PRESENTATION OF PAST MASTER’S APRON AND JEWEL
Presenter: Brother Marshal, please escort
Worshipful Brother ________________________, and his lady,
Sister __________________________, to the East.
Worshipful Brother ________________________, you, along with all the other Past
Masters of this lodge, have been a great source of inspiration of the Brethren of
____________________ Lodge No. _____ to carry out the work of Masonry as
Master of this Worshipful Lodge.
No Master is chosen by his seniority, but is elected by his merit. As in all earthly
endeavors, there is a phrase that most uniquely applies to those who have earned a
position of leadership. "From the ranks you arose, and to the ranks you shall return."
Worshipful Brother ________________________, you will now be returning to join
the elite company of those brethren who have distinguished themselves by serving
their respective Lodges as its Master, and now proudly wear the title PAST
MASTER.
(If Past Master's Diploma is available; if not, skip the below sentence.)
I now have the pleasure of presenting you with your Past Master's Diploma.
You have suffered the trials and tribulations of leading a Lodge, and as in all
endeavors, at each point you learned something that would prepare you for the
future; be it in Masonry, or in life itself.
As you progressed through the line of officers, it prepared you for many things, and
often, one is not fully prepared to be the Master of a Lodge until he has served as
Master of a Lodge. Though your year as Master may have been short compared to
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the calendar of time, the designs, which you laid down on the trestle board during
your term will inspire and bear fruit for many years to come.
Your experiences of having served as the Master of a Lodge has prepared you for a
greater service to mankind and to Masonry. You may, and will, be called upon by
any of the future Masters of this Lodge to aid and assist in perpetuating the ideals
and traditions of Masonry; practicing and teaching in all stations in life those
excellent tenets of our institution: Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.
(Presentation of Past Master’s Apron)
Worshipful Brother ________________________, at your initiation into this
fraternity you were presented with a white leathern apron and were taught that it is
an emblem of innocence and the badge of a Mason. As you progressed through the
various stages of the Craft, you were instructed how to wear your apron as our
ancient Brethren wore theirs. Finally, when you were raised to the Sublime Degree
of Master Mason, you were presented with your own white leathern apron and were
admonished to live so that no act of yours might stain its spotless purity.
After years of toil in the quarries of Masonry, wherein you did preserve its spotless
purity, you have advanced through the chairs and, because our Lodge held you in
high esteem, you were duly elected and installed Worshipful Master of this Lodge.
No one but a Past Master has a full conception of the hours spent and the sacrifices
made on behalf of the interest of the Craft.
It is therefore fitting, and with sincere appreciation and gratitude of those sacrifices
made and in recognition of a job well done, that I have the pleasure of presenting
you with another apron, your Past Master 's apron, adorned with the jewel so
important to your new station.
(Presenter puts the PM Apron or request the assistance of the wife of the IPM.)
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You are free to wear it at any communication of this Lodge. Wear it with equal
pleasure to yourself, and honor to the fraternity.
(Presentation of Past Master’s Jewel)
The Past Master's jewel is commonly recognized as a square and compasses
extended sixty degrees on the fourth part of a circle, or quadrant, with a sun in the
center. This is a very fitting jewel, as its components speak volumes to all who truly
understand Masonry, and are certainly worth reiterating on this occasion.
The square is dedicated to the Master, and is the proper emblem of his office. By the
square, Masonry instills in its members, the quality of virtue. We continually attempt
to square our actions by the square of virtue. It is the type of behavior we expect
from a man who has demonstrated his skills as a Master, and will now practice them
forever as a Past Master.
Masonry uses the compasses to impress the ideal of circumspection. As the
compasses draws a complete circle, we continually use this tool to remind us that
our behavior, desires, and passions should be equally circumspect and always kept
within due bounds. If done successfully, this tool aids us to be referred to by all as
"well-rounded individuals." This type of levelheaded, controlled behavior is
expected of a Past Master, and should serve to remind him to set an example for all
whom he may make contact with, now or in the future. The significance of the
compasses open to an angle of sixty degrees is that it cannot help but form a square
when bisected with the arc.
Since the Past Master is equipped with the knowledge and tools to form a square,
this jewel represents that ideal to all who are still striving to attain it. The sun in the
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center can take on a myriad of meanings. To Masons, it has two primary meanings.
First, it is a symbol of light; a term used by Masons and the world to mean
knowledge. It is believed that you have now acquired sufficient knowledge in
Masonry to be considered a "Master" of the Craft. It is now your responsibility as a
Past Master to impart it to others.
Second, and undoubtedly most important, it is an emblem of Divine Providence;
God's power, His goodness, omnipresence, and eternity that Masonry teaches should
live in the heart of every human being. In that respect, let it mean to you as a Past-
Master that which is stated in the Bible, "Let your light so shine before men, that
they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven."
(You may use the Optional below for the wife to invest the PM’s Jewel.)
I now have the pleasure of presenting you with the Jewel of your Office.
(Optional) Sister __________________________, we recognize and appreciate the
many sacrifices you have made these last several years while our Worshipful Brother
was preparing himself to be Master of this Lodge. And though the administration of
this Lodge has occupied a great deal of his and your time, the virtues inculcated by
this fraternity have no doubt had an impact on his character, demeanor, and behavior
which I am sure you can attest have indeed positively changed him and improved
the quality of life for your family. It gives me a great deal of pleasure to give you
the honor of investing our new Past Master with the Jewel of his Office. (Presenter
hands the jewel to the lady, who invests the Past Master’ Jewel.)
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Finally, Worshipful Brother, may you wear and display these Past Master’s Apron
and Jewel with the honor and dignity they represent. The station of a Past Master
cannot be honored by the Brethren if it is not equally honored by its possessor. It is
your ultimate responsibility for maintaining the respect and dignity of that title and
station.
It is an enviable title so long as you make it so, by your zeal, interest, devoted labors,
and continued attendance.
Brethren, please join me in thanking our
Worshipful Brother ________________________,
and Sister __________________________, with a fine round of applause.
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