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Tuxedo versus Black suit

Keith C

Registered User
I am happy to say on Saturday I picked up my Tuxedo and Tails and I can now be properly dressed for my Lodge's stated meeting this Wednesday! Adding a tuxedo to buying the tails was not much more and is good to have as there are several formal events coming up that my wife wants to attend, and outside of PA Masonry tails are "White Tie" and too formal for a "Black Tie" event.
 

Keith C

Registered User
My mother Lodge did the degrees in white tie.

I do not understand why we have a hybrid dress for officers here in PA. No one I have asked is able to offer an explanation of why we wear a tail coat with a black vest and black tie. "Because that is how it is done" is the standard answer. I plan on researching this for one of the papers I have to write for the PA Academy of Masonic Knowledge Scholar program, once I am done with the prerequisite book analysis papers.
 

LK600

Premium Member
I can't say I've ever sat in a lodge where a brother wore a tuxedo or other formal ensemble. Generally a business suit or just shirt and tie for officers, collared shirts and khakis or dress pants for the brethren.

Me either, though that's not saying much on my part. personally, anything over a black suit doesn't look good (again to me).
 
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chrmc

Registered User
I can't say I've ever sat in a lodge where a brother wore a tuxedo or other formal ensemble. Generally a business suit or just shirt and tie for officers, collared shirts and khakis or dress pants for the brethren.

Mixed dress code has never made sense to me. As I see it the dress code should have two purposes. It should show a proper respect for the Craft and the solemn occasion of being in lodge, but it should mainly ensure that people are on the level. So you cannot see who is the CEO and who is the ditch digger.

Having a difference in dress between officers and brethren does not put us on the level. The only exception to this should be the Master and his station is signified by wearing a hat.
 

Ripcord22A

Site Benefactor
Mixed dress code has never made sense to me. As I see it the dress code should have two purposes. It should show a proper respect for the Craft and the solemn occasion of being in lodge, but it should mainly ensure that people are on the level. So you cannot see who is the CEO and who is the ditch digger.

Having a difference in dress between officers and brethren does not put us on the level. The only exception to this should be the Master and his station is signified by wearing a hat.

My lodge in NM is a suit and tie for stated meetings....for degrees it's tux or dark suit white shirt and bow tie.

My lodge in OR is blue collar but at the minimum it's slacks and dress shirt.

Here in IA apparently it's come as you are.....
 

CLewey44

Registered User
Mixed dress code has never made sense to me. As I see it the dress code should have two purposes. It should show a proper respect for the Craft and the solemn occasion of being in lodge, but it should mainly ensure that people are on the level. So you cannot see who is the CEO and who is the ditch digger.

Having a difference in dress between officers and brethren does not put us on the level. The only exception to this should be the Master and his station is signified by wearing a hat.

My goodness, I've been saying this for a couple of years now. Spot on, Bro. CC. I've given this example before, but I've seen a guy get raised in either a KISS or AC/DC t-shirt and khaki SHORTS with flip-flops, I've seen a guy turn in his FC cat lect. and was prompted every single question and was standing there in cargo shorts and a t-shirt also(different guy) The latter happened the night I was passed and I realized then, as a Fellow Craft, that Masonry usually isn't what us newer guys expected....

When this is allowed, others look at the lodge and Freemasonry in general and see nothing but a cheapened version of the Craft that serves no point other than being a place to eat some KFC off a paper plate, hang out, vote on a pancake breakfast and to pay bills or not. Not what was going on in lodges 150-300 years ago and beyond. Blue collar is fine day to day as your style or work. I was blue collar for 12 years and made a great living. My dad has been blue collar for over 40 years in the aluminum manufacturing business, however, like you said Bro. CC, we have to meet on the level, but lets meet on a higher level, in uniform.

Edit: The FC was found 'proficient' despite the fact, I'm not sure he even knew the pws, tkn or anything....
 
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LK600

Premium Member
The latter happened the night I was passed and I realized then, as a Fellow Craft, that Masonry usually isn't what us newer guys expected....

I came to this realization not long ago. To be honest, I don't understand why it feels like theirs a force in Masonry who will not tolerate any form of change and seem hell bent on causing the craft to continue on it's death spiral. That's probably more harsh than I mean it but it is very frustrating. Sometimes I feel very disconnected.
 

CLewey44

Registered User
I came to this realization not long ago. To be honest, I don't understand why it feels like theirs a force in Masonry who will not tolerate any form of change and seem hell bent on causing the craft to continue on it's death spiral. That's probably more harsh than I mean it but it is very frustrating. Sometimes I feel very disconnected.

It seems that way at times. It's very off-putting for guys coming in with an expectation of a TO/European style of Masonry or even a blend of our more casual style but a bit of class too but then to be presented something that makes it less desirable and disappointing. Again, I just don't see guys back in the day being that lackadaisical about Masonry.
 

GJB

Registered User
This conversation has taken a very judgemental tone imo. Every brother in the world has an opinion as to the "proper" way the craft "should" be. As far as I am concerned, I will treat my fellow brothers no differently whether they are wear a polo or white tie. The same goes for whether I am dining on fine China or "eating KFC from a paper plate".


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