Apron Question

Over here in Oz(WA), there is a standard for ALL Blue Lodges.

 

 

EA.........Lambskin apron....no markings.

 

 

FC.........Lambskin apron....rosettes

 

MM apron.......lambskin......3 rosettes

 

 

WM apron......lambskin.........

 

Then there are GL aprons.............but will not go into detail.

 

Not sure how you do things in the US, but I personally think that 'anyone' who creates his own apron, is just trying to glorify his own artistic abilities.

Would really love to see a set standard in the US like Oz, Canada, England etc.

 

The EA and FC aproms are provided by the Lodge and are to be returned after each meeting by the wearer.

Edited by tm274 - November/02/2009 at 6:12am

I do not think any body would have a problem with that design. Would look very nice.

We use lodge aprons. Past masters are presented special aprons that they are free to wear, and as you mentioned, lodge officers were aprons decorated with their respective jewel of office/station. Our lodge has special aprons for visiting brethren so the rest of the members can make sure to introduce themselves and welcome the traveling man.

Edited by Tarditi - November/02/2009 at 9:53am

Originally posted by CAMB.MASON check with your GL constitutions and regulations and your lodge secretary.  Some jurisdictions have regulations on the size, color and additions to the apron.  Also some masonic regalia dealers know what each state or jurisdiction can wear.  You can always call your GL and ask the Grand Secretary or his office on your state or jurisdiction regulations if they have any on the topic of aprons.  Some just have regulations on the white and PM aprons. good luck, personally I like the hand painted aprons that are now being produced, adds a touch of personality.

Thanks to all for the replies.

Not to be disrespectful, I am merely a FC and have much to learn, but is the apron truly a symbol of equality in the Lodge? If it is so, shouldn't the officers and past masters wear the same apron as the general membership? I've heard of it being a symbol of purity, innocence and the badge of a Mason, but this is the first I've heard of it in reference to equality. I thought it was the level that serves to remind us that we are equals despite our worldly wealth and honors or our "rank" within the Lodge. I am not trying to say you are wrong, just prodding a bit further on the topic for more discussion.

That being said, your point is well taken, and there's a good chance I'll just use the community Lodge aprons when in Lodge as a non-officer MM.

However, I will probably still check with my Grand Lodge to see the guidelines for obtaining my own MM apron (probably like the one I linked to) just to use when visiting Lodges out of state/country. I don't want to have to depend on them having an apron for me.

Also, I was appointed Chaplain for 2010 by the incoming WM, so I'll be wearing the Chaplain apron soon anyway.

Fair enough. I was just nitpicking for the sake of discussion I guess. Thanks for the advice. 

I haven't heard of any reason why there would be a change after 100 years as the aprons are under the laws of our GL and like UK and Canada, the same. Any change because of 100 years would be a massive cost all round.

 

I'm sure that one Lodge, in my area, was established around 1898(I will double check) and their apron is of the norm.

Wow, the aprons really vary from GL to GL. As EA you are given a plain white apron. That apron is worn throughout your life. Some people store and preserve it, some wear it, and some buy other aprons. Obviously, GL officers (ours are purple and gold accents) , and Lodge officers (Basic blue lodge apron)  have a little different look.

nice apron, design is taken from a plate that was produced around late 1860's to 1880's and was widely used.  We have a couple in our collection in cambridge, at the time the most common was just the S&C and G, and others as seen here with the all seeing eye.  Early styles of this apron, the S&C was stamped in gold leaf.

Edited by CAMB.MASON - November/04/2009 at 7:31am