Lodge Southern Cross #44 AF & AM
Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon

The Dignity of Freemasonry 1

by M.W.Bro. J. J. Miller

The Masonic Order is the most ancient institution in existence. This creates a strong attraction for men and draws them to the Order. There is a desire in men's hearts to be conversant with the history of the past, to be linked up with the wisdom of the past, to study the past in its relation to the present. It is quite natural, then, that the antiquities of Freemasonry should possess a magnetism for the thoughtful and studious mind.

The mystery that pervades Freemasonry has au alluring attraction for many. There are thousands of secret societies to which men ally themselves, but none of them wield the magnetism of Freemasonry to draw and to hold. It is to this mystical power that the greatest attractive influence may be credited. This is proved by the engrossing influence of the ritualistic ceremonial over the ordinary Masonic mind. There are those who look no further than the signs, grips and words - who never give a thought to the rich antiquity, the present dignity of our institution, but who devote a lifetime to the study of the various degrees. They become letter-perfect in the rendition of the work, entirely overlooking the fact that the necessary ceremonial, long established, is not the kernel, but merely the outer shell of Freemasonry - that signs, grips, words, ritual and ceremonial are but used as means to secure an end.

Throughout the history of the Craft there has been a commanding dignity associated with it. The Craft became dignified in the first place by Labour. It was established by Labour, Operative Masonry was Labour. The teachings in the ritual emphasise this fact by telling us that "the heart may conceive, and the head devise in vain, if the hand be not prompt to execute the design." The Craft became dignified by the association of kingly power at the building of King Solomon’s Temple, and since it became a speculative science “monarchs have not considered it derogatory to their dignity to exchange the sceptre for the working tools, to practice our mysteries, even to join in our assemblies.” Thus cradled in an atmosphere of dignity in its operative days, and passing by evolution to a speculative or symbolic science, Freemasonry has never lost its association with all those influences that maintain a characteristic that this article set out to deal.

The Masonic edifice, as constructed today, lends itself to a dignified presentation. Each province, county or district has its own Grand Lodge which is the dignified author of all Masonic legislation, and from whence the affairs of the jurisdiction are ministered. Those who attend Grand Lodge must acknowledge that its official dignity always demands respect. The officers of Grand Lodge are wisely chosen because they are men of the first rank in the community, men of worth, men of dignified bearing. Constituent lodges in their several constituencies, naturally emulate the dignity of Grand Lodge and maintain, to a lesser degree and in subordinate capacity, the same dignity of character.

But some lodges fail lamentably the maintenance of this tradition dignity. They fall to the same category as ordinary benefit societies, and it might even be said that there are benefit societies that maintain a greater dignity than some Masonic lodges.

It is always it comfort and a delight to attend a lodge where an atmosphere of quiet dignity pervades the whole lodge room, where the lodge room is properly and traditionally furnished and equipped, where the ceremonial, rendered with dignity, truly imparts the mystical knowledge, where the dress of the brethren is in keeping with the atmosphere of the place. You rest content, impressed with the antiquity, stirred by the mystical allurements, keenly proud of the dignified appearance of your associates.

On the other hand, one sometimes attends a lodge where one hardly feels at home. There is no real Masonic atmosphere. The antiquity of Freemasonry is nowhere in evidence. The mystical teachings are ignorantly portrayed. The brethren are dressed as they might be dressed to attend a ball game or a lacrosse match. There is no dignified atmosphere, no elevating influence.

The dressing of the lodge and the dressing of the brethren is a tradition that has helped to maintain the strength and the popularity of the institution. Take those Masonic Orders that have rules governing such matters. The power is taken out of the hands of careless and indifferent brethren as to how they shall come to lodge. They cannot say "What is good enough for my Benefit Lodge is good enough for my Masonic Lodge." One Order especially might be mentioned - that of the Knights Templar. A brother cannot attend there in his grey suit, tan shoes and red tie. It is a "uniform" Order, and I have attended no Masonic gathering with a more dignified and elevating atmosphere than that of a Preceptory. The same may be said of the Scottish Rite. There there is a wholesome rule that must be obeyed - that clothing in keeping with the dignity of the Order must be worn.

Craft lodges were better dressed some years ago than they are today. A fallacy prevails that if the officers are dressed properly it does not much matter about the rank and file. But a piebald lodge is irritating and distasteful to the Mason who loves to uphold the traditional dignity of the Craft. I heard a good old Mason once say: “Watch how a brother comes dressed to his lodge and you will be able to judge how much he thinks of his lodge and the Craft.”

Many years ago, I belonged to a lodge in a country district, and, naturally, many of the members of the lodge were farmers. One might think that in a district of this character the town members would perhaps be properly dressed but the farmers not. Believe me, every man Jack of those farmers had his suit case at the hotel, and when they came to town to attend lodge there was no difference between the town brother and the brother off the farm, as far as dress in lodge was concerned. That lodge was good to look upon!

I remembered once initiating a big lump of a farmer over three hundred pounds in weight. I said to him after the meeting:

"George, you won't be able to get a shirt or a suit of clothes to fit you."

"What!" he gasped, "Have I to get into evening dress?"

"You don't have to," I replied, "but if you don't you'll feel the most uncomfortable brother in the lodge."

Sure enough, it was not long before he appeared at lodge in full war paint, and proud he was, after the novelty had worn off – "The tailor," he said, "charged me double price."

That brother hardly ever missed a meeting, although he had twenty miles to drive to lodge, and he always appeared circumspectly dressed. He sleeps today with his fathers, his Masonic apron buried with him, a simple minded farmer, but a brother who in life had had a high estimation of the dignified character of the Masonic Order to which he belonged.

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1 "The Square", R.J. Templeton, editor. p. 15-17

© 2006-2008, Lodge Southern Cross No. 44, BC&Y
Last Updated: 28 Dec, 2007/TMC