Misinformation - The Presentation Apron

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

RW Robert H. Johnson

"It's for when you die, Brother. They put it in or over your coffin, so make sure your family knows where it is." This is one of the biggest misconceptions affecting our blue lodge members nation wide. Every time I am attending a Master Mason Degree, (and occasionally an EA degree) when the candidate is given or presented his apron, he is told after the meeting that he should keep it safe and not wear it because its for his death.

This just isn't true! In Illinois anyway, if the entire lecture is given when presented, we tell that candidate, that it is " ...yours to wear throughout an honorable life." That means, you should wear it! I've mentioned this on more than one occasion and sometimes I get this retort, "But RJ, We're told to keep it unspotted from the world." Well, I'm sorry, that's not what that means. What that means, is to make sure to keep your life morally correct in the eyes of those who know you're a Freemason, less you tarnish the brand.

Bottom line Brothers, is that the apron you are given in lodge is definitely okay for you to wear, to any meeting you want, anytime. Of course if you consciously want to keep that apron saved, that's your decision, but let's start to correct this misconception now. Take pride and wear that awesome white leather apron at your next meeting.

I'm sure this may stir up some contention, not unlike the undying "Points In or Points Out", but unlike that debate, this one is not up for debate, it's right there in ritual (Illinois Preston Webb).

See you all in lodge, Brothers!

~RHJ

RWB, Robert Johnson is the Managing Editor of the Midnight Freemasons blog. He is a Freemason out of the 1st N.E. District of Illinois. He currently serves as the Secretary of Waukegan Lodge No. 78 where he is a Past Master. He also serves as the District Deputy for the 1st N.E. District of Illinois. Brother Johnson currently produces and hosts weekly Podcasts (internet radio programs) Whence Came You? & Masonic Radio Theatre which focus on topics relating to Freemasonry. He is also a co-host of The Masonic Roundtable, a Masonic talk show. He is a husband and father of four, works full time in the executive medical industry and is also an avid home brewer. He is currently working on a book of Masonic essays and one on Occult Anatomy to be released soon.