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Detail: On the candidate`s return he was brought to the N.W. corner, where (under instruction) he said: —
"Master, Senior and Junior Wardens, Senior and Junior Deacons, and the rest of the brethren of this lodge, I return you thanks for the honour you have done me in making me a mason and admitting me a member of this worthy society.
The Master [then] call`d me up to the north-east corner of the lodge, or at his right-hand. He presented me with an apron, which he put on me. He told me it was the badge of innocency, more antient than the Golden Fleece or the Roman Eagle; more honour`d than the Star and Garter or any other Order under the sun that could be conferr`d upon me at that time, or any time hereafter."


In the early period aprons were the property of the Lodge and in some instances Candidates were required to `clothe the Lodge`, i.e., to provide new in replacement. They were purchased in bulk the cost being about i/6d each:
To purchase 3^ dozen aprons for the use of the Lodge.
(Minutes, 18 November 1742, Lodge at Crown and Anchor, Seven Dials, London.)
Safe-keeping of aprons was another responsibility of the Tyler:
The Doorkeeper to take care of clothing of members and utensils of the Lodge and to keep the key of the Apron Box etc. ... (By-laws, n.d., Lodge of Friendship, No. 6.)
There was no difference between the aprons worn in Lodge and those worn by stonemasons at work. Indeed, in 1741 a Brother was fined for wearing his working apron (Minutes, 21 January 1741, Lodge at Duke of Bedford`s Head). The aprons shown in all early illustrations and engravings are long ones with a bib and reached from chest to knees or lower.
The long aprons are depicted in vastly different circumstances and one of great interest is the frontispiece of Anderson`s Book of Constitutions which shows the Duke of Montagu, Grand Master in 1721, handing the Constitutional Roll to his successor the Duke of Wharton (see Plate No. 3). Several persons are in attendance but because none are specifically mentioned it has given rise to speculation. However, one has some long aprons draped over his right arm and some white gloves are grasped in his left hand. I cannot think that a senior Grand Officer would be in charge of such items for it is a task more in keeping with those allocated to the Doorkeeper or Guarder.