An interesting poem, written in 1917 by Brother D. L. Clements
“The white leather apron is more ancient by far
Than the eagles of Rome, a symbol of war,
Or the fleece of pure gold by emperors given,
A rich decoration for which many have striven.
The Garter of England, an Order most rare,
Although highly prized,
cannot with it compare;
It is an emblem of innocence symboled in white,
And purity ever brings the greatest delight;
With pure thoughts and actions how happy the life.
How care-free the conscience, unclouded by strife.
No Potentate ever can upon us bestow
An honor so great as this apron doth show;
No king on his throne in his highest estate
Can give us an emblem so cherished or great;
‘Tis the Badge of a Mason more noble to wear
than the gold of a mine or the diamond most rare.
So here’s to the lambskin the apron of white,
That lifts up all equals and all doth unite,
In the Order so ancient that man cannot say
When its teachings began, or name its birthday.
Since its birth, nations young, have gone to their tomb
And cities, once great, turned to ashes and gloom;
Earth’s greatest achievements have long passed away
And peoples have risen and gone to decay.
Outliving all these, never changing with time
Are the principles taught in our order sublime.
And now my good brother this apron’s for you,
May you worthily wear it, and ever be true
To the vows you have made, to the lessons most grand
For these, home and country, we ever will stand.”