[Ashlar521]

I wear my ring most all the time . I have a couple of Lodge polo shirts , a khaki hat with S & C on it and more lapel pins than I care to count . I never wear all at the same time though , if I wear my cap , the shirt and ring are left at home etc; etc; . When I wear a suit I only wear one lapel pin , sometimes two if they are small and tasteful , depending on what meeting/function I am attending .

I have seen Masons with their suit lapels (both lapels) covered in pins . I have seen Masons on the streets wearing masonic rings , shirts , hats and jackets all the same time . And some of the jackets I have seen covered in Masonic symbols are a bit excessive .

So what do you consider tasteful ? What do you consider tacky ? I am proud of being a Mason just as much as the next Mason , but should we show our pride tastefully or do you feel this is a "to each his own" kind of thing ?

[Jason]

I think the only time I wore more then my ring was when I got married. I had a small pin on my suit. Other then that, I do have own any other sort of apparel that is Masonic in nature.

Someone who has a bunch of rings, a hat, shirt, jacket and pins on all at the same time, is a bit much for me. Unless maybe it is a Lodge event. Part of me may be worried about the motivations. If they are shopping, I might wonder if they are hoping to come across a Brother who is a sales person, and looking for a discount.

[KenB]

I also limit what I wear, one lapel pin even though I have a few, I have not bought a ring yet and don't wear hats usually. I have seen Bretheren wearing everything imaginable. My approach is 'subtle but there.'

[Lionheart]

This is interesting and glad someone brought it up. I usually wear my ring and lapel pin(small). I think it depends on the person myself. I think when a young mason joins the fraternity he is excited about being part of such a wonderful group of men and sometimes get's a little carried away, which is okay. The thing that we should always remind ourselves of is its not what you wear or show that makes a Mason but, your actions and the things you do in your everyday dealings that make the Mason. I am proud to be a Mason and encourage every Mason to do what he thinks best fits his personality as long as he remembers that faith, hope, and charity is what the fraternity is all about. I have had many men walk up and ask " are you a Mason/ are you a traveling man?" because they saw my pin or ring. Many of which always asked "How can I be a part of Freemasonry?" or "My grandfather/dad was a mason" so, I am glad I was able to spread or recieve some light. Young men today love the mystery of the craft and helping others and they like to show their pride. Today's Mason is not the Mason of the 50's-70's and if we were more out in the open then more men would want to join. We just need to make sure it's for the right reason's. Go in light my brethren!

[BG_TRBL]

I've seen the gung-ho individuals, I've seen the subdued individuals, I personally normally only wear a ring. I own two jackets with the square and compass, these were given to me by PA Grand lodge when I was the first line signer on 2 individual's during one of their campaigns. Currently the PA grand lodge is offering cast license plates with S&C on it. I know I off base, but that's the apparel that I wear. My Tux has lapel pins on it from the different bodies I belong to, so I suppose that is a bit much.

[Ashlar521]

Originally Posted by BG_TRBL

My Tux has lapel pins on it from the different bodies I belong to, so I suppose that is a bit much.

Nah , I was thinking more in terms of the "older" (being PC) Masons in my area that wear lapel pins up and down both lapels . I think they add 10 lbs. to there suit and tux coats with all the pins and badges .

[removed120209a]

I think it is a to each their own kind of deal. I don't think you can measure Lodge or Masonic pride in any quantifiable method. To some people it may be a way to show how long they have been around or to show their involvement. Each pin may have a personal value to that man beyond it signifying alignment with Masonry. The point in all my rambling is each Brother has their own taste and as long as they aren't handing out what they swore they wouldn't I don't see the harm in it. Masonry is different for each of us as much as each Brother is different than the other. Some Brothers won't even tell anyone they are a Mason to show their dedication of the Fraternity. We are all just different and I think that is why I love my Lodge so much.

[Ashlar521]

That's what I am looking for , discussion and difference of opinions on the subject .

[shooter]

Just another opinion to add to the mix.
Since being raised, and becoming part of the Shrine and SR, I have gotten several pins from the various offices.
Personaaly I wear a small shrine pin on my ball cap, (everyday wear) When going to various dress up functions I have a small pin from each body on my suit jacket, for lodge meetings normally nothing out of the ordinary. (although my rings is ordered and will be everyday wear).
I have been to functions at the Temple and noticed a few of the "older" members that had bling everywhere you could think. I personally thought it to be a bit much, but in line with another earlier comment, each of those pins could be VERY important to the wearer.
So I guess from a nubes point of view, to each his own. Show your pride however you are comfortable.

Hope ya'll have a great Turkey Day...