F
reemasonry is an amazing fraternity. Though some of us may not see eye to eye on everything, one thing is almost completely accepted amongst Masons. Sport coat and tie, are typically minimal protocol for dress code to Lodge.
Today I want to talk about something that hit me yesterday in a conversation on a post of one of my tie knots. The art of looking sharp. Why I like to dress up for Lodge.
I have to admit. When I began my journey a year ago, I considered wearing my regular shoes with a suit. I’ve long disliked wearing a suit, button up shirts, ties, or anything of that nature. Not because it’s uncomfortable, simply because to me, it wasn’t who I was. Now, as a Master Mason, I have since changed my outlook on the attire and have embraced it fully. Down to learning to the multiple style knots. Not to show off, or to be overly flamboyant; but because it’s a sense of accomplishment. Dressing for Lodge, to me, puts me in a good mindset. Its meditative. It gets me prepared to do the work at hand. Not just physically, but emotionally and mentally as well. Is the suit required to handle our duties? Absolutely not. However, if we do not take pride in our representation of ourselves and this fraternity, we can’t reasonably expect others to do the same. Especially the uninitiated.
Putting on my suit makes me feel great. I’m sure in the 50s it may have been pretty acceptable for men to wear a suit for almost any occasion. Today, sadly, not so much. But, we can also use this to our benefit as Free and Accepted Masons. If we met before lodge to have a monthly dinner at a local (sit down) food place, all of the brethren dressed sharp, having some laughs, would surely grab the attention of onlookers. Its not just about appearance. But, when we dress well, we feel well. Not all brothers have the money to buy a really nice suit. I think we can all agree on that. But, if they express interest, setup a donation for them to go purchase one.
I personally feel that wearing a suit, puts me in a mindset that helps me stay focused and clear. I’ve enjoyed wearing a suit so much I try to wear mine as often as I can. Like I said before, it’s not just about appearance. We could easily do our work without a suit. But why would we? We wouldn’t go to a friend’s formal wedding wearing jeans and a t-shirt out of respect for the occasion. So why do it for Lodge? Sometimes is perfectly acceptable. Some Lodges, like mine, have a themed night. We wear Hawaiian shirts on the first stated. I’m okay with that. I still choose to wear my suit. Not because I don’t want to participate, but simply because I enjoy wearing my suit to lodge and don’t feel right going without it. That’s just me personally.
Take pride in your appearance; because how we look going to Lodge, could reflect how we are viewed by the uninitiated. Doesn’t mean we will look less than normal. But me, I’d rather stick out as a sharp dressed man, than to fit in and look normal when going to Lodge.
Again, to each his own. This is my personal opinion on the dress attire of a brother for Lodge.
(Between the Compasses – A Masonic Blog By Bro. Dave Bacon)
