I don't see it as disrespectful to come to lodge
In my opinion, there are much bigger concerns than what someone looks like.
If you take upon yourself to be the guy who knows everything, you had better be wearing an immaculate suit.
I would welcome him as I would any other Brother, & thank him for caring to attend.
I am in total agreement with your post above. Many times I have not had time to go home & clean up before Lodge. I don't like it when that happens, but I feel being at Lodge is preferable to staying home, and I have NEVER been called down in my primary (country) Lodges due to my dress. I do belong to one "tuxedo" Lodge, but do not attend unless I can dress according to their expectations, so I generally get there once or twice a year. I also belong to a Lodge which is run by a PGM, and the stated dress code is "business casual". It has been my experience that Lodges cannot be judged by the appearance of the members, but by their attitude. YMMV.
I think this begins with the officers. Dress should not be required but if the officers take the inititive to raise the bar others will follow suit (no pun). Don't make it manditory I don't think and welcome everyone with open arms however I felt the same way on this issue as I hated and did not want to wear a tie. I was however in good council that showed me you can really take something to the next level just by improving your image. People tend to take someone that is nicely dressed a little more seriously. I hated it and now I own 3 suits I wear mainly for Lodge functions. I love dressing up for the occasions.
(Funny story - Tom told me of a time he visited a rural lodge and he wore a suit, needless to say they thought he was from Grand Lodge.)
Lol, that was wild.
There is also a people that show up at every GL wearing overalls...
I wouldn't make it a requirement either...but I would still recommended it or encourage it. A week after I was initiated i showed up in shorts because of the 100* weather outside and I was asked to show up in pants from then on.
The better dressed you are, the more of a halo-effect everyone will have on you, they'll either look up to you, think you're either smart, or there's something good about you...and that's great for building rapport with people. That's one of those things to take into the real world, not just the lodge. It can be learned in the lodge and then taken into the real world... Which is why you should always look your best. It'll make a good man better..because when you look good you'll feel good, and that will help put you in a better state of mind.
Now...I say it shouldn't be a requirement because of those who do have hardly any time to shower and show up spiffy. Even in church, simply showing up makes other people happy to see you, and they down frown on you if you show up looking like you just woke up from last nights party
This is kind of what I am talking about. I think it should be up to the individual. I will be wearing a suit but if a man shows up I don't think anyone should say anything to him. His journey in life may not be the same as ours and who am I to say what is better or worse. I know it makes me feel good to weara suit and a sense of pride however that may not be the same for someone else in the Lodge.
you are right,but still will others take you (not you directly jtm)seriously when you try to voice your concerns, if your wearing a t shirt. my job is dress casual,even the zone managers. But when they go to the corporate meetings to talk about concerns in the business,
everyone there is dressed up.
Grand Lodge was the first time I've seen a Mason in a Tux..lol. Am I wrong here?
You might be right, unless you come to the Galveston Scottish Rite during a reunion. You will quickly see that the 18th, 30th, and 32nd degrees are all conferred in Tux.
There is also a people that show up at every GL wearing overalls...
There is also a people that show up at every GL wearing overalls...
They are dressed this way for a purpose.
They have a reason? That's cool. What is it? The excitement is killing me I cant wait till GL. tell me tell me tell me tell me
IMHO, you should dress comfortably for GL. Nice. Respectful. But comfortable. We're in there for three days of a Masonic sweat lodge. If you're wearing starched overalls, more power to you. I think they look great.
I thnk it will be a good exercise for this group to find out the why !
Along with those overalls ( which are starched and ironed) they wear a dress shirt and a nice tie. These guys are not just in from the cotton patch or the barnyard. They are dressed this way for a purpose. I would suggest that everyone who posts here to ask them why this year at Grand Lodge.
not the one I saw last year...
Last year a lot of the FMRC wore their vests. I will most likely wear a kilt this year at least one day
Good for you Brother ! I suppose a kilt is very dresssy in certain circles. I visited the Dallas SR Stated I think in August . Your Order of the Thistle Honor Guard was impressive.