For Ontario Freemasons

[Father Bill]

I have just spoken to my district secretary and he has heard nothing about not wearing a kilt in lodge. Bill I completely understand I may have to reconsider membership in certain lodges.

Well, you're in Quebec, so it's a different constitution. I'm still waiting to see what the final resolution and confirmation is of all this. Our District communications officer has heard nothing, and is tracking it down. I've also sent an "E" to our District Deputy.

We'll find out!

[Hiram]

I am a member in Ontario under the GLCPOO. Eastern District. I live in Quebec about 30 km from the border.

[Hiram]

As WM of St John's 21a GRC, I wore my kilt 8/10 meetings last year.

[Father Bill]

I am a member in Ontario under the GLCPOO. Eastern District. I live in Quebec about 30 km from the border.

As WM of St John's 21a GRC, I wore my kilt 8/10 meetings last year.

Aha! ...and good for you. I have my friends scrambling around on this. I don't think it's ever an error to confirm details and specific wordings.

Bill

[Hiram]

I have found a copy of the November 2011 DDGM Communique.
Here's the link:http://www.district2.ottawamasons.ca...Communique.pdf

[Father Bill]

Addendum: the reason given is that kilted attire is not:
1) a business suit
2) a tuxedo
3) a tailed, white tie tuxedo


Therefore dies not meet the dress code outlined in the book of constitution.

Jay, help me out here. I'm sitting with the Book of Constitution on my desk in front of me and trying to find that. What section is it in, please?

[Father Bill]

I have found a copy of the November 2011 DDGM Communique.
Here's the link:http://www.district2.ottawamasons.ca...Communique.pdf

Okay . . . and where is the discussion in question here? I don't see it mentioned in any way.

[Hiram]

Exactly it does not mention anywhere, anything of attire in lodge. I have also found that Toronto East District publishes all DDGM Communiques on their website. I have browsed through all Communique going back to March of this year and nothing is mentioned of Attire.

[Hiram]

I apologize Bill, I should have clarified when posting the link that there was no mention of the issue in question.

[Father Bill]

Okay... now it's time to calm down. (Me too! )


Apparently, one particular District Deputy Grand Master asked the Grand Secretary, not the Grand Master, for advice. What came back was directed to only that District Deputy, and was not a general missive to the entire Grand Lodge. The Grand Secretary's personal interpretation is that the wearing of kilts in lodge is usually only acceptable at designated social events and that the lodge summons of each lodge indicates the dress code for a specific meeting and shall be adhered to, usually: ‘Members Business Suit, Officers Tuxedo’

The Grand Secretary also pointed out that our Masonic Manual, pages 39 – 43 addresses the issue of Dress. The Manual is not prescriptive, but a guideline and is not in the Book of Constitution. The Manual (whose subtitle is "Guidelines for Freemasonry" (not regulations) - emphasis mine) describes the types of dress and then goes on to identify when it is appropriate to wear those different types of dress. It does not, however mention either the word "kilt" or the word "trousers" at any time.

What it does say is that "Business dress is usually . . . . " (again, emphasis mine). The word "usually" leaves a lot to be interpreted in my Old English Teacher brain. It also says that "Semi-formal dress is the traditional black tuxedo suit with . . . ." Again, there is no mention of trousers or kilts. I would personally suggest that the word "suit" could indeed include a kilt, although that is not addressed in the manual. "Morning Suit" is defined. I'm not an expert and would not suggest a kilted alternative, although others on this forum have done so elsewhere. "Formal dress" is described, but it says nothing whatever about kilts or pants being the preferred lower body garment for that order of dress.

The "Manual" further states, "Guidelines on masonic protocol and etiquette are necessary to produce order and dignity and should be viewed as desirable objectives. Some areas of our jurisdiction have customs and procedures that are traditional and there is no attempt here to change or curtail them. ... Ordinary common sense should be used in all cases to avoid unnecessary embarassment. (p. 40)

It has been stated that certainly, special occasions such as; Burn’s night or evenings when a social occasion follows a meeting that kilts are appropriate, is permissible.

The Grand and District Pipers by virtue of their office wear kilts when acting in that capacity.

On page 44 of the manual, it states: "Dress can be a problem. The suggestions (once again emphasis mine) given above are to be used as a general guide to the correct dress for certain members on particular occasions. It must be remembered that protocol in Masonry is not designed to make members feel uncomfortable or embarassed. If a present Grand Lodge officer decides to wear semi-formal dress at a meeting that calls for formal dress, he will not have slighted protocol. He would be welcomed in just the same manner as anyone else. Protocol and etiquette in Masonry go beyond dress and become a matter of personal good taste within the limits of a few general guidelines. Far be it from protocol to make a member decide that he would rather absent himself from a meeting than be improperly attired."

It does go on from there in a similar vein. Anyone who desperately wants a copy should PM me, and I'll gladly send it on.


Jay - relax, and wear your kilt. The Past Grand Chaplain (me!) gives his blessing, and will do the same, and although I have no authority, methinks a blessing means a lot!

All the best to you and all,

Reverend Father Bill White,
Right Worshipful Past Grand Chaplain,
The Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario