On Wearing The Ring

[DavisB]

You don't need GL approval here for any ring design as well. Or a Lodge's regalia for that matter. There is no standardization here in Wisconsinwhich allows each Lodge to have it's own character.

I've seen as many ring designs as I've seen Masons. There really is no prohibition in many jurisdictions about EA's and FC's wearing a ring merely custom. Since here in America a Mason usually spends a realtively short period as an EA and FC.

In my lodge, about two weeks after my first, I attended another EA and one of the brothers who was to be initiated was wearing a S&C pin. He was asked to take it off because he had not yet earned the honor. Following the degree, one of the brothers was giving a quick practical education talk about some of the workings of the lodge, that if not explained would be confusing to a new brother, and he mentioned the pin and told all of the new EA's (there were around 6 of us present) that we were not authorized to wear the S&C until we were raised. The brother in question is PGM of Tenn. so I assume that he was giving the official view of the Grand Lodge.

Not at all. But try and look at it this way: You are a Master Mason. Wear the ring. Let others see it. Use the fact that others expect you to be a Master Mason force you to live up to it every day. Do priests walk into porn shops with their collar? LOL wearing the ring is a constant reminder to live up to the ideals we know are right. Always. I may miss the mark sometimes, but I have a constant reminder of the right.

Excellently put. That is how I choose to view it. It serves as I reminder to constantly be looking for the superfluities and vices so that I may make myself a more perfect ashlar. All the better for building.

 

[Winter]

The honest reason that most EA's and FC's cannot wear the pin or ring is because very few makers produce pins and rings in the EA style with the points in the correct position for those degrees. And a Brother cannot wear the symbol of a degree he has not attained.

Either an EA is a Mason or he isn't. Albeit one who is a neophyte. But a Mason nontheless.

Some jurisdictions may actually have the wearing of the S&C regulated for MM only but I honestly do not know this. Can any Brothers here cite reference?

 

[DavisB]

The honest reason that most EA's and FC's cannot wear the pin or ring is because very few makers produce pins and rings in the EA style with the points in the correct position for those degrees. And a Brother cannot wear the symbol of a degree he has not attained

I would think that is what the actual "rule" would be. But as far as I know, it may be no S&C in any position for EAs and FCs in Tenn.

 

[BukeyeJackson]

The honest reason that most EA's and FC's cannot wear the pin or ring is because very few makers produce pins and rings in the EA style with the points in the correct position for those degrees. And a Brother cannot wear the symbol of a degree he has not attained.

Either an EA is a Mason or he isn't. Albeit one who is a neophyte. But a Mason nontheless.

Some jurisdictions may actually have the wearing of the S&C regulated for MM only but I honestly do not know this. Can any Brothers here cite reference?

I would think that is what the actual "rule" would be. But as far as I know, it may be no S&C in any position for EAs and FCs in Tenn.

Our current WM presented a FC ring (S&C points correct) to our SD for his completion of the lecture. He did inform him the if he had a son later he could present it to him upon the completion of the degree work or to another close brother of his choosing.

 

[Winter]

I would think that is what the actual "rule" would be. But as far as I know, it may be no S&C in any position for EAs and FCs in Tenn.

While I know for a fact that many States have laws on the books today that make it a criminal offense for any person to manufacture or wear a Masonic emblem who is not entitled to it, I have yet to find a Masonic jurisdiction that has codified or legislated the wearing of the S&C by EA's and FC's. (The emblem being in the proper order)

I am not saying it does not exist, only that I have been asking if any Brothers can supply evidence of this.

My point is, if a Brother is an Aprentice and has been initiated in the Order as a Brother Freemason, why can he not wear the mark of an initiate. He can wear the Lambskin in open Lodge, a badge far more powerful and symbolic of his status in the Order. But we can't trust him with a piece of swag?

 

[BukeyeJackson]

Maybe it's intended that he make his way through the degrees to earn the right. How many EAs in my two years have not returned nor returned communication attempts?

That being said around here the pins, badges, coffee mugs, bumber stickers an so forth make me want to start a flair sash.

 

[Duncan1574]

Maybe it's intended that he make his way through the degrees to earn the right. How many EAs in my two years have not returned nor returned communication attempts?

That being said around here the pins, badges, coffee mugs, bumber stickers an so forth make me want to start a flair sash.

You ONLY 15 pieces of flair (love Office Space)

 

[Gary]

A side note...

A couple of different discussions have been going on about the "ring".

Today, a Brother unknowingly guided me to purchase a "Working Man's" Tungsten/steel ring today.

I put it on proudly, with the compasses pointed toward me. Master Masons will recognize the reason for that.

It won't be the last ring I buy, but this one certainly has significance to what it is I'm doing (read work) and to who I am today as a Mason. It will be a guide to where I'm going also.

"They call me the Working Man, I guess that's what I am..."

 

[removed12612]

A couple of different discussions have been going on about the "ring".

Today, a Brother unknowingly guided me to purchase a "Working Man's" Tungsten/steel ring today.

I put it on proudly, with the compasses pointed toward me. Master Masons will recognize the reason for that.

It won't be the last ring I buy, but this one certainly has significance to what it is I'm doing (read work) and to who I am today as a Mason. It will be a guide to where I'm going also.

"They call me the Working Man, I guess that's what I am..."

NICE.....I had thought about trying to work this into a post...OUTSTANDING

 

[jomo3640]

While I know for a fact that many States have laws on the books today that make it a criminal offense for any person to manufacture or wear a Masonic emblem who is not entitled to it, I have yet to find a Masonic jurisdiction that has codified or legislated the wearing of the S&C by EA's and FC's. (The emblem being in the proper order)

I am not saying it does not exist, only that I have been asking if any Brothers can supply evidence of this.

My point is, if a Brother is an Aprentice and has been initiated in the Order as a Brother Freemason, why can he not wear the mark of an initiate. He can wear the Lambskin in open Lodge, a badge far more powerful and symbolic of his status in the Order. But we can't trust him with a piece of swag?

In Illinois, in order to purchase Master Mason plates, your application must be signed by the Grand Secretary, of the Grand Lodge of Illinois

 

[thebrianmo]

In Illinois, in order to purchase Master Mason plates, your application must be signed by the Grand Secretary, of the Grand Lodge of Illinois

In Ohio; I simply went to the BMV when it was time to renew my registration and told them I wanted the Freemason Plate. I only had to provide them with what Lodge I am a member of and they processed my paperwork and in about 10 days I had my new plates.

 

[Duncan1574]

In Ohio; I simply went to the BMV when it was time to renew my registration and told them I wanted the Freemason Plate. I only had to provide them with what Lodge I am a member of and they processed my paperwork and in about 10 days I had my new plates.

Too bad you couldn't get 'EIEIOO'

I opted for a license plate frame.

 

[removed12612]

If it wasnt taken, you could. I have a friend that has a vanity mason plate

 

[Ashlar2006]

I prefer my "Gulf War Veteran" USMC state license plate . I am proud to be a Marine but the biggest selling point , they are only $5 .

 

[removed12612]

I prefer my "Gulf War Veteran" USMC state license plate . I am proud to be a Marine but the biggest selling point , they are only $5 .

MUST be nice.....$100 last time I renewed.....cost for tags in IN ar based on the value of your car if the vehicle is under ten yrs old.....then its a flat rate... vanity tags are extra on top of the regular fees....

 

[Ashlar2006]

Most all tags are over $30 . I believe the Masonic tag is around $35 , I am not sure if that is correct as I have never been interested in getting one . I was going to get a Kentucky Colonel plate , but they are around $50 to $60 ( prices could have changed since I last asked) .

The $5 for the Veterans tag is by far the cheapest they have . You must provide a DD214 and have been honorably discharged ( or currently serving) .

 

[FamilyMan]

In Ohio; I simply went to the BMV when it was time to renew my registration and told them I wanted the Freemason Plate. I only had to provide them with what Lodge I am a member of and they processed my paperwork and in about 10 days I had my new plates.

Wow. They've really upped the security on plates in Ohio. <eyeroll> When I got mine they didn't ask a single question. Didn't even want to see a dues card or know what lodge, or even ask if I was actually a Mason. Now they hang in my shed with my other old plates, since I can't get a WV Masonic plate without belonging to a lodge in WV.

 

[Ashlar2006]

In Ky they ask for a dues card .

 

[removed12612]

In IN, you have to fill out a for and the Sec signs it ( to the best of my knowledge...dont have a masonic plate...too much $$$)...the Lodge has to be listed because we get points in our LOI for having masonic tags and I believe the individual Lodges gets some $$ back from GL....I looked into getting a tag and would have cost me almost $150....a Brother in my lodge just bought a new F250....his tag close to $350

 

[DavisB]

In TN a Masonic plate is $56.50 anually. Or 5 character personalized for 96.50.