The New Master Mason Starter Kit

In most jurisdictions, your lodge presents you with your first plain white lambskin Master Mason apron at your raising. Many Brothers keep this their entire Masonic life — it is the badge of a Mason and, traditionally, is buried with them. Some Brothers choose to upgrade to a more durable embroidered apron for everyday lodge wear, keeping the lambskin for special occasions and burial. Check with your Worshipful Master what your jurisdiction allows.

Wearing your ring is a daily reminder of your obligations and a quiet signal to other Brothers. Convention varies: some wear the square pointing inward (a reminder to themselves), others point it outward (a signal to others). There is no universal rule — pick what feels right to you. Sterling silver or 10K/14K gold are most common; tungsten and stainless steel have become popular for working men. Avoid overly ornate designs early on — a clean square-and-compass ring ages well.

The work doesn't stop at your raising — it begins. Mackey's Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma (Scottish Rite), and Carl Claudy's Old Tiler Talks are foundational. Your Grand Lodge will also publish a monitor or "cipher" for your jurisdiction — get a copy and study the ritual you were just given. If you intend to give the lectures yourself one day, start memorizing now while it's fresh.

Many Brothers carry a personal challenge coin — often gifted by a mentor at the raising, or purchased to commemorate the date. Coins are also exchanged when Brothers meet for the first time, and many lodges produce them for major events. Your first coin is special: pick one with a meaningful symbol (your lodge number, raising date, or a degree-specific design). A coin in your pocket is a quiet way to keep the work with you when you can't wear your ring.

Lodge dress codes vary by jurisdiction. Some require formal wear (dark suit, white shirt, black tie) for all stated meetings. Others permit lodge polos or jackets. Either way, you'll want something more dignified than street clothes — Masonry is a respectful place. Many lodges have their own custom apparel for officers and members. If yours doesn't, a sharp Masonic polo or jacket is a quiet way to show your affiliation outside lodge.

Your dues card proves you are a Mason in good standing — keep it on you. Many Grand Lodges issue a physical card annually; some now issue digital versions. Either way, you'll need it to visit other lodges, attend degrees as a guest, and verify membership at appendant bodies. Keep a record of your degree dates (EA, FC, MM), your Worshipful Master, and your Lodge Secretary — you'll need these for any petition to other Masonic bodies (Scottish Rite, York Rite, Shrine).

This isn't something you buy — and it's the most important one. Every new Mason should have a more experienced Brother they can call with questions, sit beside at meetings, and learn the ritual from. Often this is your sponsor; sometimes it's an officer who takes interest. If you don't have one, ask your Worshipful Master to assign you a mentor formally. The work transmits Brother-to-Brother — that's the entire point. A book teaches words; a mentor teaches meaning.