Gentleman, Do you keep your being a Mason quite... do you openly tell people... or something in between? I ask as being relatively new to the Masonic world none of my friends know that I am a Mason, spare one. So I am taking advice and understand this is a personal thing but what do you feel is the best policy? Heck some of my friends may be brothers and I would not know.
Openly and proudly where my ring and am proud to explain Masonry to anyone who asks. Most people are highly undereducated on the subject. Strive to be a teacher as well as a learner. Dave
When I was 'young in Masonry,' I didn't make much of it. I was afraid someone would ask me something I didn't know if I could answer, or that they would make some anti-Masonic allegation that I did not know how to counter. In over 30 years, I have become more knowledgeable about my Craft and get genuinely disappointed when I go out in public with a S&C hat and no one says anything about it! S&F
I dont hide it nor do I go to the top of the mountain and proclaim it. I have a S&C on my truck....no ring though...
I have always been very open about my membership. However a brother I work with from another lodge keeps it much quieter. I wouldn't say he hides it from people but certainly doesn't talk as much or as openly as I do. I'm quite sure some people prefer his approach LOL --- I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=53.557841,-113.497889
I wear a ring most every day and sometimes a shirt with the SR double headed eagle or my lodge name on it. I do not hide it but do not push it either. If someone ask, I will give them an honest answer to their questions as best I can.
*Echo* If asked why I'm nice I say I have Lodge, if it devles further I'm happy to go along. I have a ring I wear but with the Gray on Black SC it isn't obvious. I'm more than happy to share but I haven't started putting up billboards.
That's pretty much my situation...except I drive a Versa. I do know of a brother who I met at a York Rite function who, in a round about way, told me that his wife had no idea that he was a Mason and that he wanted to keep it that way.
Family and friends know me to be a Mason. I wear my Lodge ball cap to my grand kids games and to other community events and I have a Masonic license plate. I have often been greeted by other Brother's at these outings and I have been approached by young and old alike with questions which I always welcome. Proud to be Mason!
My post was probably a little unclear DavisB, my wife and kids absolutely know I am a Mason. My family were involved in my interview which was at our home and were part of the decision for me to petition. Plus I don't know how I would explain dressing well/better once a month and returning home in the wee hours. My dilemma is more about those friends that have known me for years before I was a Mason and are close enough to know that I am "up to something" but cannot figure out what it is. Thanks all for your feedback.
IMHO If they question you, I would encourage you to talk with them about Masonry:1-say-yes: ----- you never know one or two of them may just ask to join, then you would be able to call your friends ---- 'Brother'.:1-winking: They may really want to be "up to something" with you.:1-wink-grin:
I wear a ring when not at work, a ballcap with the S&C when at work, my laptop on my toolbox always has different Masonic screensavers and backgrounds, emblem on the back of my car. I definately dont hide it. Especially when I'm normally known for wearing t-shirts and jeans or work clothes all the time and now I'm wearing suits and tuxs every other Monday and other nights when visiting. Most of my friends know I'm a Mason. Most of my customers know I'm a Mason. Everyone I work with know I'm a Mason. I proud of it, and dont hide it at all. Even had 2 of my friends join since.
Squirrel-istic: The suit thing is the hard part of my journey. I work in big-box retail aka THD, Wearing good clothes to work is just not a good option. So I've taken to wearing better pants and shirts & then adding a jacket and tie after work. Now that I am an officer I am going to have to rethink this. Will probably just change clothes at work.
I faced the same challenge although my casual attire is not because my clothes are in any danger at work. I wore my suit pants and dress shirt to work until I spilled razberry salad dressing on a white shirt one time. Then when I became a officer, I ducked into a conference room on my way out of the office and put on my tux. The ladies in accounting thought I cleaned up nice Some of the guys change at the lodge, too. Do whatever works.
Most people who know me know me to be a Mason. Those who don't, well they just don't know me very well yet. I am proud to be a Mason and I proudly wear my ring daily. I even have the Ohio Freemason license plates on my car :1-wink-grin:
