Apron lecture

My Brother, I now present you with this lambskin or white leather apron. It is an emblem of innocence and the badge of a Mason; more ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman Eagle; and, when worthily worn, more honorable than the Star and Garter or any other Order that could be conferred upon you, at this time or at any future period, by King, Prince Potentate, or any other person, except he be a Mason. It is hoped that you will wear this emblem with equal pleasure to yourself and honor to the Fraternity.

It is yours; yours to wear throughout an honorable life and, at your death, to be placed upon the coffin that shall contain your mortal remains, and be with them laid in their final resting place. Let its pure and spotless surface be to you an ever-present reminder of a purity of life and rectitude of conduct, a never-ending inspiration for nobler deeds, for higher thoughts, for greater achievements; and when at last your weary feet shall come to the end of life’s toilsome journey, may the record of your life and actions be as pure and spotless as this fair emblem.