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Protecting dues card in wallet

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Topic: Protecting dues card in wallet
Posted By: Inspector5
Subject: Protecting dues card in wallet
Date Posted: September/22/2011 at 4:05pm
After a short delay I finally received my dues card and I was wondering what solutions others have found for protecting it. I plan to carry it in my wallet and am just afraid of it getting torn or worn out. I know this is not the most important of issues but I thought it was worth asking as in the US a dues card is very important for visiting other lodges.



Replies:
Posted By: edwmax
Date Posted: September/22/2011 at 8:02pm
you should be getting a new one every year.

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"He who would assume to govern others must first learn to govern himself."





Thomasville 369


Posted By: Inspector5
Date Posted: September/22/2011 at 8:58pm
I understand that. I guess I am worrier. All the other paper I keep in my wallet seems to wear out. I guess I'll just be careful. I assume laminating would not be advisable.


Posted By: jaya
Date Posted: September/22/2011 at 9:24pm
If you laminate it, make sure it is not on a heat sensative paper first.

-------------
Jay Austin

Black Mountain 663 - Junior Warden
AASR Valley of Asheville - KSA
The Masonic Society

http://westernncmason.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow - http://westernncmason.blogspot.com


Posted By: madhatter
Date Posted: September/23/2011 at 12:06am
You can protect your lodge dues card with a plastic seal that does not need heat. Office supply stores
(Staples, etc) have them.  Are you keeping a journal of those memorable masonic events which include receiving your dues card.Big smile


Posted By: Caution1010
Date Posted: September/23/2011 at 12:28am
Mine is laminated.

First thing I did right after I got it on the suggestion of one of my brothers.

I keep it in my wallet


-------------
I: 10/1/10
P: 12/3/10
R: 12/31/10

PHA-AL

"You can't trust those fellow-crafts...buncha rogues and murderers!"


Posted By: Infinity Box
Date Posted: September/23/2011 at 8:05am
Mine is laminated as well.  I got the laminating paper from Walmart, they have all sorts of sizes.


Posted By: PSquared
Date Posted: September/23/2011 at 10:04am
Mine is laminated.



-------------
Statham Lodge #634 F&AM, Statham,GA

Initiated: 6/24/10
Passed   : 9/23/10
Raised   : 10/29/10

Junior Deacon
2011 Mason of the Year
Statham #634


Posted By: Nero
Date Posted: September/23/2011 at 10:27am
Mine are stuck in my wallet and forgotten until my new dues cards comes in . As I do not take them in out of my wallet and they come in every year , I do not worry about them .


Posted By: CanuckMason
Date Posted: September/23/2011 at 11:01am
I keep mine in my apron case rather than in my wallet.  I figure if I'm going to lodge, I'll have my case with me.

If I kept mine in my wallet, I can't see it getting too damaged over the course of a year.  It's not the type of thing you need to pull out on a constant basis (and it's usually the removal and return to the wallet that causes most of the damage).  I do, however, laminate my Scottish Rite dues card, as the paper used is quite light.


Posted By: Noblewiebe
Date Posted: September/23/2011 at 12:52pm
Originally posted by CanuckMason CanuckMason wrote:

I keep mine in my apron case rather than in my wallet.  I figure if I'm going to lodge, I'll have my case with me.

In most U.S. states they don't wear their own aprons in Lodge like we do.

-------------
Master Alma #72 1985
A man never stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child.
www.beashrinernow.com





Posted By: JLHSMITH
Date Posted: September/23/2011 at 1:02pm
I never worry about my dues card, as I can always obtain another in the event one is worn/damaged.

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Unity Lodge #454
W.P.Brown Chapter #142 HRAM
E. J. Jackson #8 KT
Mohammed Temple #34 AEAONMS
J.L.H.Smith Consistory #76 USC SJ PHA
MWPHGLARK


Posted By: Consistory
Date Posted: September/23/2011 at 2:30pm
I never laminated my old ones and they seemed to be fine. I am a Life Member in Perpetuity now and have a permanent plastic dues card, seems to be more durable than a credit/debit card.

-------------
Jonathan Mark Mills, PDDGM, 32° KCCH
Grand Provost, Grand Lodge of Virginia A.F. & A.M.
Fidelity Lodge No. 173 Nickelsville, VA
Valley of Roanoke, Orient of Virginia
Scottish Rite Fellow



Posted By: YoungBlood
Date Posted: September/23/2011 at 2:41pm
For those that laminate their dues card, how do you feel the seal?

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I - Oct 17, 2009

P - Jan 16, 2010

R - March 6, 2010

Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret - Nov 13, 2010

Sir Knight - Feb 26, 201


Posted By: Caution1010
Date Posted: September/23/2011 at 4:55pm
What you mean YOungblood?

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I: 10/1/10
P: 12/3/10
R: 12/31/10

PHA-AL

"You can't trust those fellow-crafts...buncha rogues and murderers!"


Posted By: RS30PHA
Date Posted: September/23/2011 at 7:54pm
Caution,
 
Most Dues Cards have the seal of your lodge afixed on the card.


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RS
I:1.6.07, P:2.6.07, R:4.21.07
www.blue-lite.com


Posted By: madhatter
Date Posted: September/23/2011 at 11:10pm
WinkBefore sealing your dues card, make sure you are paid through lodge year.Clap


Posted By: MDAncientMason
Date Posted: September/24/2011 at 12:30am
Never thought about protecting it; in MD, once you successfully stand for your MM proficiency, the GL sends your "blue" card along with a plastic card holder to the lodge secretary, so I've always carried my dues cards in this holder.Geek

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St. Alban Universal #233-WM
Collington #230
Patxuent #218

York #44 RAM
York #23 RSM
York #16 KT-PEC
AMD #483


Posted By: Inspector5
Date Posted: September/24/2011 at 12:48am
Originally posted by YoungBlood YoungBlood wrote:

For those that laminate their dues card, how do you feel the seal?

This is the concern I have. If I laminate the card the embossed seal will be flattened. 

I travel a lot and hope to visit many lodges outside of my area. I also am fairly clumsy (forget to take wallet out before getting wet, etc) and worry about my card getting damage. Like madhatter said, I would like to preserve them in good shape to add to my album of memories, especially this first one. 

I guess that since i am one of those "keepsake" people I should also look into getting a good "passport" like book. I have heard about those and it sounds interesting.

Edit: Thank you for all the suggestions so far. I will check with others in my lodge to see if laminating is appropriate and if not I will see about getting a plastic sleeve or something.


Posted By: tm274
Date Posted: September/24/2011 at 3:25am
Originally posted by Inspector5 Inspector5 wrote:

Originally posted by YoungBlood YoungBlood wrote:

For those that laminate their dues card, how do you feel the seal?

This is the concern I have. If I laminate the card the embossed seal will be flattened. 

I travel a lot and hope to visit many lodges outside of my area. I also am fairly clumsy (forget to take wallet out before getting wet, etc) and worry about my card getting damage. Like madhatter said, I would like to preserve them in good shape to add to my album of memories, especially this first one. 

I guess that since i am one of those "keepsake" people I should also look into getting a good "passport" like book. I have heard about those and it sounds interesting.

Edit: Thank you for all the suggestions so far. I will check with others in my lodge to see if laminating is appropriate and if not I will see about getting a plastic sleeve or something.
Might I suggest that you contact our "edwmax", as he has some made up and they are truly excellent in quality.  I know......I have one. Big smile
 
Then you can keep your "dues card" and passport together.


-------------
Initiated : 23rd April 2002
Passed   : 25th June 2002
Raised    : 24th Sept 2002

Atheism is a non-prophet organization.
32° Farenheit is certainly not higher than 3° Cel.


Posted By: Caution1010
Date Posted: September/24/2011 at 1:09pm
I do believe the passport is not a replacement for a dues card. It is just a keepsake for those who travel a lot and visit other lodges

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I: 10/1/10
P: 12/3/10
R: 12/31/10

PHA-AL

"You can't trust those fellow-crafts...buncha rogues and murderers!"


Posted By: Inspector5
Date Posted: September/24/2011 at 1:19pm
You are correct, Caution, the passport is just a keepsake.

Tm274, I will definitely contact edwmax. Thanks for the tip.


Posted By: paullittrell
Date Posted: September/24/2011 at 1:36pm
Originally posted by Noblewiebe Noblewiebe wrote:

Originally posted by CanuckMason CanuckMason wrote:

I keep mine in my apron case rather than in my wallet.  I figure if I'm going to lodge, I'll have my case with me.

In most U.S. states they don't wear their own aprons in Lodge like we do.

Just out of curiosity, what do they wear in the States, asks the American who lives in Canada, and belongs to a Canadian Lodge. Because I love putting on my own apron every month. Makes me proud every time I do.



-------------
Paul Littrell

Dufferin #338
Maple Leaf #103
McCallum Chapter #29
St. Bernard de Clairveaux #19


Posted By: jaya
Date Posted: September/24/2011 at 11:01pm
Our lodge has a stack of cloth aprons for members and guests to wear. We do not normally wear our own apron. There was a place selling aprons at our GL meeting but at the cost of them I will continue to wear the cloath ones. Our officers have aprons at their stations that are leather and have a picture of their jewel on them. There is also a stack of PM aprons that are just like our officer aprons but with a PM emblem on them.

-------------
Jay Austin

Black Mountain 663 - Junior Warden
AASR Valley of Asheville - KSA
The Masonic Society

http://westernncmason.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow - http://westernncmason.blogspot.com


Posted By: Nero
Date Posted: September/25/2011 at 7:30am
Originally posted by paullittrell paullittrell wrote:

Originally posted by Noblewiebe Noblewiebe wrote:

Originally posted by CanuckMason CanuckMason wrote:

I keep mine in my apron case rather than in my wallet.  I figure if I'm going to lodge, I'll have my case with me.

In most U.S. states they don't wear their own aprons in Lodge like we do.

Just out of curiosity, what do they wear in the States, asks the American who lives in Canada, and belongs to a Canadian Lodge. Because I love putting on my own apron every month. Makes me proud every time I do.


As Jaya stated most all lodges provide member's aprons . BUT many of us in my area do wear our own aprons if not an officer . I have a regular  , a fancy MM and Past Master aprons . I like my own aprons too   , but be it my  apron or lodge provided , I am proud to don the apron no matter which it may be .


Posted By: daves
Date Posted: September/25/2011 at 11:35pm
Originally posted by jaya jaya wrote:

Our lodge has a stack of cloth aprons for members and guests to wear. We do not normally wear our own apron. There was a place selling aprons at our GL meeting but at the cost of them I will continue to wear the cloath ones. Our officers have aprons at their stations that are leather and have a picture of their jewel on them. There is also a stack of PM aprons that are just like our officer aprons but with a PM emblem on them.

Here MMs are expected to provide their own aprons, although our Lodge does keep a stock of EA, FC and MM aprons for visitors. 


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The Carrington Lodge (WAC 363)
Bassendean RAC (WAC 20)
18th Boucaut RC (AASR Australia 5)
http://thecarringtonlodge.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow - The Carrington Lodge





Posted By: jaya
Date Posted: September/26/2011 at 9:50am
We also do not have separate aprons for EA, FC, and MM. It is how they wear it that distinguishes their degree.

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Jay Austin

Black Mountain 663 - Junior Warden
AASR Valley of Asheville - KSA
The Masonic Society

http://westernncmason.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow - http://westernncmason.blogspot.com


Posted By: Caution1010
Date Posted: September/26/2011 at 2:42pm
Are talking dues cards or we talking aprons?

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I: 10/1/10
P: 12/3/10
R: 12/31/10

PHA-AL

"You can't trust those fellow-crafts...buncha rogues and murderers!"


Posted By: daves
Date Posted: September/26/2011 at 6:14pm
I think we got a bit sidetracked.

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The Carrington Lodge (WAC 363)
Bassendean RAC (WAC 20)
18th Boucaut RC (AASR Australia 5)
http://thecarringtonlodge.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow - The Carrington Lodge





Posted By: madhatter
Date Posted: September/26/2011 at 11:44pm
We may have gotten a bit off subject, but I am interested in how they wear/issue aprons
"Down Under"Shocked.


Posted By: tm274
Date Posted: September/27/2011 at 2:22am
Originally posted by madhatter madhatter wrote:

We may have gotten a bit off subject, but I am interested in how they wear/issue aprons
"Down Under"Shocked.
Perhaps, in order to keep this topic within bounds, you should start a thread on such said topic. We'd be glad to answer. Big smile

-------------
Initiated : 23rd April 2002
Passed   : 25th June 2002
Raised    : 24th Sept 2002

Atheism is a non-prophet organization.
32° Farenheit is certainly not higher than 3° Cel.


Posted By: jaya
Date Posted: September/27/2011 at 6:26am
Originally posted by tm274 tm274 wrote:

Originally posted by madhatter madhatter wrote:

We may have gotten a bit off subject, but I am interested in how they wear/issue aprons
"Down Under"Shocked.
Perhaps, in order to keep this topic within bounds, you should start a thread on such said topic. We'd be glad to answer. Big smile
Already have one in the MM tyled area. http://forum.mastermason.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9032" rel="nofollow - http://forum.mastermason.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9032

-------------
Jay Austin

Black Mountain 663 - Junior Warden
AASR Valley of Asheville - KSA
The Masonic Society

http://westernncmason.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow - http://westernncmason.blogspot.com


Posted By: JJET
Date Posted: June/19/2012 at 4:48pm
Originally posted by paullittrell paullittrell wrote:

Originally posted by Noblewiebe Noblewiebe wrote:

Originally posted by CanuckMason CanuckMason wrote:

I keep mine in my apron case rather than in my wallet.  I figure if I'm going to lodge, I'll have my case with me.

In most U.S. states they don't wear their own aprons in Lodge like we do.

Just out of curiosity, what do they wear in the States, asks the American who lives in Canada, and belongs to a Canadian Lodge. Because I love putting on my own apron every month. Makes me proud every time I do.



In my Lodge and the 3 or 4 lodges that I have had the plearsure to visit in the, State of Wyoming, we have a box full of probably 15-30 plain white aprons that the brethern and visiting brothers may wear. It is up to you on whether you wish to wear your personal apron or use one that is provided to you by the lodge. The general practice is that we will place our aprons away in a clean flat space untill our finial day when we are either buried or crememated with it on our person. We tell our loved ones and family about it so that they may know where to find it and what to do with it when we are gone.

Storing it away keeps us from dropping the amazing food and refreshment on it. Believe me, it is not the intention of the person that did that, we are all just clumsy at one point or another ;)

ps. This is an amazing forum. Glad I can be apart of it :)


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James T.
GateCity #32
EA: 28 June        2011
FC: 20 December 2011
MM: 16 April        2012


Posted By: streetstrip01
Date Posted: January/15/2013 at 5:30pm
Although I have yet to see them, our new Lodge cards are supposed to mimic the plastic credit card type that our Scottish Rite has.

Maybe someday we will get them....

Indiana GL is switching from paper cards to plastic, and is having issues with getting them made.


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-Matt
Carmel 421
Carmel, Indiana
32°, Valley of Indianapolis
Indianapolis York Rite, KT
Knights of Pythias


Posted By: Effingham
Date Posted: January/16/2013 at 12:09pm
Yeah, I'm still waiting for mine. I don't care about the medium, I'd just like the thing. ;)


Posted By: clamman
Date Posted: January/17/2013 at 9:25am
When I get my dues card, I cover it with clear packing tape and trim it.  You can feel the seal because it's thin.

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Past Master, Franklin #109 AF&AM


Posted By: MasonicFirefighter
Date Posted: January/17/2013 at 1:30pm
Ours are business cardstock and have a raised seal on them, much like when you get something notarized. So there's opinions on both sides of should the dues card be laminated to protect it, or should it not be laminated in order to prevent the seal from being obscured and thereby making the validity of the card questionable.
 
My mother lodge card I had laminated, however my current dues card is not laminated, and neither is my OES card. I keep them all in a pocket in my wallet that doesn't get exposed to wear and tear.


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"Us few good men need to stand together in Light to avoid darkness"

E: 8/2/2011
P: 11/15/2011
R: 3/5/2012

Acacia Lodge #169
Carolina Lodge #375 (Demitted)


Posted By: Brikkhaus
Date Posted: January/18/2013 at 12:14pm
I am a LMIP (Life Member in Perpetuity) in my Mother Lodge here in Virginia, and we have plastic membership cards which made of a material similar to a credit card.  They fit nicely into the credit card slots in most wallets.

However, I can also attest to the fact that chocolate labs seem to love chewing leather wallets.  Mine chewed through two, and subsequently destroyed my LMIP card (which I am in the process of getting replaced by my Grand Lodge).

Laminating it works just fine in normal circumstances.  If you have a chocolate lab, I'd recommend Kevlar. Wink

~ Dan


-------------
Entered: 2/23/2010
Passed: 3/16/2010
Raised: 5/4/2010

Junior Warden: Winchester Hiram No. 21
Captain of the Host: John Dove Chapter No. 21 RAM
Junior Warden: Winchester Commandry No. 12 KT


Posted By: simple man
Date Posted: January/22/2013 at 9:57am
 [/QUOTE]
 
I guess that since i am one of those "keepsake" people I should also look into getting a good "passport" like book. I have heard about those and it sounds interesting.

[/QUOTE]

If you are looking for a passport contact EdwMax he sells them...



-------------
Initiated 03/04/2008
Passed 01/21/2013
Raised 02/04/2013
S.D. Ft. Valley #110
Scribe Chapter Austin #18
I. M. Council H. C. Rigdon #35
C.G. Commandery Ivanhoe #10
32° Valley of Macon
Al Sihah Shrine


Posted By: PMAce
Date Posted: February/19/2014 at 5:07pm
I am cheap and just use scotch tape on mine..

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Ace
Past Master, Past HP, Past Ill Master, Past EC, Past Venerable Master
Cornerstone Military Lodge #135
Al Kerak #194
Nasty Noble


Posted By: BroScubaSteve
Date Posted: February/20/2014 at 7:05am
I keep mine in an ATM card holder and place it in my phone case.

The card rests flat between the phone back and inside the case.

I have my phone with me 24/7 so in essence, is with me as much or more than my wallet is.

I just pull off the case to get to my card if I ever need it. It looks like new every time.


-------------
Initiated 4-22-13
Passed 5-29-13
Raised 6-27-13

Junior Deacon
F&AM GLNJ
32°AASR NMJ, Southern Valley of NJ


Posted By: Tarditi
Date Posted: February/20/2014 at 10:00am
I put mine in the photo holders - some of the cards need to be trimmed down a hair to fit. Can flip through them as needed.

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Dustin Tarditi, PM
James B Green #735 A.F. & A.M.


Posted By: Stormriderjd
Date Posted: February/24/2014 at 4:06pm

For general information...

Last year Indiana went to a new system of sending out dues notices and went to a plastic membership card.  The increased cost per member was $0.04.  That first card was good for one year.  This year the new cards are intended to be good for 3-5 years at substantial savings to the lodges.  For Indiana brothers who intend to travel outside the state and are worried that the plastic cards will not be accepted, the lodge secretary can still issue a paper card, embossed with the lodge seal, to show they are currently in good standing.

 



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Secretary @ Larrabee 131
Stilesville, IN


Posted By: WBScott
Date Posted: October/24/2014 at 10:25pm
Originally posted by madhatter madhatter wrote:

WinkBefore sealing your dues card, make sure you are paid through lodge year.Clap

In my lodge (and in most every other lodge in Missouri AFIK), you don't get your dues card until AFTER you have paid your dues for that year. 


-------------
Wentzville (MO) Lodge #46 - PM
Pride of the West (MO) Lodge #179 - PM (twice)
Pauldingville (MO) Lodge #11 - Secretary
Warrenton (MO) Lodge #609 - Secretary
Past DDGM - 25th Masonic District


Posted By: madhatter
Date Posted: October/24/2014 at 11:41pm
The innovation of plastic cards allows for multiple year use in state but may not be acceptable in other jurisdictions.


-------------
Richmond Lodge#65 PHA
Richmond Chapter#7 HRAM
Richmond Council#4 R&SM
Mt Olivet Commandery#2 KT
Richmond Consistory#22 AASR SJ
Mocha Temple#7 AEAONMS
MWPHGL VA



Posted By: Anubicdarque
Date Posted: May/08/2015 at 9:35am
I laminate my dues card and keep it in my wallet.. but that only works for my Utah lodge.   In South Australia, we have a Master Masons Certificate.. which is huge... When we visit a local lodge, we take the certificate with us.  When we visit lodges outside of our jurisdiction we go to Grand Lodge and have them make a "Travel Warrant"  which is a smaller photocopy of our grand lodge cert..  and then  take it to our secretary to have him sign off on the back of it that we are paid up. 

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Elizabeth Lodge #200, AFAM South Australia and the Northern Territory.
St George Lodge, #33, FAM Utah


Posted By: Bro.Torres
Date Posted: May/08/2015 at 7:17pm
I also laminate my dues card and put it with my Masonic documents after I get a new one.


Posted By: BroScubaSteve
Date Posted: May/11/2015 at 9:52am
I have a phablet (Note 2).

I mentioned keeping it between the phone and case. I now keep it inside the battery cover. It looks brand new whenever I need to take it out.


-------------
Initiated 4-22-13
Passed 5-29-13
Raised 6-27-13

Junior Deacon
F&AM GLNJ
32°AASR NMJ, Southern Valley of NJ


Posted By: Warrior1256
Date Posted: October/20/2015 at 11:01am
DeadSame here.
Originally posted by Nero Nero wrote:

Mine are stuck in my wallet and forgotten until my new dues cards comes in . As I do not take them in out of my wallet and they come in every year , I do not worry about them .


-------------
St. Matthews Lodge 906
Suburban Lodge 740
Shively-Lewis-Parkland 951
AASR, Orient of Kentucky, Valley of Louisville
King Solomon Chapter 5
Louisville Council 4
North Central York Rite College 116



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