Red Apron Lodges

Basically, the red apron and collar is a means of identification - in 1721 the Grand Master Elect ordered the Grand Wardens to take some stewards to assist at the approaching festival. This was the start of the stewards system. By 1734 the numbers had increased from 6 to 12. Interestingly, in 1735 Grand Lodge resolved that “for the future all Grand Officers (except the Grand Master) shall be selected out of that body.” In the same year the Grand Stewards were granted the right to form themselves into a special Lodge, which should be represented by 12 members, each having one vote, at each communication of Grand Lodge, instead of the ordinary three members –the Master and his Wardens –and that Past Stewards should wear a particular jewel and the usual red ribbon.

In 1792 the Stewards’ Lodge became the Grand Stewards’ Lodge with the right to head the list of Lodges without a number – a position it still holds. It has met at Freemasons’ Tavern and Freemasons’ Hall since 1772. Its members wear crimson aprons and collars. The nomination of Stewards remains the right of Stewards’ Lodge.

Nowadays, the Grand Master annually appoints 19 Grand Stewards, nominated respectively by 19 separate lodges enjoying the privilege of recommendation. These Grand Stewards rank as Grand Officers during their year of Office. Their duties are to regulate the Grand Festival under the Grand Masters direction and to assist in arranging for the Quarterly Communications and other meetings of Grand Lodge, under the direction of the Grand DC. Past or present Grand Stewards alone have the privilege of becoming members of the Grand Stewards’ Lodge, which, constituted as a Master Masons’ Lodge, has no power of making, passing or raising masons. If you are interested in becoming one -The Grand Stewards’ also make a considerable personal contribution towards the cost of the Banquet at the Annual Investiture !

Thanks to PGL of Warwickshire.