund, wing-tipped shoes, and three pair of dark socks,
and bow-tie. I got it with a little room in it, too, so I don't outgrow it
every fall, as I pork up for the winter months...LOL!!!
Check places like "Men's Warehouse", "Suit Warehouse", and other specialty
shops, if you want one new.
If someone paid $1100.00, they bought one from a famous maker, like Armani,
or some such.
--
James Scott
(Affiliations withheld for privacy.)
(Leave off the "-spam" to contact me directly.)
Feed the hungry with a click of your mouse.
http://www.thehungersite.com
<rms...@bradley.edu> wrote in message news:8cegvg$onc$1...@nnrp1.deja.com...
> To add a bit more, I was watching Broadcast News the other day and the
> one character (not Albert Brooks, but the other guy) was talking about
> how he bought a Tux and it cost $1100....and this was back in the early
> 80's (or whenever the movie was made)..and then people here started
> talking about earng tuxes to lodge meetings I just thought "oh boy...i
> can't afford that!" :)
>
>
Jack Hickey
<tg...@grayconsultants.ie> wrote:
>So just to be naughty, my favourite outfit for attending lodge is Bright
>Yellow Jacket, Shirt & Tie, and Black Trousers.
The By-laws of my Lodge make plain that the proper dress for degrees,
installations and exemplifications is tuxedo, with white shirt and
black bow-tie. It doesn't mention shoes.
While I haven't actually gone barefoot yet -- YET -- I'm slowly
becoming famous throughout the district for the sneakers I most often
wear with my tux.
Jack Hickey, MM
Junior Warden
Chairman, Masonic Awareness Committee
Isaiah Thomas Lodge (No number)
Eureka Royal Arch Chapter
Hiram Council, R&SM
Worcester County Commandery No. 5
Worcester MA
www.masslodges.org
Donald C. Sargent
not at all uncommon in most lodges. I too am a bit of a rebel, so during my year and when I confer a degree,
I often wear a fedora. The only time that I saw the eyebrows raised en masse was when an EA showed up
wearing shorts.
By the way, don't you guys in Irish constitution lodges wear shoes and socks? You didn't tell to assume
anything about those.
Fraternal regards,
Don Sargent
Past Grand Chaplain
Royal & Select Masters of Texas
"Trevor W. Gray" wrote:
> my $0.02!
>
> Irish constitution lodges have an official dress code of "Dark Lounge
> Suit" Which generally translates into dark jacket & trousers. (shirt and
> tie assumed!)
>
> We generally tend to be a little 'loose' in our interpretation of the
> dress code, though 20 years ago every meeting was 'formal' (monkey suit)
> though these days only the Annual Installation Dinners are Formal Dress
> - though if you forgot, or turned up in an ordinary Jacket & tie you
> wouldn't be denied attendance, but it may be discreetly pointed out to
> you!
>
> I have, in the past attended lodge in Shirt & Jeans, though only once,
> on the grounds that I reckoned they'd prefer me there improperly dresses
> rather than not at all. I decided to ignore the 10% that gave me the
> impression they considered what was on the outside more important than
> what was on the inside!
>
> So just to be naughty, my favourite outfit for attending lodge is Bright
> Yellow Jacket, Shirt & Tie, and Black Trousers. And given that the
> trousers cost more than a lot of their suits .......
> Last youar I was WM and offered a prize for the loudest Jacket,
> unfortunately I won, but there were a few good challengers!!!!
>
> It is refreshing to see that most of the posters here believe in the
> contents not the container, thereby allowing good men to attend even
> though their bank balances may not be nearly as good as their hearts.
>
> I gather that English Constitution Lodges have a VERY strict dress code
> of BLACK suit (not monkey) for all meetings with Tux for big dinners
> etc.
>
> LL&P
>
> Trev!
>
> Erik Arneson wrote:
> >
> > Howdy everybody,
> >
> > I'm still waiting to hear back on the final word on my petition
> > (although I have met with several Master Masons from the Lodge, and
> > they're all really friendly and nice men). I'm wondering, and actually
> > am rather certain, that there must be a dress code for attending the
> > Lodge. What is the dress code?
> >
> > I don't own a suit or actually anything very classy at all, so I'd like
> > to be prepared when/if I need to go to the Lodge.
> >
> > --
> > # Erik Arneson er...@starseed.com Webring Technical Yahoo! #
> > # http://www.aarg.net/erik/ GPG Key ID: 1024D/43AD6AB8 #
> > # "The worst wheel of a cart makes the most noise." - Ben Franklin #
> > Path: news.indigo.ie!news-out.cwix.com!newsfeed.cwix.com!news.mind.net!inanna.starseed.com!not-for-mail
> > From: Erik Arneson <er...@starseed.com>
> > Newsgroups: alt.freemasonry
> > Subject: Lodge Dress Code?
> > Date: 30 Mar 2000 12:00:22 -0800
> > Organization: AARG
> > Lines: 15
> > Message-ID: <m3vh24r...@inanna.starseed.com>
> > NNTP-Posting-Host: localhost.starseed.com
> > X-Trace: inanna.starseed.com 954446422 22055 127.0.0.1 (30 Mar 2000 20:00:22 GMT)
> > X-Complaints-To: er...@starseed.com
> > NNTP-Posting-Date: 30 Mar 2000 20:00:22 GMT
> > X-Newsreader: Gnus v5.6.45/XEmacs 21.1 - "Bryce Canyon"
> > Xref: news.indigo.ie alt.freemasonry:56009
> >
> > Howdy everybody,
> >
> > I'm still waiting to hear back on the final word on my petition
> > (although I have met with several Master Masons from the Lodge, and
> > they're all really friendly and nice men). I'm wondering, and actually
> > am rather certain, that there must be a dress code for attending the
> > Lodge. What is the dress code?
> >
> > I don't own a suit or actually anything very classy at all, so I'd like
> > to be prepared when/if I need to go to the Lodge.
Bill Knight
luggage was stolen when I arrived home from the south pacific, and hence
had nothing but shorts, tank tops, and other assorted 'Island wear."
The only item of dress I had other than the afor mentioned items was my
kilt & kilt jacket, which I wore.
The Jr. Warden, one Robert McLintock, commented to me after the degree,
"Ach lad, had I known you'd be wearn' a kilt, I'd a worn mine!"
--
Bill Knight - Master Mason (www.fbkltd.com/knight)
Vista lodge #687 (www.vista-masons.org)
Vista, California
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"The age of chivalry is never past, so long as there remains on earth one wrong left unrighted."
-- C.S. Kingsley
Trevor W. Gray
Trevor W. Gray
> While I haven't actually gone barefoot yet -- YET -- I'm slowly
> becoming famous throughout the district for the sneakers I most often
> wear with my tux.
You rebel you!!!!!
T!
Trevor W. Gray
> By the way, don't you guys in Irish constitution lodges wear shoes and socks? You didn't tell to assume
> anything about those.
Emmm, I'm not aware of any official stand on this point, so I assume its
weather dependent!!! Since its mostly raining or cold over here (slight
exaggeration!) I guess its safe for them to assume we'll be wearing
shoes and socks! Mind you, I do try to wear my scooby doo socks at all
opportunities.
When I was WM, last year, one candidate (a personal friend) asked me
would it be OK to wear his sheep socks (little sheeps on the side), Of
course I agreed it was fine with me! There were a few sniggers as he did
his laps!!!
T!
Jack Wise
"Trevor W. Gray" wrote:
>
> When I was WM, last year, one candidate (a personal friend) asked me
> would it be OK to wear his sheep socks (little sheeps on the side), Of
> course I agreed it was fine with me! There were a few sniggers as he did
> his laps!!!
>
> T!
--
Interesting how differences between rituals come to light. Texas Ritual
has the candidate
being initiated not wearing any socks at all. He does occasionally wear
or remove a sandal.
Jack Wise
PM, Jacques DeMolay Lodge No. 1390, AF & AM
Houston, TX
XRAY TAKR
Trevor W. Gray
>
> no socks in Ohio either
You poor people, I'm sure we have a few pairs spare over here that we
can send over there!!!!!!
But seriously, Yes in Irish Constitution the candidate is slipshod, but
the socks stay on! (probably soomething to do with the smell!!!!)
T!
Erik Arneson
> While I haven't actually gone barefoot yet -- YET -- I'm slowly
> becoming famous throughout the district for the sneakers I most often
> wear with my tux.
Well heck, I definitely own a pair of sneakers. :)
Joe Schmuckatelli
>no socks in Ohio either
Anyone up for fishnet stockings and high heels? <evilsnicker>
-------------------------------------------------+-------------------
"One World; One Web; One Program." -- Microsoft | OS/2 Warp
| Solid like Linux
"Ein Volk; Ein Reich; Ein Fuhrer." -- Hitler | Easy like Windows
-------------------------------------------------+-------------------
rms...@bradley.edu
>
> I was looking around at tux prices on the web yesterday, and it looks
> like you can get them pretty inexpensively. I saw some around the
> $200-300 range. The really nice ones were up in the $700s.
>
> So it's still pretty steep, but you only have to give blood six or
seven
> times to afford a tux now. :)
>
You sure that wasn't the RENTAL price? :) I remember I had to rent one
in 8th grade and the price was like, $100 (Canadian) for one day...but
then again, that was Canada, the land of the expensive. <g>
rms...@bradley.edu
xray...@aol.com (XRAY TAKR) wrote:
> If yoiu have to have a tux severl of my Lodge brtohers have picked up
a tux at
> Goodwill Industries for aobut 25 bucks....cant beat that at all
>
> Proctorville, Ohio Lodge #550 F&AM
Were they powder blue or Velvet? Oh I hope so! :)
SClarke505
>in 8th grade and the price was like, $100 (Canadian) for one day...but
>then again, that was Canada, the land of the expensive. <g>
What does that convert to about $22.50 US?
<even a bigger grin, sorry, too god a set up, couldn't resist>
V.'.W.'.Sam Schwarzman
Joe Schmuckatelli
>The By-laws of my Lodge make plain that the proper dress for degrees,
>installations and exemplifications is tuxedo, with white shirt and
>black bow-tie. It doesn't mention shoes.
Sounds like you need one of those Tuxedo T-shirts.
rms...@bradley.edu
Hmmm...not sure, let me get the calculator out...nope, with the way the
dollar's been, it's more like $12.50 US. :)
Ryan
Glyn Davies
--
Glyn Davies
Lothian Variety Agency
Trevor W. Gray <tg...@grayconsultants.ie> wrote in message
news:38ECC4FB...@grayconsultants.ie...
> XRAY TAKR wrote:
> >
> > no socks in Ohio either
>
Paul A. Canniff
The issue is not whether externalities make a man a Mason. Some overlook
the theatrical power of ritual. I heard the Grand Custodian of the Work put
it well when he said that in a degree the candidate is the star, and the
brethren are his cast. Good theatre takes a bit of work.
For a lot of younger Masons like myself, getting home to change requires
some planning after a long work day, but I think the effort is worth it for
the payoff of a positive impression left with the candidate. To have made
some effort for the business is a show of respect.
It can be done; it ought to be done.
--
Paul A. Canniff
Junior Warden
Ashlar Lodge # 564, GRC in Ont.
http://www.canniff.com/ashlar/
Jim Bennie <jgbe...@vcn.bc.ca> wrote in message
news:8c6csb$f...@vcn.bc.ca...
> In <eLwF4.15182$84.16...@alfalfa.thegrid.net>, "Steve Leazer"
> <leaz...@thegrid.net> wrote:
> > Yes, and I would add to that another injunction; It is the
> > internal and not the external that makes a man a mason. Here in
> > Calfornia there are those who wear suit and tie, I don't happen to
> > be one of them. We have those who come directly from work and
> > might be in work clothes ... so be it.
>
> I ride my 10-speed from work (or from home) to Lodge. I place a
> suit bag over the handle-bars. I change at the Lodge hall. It's
> pretty easy. It doesn't take long. If I can do it, anyone can.
> "Work" strikes me as a poor reason.
>
> We're not talking about "what makes a man a Mason". If that's the
> case, a Mason doesn't need to attend meetings at all. We're talking
> about appropriate attire for a Lodge meeting. Locally, it is expected
> that one show up for meetings in attire that shows respect for the
> institution of Freemasonry; the same concept in church used to be
> called 'Sunday best'. And in the first degree (in many rituals or
> monitors), it's explained that our Lodges stand on holy ground.
>
> I can understand exceptions for warm weather .. especially in old Lodge
> Halls with poor air circulation in places like southern California.
> The word "appropriate" takes on a bit of a different meeting. But
> wearing cycling pants and t-shirts because "that's what I feel like
> doing" strikes me as self-indulgent, and against the concept of
> improvement that winds its way through the Masonic degrees.
>
> Jim Bennie, G.Stwd
> WM, Lodge Southern Cross No. 44, Vancouver
Ed Bridges
Ohio, W. Va. and Ky. do NOT require a jacket or a tie.
"Dr. Roger M. Firestone" <rf...@chele.cais.net> wrote in message
news:8c0e9g$prv$1...@nnrp-corp.news.cais.net...
> In article <m3vh24r...@inanna.starseed.com>,
> Erik Arneson <er...@starseed.com> wrote:
> >Howdy everybody,
> >
> >I'm still waiting to hear back on the final word on my petition
> >(although I have met with several Master Masons from the Lodge, and
> >they're all really friendly and nice men). I'm wondering, and actually
> >am rather certain, that there must be a dress code for attending the
> >Lodge. What is the dress code?
> >
> >I don't own a suit or actually anything very classy at all, so I'd like
> >to be prepared when/if I need to go to the Lodge.
>
> in most places. If you intend to serve as an officer, assuming you ever
> become a Master Mason, you probably will need to purchase a black-tie
> outfit (tuxedo). Some Lodges don't wear black tie, and some go all the
> way to white tie. This is really a question you should ask your
> sponsors (the men who signed your petition), because they will know the
> custsoms of the Lodge you wish to join. (For example, the officers of
> the Lodge in which I was Raised wore business attire for stated
> communications and formal wear for degrees; at Henry Lodge in Virginia,
> the exact opposite situation obtains.)
>
> Roger M. Firestone, 32 KCCH
Jim Bennie
<pcan...@canniff.com> wrote:
> The issue is not whether externalities make a man a Mason. Some overlook
> the theatrical power of ritual. I heard the Grand Custodian of the Work put
> it well when he said that in a degree the candidate is the star, and the
> brethren are his cast. Good theatre takes a bit of work.
Hi, Paul. Of course, proper dress isn't a matter of "theatre". It
has to do with showing respect for the Lodge.
> For a lot of younger Masons like myself, getting home to change requires
> some planning after a long work day, but I think the effort is worth it for
> the payoff of a positive impression left with the candidate. To have made
> some effort for the business is a show of respect.
Again, you don't have to "go home". I don't necessarily. I carry my tux
to work (the guys keep asking me to wear it on my TV news updates) and will
ride with it on my bike or on the Skytrain to Lodge. It takes nothing for
the average Mason to simply take it with him to work, then change when he
arrives at the Hall.
Nice to see another Canadian here. Roy Gilchrist, by the way, is on
our Canadian Mason e-mail discussion list.
Ed Sjolinder
I don't mind the smell, but it burns my eyes!
Ol'Dad