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Feelings about wearing light...

ebojones

Registered User
Have you been told by anyone in authority from your lodge that you were wearing your light too much, such as a cap, shirt, ring, or anything that bear the square, and compass? IMHO a light should not be put under a bucket. Older gent in my lodge don't think we should wear light on a regular basis. When we have public events/charitable functions he doesn't wear ANYTHING with masonic emblem and feel we shouldn't either. I haven't said anything opposing as he is our leader.......(hint hint) Input please.
 

Brother JC

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
I feel it is personal choice, though I definitely think some Brothers go over-the-top. I don't wear "a lot" of advertising, but that's my choice.


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nixxon2000

Premium Member
I feel it is personal choice, though I definitely think some Brothers go over-the-top. I don't wear "a lot" of advertising, but that's my choice.


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I agree. Unless there is a reason to hide in your community (like a old fashioned catholic priest) I'd represent. :)
 

crono782

Premium Member
I only wear my ring and occasionally a *single* lapel pin (usually the double headed eagle or triple tau).
 

pointwithinacircle2

Rapscallion
Premium Member
A long time ago I read a book about a rag picker. To help the reader remember the story, the reader was advised was to take tiny piece of rag and use a small safety pin to attach it under your collar where no one else would see it. The wearer was the only person who would know it was there. The rag was kept secret. There was a reason for this. Masons today have almost completely lost the knowledge of secrecy. They do not know it's use, or it's value.
He who has ears, let him hear.
 
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MarkR

Premium Member
So we don't recruit, and tell people "2 Be 1 Ask 1," live in a society where most people no longer know a Mason, then tell the brothers not to represent. How are those good men to find us to ask? Or are you happy to watch us continue to fade into irrelevance, while people wonder if the Masons are still around?
 

phulseapple

Premium Member
Have you asked this gentleman why he feels this way? It would be a perfect way to open up a conversation. He may give you something to think about, and you may do the same for him. In my lodge anyway, the older guys love to talk to the younger guys about how things were done back in the day.
 

JohnnyFlotsam

Premium Member
A long time ago I read a book about a rag picker. To help the reader remember the story, the reader was advised was to take tiny piece of rag and use a small safety pin to attach it under your collar where no one else would see it. The wearer was the only person who would know it was there. The rag was kept secret. There was a reason for this. Masons today have almost completely lost the knowledge secrecy. They do not know it's use, or it's value.
He who has ears, let him hear.

Please define "knowledge secrecy".
 

Chaz

Registered User
I almost always wear my ring, more so, as a reminder to myself than an outward sign of my affiliation. I can't recall anyone paying much attention to it honestly.
 

Brother_Steve

Premium Member
I am really low key. A comfort ring and the working tools are barely visible. I have a S & C key chain that sometimes hangs out in the open.

I don't mind hamming it up at masonic functions where a dress code is not a factor however I wouldn't get all 'lit' up to go pick up some milk on a Saturday.
 

jjjjjggggg

Premium Member
I've never heard the use of rings, lapel pins, etc., referred to as "light". I was under the impression that masonic light refers to something else entirely. I would find it odd to interpret it as such, especially in the degrees.
 

Brother_Steve

Premium Member
I've never heard the use of rings, lapel pins, etc., referred to as "light". I was under the impression that masonic light refers to something else entirely. I would find it odd to interpret it as such, especially in the degrees.
...see the light by which masons work...

Some make the jump to the symbols we wear in the form of pins etc represents to be that light.

I personally do not make that reference to the symbols on my ring. I refer to them for what they are.
 

ebojones

Registered User
I too only wear a ring that is not very noticable unless you are really looking at it. I would love to have that sit down talk (whenever) we finally have a meeting. My studing consist of getting with other worthy brothers from another lodge to get an understanding of what we were supposed to get as E.A and F.C . Haven't had those lectures yet through my lodge. I believe a man is limited to what he limit himself to. We recently had a school supply givaway and the brothers were told not to wear the shirts that the lodge issued to them because that would be entirely too much display of light. Although I, and the two brothers that were raised at the same time have not and will not be issued shirts. I'm in this for the long hawl, but sometimes it gets frustrating when there is so much less than as opposed to getting all we can get. No mouth to ear at all.
 

Warrior1256

Site Benefactor
I almost always wear my ring, more so, as a reminder to myself than an outward sign of my affiliation. I can't recall anyone paying much attention to it honestly.
Same here. But if someone noticed my ring and wanted to know about Masonry I would be glad to talk to him.
 

ebojones

Registered User
I just dont see what the big deal is with us wearing anything masonic. I personally am not ashamed, and I think with the membership declining as we were told this weekend at Mid Winter Session , I dont know how someone would be inclined to ask about Masonry if nobody owns it.
 

ebojones

Registered User
Same here. But if someone noticed my ring and wanted to know about Masonry I would be glad to talk to him.
Exactly.... How else would others identify us, and give us the chance to talk casually. Without revealing of course. MWPHGLOT has rolled out an empliment allowing us to strike up talks with friends, and what would be deemed as worthy potentials instead of waiting to be asked.
 

Morris

Premium Member
I too only wear a ring that is not very noticable unless you are really looking at it. I would love to have that sit down talk (whenever) we finally have a meeting. My studing consist of getting with other worthy brothers from another lodge to get an understanding of what we were supposed to get as E.A and F.C . Haven't had those lectures yet through my lodge. I believe a man is limited to what he limit himself to. We recently had a school supply givaway and the brothers were told not to wear the shirts that the lodge issued to them because that would be entirely too much display of light. Although I, and the two brothers that were raised at the same time have not and will not be issued shirts. I'm in this for the long hawl, but sometimes it gets frustrating when there is so much less than as opposed to getting all we can get. No mouth to ear at all.

Did you mean to use the word "issued"? Seems odd to be issued masonic apparel. You walk in our lodge with cash and walk out with whatever is there.

My wife purchased me a hat the other day on Amazon. I for sure won't be asking someone's permission to wear it. Then again, there's no one I actually have to ask.

Also, I've never considered apparel as light. Maybe this intertwined way of thinking is at the foundation of the brother's thinking. As previously stated, just open dialogue about it and see what shakes out.
 
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