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Past Masters apron

chrmc

Registered User
There is quite a lot in Texas, so check GL law for sure. However it's probably one of the rules that is upheld the least when you see the various aprons out there.
 

dfreybur

Premium Member
Are there any rules or regulations regarding the design of a Past Masters apron in Texas?

The most limiting one is the size. Texas aprons are a larger size than the aprons of other states so those companies that offer many PM apron designs tend to only have a small number of options in the Texas size.

I figure you could have custom one made that would be less limiting but then the Texas rules would be yours to handle before making your custom order. The advantage of buying out of a catalog is those rules are already covered in advance.
 

Bill Lins

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
Are there any rules or regulations regarding the design of a Past Masters apron in Texas?
From Art. 273:
The regulation apron shall be of white lambskin of the following dimensions: the apron shall be 16 inches square with a drop in the bib of 6 inches to the triangular point. It will be permissible to have embroidered upon the bib of the apron the appropriate jewel of the office and upon the body of the apron below the bib, the square and compasses circumscribing the letter “G.” The outside edge of the apron shall be bordered with blue silk velvet or braid, one inch in width, and the bib with the same material one-half inch in width. The apron may be lined on the reverse side with blue satin or other material.

In addition to using the Past Master’s aprons now being worn, it shall be permissible for Past Masters to wear aprons with the same design and insignia as provided for the Worshipful Master, but the addition of the Arc (or Quadrant) under the points of the Compasses would be optional.
 

dfreybur

Premium Member
From Art. 273: ... In addition to using the Past Master’s aprons now being worn, it shall be permissible for Past Masters to wear aprons with the same design and insignia as provided for the Worshipful Master, but the addition of the Arc (or Quadrant) under the points of the Compasses would be optional.

I have seen PM aprons with Sun instead of G in the center. Does the above mean they came from out of state or does it mean their PM apron does not obey the rules?

The Illinois PM symbol on my ring is the one described above. S&G, letter G, Quadrant under the rest. The California PM symbol on my too small for Texas PM apron is Compasses, Sun, Quadrant with projecting rays behind. Lots of PM symbol variation jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In most cases the PM symbol is recognizable at a glance then close inspection shows difference in details.
 

Bloke

Premium Member
For interest, we are very specific about aprons. For instance

APRONS GENERALLY
396.
The apron of an Entered Apprentice shall consist of a plain white rectangular lamb-skin or cotton or linen cloth 360-400 millimetres wide and 300-360 millimetres deep, with fall without ornament and with white tie strings.
397.
The apron of a Fellow Craft shall be similar to that of an Entered Apprentice, with the addition only of a sky-blue rosette in each of the bottom angles.
398.
The apron of a Master Mason shall consist of a plain white rectangular lamb-skin (or like material) of similar dimensions to that of the Entered Apprentice, with fall, with sky-blue ribbon not more than 50 millimetres deep, and with sky-blue rosettes on the fall and in each bottom angle, and silver tassels. The waist-band to be of sky-blue or black elastic or ribbon.
399.
The apron of a Master or Past Master shall be similar to that of a Master Mason, but without the three rosettes. In their place shall be placed three sets of perpendicular lines upon horizontal lines (thereby forming three sets each of two right angles). The length of the horizontal lines is to be 65 millimetres each, and of the perpendicular lines 25 millimetres each. These emblems are to be of silver or ribbon, of the same colour as the lining and edging of the apron, 12 millimetres broad.


That reads pretty exact to me...
 

Bill Lins

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
I have seen PM aprons with Sun instead of G in the center. Does the above mean they came from out of state or does it mean their PM apron does not obey the rules?
Those aprons probably came from an out-of-state vendor. I've never seen any Brother get his panties in a bunch over a PM apron- I'm not sure there are any 2 alike.
 

js4253

Premium Member
Premium Member
Look at JP Luther catalog. They have a section for Texas aprons. I'm like Bill Lins, I don't think anyone would question a Past Master apron if it didn't meet all the regulations exactly.
 
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