Masonic Cap Badge?

[RadioKen]

I have seen offered in a couple of different places a cap badge made in the fashion of a clan badge (circled belt with buckle at the bottom) with the Masonic square and compasses with the letter "G" set inside. The description for this item associates it with the Grand Lodge of Scotland and the Scottish Rite.

It seems to me that, as a Freemason, it should not be out of order for me to wear this badge. However, I don't want to represent myself as something I'm not: A member of the Grand Lodge of Scotland and/or the Scottish Rite (as it exists in Scotland, anyway). Can anyone shed some light on this for me? Is this badge in any way official regalia for that jurisdiction?

~Ken

[James MacMillan]

If you are, I think the answer would be very evident.

If you are talking about ..THIS ONE.., then any Freemason would be proud to wear it, and would not violate anything. Notice I said "any Freemason would be proud to wear it" - - - I think it would be bad form for a non-mason to wear it.

[RadioKen]

I am a member of Stanfield Lodge #217 in Denton, Grand Lodge of Texas, but the answer was not precisely evident to me because the item's description reads "Finest quality 100% Pewter cap badge with the Scottish rite Masonic crest." [Italics mine.] That made me pause and wonder if perhaps that this particular item was somehow specific to the Scottish Rite as it is organized and conferred in Scotland. If that were the case, then I would certainly not wish to wear it. It occurred to me that perhaps the person who wrote or typed the description wasn't clear on what it is, or was confusing "Scottish Rite" with Scottish Freemasonry in general, but since the item appears on the site for the Grand Lodge of Scotland, I thought that unlikely.

Indeed, as a Mason I would be proud to wear that badge. I just don't want to step on the toes of any of my Scottish brethren.

~Ken

[billmcc]

...That made me pause and wonder if perhaps that this particular item was somehow specific to the Scottish Rite as it is organized and conferred in Scotland.

Brother Ken,

I wondered the same thing about a year ago. So, I emailed the Grand Lodge of Scotland about a year ago and inquired if the GLOS tartan and accessories were intended for Scottish Masons only. The Grand Secretary replied that the tartan and accessories were intended for all Masons.

[James MacMillan]

I am a member of Stanfield Lodge #217 in Denton, Grand Lodge of Texas, but the answer was not precisely evident to me because the item's description reads "Finest quality 100% Pewter cap badge with the Scottish rite Masonic crest." [Italics mine.] That made me pause and wonder if perhaps that this particular item was somehow specific to the Scottish Rite as it is organized and conferred in Scotland. If that were the case, then I would certainly not wish to wear it. It occurred to me that perhaps the person who wrote or typed the description wasn't clear on what it is, or was confusing "Scottish Rite" with Scottish Freemasonry in general, but since the item appears on the site for the Grand Lodge of Scotland, I thought that unlikely.

Indeed, as a Mason I would be proud to wear that badge. I just don't want to step on the toes of any of my Scottish brethren.

~Ken

If I'm telling you something that you already know, please excuse me.

After the three main degrees (Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft and Master Mason) of the blue lodge (The real reason why we call the base Lodge of Craft Masonry the blue Lodge is lost in antiquity) the next thing can be the York Rite or Scottish Rite.

Each further level (not higher, but further) has their own emblem and symbology. A pretty simple emblematic chart can be seen …here... The Square and Compass is used by all Freemasons. Scottish Rite Masons would use the double headed eagle.

[RadioKen]

Brother Ken,

I wondered the same thing about a year ago. So, I emailed the Grand Lodge of Scotland about a year ago and inquired if the GLOS tartan and accessories were intended for Scottish Masons only. The Grand Secretary replied that the tartan and accessories were intended for all Masons.

Thank you, my Brother. That clears some things up, including the next question I was going to ask about the GLoS tartan. I hesitated to contact them directly since Masonic protocol in my jurisdiction requires me to contact other GLs through my own GL's Grand Secretary. I was hoping to avoid having to involve my GL for something so seemingly small and simple.

~Ken

[Pat Bowen]

Trying to do the right thing may save you some embarrassment later. Some folks can be very touchy about the Lodge regalia. Whether it be Scottish Rite, York Rite, or Shriner.
Point in hand.
I was attending the burial service of a Eastern Star Sister. The granddaughter was wearing her grandmothers Eastern Star ring and pendant. The Worthy Grand Matron was there and asked her to remove them because it was in bad taste because she was not a member of the "Order of the Eastern Star". I was embarrassed for the young lady and myself for the rude attitude of the Worthy Matron.
I felt very sad for the young lady, (she didnt understand why), and I thought it was in bad taste for the Grand Matron to have said anything.

May all your travels be rewarding my Brother.

[billmcc]

That clears some things up, including the next question I was going to ask about the GLoS tartan.

I am not fond of the GLOS tartan, but I do like the Freemason's Universal tartan because I think its colors are more suitable for Masons in the US. See it here:
http://www.utahgrandlodge.org/publis...versal-tartan/
and here:
http://www.kilts.com/highlandmasonic.htm

[James MacMillan]

I am not fond of the GLOS tartan, but I do like the Freemason's Universal tartan because I think its colors are more suitable for Masons in the US. See it here:
http://www.utahgrandlodge.org/publis...versal-tartan/
and here:
http://www.kilts.com/highlandmasonic.htm

That's what makes the world go round! One man likes something and another doesn't.

Some people go all gaga over the purple and blue tartans - others like the greens and reds. Here lately I have found myself liking the weathered brown shades of some tartans more and more.

Like most clans who have different tartans to choose from, we as Freemason have at least two tartans to choose from.

Me? I like the Grand Lodge of Scotland tartan.....but not enough to order a tank yet.

[ccga3359]

I am watching this thread closely, I know what you Masons are up to !