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Another Apron Question

Michaelstedman81

Premium Member
I have been under the understanding that when a Mason becomes a Past Master, he can wear his decorated apron from then on. Does this only apply to his home lodge or the lodge that he became a Past Master in, or can he wear the apron to any lodge that he visits?
 

Beathard

Premium Member
Yes, but the Grand Master this year asked that past masters not wear their PM aprons with dates on them because they can be confused with DDGM aprons. Does he realize they look different?
 
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Michaelstedman81

Premium Member
Yes, but the Grand Master this year asked that past masters not wear their PM aprons with dates on them because they can be confused with DDGM aprons.


Thanks a lot. This thought just popped into my head and now I have the answer...lol Maybe I'll be able to make use of it a little later on down the road :)
 

Mac

Moderator
Premium Member
I have a question about what is appropriate on a PM's apron. The law book doesn't seem to specify anything beyond the white apron's dimensions. Some PM's get beautiful aprons, and then I hear on the sidelines "that's not allowed."

Are there limits on what can be on a PM's apron?
 

Bill Lins

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
Are there limits on what can be on a PM's apron?

Art. 273. (312). Officers: Regalia.
<snip>
"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."
 

Bill Lins

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
Your guess is as good as mine. As best as I can tell, the apron, other than "Past Master’s aprons now being worn", must be of regulation size (16" x 16") with a drop in the bib of 6 inches to the triangular point. 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.

It may 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.” It also may have embroidered the Past Master's jewel. (the quadrant under the points of the compasses). For further information, contact a member of the Jurisprudence Committee (they're good at translating!).
 

owls84

Moderator
Premium Member
That is how I read it as well. This is one article I would like to see go away. I wish we could decorate our aprons and I have seen some knockout aprons from other jurisdictions. I also know that the lodges have to spend more trying to find the 16 x 16 when most jurisdictions are allowed 13 x 15.
 

Hndrx

Premium Member
I've seen some great antique and modern aprons. I wish we were not so restricted in apron design in Texas.
 

Beathard

Premium Member
Would different aprons keep us from meeting on the level? Could the decoration be used to distinguish the wealthy brothers from the poor? Would a flashy embroidery job be an emblem of innocence? Not taking sides here, just asking...
 

Benton

Premium Member
Would different aprons keep us from meeting on the level? Could the decoration be used to distinguish the wealthy brothers from the poor? Would a flashy embroidery job be an emblem of innocence? Not taking sides here, just asking...

Those are important questions that should receive consideration I think. I know most of the custom apron sites I've seen (assuming you aren't artsy enough to make it yourself) charge $200 to $300 for a single apron. As much as I would love to have a custom apron in the style of our founding fathers, with the symbols of Masonry I find most intriguing, it will be some time before I could justify spending that much when a white apron is perfectly good and fine. And as you said, it would perhaps prohibit us from meeting on the level.

Interesting take. Thanks for that.
 

HKTidwell

Premium Member
I'm going a bit off the masonic Jurisprudence issue and into my opinion on decorated aprons.

I'm by no means a wealthy individual, however I have quiet a few friends who have artistic abilities. I would love the ability to lay out what I want and have a friend do it on a Apron. To me it would be my expression of highlights in my masonic walk using esoteric symbols. Not sure the apron would ever be finished though because I would want things added as time went on and different aspects of my Masonic Journey came into focus.

This apron would probably only be worn for special events and all other events would be the standard white apron. When I say special events I'm referring to cornerstones, scholarships, community builder award, and perhaps to events such as the annual Alamo, Masonic Oak, etc. Here is why I would limit it to those events. The events involving people other then Masons, this would open up a dialogue while I may not be able to address all the questions in depth I could answer in a manner to spark them to look more fully into Masonry. Such as when I reflect upon this symbol it reminds me that in my daily life I should be patient or this is due to all the plentiful things the Supreme Grand Architect has blessed me with in my life and so forth. For closed special Masonic events it might spark a brother who is just going through his journey without seeing the full scope of Masonry to dig a bit deeper into the symbolic meanings. To often we are to busy learning the work and doing the work to spend time in philosophical discussions expanding our horizons. I would not wear this apron all the time for several reasons. I would not think that during a degree it would be beneficial to the candidate/brother. It could be a distraction and might interfere with him being able to see the beauties in the degree at hand. I would also limit it so would not become a standard sight, thus loosing the reflection aspect. Plus with the time and energy that would be spent in the creation of it I wouldn't want it to become worn and ill kept.

This is merely my thoughts on the benefits of apron decorations, and I would have no issue with decorations as long as they are masonic in symbolism. Most things are good in their respective time and place, all things have their downfalls too.
 
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