It is the internal and not the external
qualifications of man that Masonry regards…
That phrase is intended to be a leveler, to say that Freemasonry regards no man for his wealth or goods but for his internal qualities, his morality, his integrity, his dignity, his sense of justice; qualities that can exist in an unemployed day laborer and the highest paid CEO in equal measure.
Unfortunately, what it has become is an excuse. Apologia for slovenliness borne of the cursed notion that jeans, t-shirts and sneakers are appropriate attire for attendance at a gentleman’s organization, the odd idea that no one, not even you, should care how you look.
Freemasonry is not intended to be a lowest common denominator group. It is a society of gentlemen created for our mutual encouragement and uplift, to become better. If you are of the opinion that the lodge should simply be happy you show up in whatever you happen to be wearing, this blog won’t be for you. If, however, you want to raise your game, if you want to look and act the part of a Gentleman Mason, I invite your active participation.
The point of The Gentleman Mason is that to make good men better requires several skills that are not taught within the lodge proper. Perhaps our founders simply assumed that gentlemen would come to us already equipped with this knowledge, and perhaps in previous eras this was the case. However, in this coarse age we can not make that assumption. The idea that this is proper and that is not may seem anachronistic in this “anything goes” culture, but our Society can restore those values. Perhaps not for the world at large, but in ourselves. If we accomplish only that it is a victory.
The Gentleman Mason forum at The Masonic Society message board says that’s where we discuss style, manners, culture, and choosing the proper cigar and brandy. I don’t claim to be expert in all those areas, certainly not in cigars or brandy, but I do have some knowledge in the sartorial arts, what is appropriate (and not) as well as the whens and whys. Hopefully we’ll be able to attract some gentlemen who can better speak to the selection of fine cigars and adult beverages than I am able, and that we’ll be able to learn from one another in regard to the gentlemanly arts in which we are uniquely well grounded.
The Gentleman Mason isn’t just about wearing the right clothes, it’s about the right way for a gentleman to do, well, most anything. Anyone can be average. The Gentleman Mason will never settle for average.
Ronald D. Martin
on July 17th, 2009
Good luck in this gentlemanly undertaking!
Randy Williams
on July 19th, 2009
Excellent post, Jeff. I will be following along with interest.
Jeff Naylor
on July 19th, 2009
I do appreciate everyone’s encouragement!
Dan Ellnor
on July 20th, 2009
Well let me add to the accolades and offer up a introductory cocktail for the discerning taste. One of my own fashioning so far to my knowledge.
I call it Twilight because of the gentle purple color and light sweet taste.
1 Jigger of citrus Vodka
1 jigger of triple sec
1/2 jigger of sweet and sour mix
1 Jigger of pomegranate and blueberry juice
Place all ingredients with crushed ice in a shaker. shake thoroughly. Strain into a well chilled double martini or cocktail glass. Enjoy!
the lemon vodka and sour mix adds a nice tart finish to this smooth sipping cocktail. The ladies will love it but take care for it goes down very smoothly. The pomegranate is a wonderful digestive and balances the alcohol’s affect on your blood sugar.
Chaplin
on July 21st, 2009
Wish I’d thought of it first! Excellent start, Brother!
Tom Accuosti
on July 25th, 2009
Well, this should be interesting.
Friendship 33 is one of those suburban lodges in which many people do come directly from work, so we have a mix of suits, blazers, golf shirts, and hospital scrubs. All the more interesting because our officers always dress in “tuxedo” for stated communications.
Added this to my feed reader.