Custom Aprons?

I'm curious what the Texas rules are regarding aprons in lodge. I was looking at nice aprons online - some really fancy gold lacy jobs - with the intent of wearing them to lodge. Then I thought I'd look at the North Carolina code:

REG. 89-2 MASONIC APRON.
The proper Masonic apron to be used in this Grand Jurisdiction shall be plain white without decorations of any kind, not larger than 15 x 17 inches made of lambskin, leather, or cloth. (This section amended, effective 1/1/ 2009)

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Well, that's kind of a bummer! I can understand it though, wanting to keep everyone on the same level with the same apron, unless they're a Past Master.

But what are the Texas laws? I'm curious about that.

I'm curious to know if there is a rule as to what can be displayed on the apron of a past master. I've gotten conflicting opinions with absolutely no proof of any trend judging from the PM aprons I see traveling from lodge to lodge.

Any answer on this question would be appreciated.

QPZIL said:

I'm curious what the Texas rules are regarding aprons in lodge. I was looking at nice aprons online - some really fancy gold lacy jobs - with the intent of wearing them to lodge. Then I thought I'd look at the North Carolina code:



Well, that's kind of a bummer! I can understand it though, wanting to keep everyone on the same level with the same apron, unless they're a Past Master.

But what are the Texas laws? I'm curious about that.

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Texas has the same. I'm sure Brother Bill will be around tomorrow, to quote the correct paragraph to us. He's usually the resident expert on GL law.

Well, I wasn't gonna, but since you asked:

Art. 273. (312). Officers: Regalia.
A Lodge may provide special collars and aprons to be worn by its officers, for the purpose of preserving their symbolic features; as a mark of distinction, and to enhance the dignity of the Lodge.
<snip>
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.
<snip>


Art. 274. (313). Members: Apron.
The regulation apron for members of the Lodge shall be of the same dimensions provided for the aprons of officers of the Lodge and shall be made of white lambskin without border or decoration; provided, it shall not be mandatory upon any Lodge to provide regulation regalia and aprons until such time as it may be able to do so, and such aprons may be made of white cloth.

Thanks Bill, I knew you'd come through for us

But if we're strictly going by the letter of the law does that mean that PM aprons cannot be adorned differently than officers aprons, except for the additions?
I think that many lodges add symbols, tassels and other stuff to their PM aprons far as I've seen.

It's not my impression that aprons is really what Grand Lodge is the most worried about, but think it's an interesting discussion none the less. Guess that it also wouldn't be allowed to wear ones 32 deg Scottish rite apron in blue lodge under these rules.

Yes. A little more clarity on the PM aprons. My folks are hung up on whether the PM's year can be added to the apron.

Went to DDGM but haven't gotten an answer to date.


Personally, I don't really care ... as long as I can get a little more sleep next year! One 48-hour period found me selling a goat and locating a flatbed truck to haul cedar panking. Since, I've been trying to find a way to get new signage on the road. They took down and disposed of the last signs we had when the road was widened. Is there no rest?

:tongue_smilie:

I think the old custom aprons with symbols on are special and cool. I am planning on having one made up, painted by an artist with my own favorite symbolic designs.

I have seen a world of variation around the state, even in officer's aprons. I wear a slightly customized apron when traveling, and have gotten an estimate in a bead-worked reproduction of an circa 1861 apron hanging in our lobby. I won't be getting it right away, but it's a nice goal.


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chrmc said:

Guess that it also wouldn't be allowed to wear ones 32 deg Scottish rite apron in blue lodge under these rules.

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Correct- no regalia of other Orders in a blue Lodge.

jwhoff said:

Yes. A little more clarity on the PM aprons. My folks are hung up on whether the PM's year can be added to the apron.

Went to DDGM but haven't gotten an answer to date.


Personally, I don't really care ... as long as I can get a little more sleep next year! One 48-hour period found me selling a goat

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I think the phrase "In addition to using the Past Master’s aprons now being worn" leaves things wide open.

I'm waiting to hear more about the goat! :wink:

Question. When traveling are you allowed to wear a customized apron, or must it remain plain white?