tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post3333156949230663717..comments2024-03-26T12:05:58.591-04:00Comments on Freemasons For Dummies: GM Edict Bans 'Exterior' Slovenliness: 'Interior' Masons Go BerserkChristopher Hodapphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04201859873755654395noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post-54599534522894567872019-10-15T02:13:22.640-04:002019-10-15T02:13:22.640-04:00My father had a catering business for many years. ...My father had a catering business for many years. When it comes to food, he says that presentation is 90% of the taste. The most delicious dish, when just slopped on a plate will already have a poor / low expectation before it even is tasted. As a fraternity we have so much to offer and teach, but if we show up as slobs, we will already have the perception of luke warm canned green beans rather than filet mignon before a taste has evet been had.<br /><br />Case in point; I had been presenting a Lodge scholarship to a local school annually for near 10 years. I dressed nice, sometimes I read the pre-printed script, sometimes I added a few embellishments. I never once recieved anything more than the standard "thank you" from the recipient. In the last few year's the Lodge has been making the same presentation in Masonic garb, i.e. apron, jewel and gloves. After year's of not getting "boo" from anyone, now we get the school secretary, guidance counselor, principal and district administrator all making it a point to thank us. Same scholarship, same amount of money; what's the difference?... Presentation my brother'sNoah Schultz, WM Jefferson Co Lodge #9 (WI)noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post-8670032977938044052019-10-04T17:36:16.735-04:002019-10-04T17:36:16.735-04:00Amen, Brother.Amen, Brother.Philhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03841519287205841541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post-90567933997637752022019-10-02T10:21:27.833-04:002019-10-02T10:21:27.833-04:00It certainly is interesting that the smaller thing...It certainly is interesting that the smaller things in life can trigger the most heated responses. Back in 1983 when I joined the lodge, I was told what day and time to arrive, and I was told to wear dress slacks, shirt and tie and if I had a suit coat to wear that as well. Currently I think we are afraid to let the candidate know our expectations in regards to time and dress. Back in the day options were not given, today we will reinvent the wheel to accommodate a man joining our fraternity. One Grand Master said that we need to remember that they are joining us we are not joining them. If they really want to belong then we need to educate them on our expectations. The series of comments giving excuses to not dress adequately are amazing. If a man or brother is truly serious about the fraternity they will find a way to dress appropriately.Dave McDonaldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11551397785293594544noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post-20923288347846953262019-09-30T13:58:40.225-04:002019-09-30T13:58:40.225-04:00There is a difference between uniformity and forma...There is a difference between uniformity and formality. "Dress codes" seek to impose uniformity, which means that everyone should look the same. The UGLE argument you quoted is based on uniformity. Formality, on the other hand, means wearing your "Sunday best"; the best clothes you have. That does not need to involve the uniform penguin-like look of tuxedos; it could involve Nehru jeckets, or barong tagalog or a kilt. Your dress is a symbol of your internal qualifications (I assume the concept of a symbol is familiar to everyone here), not a matter of external qualifications. You wear a uniform to show that you are exactly like everyone else, that you have no individuality. Since Masonry is all about improving the internal man, uniformity has nothing to do with Freemasonry. Formality, on the other hand, does. Wearing your spiffiest outfit is a symbol of your desire to be a better man, and of your respect for and pride in the organization to which you belong. This is an issue which has long needed addressing. Incidentally, like others who have posted, I am from a small rural lodge, and everyone takes the time and effort to clean themselves up and put on their best clothes before coming to Lodge. When, someone has no time to go home between work and Lodge he takes his best clothes to work, changes at the meeting and apologises profusely that under the circumstances this was the best he could do. Bolognakinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10192335133761345650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post-78595270553768578562019-09-12T16:32:18.625-04:002019-09-12T16:32:18.625-04:00Have a look at the UGLE magazine Freemasonry Today...Have a look at the UGLE magazine Freemasonry Today article by John Hamill in 2015:<br /><br />https://www.freemasonrytoday.com/features/john-hamill-the-history-of-formal-dress-in-freemasonry-and-its-appeal-for-younger-masons<br /><br /><i>"When Freemasonry began to look at ways of attracting younger men into the Craft 20 years ago, a regular comment was that formal dressing for lodge meetings would be seen as evidence of Freemasonry being somewhat ‘fuddy duddy’ and for older men. Surprisingly, the opposite has proved to be the case. Talking to many of those who have come into the organisation in the past few years, one of the attractions for them was the idea of formality both in meetings and dress, which is something they do not otherwise meet with in their daily lives."</i>Christopher Hodapphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04201859873755654395noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post-72214557296419985642019-09-03T16:39:14.848-04:002019-09-03T16:39:14.848-04:00And honestly, don't post anonymously. I like t...And honestly, don't post anonymously. I like to know who I'm talking with.Christopher Hodapphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04201859873755654395noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post-74347397806248522392019-09-03T16:37:45.551-04:002019-09-03T16:37:45.551-04:00That whooshing sound you hear was the whole point ...That whooshing sound you hear was the whole point of this lengthy essay streaking right over your indignant head. As I said, that original photo I posted didn't show their faces and had practically nothing to do with them or their actions at all. That photo WAS about what the older members of that lodge and their purported mentors were teaching them by treating their degrees as some Saturday annoyance that wasn't special or out of the ordinary enough to put on un-ripped pants and something other than a beer logo tee shirt. And if you think that's snobby or elitist or treating brethren like lowly proles, then you seem to have missed the part about Masonry about improving ourselves through its mysteries and teachings.Christopher Hodapphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04201859873755654395noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post-7583482281927448062019-09-03T16:15:49.041-04:002019-09-03T16:15:49.041-04:00A silly, insignificant thing like changing clothes...A silly, insignificant thing like changing clothes makes you think even just a smidgen that you're doing something "different," that it's just a little bit higher on the rung of daily life's ladder. "Oh crap, I gotta change" makes you think that you need to care a tiny bit more. You'll think about where you are going instead of mindlessly thinking of lodge as one more base to tag this week. You'll feel out of place if you show up looking like you just came in from spreading manure on the tomato plants, because lodge isn't your personal, private basement rec room. Your refuge? Sure. But your man cave? Not so much, because you can stroll around in your socks and speedos there.Christopher Hodapphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04201859873755654395noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post-73686380737034573562019-09-02T18:39:53.889-04:002019-09-02T18:39:53.889-04:00Put that picture right back up! #### those plebs ...Put that picture right back up! #### those plebs for wanting to join our august and fancy man society. Everything we need to know about those men - every single thing - we could tell by that one picture. They're just obligated brothers. What do we owe jokers like obligated brothers? Remember - blast that sweet counsel loud and with fingers pointed. You really should put it back up. It disgusts me. My goodness. Just thinking about their horrible, horrible clothes. Why did you do this to us, you lowlings? We were so fancy! We had it all. Champagne wishes and caviar dreams, fellow Fancylads!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post-70923859190801146062019-09-01T14:35:41.207-04:002019-09-01T14:35:41.207-04:00Brother Hodapp, you're missing the essential a...Brother Hodapp, you're missing the essential angle on this issue: That Freemason's must apply *Self-Control* to learn Craft work, and that this requires Reason and not Edicts to have any hope of success. This Edict is a well-meaning address to a popular complaint, but it seeks to substitute a Foundation of sand (Authoritarian Penalties and fear-based compliance) for the only true Foundation that Freemasonry can build upon: Freedom and Autonomy to voluntarily rule our own natures and thoughts as inculcated in our degrees: Decorum rooted in our own philosophy of self-improvement will successfully address both the inner and outer man, his thoughts AND behavior, whether inside the lodge or out of it. Edicts from on high cannot replace this and will ultimately fail. Considered action by Blue Lodges can, as it is their job to teach lessons rather than rule, and this is a teaching matter about the connection of Decorum to our Philosophy and Behaviors.<br /><br />Every blue lodge has all the power they need to establish their own, more perfect form of Dress Code, tailored to their own situation, so as to model the lessons of Freemasonry. This demonstrates a firm foundation of Self-Control and the application of the degree lessons. By adopting a unique but uniform dress code for official meetings (especially degree work), we honor the Craft and show respect to the candidates, and this can mean clean overalls and collared shirts in one place, Dark Suits in another (like my lodge) or fancy formal wear in other lodges as appropriate to that Lodge. This is no different than what the Edict says, yet the motivation is rooted in the PRIDE generated by the voluntary spirit of the "Gentle (as in Gentleman's) Craft" and this makes a material difference. The spirit of the Edict -- even when it attempts to decree the same approach -- is altogether different in outcome. <br /><br />There is a profound moral danger of replacing inner discipline with dictates and rules. Nazi Brown Shirts are the final state of the enthusiastic embrace of dictates over self-rule, and such groups and their members love the COMMAND approach to dress uniformly, first and foremost. 'Brown Shirts' eagerly weaponize such commands to intimidate everyone else to get in goose-step with the letter of the law, especially in situations where it isn't perfectly reasonable, like heat-waves etc. If you don't like being surrounded by slobs, you'll find the annoyance of those brethren who are always checking the lacing of your shoes for advantage, instead of engaging in friendly discourse, much worse.<br /><br />In (Georgia) degree work, we are admonished to remind a brother by a "gentle jog of the elbow," and "Whispered words of Counsel and Comfort in his ear." Nowhere does it say we should just abdicate this gentlemen's approach and instead prosecute, suspend and expel our Brethren into submission. Only lack of faith in our brethren makes such an approach sound enticing, as if our brethren are animals without hope of ruling or thinking for themselves and only capable of simple Obedience. This is NOT our philosophy. We must WORK to maintain the high philosophical character of our Craft by avoiding seductive Edicts that "command" us to do what we already do voluntarily and better anyway.<br /><br />As a matter of principle, we must decline this Edict for "coming from the wrong place" so we may champion the power to rule ourselves instead, from the Blue Lodge, as the natural seat for Decorum and other issues of Self-Control. Let's let this Edict go, as unnecessary to well-regulated lodges and the zealous masons who proudly look after them of their own Free Will and Accord.<br /><br /><br />Sincerely and Fraternally,<br />Michael S. Downs, P.M.<br />Sandy Springs Lodge #124<br />(i.e. A Georgia Mason) Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13142837020976365268noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post-53269530007576485332019-09-01T11:36:21.045-04:002019-09-01T11:36:21.045-04:00man as much as you guys are whining about him want...man as much as you guys are whining about him wanting people to not wear raggedy clothing like a bum id hate to see you all die of the heart attack youd get if you moved to a pennsylvania lodge. this is the dress code for our casual events. things like barbecues, golf outings, and other events for members and their families in public. youd all drop dead of a coronary if you had to wear a suit and tie to every meeting, and a full tuxedo as any officer of the lodge. and oh my god, being required to wear a tophat as master instead of whatever ratty camo ball cap with a square and compass you can buy off ebay! grow up, realise that noone wants to look like a gang of losers because you want to dress like a hobo, and put on some clean clothes.Gigantorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08272088303284207687noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post-74266458380775558112019-09-01T00:36:47.260-04:002019-09-01T00:36:47.260-04:00Perhaps some of those who commented did not read t...Perhaps some of those who commented did not read the edict in question. Nowhere did the GM say that ties, or even coats, had to be worn. Read it again, Brethren, especially the second page. It's about respect. And if a Mason wears shorts, sandals, wifebeaters or clothes with holes in them to a Masonic function, he is disrespecting not only the Lodge, his Brothers, and the Craft - he is disrespecting himself. <br />Civility, Brethren. Civility. I applaud the GM for his insight, common sense, and courage in issuing the Edict.Philhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03841519287205841541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post-84454561606192977772019-08-31T18:06:59.528-04:002019-08-31T18:06:59.528-04:00Are you seriously going to hold that out as a real...Are you seriously going to hold that out as a real consideration? Seriously? "It's a long drive to the Wal-Mart, and they don't sell Froot Of The Loom suits?" Moreover, you're trying to apply a pretty isolated (in the great scheme of the Masonic universe) situation to the fraternity as a big generalized whole.<br /><br />But if you're really going to go there, I suspect Tucumcari has a Goodwill store, where they have a constantly rotating stack of $10 suits. And I have bought my last five tuxedos and formal wear outfits via Uniformalwear online with absolutely no sizing issues ever. Over the last decade I went from 310lbs down to 155, so I've had fluctuation issues. Along wit the fact that if I wear an outfit more than twice, I'd rather own it than rent it and overpay to have nothing in the end. Just depends on the events you foresee attending in future.<br /><br />Be happy you aren't in Pennsylvania where ALL lodge officers are required to wear tuxedos, no exceptions.Christopher Hodapphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04201859873755654395noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post-52789182202193930142019-08-31T17:59:39.905-04:002019-08-31T17:59:39.905-04:00Heh. Where have you been, good sir? Missed you at ...Heh. Where have you been, good sir? Missed you at the 33st meeting. Keynote was "Practical Application of Transcendental Transvectional Direct-Dialing Odontology For the Enlightened - A Primer." I was brilliant, I might add.Christopher Hodapphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04201859873755654395noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post-47108253407361120142019-08-31T17:56:43.694-04:002019-08-31T17:56:43.694-04:00Briar or meerschaum, yes. But you can save your to...Briar or meerschaum, yes. But you can save your toxic waste monkey-poop laden Latakia for the great outdoors, far from the women, the children and the livestock.Christopher Hodapphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04201859873755654395noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post-61521375803947356352019-08-31T17:08:06.061-04:002019-08-31T17:08:06.061-04:00And no, there is no *nudge nudge wink wink* going ...And no, there is no *nudge nudge wink wink* going on with this issue. At all.Christopher Hodapphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04201859873755654395noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post-89875162308009036952019-08-31T17:07:13.925-04:002019-08-31T17:07:13.925-04:00Not sure how you could "read the article a li...Not sure how you could "read the article a little more closely" and walk away saying the edict requires "expensive clothing." It does not. It bans shorts, tee shirts, sandals and flip flops. Period.<br /><br />The Prince Hall issue in Georgia is far more complex than a drive-by comment can address. But a grand lodge can and does walk and chew gum at the same time. PHA recognition has been fought over without resolution on either side in that state for 30 years. It has lots of conflicting and moving parts to it. Failure to solve it satisfactorily does not hamstring their GM from doing anything else. <br /><br />The attire question, on the other hand, can be handled with a simple letter or edict.Christopher Hodapphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04201859873755654395noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post-51660838284437479662019-08-31T16:58:27.329-04:002019-08-31T16:58:27.329-04:00In the quite literally REAMS of responses on Faceb...In the quite literally REAMS of responses on Facebook and elsewhere to this tory, there appear numerous angry messages that say variations of this: "I showed up for the meetings, and if my lodge brothers don't like me dressed in shorts and shower shoes, that's too bad. I'll stay home."<br /><br />You see it in about 5% of the responses.<br /><br />Which begs the question: How many Masons were taught "You get out of Masonry what you put into it"? I'd venture a guess that 99.9% have heard that, and have said it a few times. <br /><br />So if the attitude is <i>"I showed up, I had enough pulse to fog a mirror and occupy a seat, I pay my dues, and if you expect anything else outta me, I'll demit!",</i> how much do you suppose he gets out of Masonry?Christopher Hodapphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04201859873755654395noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post-64097327014602300442019-08-31T16:51:02.670-04:002019-08-31T16:51:02.670-04:00There is nothing wrong in showing respect for one&...There is nothing wrong in showing respect for one's lodge by dressing at least in business casual. Heck, in our lodge our officers dress in tuxedos - and it feels good to do so! It shows respect for the Lodge, for the Brethren and for the Great Architect of the Universe who guides us all. <br /><br />Showing up, just to show up, is a slap in the face to those of us who aspire to something higher in our lives.Lgbpophttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08889177284273389138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post-25080541259771565742019-08-31T14:22:07.843-04:002019-08-31T14:22:07.843-04:00The "Unknown" brother who commented at 4...The "Unknown" brother who commented at 4:44pm on the 30th, got it exactly right. One quote: "maybe Masonry isn't producing scenarios worthy of nice dress?"<br />Brothers when we preform degrees for new brothers, it WE don't take it seriously, why should we expect the new brothers to???Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10935079449363574186noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post-48777665128627677382019-08-31T12:07:55.490-04:002019-08-31T12:07:55.490-04:00Wait, I just read the article a little more closel...Wait, I just read the article a little more closely. So the same Grand Lodge that refuses to recognize Prince Hall Masonry and at the same time cracks down on any Lodges that bring in black brothers. And now that Grand Lodge is requiring brothers to wear expensive clothing in Lodge. I wonder if it is just pure coincidence that it is the same state that 60 years ago had literacy tests and poll taxes for voting, to ensure that the right sort of people vote *nudge nudge wink wink*.Michael R.https://nmmasons.org/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post-21642542808356365652019-08-31T12:05:08.524-04:002019-08-31T12:05:08.524-04:00I also work in the trades, on lodge night I endeav...I also work in the trades, on lodge night I endeavour to get home a little early so I can shower and change. Honestly, it is kind of nice to have a reason to wear something other than attic crawling gear. As I was saying to another Brother, on the topic, if someone joins the Craft they know about the dress code; if they don't like it, they can hang out with their buddies in the back alley sipping beer and saying "yup" to their hearts content. The bigger question is, why would they join if they knew about the dress code and did not like it?Heinz Kreutzhttp://www.keepsafesystems.canoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post-61047343689050953582019-08-31T09:13:06.673-04:002019-08-31T09:13:06.673-04:00Freemasonry is an elite organization. Complaining ...Freemasonry is an elite organization. Complaining that an edict from the Grand Master is 'elitist' misunderstands the elite nature of the Fraternity. 47th Problem of Euclidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13764497527575454299noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post-21802135060253563442019-08-31T09:04:56.185-04:002019-08-31T09:04:56.185-04:00I agree, in 35 years of Freemasonry I have witnes...I agree, in 35 years of Freemasonry I have witnessed the dress for lodge deteriorate. I had to send a brother home when he came to lodge to receive his 3rd degree in shorts and flip flops. "Sunday best" shows respect to our gentle craft. Internal not external is a tired excuse, well worn and long overused. Show respect for the organization, the members and our history. Dress appropriately.<br /><br />Joel D Ratliff Sr Proud Virginia Freemasonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02938015886061415938noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post-54763814458042694172019-08-31T03:05:48.538-04:002019-08-31T03:05:48.538-04:00Actually, it is something of a practical problem. ...Actually, it is something of a practical problem. Walmart does not sell suits, so for rural lodges that means driving an hour or more each way and spending a non-insignificant amount of money even for a cheap off-the-rack suit from JC Penneys. For example, there is one formal wear place in Tucumcari. So if they didn't have a particular size, or if a person had a gripe with the store owner, that person would have to drive two hours to Las Vegas, or drive down to Clovis (although I do not think there are any places there that sell suits), or drive a few hours into Texas to find a suit. Or buy online and hope that it fits.Michael R.https://nmmasons.org/noreply@blogger.com