| The Lambskin Apron By David A. Roach, PM |
At the Union of Grand Lodges of 1813 in England, the standard was finally set for
the Masonic Apron. Prior to that time the apron ranged from common leather to
elaborately decorated silk and satin. Standardization was attempted time and again
to no avail. Dr. Desagaulier brought the question before the Grand Lodge of England
as early as 1731. At that time it was brought to a vote on March 17 and carried
unanimously. Only one section of Masons complied since there was still a schism
between Grand Lodges. At the union it was finally settled that the Apron would be
spotless white and made of lambskin.
The Grand Lodge recognized white as a symbol of innocence and purity just as it
had been throughout the ages and in all countries. This was the color recognized as a
symbol of purity by the Jewish priesthood during a portion of the vestments. Early
Christians covered a newly baptized convert with a white garment to show that he
was cleansed from sin and on his way to a life of purity. This was the common charge
given, Receive the white and undefiled garment, and produce it unspotted before the
tribunal of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you may obtain eternal life.
They also decided that the Freemason's Apron must be made of lambskin with no
substitutions. A substitution would destroy the emblematic character of the apron.
This material constitutes one of the most important symbols of his profession. By
the lambskin, the Mason is reminded of that purity of life and rectitude of conduct
which is so essentially necessary to his gaining admission into the Celestial Lodge
above, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe forever presides.
The Paschal Lamb, or Holy Lamb is the lamb offered up by the Jews at the paschal
feast, or the Passover. The Passover is a celebration of Israel's escape from Egyptian
slavery, when each family slew a paschal lamb and sprinkled the blood over their
door posts. When the destroying angel saw the blood he passed over that house.
This symbol of salvation from death was finally consummated when the Holy Lamb
of God, which is Christ Jesus, shed His blood in innocence to save whoever accepts
Him from eternal death.
the Masonic Apron. Prior to that time the apron ranged from common leather to
elaborately decorated silk and satin. Standardization was attempted time and again
to no avail. Dr. Desagaulier brought the question before the Grand Lodge of England
as early as 1731. At that time it was brought to a vote on March 17 and carried
unanimously. Only one section of Masons complied since there was still a schism
between Grand Lodges. At the union it was finally settled that the Apron would be
spotless white and made of lambskin.
The Grand Lodge recognized white as a symbol of innocence and purity just as it
had been throughout the ages and in all countries. This was the color recognized as a
symbol of purity by the Jewish priesthood during a portion of the vestments. Early
Christians covered a newly baptized convert with a white garment to show that he
was cleansed from sin and on his way to a life of purity. This was the common charge
given, Receive the white and undefiled garment, and produce it unspotted before the
tribunal of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you may obtain eternal life.
They also decided that the Freemason's Apron must be made of lambskin with no
substitutions. A substitution would destroy the emblematic character of the apron.
This material constitutes one of the most important symbols of his profession. By
the lambskin, the Mason is reminded of that purity of life and rectitude of conduct
which is so essentially necessary to his gaining admission into the Celestial Lodge
above, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe forever presides.
The Paschal Lamb, or Holy Lamb is the lamb offered up by the Jews at the paschal
feast, or the Passover. The Passover is a celebration of Israel's escape from Egyptian
slavery, when each family slew a paschal lamb and sprinkled the blood over their
door posts. When the destroying angel saw the blood he passed over that house.
This symbol of salvation from death was finally consummated when the Holy Lamb
of God, which is Christ Jesus, shed His blood in innocence to save whoever accepts
Him from eternal death.
