A Mason???

[M. A. C. Newsome]

People associate the beginnings of Freemasonry with the formation of the Grand Lodge of England, 24 June 1717. A Mason can tell you that this merely marked the beginning of what is known as the Modern Era of Freemasonry, as we know Freemasonry is much older than that.

Mike, you are right, of course -- I was referring to the modern form of Freemasonry as that's what most people mean when they use that term. It's origins lie in the actual working masonic guilds and confraternities of Medieval Europe. (This is where all those cathedrals "built by masons" come from). Sometime after the Reformation the guilds began to accept membership by "honorary" masons -- i.e. people who were not actually stone masons. As time passed on, these honorary masons outnumbered actual working masons and thus you have the beginning of speculative masonry, which is were the modern form of Freemasonry gets its beginnings. The first such Grand Lodge, as you said, was in London in 1717.

But my main point was just to say that Freemasonry is not particularly Scottish -- in other words, it's not something that is unique to Scotland, or intrinsic to Scottish culture. Yes, Freemasonry exists in Scotland, there were some famous buildings in Scotland built by masons, and some famous Scottish people who were masons -- but even moreso in England and America. And you can say the same thing about France and Spain, and Italy, and Canada and on and on.....

Like I said in my first post, I meet people sometime (sometimes Masons but mostly non-Masons) who automatically associate Freemasonry with things Scottish as if the two necessarily go hand-in-hand. I simply wanted to dispell that.

[Jimmy the Celt]

This is a fascinating thread. My greatfather is a Freemason, and I have developed an interest in Masonry.

My first thought was that they had indeed confused the kilt with the Mason's apron, but there are those who have heard of the Scottish Rite and inevitably connect Scotch heritage with Freemasonry. Also, I have seen lodge members dressed in very fine kilt outfits, with the square-and-compass symbol on sporrans, kilt pins, etc. So I can see why some people would make that connection.

Thanks for starting such a fascinating discussion, Rex

~James

[Monkey@Arms]

If any member of the Scottish Rite felt he was supposed to wear a kilt to any Scottish Rite function, he must have slept through his degree work.

As a 32° member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Indianapolis, I am afforded no special treatment when I sit in my Masonic Lodge, as a Masonic Lodge does not recognize the appendant degrees. My Lodge allows me to wear symbols identifying myself as a Past Master, but Scottish Rite regalia is not allowed.

Non-Masons speculating about Freemasonry is as edifying as men speculating about birthing a child. There's little more than guess-work involved.

That's all well and good, but you really didn't say anything that sheds light on Rex's original query which was: "is there any reason why someone would think that the kilt is at all indicative of a Mason?"

Best regards,

Jake

[Frank McGrath]

For the most informative book on Freemansonry, Read the Idiot's guide to Freemasonry. It will answer most all questions. I am a Master Mason. I have worn my kilt to lodge several times. There is even a group of masons in New Jersey that do degree work (read the book) in kilts and PC's. I have a masonic kilt pin, hose and sporran. But I can no longer wear my kilt to lodge. I am the lodge chaplain, and must wear a tux until I get a PC. If any one wants to know more about Freemasonry, look up your State's Grand lodge on the internet. There are links for those interested in joining. It really is an honorable organization, and we are not plotting the overthrow of the Govt. Become a Mason. You might even have some fun.

[AnimalK]

Greetings, Brother Frank!!

I too, am a Master Mason, Grapevine #288 AF&AM. Our Junior Steward has worn his Bluebonnet Plaid, his Gunn Modern, etc with the Masonic buckle, etc to lodge. Until I received my trads, I wore my UK on occasion (I am Senior Steward---TUMS are provided free of charge).

IIRC, the Grand Lodge of Texas has adopted the Bluebonnet as its "official" tartan and I may get one myself.

[Mike1]

"is there any reason why someone would think that the kilt is at all indicative of a Mason?"

It's only a guess, but these hens may have seen a man they knew to be a Mason in a kilt.

I would have to say, judging by the reaction of the members of my own Lodge, that no other Mason had worn a kilt to a meeting before me. So I have no idea of why anyone would relate kilt-wearing to membership in a Masonic Lodge. To date, I have only seen one kilt-wearing Mason and he was in the mirror, looking back at me.

[Rex_Tremende]

It's only a guess, but these hens may have seen a man they knew to be a Mason in a kilt. [...] To date, I have only seen one kilt-wearing Mason and he was in the mirror, looking back at me.

Well, now that you mention it, the McDonald's in question was situated somewhere in your quadrant of the state off of I-65.

R.

[andyfg]

Interesting thread at this time for me. My father-in-law was a master mason (Empire Lodge, Salford, UK). He died just two years ago, November 17. He died suddenly after a lodge meeting (still at the lodge). By all accounts he was very happy that evening, having had dinner with his best friend. They had joined the masons together about 40 years before. Funny how this thread came up just when we were thinking about him. (Didn't want to make the thread morbid.)

[T90 Tim]

Great to see fellow brothers post up... my gratitude goes out to all you long time Masons, you've helped lay the foundation for us noobs.

Tenino #86 (WA state) checking in....

I've been a Mason for a year now and have visited a few of the other lodges around me and have yet to wear pants in the lodge (well except...). It seems that whenever I meet new Masons, they've already heard about "the guy who always wears a kilt".

[katmills2005]

I've never associated a kilt with the Masons. My brother and step father are both Masons. Like a few others that have posted, I wonder if the women associated your kilt for the Masonic Apron.

It boils down to lack of education and ignorance. This is something that, over time, can be remedied. I choose to educate my children in a fashion that is not exactly orthodox. I'm often asked why do I take them to Scottish festivals, SCA events, Folk music festivals and other such events. I do this for a lot of reasons, most of all I want them to have an appreciation for things they see, hear and learn at these events. If more people were willing to broaden their horizons and explore the world around them, learn from history, and cherish dieing arts, then I think the world would also be more tolerant and understanding.