04/18/2021
The Lambskin
The wearing of "aprons" dates back almost to the beginning of time itself. Upon entering the Masonic Fraternity, each new member becomes a brother and is presented a Lambskin or White Leather Apron. The apron is given along with a lengthy explanation of its Masonic meaning.
From that time forward the Brother wears the white apron in regular Lodge meetings, special ceremonies, and even, if he "so choses to be placed on his coffin which shall contain his earthly remains, and with them be laid beneath the silent clods of the valley."
We are taught that the white apron is an ever present reminder of a "purity of life and rectitude of conduct, a never-ending argument for nobler deeds, for higher thoughts, for purer actions." But do we really give thought as to the other meanings, applications, and lessons the white apron holds for each of us?
As we all know, aprons are worn by a number of individuals, both male and females for different purposes. A lady wears an apron when cooking to prevent staining her clothing. Workmen often wear aprons to protect their clothing. A medical doctor, dentist, or patient may wear an apron to protect from harmful X-Rays or medical usages. Even children wear aprons to protect their clothing when working with paints, or other materials. The list goes on and on for the many usages of the apron.
Aprons were also worn by the workmen of King Solomon's Temple to perform the setting of brick and stone work using mortar. So it would be fair to say that "the apron is an article which protects an individual.”
We as Free and Accepted Masons, can take our meaning of the Lambskin or white apron even further. In Biblical usage, the lamb has been deemed as the symbol of innocence and purity, and thus we should strive to make every effort to pattern outlives and actions in a pure and spotless way which is pleasing to God and for others to see.
The building of King Solomon's Temple has been said by a number of noted authors to have been a magnificent structure of architecture even by today's standards.
As workmen in the building of King Solomon's Temple wore their aprons to protect their clothing, therefore it is altogether fitting and proper that we as Masons should wear our aprons 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in our minds and hearts, as a constant reminder to make every effort to guard and protect ourselves from harm and evil and to make our lives and actions as spotless as the white apron.
This article was written by W O'Neal Cleveland, chaplain of the Springfield (Alabama] Masonic Lodge. He has been Worshipful Master of two other Lodges, and active in a variety of Grand Lodge of Alabama and other related Masonic duties.
Source: MSA Emassy Notes
