Ashlar2006
Masonic Mafia
On the heels of the latest dress code thread I have an observation I would like to make .....
As many long time members know , at one time I was anti-dress code , and I had my say concerning this topic . I have since changed my tune after sitting back and looking over the various lodges in my area .
In my second lodge , there was a time that all wore suits and tuxes to lodge , I like to go through all the old officers pictures from the early 1900's right up into the early 70's and these men were dressed to the nines , then they just got lazy . And when they got lazy , they started getting a little too loose in the lodge . Officers and members did not take it as serious . Attending lodge became "what the heck , it's something to do !" .
A member walked up to me after my second meeting this year and commented on the dress code and the change in my officers and what goes on on the sidelines . He stated that in just two meetings he can see a difference , the officers take it more serious and all the clowning around has ceased . I do not mind having a good time in lodge , if something is funny then I am going to laugh . But , an entire meeting should not be happy hour at the local watering hole .
If you are going to take the time to dress the part , you are going to act the part . And it shows in my officers . It seems that they are taking more pride in their duties , visitors and sideline members are impressed . I even have a couple of Past Masters who either wear suits or bring one with them in case I need them to fill in a chair because I told all my officers that if you show up in street clothes , I will replace you with a member on the sidelines in a suit . Heck , even some of the sideliners are starting to wear suits to lodge .
As many long time members know , at one time I was anti-dress code , and I had my say concerning this topic . I have since changed my tune after sitting back and looking over the various lodges in my area .
In my second lodge , there was a time that all wore suits and tuxes to lodge , I like to go through all the old officers pictures from the early 1900's right up into the early 70's and these men were dressed to the nines , then they just got lazy . And when they got lazy , they started getting a little too loose in the lodge . Officers and members did not take it as serious . Attending lodge became "what the heck , it's something to do !" .
A member walked up to me after my second meeting this year and commented on the dress code and the change in my officers and what goes on on the sidelines . He stated that in just two meetings he can see a difference , the officers take it more serious and all the clowning around has ceased . I do not mind having a good time in lodge , if something is funny then I am going to laugh . But , an entire meeting should not be happy hour at the local watering hole .
If you are going to take the time to dress the part , you are going to act the part . And it shows in my officers . It seems that they are taking more pride in their duties , visitors and sideline members are impressed . I even have a couple of Past Masters who either wear suits or bring one with them in case I need them to fill in a chair because I told all my officers that if you show up in street clothes , I will replace you with a member on the sidelines in a suit . Heck , even some of the sideliners are starting to wear suits to lodge .
