I have a couple questions that I am hoping to get some good counsel on.
1. When visiting a lodge and signing in on the register, under visitors, should I write "PM" by my name?
2. Also when visiting said lodge is it proper to wear my PM apron, or is it too pretentious?
You should write your rank. I especially encourage EAs and FCs to do this as my Proposer did.. it's cool to see my name in an appearance books with EA or FC or WM after it...1. When visiting a lodge and signing in on the register, under visitors, should I write "PM" by my name?
Here it is expected, particularly at Installations because we operate Boards of Installed Masters (which included PMs). When a WM is installed here, all who have not been installed as a WM are removed from the Lodge room while the Master is Installed.2. Also when visiting said lodge is it proper to wear my PM apron, or is it too pretentious?
You would want to check the local convention by asking an experienced Brother.
Answering if visiting here in Victoria Australia
You should write your rank. I especially encourage EAs and FCs to do this as my Proposer did.. it's cool to see my name in an appearance books with EA or FC or WM after it...
Here it is expected, particularly at Installations because we operate Boards of Installed Masters (which included PMs). When a WM is installed here, all who have not been installed as a WM are removed from the Lodge room while the Master is Installed.
Not all GLs require one wear the apron of the highest rank obtained. Not all PGMs wear that apron to all meetings.You're in a masonic environment signing your name. Nothing is going to come of it.
Also, you are to wear the apron of the highest attained rank (WB, RW or MW). It is not about being pretentious. It is about masonic protocol. You're on the level with the craft, but you've earned the respect of the Craft as well. Masonry is not Undercover Boss. You do your Brethren a disservice by not being who you are, especially when visiting.
Worshipful Brother = Worthy of Respect
Rite Worshipful = Very Worthy of Respect
Most Worshipful = Most worthy of Respect.
Think of it this way. should a PGM not wear his apron after he is out of the Grand East?
Same here.. an increasing number of Brethren don't wear Dark Blue (GL Aprons), indeed I have seen our current GM out in a PM apron..Not all GLs require one wear the apron of the highest rank obtained. Not all PGMs wear that apron to all meetings.
An apron is not who I am.