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The problem with trying to get people onboard with updating the uniforms/getting rid of the chapeaus is that people have already bought all that stuff. It's a danged if you do, danged if you don't scenario. New guy: "I don't want to buy all that stuff." Old guy: "I've already bought mine, and...

I actually believe the Chapter and Council degrees give you a great understanding of the first three degrees.

It's not about not benefitting from a craft system. I'm all for it. Just call it something else. In the U.S., most Masonic organizations have an equivalent group for ladies, but they have their own name. Apparently it isn't worldwide, but in my state and others I have visited, there is a...

Here, every Mason is presented a leather apron that is his to keep and be placed on him at burial. The underside of the bib has all his Masonic information inscribed on it. It is included in the price of the three degrees. He is to wear it twice: the night he is raised and the day he is laid to...

Yes, you choose your own mark and record it with the chapter. It will all be explained when you receive your Mark Master degree. Chose wisely. In the slang of my students, "ain't no do-overs."

OK. Bye. But I fail to see why an analogy that calls to task your claim that just because someone wants something to be so, even though it flies in the face of established lineage, it is. Here is another one: Let's say I go buy a gray and red uniform, declare myself to be a branch of the...

Then by your measure, I can print up some "Joe's Dollars" and go shopping at Walmart. Cashier: "I'm sorry sir, that's not regular money. We can't accept it. It isn't guaranteed by a dedicated line." Me: "Sure you can. I deem it to be regular. The government disagrees, but I don't like its...

Quite clearly you are familiar at density. You refer to Male Craft Orders (whatever the heck that is), but anything else is clandestine. I have never heard of a Female Craft Order before reading this thread. Freemasonry is a FRATERNAL organization. The world doesn't have to be an all inclusive...

I have been a little frustrated with some of our attendances recently, but I believe a lot of it has to do with being the time of year and how much work we have done. We had 22 (I think) today for a MM degree. It was our 24th lodge opening of the year and 23rd degree to be conferred. Attendance...

"By being a man ... " Don't ask to join a 300-year-old party then tell the hosts they to change to suit your needs.

In Tennessee, you get your actual leather apron when you are raised, but as I told a newly made Master Mason today, "the next time you wear that, you'll be at room temperature!" I know some states give the presentation apron to EAs, but I'm glad we don't do that. If you give it to an EA, and he...

That is true, you do not have to buy the uniform unless you are going to be an officer. It can be extremely expensive, and it can be done fairly cheap. The big expenses are the chapeau ($300 new) and sword belt ($150-60 new). You can buy a brand new uniform for about $130, and Chinese made...

I don't object to fancy aprons at all. I have one of my own. As you say, historically, men had their aprons that had been made for them, so that was the norm. Although each one was unique, none really stood out or called attention to itself. That is no longer the case. If you have 25 guys...

I have said this before on other threads, but I'd keep the wearing of personal aprons to special occasions and maybe third degree nights. We don't need a fashion show at every meeting, and we don't need people who want to draw attention to themselves. Masons are supposed to meet on the level...

I don't wear my ring daily because I am not a jewelry guy. About the only time I wear it is to lodge, church, funeral home, dress up events, etc. I don't take into consideration what someone might think. I am proud to be a Mason. If they'd like to think crazy things, I am more than happy to...

I don't have a Chapter ring, but I have been looking for a nice one. I don't know that I see anything in a better place than the other (and I'm not real sure what you are asking). I'd wear a Chapter ring to YR events and my S&C ring to Blue Lodge events. That's what I do with lapel pins.

This is just personal opinion: For stated meetings and most degree work in your own lodge, wear what everyone else wears. We are supposed to be meeting on the level. A lodge doesn't need a fashion show or people trying to outdo one another. If you have a nicer apron you want to wear when your...

Congratulations.

In Tennessee, all elected and appointed regular officers must be a MM. Although I've never seen it come up, I guess if you were having to fill in for the tyler one night during an EA or a FC degree, you could ask a brother of that degree to take the spot for the evening. I personally wouldn't do...

As I said, I was tired and somewhat caught up. I didn't do a good job of expressing myself. I am not one to debate religion or politics and tried to talk myself out of even joining in on this thread. I in the future listen to my own counsel and not revisit it.