The Universal Language of Freemasonry - ArchiMeD - Johannes ...

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Chapter 4 - Signs & Symbols
Lodge, every Master and Warden of a Lodge must wear his appropriate
jewel and apron. Every Past Master must wear his jewel. Lodges may
make such other rules for the government of their members as to dress
at Lodge meetings only, as may be approved in their By-Laws.
Sec. 2. Masonic aprons are made of white lambskin, and are fifteen
inches wide and thirteen inches deep, square at the bottom, with a one
and one half inch blue border, and a flap in triangular shape, with a one
inch blue border. The name and number of the Lodge may be on
them. 432
Is Masonic clothing "secret," or can it be worn in front of non-Masons? In
contrast to the custom of the early years of Freemasonry, where public
processions were in common, today Masonic constitutions restrict the public
display of Masonic clothing. Thus, the Constitution of the Grand Lodge F. & A.
M. of the Jurisdiction of California states in its tenth edition from 1923 in
Section 116 under "Masonic clothing, restrictions on wearing," that "[n]o Lodge,
nor any Mason, shall appear in Masonic clothing in any public procession, or at
any public meeting or place, except for the burial of a brother or for the
performance of some other strictly Masonic duty or ceremony." 433 A sub-point of
this article, 116a, modifies this statement by adding that "Masons may assemble,
without dispensation, in Masonic clothing, to decorate the graves of deceased
brethren, which is a commendable custom." 434 Not all Masons are allowed to
participate in Masonic processions. According to The Masonic Code of the
Grand Lodge of Tennessee, dating 1958, "[a] Lodge in procession is strictly
under the discipline of the Lodge room, and hence under the control of the
Worshipful Master. None but affiliated Master Masons in good standing [...] may
join in Masonic public exercises or processions, the Lodge on such occasions
being always opened on the third degree." 435 The kinds of public events a Master
Mason may attend wearing his special clothing are also limited:
The following are the only purposes for which public Masonic
processions are permitted [...], for which a dispensation from the Grand
Master is not necessary, nor may he authorize any other: (a) Masonic
burials; (b) erecting or unveiling monuments to deceased Brethren; (c)
celebration of the Festivals of St. John; (d) laying corner stones; (e)
dedication of Masonic buildings; (f) memorial services; (g) going to
church for religious purposes or for divine worship, if not clothed in
aprons or other Masonic regalia; (h) celebrating, on November 4,
George Washington's Masonic birthday. 436
432
Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, The Ahiman Rezon, or Book of the Constitution, p. 44/45.
433
Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of the Jurisdiction of California, Constitution, p. 96.
434
Ibid.
435
Grand Lodge of Tennessee, The Masonic Code, p. 71.
436 Ibid, p. 71/72.