Thoughts on Aprons

“Have you ever attended a Lodge and worn a borrowed apron pulled from a drawer or box outside the door of the Lodge? Have you ever seen that one apron with coffee stains on it? If you grab one of those old worn out loaner aprons from the box and tie it around your waist as you hurry into the Lodge room, do you ‘wear it with pleasure to yourself and honor to the Fraternity?’” -Bro. Patrick Craddock

A Masonic apron should never be an afterthought of lodge preparation. It is the badge of a mason...meaning the wearing of it is literally the identity of the wearer as a mason.

Aprons were not always mass produced cotton, they were handmade leather or cloth aprons with embroidery, cross stitch, or painting that reflected the individual’s Masonic journey. Working tools and symbols that were of particular interest or meaning to the mason that owned the apron.

Being a mason is more than sitting in a lodge meeting. It is more than wearing a ring or pin.

Freemasonry is when,in a moment of quiet reflection that every man finds at least once in the day; he looks to the lessons taught in lodge. He ponders the working tools, symbols and the meanings thereof.

“To a thoughtful Brother the apron should remain the focal point of his self examination and reflection – and should be the focus of continued reflection and self examination – year after year – as he grows and matures in life and in Masonry. He will consider what it means to be worn with dignity and honor. He will reflect on his actions and will consider the apron as a reminder, or standard, for his actions and deeds.”- Bro. Patrick Craddock

We as freemasons and as men, should strive to live a life worthy of this honored badge, this apron that is an outward sign of an inward obligation to live justly and upright.

We must take pride in our craft. We must remember that, although we travel together, our journey is that of individual growth.

Look to the east; see the goal. Walk upright upon the steps of the degrees. Take with you the tools to build your spiritual temple, dedicated to Almighty God. Work with zeal and wisdom.

We are more than a fraternity, more than a lodge...we are a sacred band... dedicated one to another and to Almighty God by our obligations. Tasked with the Pursuit of wisdom that we may live morally and act with generosity.

Take pride in your badge. Wear it with pleasure to yourself and honor to the fraternity.