Masonic Night in a kilt!

[richardljohnson]

For those Mason's among you will probably relate to this.

In January I petitioned a lodge in my area and I became an EA. From March till now I have been spending time learning the work and everyone is getting to know me. I usually go right after work then get home. Being in the area of Texas I am there are some 'good cowboy's' and 'city boys' that are a part of the lodge.

Monday night there was a Community Builder Award which was given during a part of the stated meeting. Being a EA I am not allowed to attend the stated meetings so I was anxious to attend, if only during the 'open' ceremonies. The lodge was also anxious to have those of us that could attend with our wives and families join in. My wife wanted to go when I told her about it and she asked what the 'dress code' would be. I checked and the comment was "not real formal but kinda of like church dress". When I told her she wondered if I was going kilted. When we go to church I always dress for the occassion, full kilt, coat and everything (growing up in the 60's church was always a 'best dressed' thing) so I thought on this for a few days.

Because I knew I would 'get a ration of cr__ __ p' from the good old cowboys about it I thought long and hard...

When Monday came I figured "What was the worst?" So, I went kilted, jacket, tie, white shirt and ready for a load full! Oh, and my wife wore a 'fancy pant suit set'. (Sorry, My Texas Blue Bonnet kilt I made myself)

It took about 3 seconds for one of the Officers (the one I expected the most reaction from) to pick his jaw up off the floor and make a comment, "You've got to be kidding me!". I, in total innocence looked down and said "What, am I unzipped!" This broke the ice and he just started laughing. There were many more comment's from "Why?" to "Looks nice" and "Do you play the pipe's?" (My usual response to this is, " No, but I drink Scotch. Want to buy me one?")

The second 'fun' part of the evening was when we went in for the award, my wife and I sat on the south wall. Being 'full bodied' I usually have my knees spread and spoorn tucked between. The Officer mentioned above was in his seat across from me (YES, I did plan the one out!!!) and just as we were going to get started I reached down grabbed the front of the kilt like I was going to pull a 'Braveheart'. I did not but he got the idea. The look on his face was first horror then he started laughing again to the point he almost lost control. Everyone started looking at him and wondering what was going on and I had my innocent look on my face. Well, all except my wife. She leaned near and ask what I did. When I told her she just smirked.

The rest of the night went on without too much of a problem.

The next day I saw the Officer and mentioned above and he just laughed and again said that he could not believe I had done that. I told him my over 20 year experience with kilts and how I started wearing kilts on a leasure and dress basis 3 years ago. My family history, being from Scotland on both sides of the family. I also told him I had been debating the wearing of it for about 4 days.

I have not seen anyone else to talk about that night but I am sure I will be a subject of conversation for some time to come. My one regret was that I did not get a picture!

Oh, and yes, when I can attend the stated meeting I do plan to 'dress' for the occassion sometimes. Got to keep them guessing....

Richard-

[auld argonian]

Great stuff...you defused any potentially disagreeable situations with charm and good humor! Really good!

...and I especially like the line about the pipes/buy me a scotch...I'll definitely use that one,

Best

AA

[mbhandy]

Good post. I to will use that line, might get me into trouble with to many Scotchs.

Naw.


MrBill

[Zardoz]

Have you seen any of this: http://www.masonicthemes.com/

[richardljohnson]

Have you seen any of this: http://www.masonicthemes.com/

Saving my pennies for when I am 'legally' entitled...Richard-

[Southern Breeze]

Great story, it just proves that most of the barriers to wearing the kilt are in our own head. Here's another kilt to consider:
http://www.kilts.com/freemason.htm

[michael steinrok]

Good on you