Is it a requirement in Freemasonry to grow a beard?

Is it a requirement in Freemasonry to grow a beard?

Is it a requirement in Freemasonry to grow a beard? Super Beard Information by the Freemasonry ReportThe answer is No. No Grand Lodge requires a Freemason to grow a beard nor to be clean-shaven either.  It appropriate to keep a beard neatly trimmed if a brother Freemason has a beard.  Respectful attire and cleanliness are always appropriate when attending a Freemason Meeting. Only the Worshipful Master of a Masonic Lodge can require Lodge Officers to dress in a manner to which he is satisfied with. 

Is it a requirement to have no beard while going through the degrees?

The answer is no as well. There is no rule or Masonic Law regarding beards of candidates or new brothers going thru the degrees. Keep in mind that the Worshipful Master has the ability to govern his Masonic Lodge during his term as he wishes. So it would be wise to ask if the sitting Master of the Lodge has an issue with that.

During my tenure as a Freemason, I never had a conversation about this at all. Actually, I had several Worshipful Masters that sported a beard during the term as Master of the Lodge.

What is an appropriate beard length for a Masonic Meeting?

Honestly, there is not a wrong style for your beard in a Masonic Lodge meeting. With that being said, the “Short stubble” beard is the #1 most attractive facial hair among people surveyed. It received an average rank of 2.6 with 80% ranking short stubble in the top 3, including 24% of respondents ranking short stubble as the #1 most attractive facial hairstyle.

Either way, you look at it you should always consider keeping your beard short on the sides and fuller on your chin to take advantage of your square jawline. Here a few examples to research online if you are thinking about growing a beard or just want to refresh your current beard style.

  1. CIRCLE BEARD. A chin patch and a mustache that forms a circle.
  2. ROYALE BEARD. A mustache anchored by a chin strip.
  3. GOATEE. A small beard that elongates the chin.
  4. PETITE GOATEE. A small beard that elongates the chin.
  5. THE 5 O’CLOCK SHADOW. This is the stubble look, it is a classic and timeless style, and a great way to begin your beard journey.
  6. SCRUFFY STYLE. Do nothing but grow your beard for 3 weeks and you have that signature wild and shaggy look.
  7. BUSINESS BEARD. The corporate beard is a beard between 1/2”-1” that is evenly trimmed and well-manicured, with no flyaways.
  8. FULL BEARD AU NATUREL. A long well kept beard that had been combed and has beard conditioner in it.
  9. VIKING BEARD. A long beard that is full and shiny meant to keep your face warm.
  10. FADED BEARD. A beard length is longer than the tapered sides on your face.
  11. QUARANTINE BEARD. All bets are off, this beard has become popular for those dealing with the pandemic isolation where not much is done to it other than letting it grow and grow.

The Freemasonry Report - Beards & Beard What is an appropriate beard style for a Freemason Meeting?

Honestly, wherever style of beard that makes you feel comfortable is the answer. Sometimes, men think that facial hair doesn’t suit them. But in reality, the beard just doesn’t suit the facial features. This can lead to overthinking things and asking this question for that matter. But don’t worry, your beard hairstyle just needs to match your face.  So if you wear a business suit, tuxedo, polo shirt, or some other style trend with a beard that compliments your face is the key.

Did you know that a bushy beard will draw the eye across the face? It is true, it makes your face look wider – while long, pointy styles and goatees draw the eye downwards, making the face appear slimmer and longer.

So take a moment to read the information about selecting the right type of facial hair for your specific face shape. If you already have a beard, this information should give you instant improvement in your self-confidence walking into any Masonic Lodge for the first time.

  • Round Face. Bushy beards tend to make round faces look even rounder so keep the sides of the beard slightly shorter. Try beard styles that are full and long at the chin or opt for a goatee, which will help elongate the face slightly.
  • Square Face. A full beard is great for softening square, angular jawlines but keep it slightly shorter in the sideburn area and let the beard around the chin and jaw do the softening. For an elongating effect shape the beard into a slight point under the chin.
  • Long Face. Long faces tend to suit beards that are fuller at the sides and shorter at the chin. Grow a Gandalf and all you’ll do is make your face look even longer. Goatees are good too but, again, don’t let them grow too long at the chin.
  • Oval Face.  If your face is more or less oval-shaped you’ve lucked out and can pretty much pull off any facial hairstyle – from a modest goatee to a full-on Seasick Steve.

Are there any famous Freemasons that had a beard?

Yes, there are actually quite a few famous freemasons that had a beard. Many Freemasons have sported a mustache, goatee, sideburns, short beard, or even a long beard. Here is a shortlist of Famous Freemasons that rocked a beard. Please note this is not a complete list and you can probably argue so many more famous Freemasons should be on this list.

  1. ANTHONY TROLLOPE
  2. JOHN PHILLIP SOUSA – An American composer and conductor, he is remembered for composing American’s “national march”, ‘The Stars and Stripes Forever’, and ‘The Liberty Bell’
  3. KING EDWARD VII – King of the United Kingdom and the Colonies (1901-1910), during his reign he helped to modernize the Royal Navy and improve the medical facilities of the British Army. He was installed as Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England in 1874.
  4. SIR FREDERICK STANLEY – Appointed Governor General of Canada by Queen Victoria in 1888. A keen sportsman, he enjoyed ice hockey and originated the Stanley Cup.
  5. RICHARD SEDDON – The longest-serving Prime Minister of New Zealand and a dedicated Freemason as well, Seddon served as Grand Master of New Zealand (1898–1900).
  6. SIR WILLIAM S. GILBERT
  7. DAVID KALAKAUA – Last reigning King of the Kingdom of Hawaii.
  8. DANIEL BEARD – Founder of the Boy Scouts.
  9. GUISEPPE GARIBALDI – An Italian Patriot and General during the Italian Civil War.
  10. ABD-EL-KADER – An Algerian patroit and emir of Mascara.
  11. RICHARD JORDAN GATLING – He invented his now-famous ‘Gatling Gun’, the world’s first practical machine gun.
  12. SAMUEL COLT – A firearms inventor and manufacturer who designed the first practical revolving chambered percussion pistol.
  13. RABBI RAYMOND APPLE – A Chief Rabbi in the Great Synagogue in Sydney and leading spokesman for Judaism in Australia.
  14. ROBERT E LEE – He was commanding general of the Confederate Army during the American Civil War.
  15. ALFRED VAN TIRPITZ– A German Admiral and Secretary of State of the German Imperial Naval Office, Tirpitz is considered to be the founder of the German Imperial Navy.
  16. ALBERT PIKE – A solicitor, soldier, writer, and poet, and he wrote extensively on Masonic subjects. He re-wrote the rituals of the U.S. Southern Jurisdiction of the Scottish Rite Bodies.
  17. ROB MORRIS –  A prominent American poet, and founded The Order of the Eastern Star.
  18. STEVE WOZNIAK – the co-founder of Apple, Steve Wozniak, became a Freemason in 1980 in California.

How do I grow a beard?

Don’t shave. Well, we hope you have enjoyed reading this article about beards and Freemasonry.

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