Freemasonry
What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is the largest and most Honourable fraternity in the world. We believe through INTEGRITY, FRIENDSHIP, RESPECT, and SERVICE we can help Good men to help others.
Why do our members join?
People join for a variety of reasons whether it is to make new friends, learn new skills, an interest in history or to socialise with like mind people. Whatever the reason, we all stay members because of the camaraderie, friendship and mentoring support.
Have you been thinking of joining Freemasonry? We’re ready for you.
Freemasonry brings together an incredibly diverse range of individuals who wish to develop themselves, become better people, build lifelong friendships and play a more active and positive role in our communities and wider society.
On a journey based on centuries old traditions, we are encouraged to live by our core values of Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Charity in our private and public lives.
The Meaning of the Freemason’s Apron
Today, the Masonic apron is perhaps the greatest symbol of Masonic tradition and history. The early Freemasons adopted the tools and traditions of stonemasons, among them the protective aprons, to represent a Freemason’s labor of building their lives at spiritual temples. It also serves as a symbolic connection to the operative Masons from which our fraternity arose and is a visual emblem of membership.
The unadorned white apron an Entered Apprentice receives after completing the first degree represents innocence and upright conduct. It is symbolic of the purity and innocence men are expected to pursue in life as a Freemason. Albert Mackey, the famous Masonic historian who wrote of the apron in the Encyclopedia of Freemasonry remarked that it is the first symbol explained to a new Brother and the first evidence of his commitment to the Fraternity.
Above all else, a Freemason’s apron represents his pride and commitment to the Craft and brethren.
What are the Types of Masonic Aprons?
When you join a Lodge and complete the first degree, you become an ‘Entered Apprentice’ and receive your first apron which is made of plain white lambskin. As a member completes the remaining two degrees, some jurisdictions add decorations of light blue and silver to the apron. For those brethren that take on more senior roles in lodge, join appendant Masonic bodies and serve those, the colors and decorations become even more ornate.
Within Blue Lodge Freemasonry, there are many different aprons depending on your station in the Lodge. As mentioned above, there can be aprons for an Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason. But there are many beyond that, including ones for Lodge Officers and Masters, the different members of the Grand Lodge, District Deputy Grand Masters, and District Education Officers.
Beyond the Blue Lodge, there are unique aprons that are special to the appendant Masonic bodies, including the Scottish Rite and York Rite. All these apron types are beautiful and meaningful in their own way, representing significant accomplishments and special acts of service to the craft. Every Freemason takes part in the three degrees and wears those first three patterns of apron. It is a bonding point amongst Masons that we all must begin from the same place and work our way up through the fraternity.
Interested in becoming a mason?
Frequently Asked Questions
Please follow this link: https://www.ugle.org.uk/about-freemasonry/frequently-asked-questions
UGLE Learning & Development Portal Solomon https://solomon.ugle.org.uk
