Protocol and Etiquette

Which tie should I wear to Masonic meetings?

The common tie that is correct and acceptable for all meetings for both Craft and Chapter is the plain black tie. The Provincial Merchandising team have included in the new range a plain black tie which includes a masonic shadow motif and is shown on the right of the above photograph.

For the Craft, all members of Lodges within our Province are eligible to wear the latest Durham Provincial Craft tie - as shown on the left on the first photograph. These can be worn by all members regardless of the rank that they hold and from the date of their joining. It is not restricted to Provincial Officers. In fact, the wearing of this tie is encouraged by the Provincial Grand Master. 

The adjoining Provinces, Northumberland, Cumberland and Westmorland, Yorkshire North and East Ridings and Yorkshire West Riding, have recently agreed that Provincial ties can be worn when attending any Lodge within neighbouring Provinces. You are also able to wear a black tie or the Grand Lodge tie. The Grand Lodge tie, shown second from the left, can also be worn by any member of any rank. When visiting Lodges who are not an immediate neighbour you should wear either the black tie or a Grand Lodge tie.

All acting Provincial Officers, and those attending a meeting in an official capacity within the Province, must wear the Provincial tie.

When visiting Grand Lodge you may wear either a black tie or an approved Grand Lodge tie. Be aware that there are several copies of the GL tie which are not acceptable to be worn in Grand Lodge. Check the back of the tie - as shown on the photograph below.

Some Lodges have a tradition of presenting candidates with the ritual book after they have completed their Third degree. Why not consider presenting them with a Provincial tie at the same time especially as we now have a new Provincial tie? This will enforce their wider membership of the Craft and of our Province.

There are four lodges within the Province who have permission to wear an individual Lodge tie which can only be worn in their lodge unless specific permission is granted to wear it in another Lodge. These are Universities Lodge No.2352, Old Dunelmian Lodge No.8100, Spirit of Rugby Lodge No.9910 and Anglers Lodge No.10049 and their ties - shown on the photographs below. 

Universities Lodge No. 2352

Spirit of Rugby Lodge No. 9910

Anglers Lodge No. 100049

When attending your Chapter meeting the above applies in the same way - a plain black tie is always acceptable. 

All members of Chapters within our Province are eligible to wear the latest Durham Provincial Chapter tie as shown third from the left in the first photograph or a Supreme Grand Chapter tie as shown forth from the left in the first photograph. These can be worn by all members of the Chapter regardless of the rank they hold, from the date of their exaltation, and is not restricted to Provincial Officers. The wearing of this tie is encouraged by the Grand Superintendent.

The rules regarding adjoining Provinces are the same as the Craft as detailed above.

When visiting Chapters who are not an immediate neighbour you should wear either the black tie or a Supreme Grand Chapter tie - as shown fourth from left in the first photograph. This tie can be worn by any member of any rank. Do not wear our Provincial tie.

 All acting Provincial Officers, and those attending a meeting in an official capacity within the Province, must wear the Provincial tie. 

When visiting Supreme Grand Chapter you may wear either a plain black tie or an approved Supreme Grand Chapter tie. Note that this tie is also allowed to be worn in a private Lodge. 

Some Chapters have a tradition of presenting candidates with the ritual book after they have completed their Exaltation. Why not consider presenting them with a Provincial tie at the same time? 

The Merchandising team have launched a full range of ties and other items which will be available for purchase at the Provincial Meeting. After the Provincial meeting they will then be available via the web shop on the Provincial website. They can be purchased by cash although card is preferred.

The range of extends to polyester, silk and clip on ties with pocket squares, lapel badges (for use when not on official Provincial business) and cufflinks. Further items will become available soon.

It is 24 years since the last tie change happened so why not embrace our new design?