DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF LODGE OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN
PREFACE
Freemasonry is a system of It is true these guidelines are morality, veiled in allegory, and the result of years of experience but illustrated by symbols. These are the times and circumstances change. These surest ways by which the moral and guidelines can be changed as the need ethical truths may be taught. The arises. Suggestions are always purpose of Freemasonry is likened to a welcomed and will be seriously journey on the paths of charitable, considered. It is best if they are benevolent, educational and spiritual submitted in writing. It is most growth. Effective ritual fosters that important all officers understand what journey, and is the thread which binds the Lodge and Masonry are trying to us to those who immediately preceded achieve. If you have any questions you us, as their ritual bound them to their can talk to any of the officers higher in fathers and grandfathers. We should line including the Master or a Past always keep in mind our direction and Master for information. not be distracted by petty quarrels, but It is extremely important that maintaining the proper course to better there be a spirit of cooperation between serve our Lodge, our families, our all of the officers. But remember, the communities and ourselves. Master makes the ultimate decision and These guidelines are intended to has total responsibility. It is hoped that be a comprehensive set of what are this will be a valuable reference tool for generally accepted as regulations or you and that you may find it an rules for the various stations, and to indispensable part of your Masonic serve as a guide as to what should library. However, we caution you not result in the best functioning of the to leave it on the shelf to collect dust. lodge. It should make for the most Otherwise our labors and efforts will effective presentation of our ritual have been in vain and you will not thereby better educating our candidates learn what is expected of you. and brethren.
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OVERVIEW
progression are: Inside Sentinel, Junior INTRODUCTION Steward, Senior Steward, Junior Deacon, Senior Deacon, Junior Warden, Senior Warden and Master. In The purpose of this guide is to a normal progression, this would take clearly specify the duties of a Masonic eight years to complete. In addition, Lodge officer. First, duties in general with most lodges the outgoing Master for all officers and secondly, the traditionally fills the position of specific duties and responsibilities for Marshal for the following year. This is each officer. The Installation ritual also to provide an officer who is familiar lists specific duties, particularly for the with both ritual and floor work, thus a Master. The Constitutions and total of a nine-year commitment. Regulations of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Although it is normally Accepted Masons of the expected that any member appointed in Commonwealth of Massachusetts also line will progress up through the line have requirements relative to the duties to Master and then serve a year as of each officer, particularly for the Marshal, advancement is not Master and Wardens. All officers automatic. One must demonstrate a should read and become familiar with certain level of proficiency in the the Grand Constitutions and current office in order to be considered Regulations and should also be familiar for advancement to the succeeding with the By-laws of their lodge. office. This includes not only proficiency in the ritual, but attendance at district meetings as required, OBJECTIVE including LOI's and Exemplification, as well as the performance in the duties This guide is written for the and responsibilities of his current office purpose of helping to develop and as outlined herein. In most lodges all maintain a long tradition in your lodge line officers up to and including Senior of excellence in the functioning of its Deacon are appointed annually by the officers, particularly the line officers Master and serve at his will and who move through the various offices pleasure. In some lodges though, the over a period of years. It is the desire of Senior Deacon is also an elected officer. the lodge to continue to maintain this There are no permanent line positions tradition. The objective is to define the in a Masonic Lodge. The Wardens are duties so that ALL officers will be able elected and it is assumed they will to clearly understand the importance of progress normally to the office of each officer's performance and how it is Master and then to Marshal if that is vital to maintaining this tradition. the local lodge tradition. It is fully recognized that we are, by any definition, a “volunteer CONTINUATION IN LINE organization” and with it come the other demands and responsibilities that The line officers in order of require our attention. Those being the
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demands of our families and employers and for cleanup. All officers from which should take precedence over Senior Deacon down should help the participation in lodge affairs. But it is Junior Warden during the meal and desired that once an officer makes a during cleanup. See specific duties for commitment to the lodge, it will be each officer. The Electrician, Tyler, kept to the best of his ability for the Organist, Chaplain and Marshal are duration of his term, whether it be for responsible to the Master. the year or up to and including Master. In matters of ritual and floor Given that participation in lodge is work, all officers should pay strict supposed to be “recreation,” it is also attention to the ritualist or ritualists desirable that, if married, the officer who are responsible only to the Master has the support of his wife and family. who appoints them. This makes for better relations in both the family and the lodge. The Treasurer and Secretary are also elected officers of the lodge, but If at any time an officer finds he are governed by the Constitutions and cannot continue the commitment for Regulations of Grand Lodge and the the time being, he should discuss the By-laws of the respective lodge. matter with the Master. It is preferable to resolve the matter as soon as Committee Chairmen, although possible, even if it means dropping out not officers of the lodge, are expected of line temporarily. This would mean to perform their duties with diligence that he could be considered in the and enthusiasm. Their work is very future if or when he is able to make the important to the overall effectiveness of commitment. Being forced out could the lodge. Trustees should also perform prejudice future involvement when their duties with care and diligence in circumstances change. order to keep the lodge as fiscally healthy as possible. Our fraternity is based on RELATIONSHIP OF OFFICERS certain standards. By adhering to these simple rules our organization will All officers are responsible to flourish. If shortcuts are taken and the Master as the top officer of the rules ignored, then in time, our lodge. However, the Senior Deacon has generation will be responsible for the the responsibility for the junior officers downfall of Masonry from the position of the line. Also, the Junior and Senior it occupies today. Stewards work under the direction of the Junior Warden during meal times
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GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR ALL OFFICERS
Funerals and Visiting Hours for all ATTENDANCE members.
REQUIRED Visits to our sick brethren, as requested by the Master, Wardens
or Service Committee Chairman. The following events REQUIRE the attendance of all officers, except as When an officer becomes aware of the noted. It is understood that there will sickness or illness of a brother or a be times when an officer cannot attend member of his family, he should report one of the required events. It is simple it to the lodge Secretary or Master and courtesy to inform the Master in to the Service Committee Chairman. advance, or secondarily as in the case He should also plan to visit said of the junior officers, the Senior brother. Deacon, if one of these events will be missed. In cases where degree work in LODGE OF INSTRUCTION involved, this notice should be AT LEAST three full days in advance if at Published monthly in the lodge all possible in order to provide for notice is a directive that all officers are substitutes. required to attend the monthly Lodge of Instruction. This is a regulation set Monthly Communication. by Grand Lodge. It is part of the duties assigned to, and accepted by, each Special Communications. lodge officer. It is the responsibility of Rehearsals, as scheduled by the each officer to contact the Master Master (Treasurer and Secretary personally in advance to give the excepted), (see next page). reason why they will miss a Lodge of Instruction. If it is a last minute Special Rehearsals, as called. emergency, common courtesy dictates Lodge of Instruction (LOI), as the Master be contacted as soon as scheduled by the Master of the LOI possible for that purpose. If the Master (see below). is not available, the Secretary should then be notified. The telephone Exemplification of degree work, numbers for both appear in the once yearly. monthly lodge notice. A Masonic Funeral to be done by the Lodge, as requested by a Brother. REHEARSALS
REQUESTED Although the Master has overall responsibility for the operation and the Attendance at the following is conducting of all lodge functions and requested of all officers. activities, the responsibility of conducting the monthly rehearsals is
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usually delegated to the ritualist(s). This is done to allow a more STEPSTEP----UPUP knowledgeable and experienced Past Master to better orchestrate the flow of All officers should be prepared the floor work and the ritual. to move up one station to perform the Rehearsals are a serious matter and a ritual and duties of the next officer in time of learning for the junior officers. line. They should be prepared to do Other conversations not related this at any time. A new officer in line to the rehearsal should be held outside should be prepared to do this by the of the rehearsal hall as they only serve fourth meeting of the year. to interfere with the learning process. See paragraph on CONDUCT. DOUBLE STEPSTEP----UPUP
Each officer should be familiar EXEMPLIFICATION enough with the second office above him to perform the ritual and duties of Held annually pursuant to a said office with 24 hour notice and warrant issued to each District Deputy some assistance. Grand Master by the Grand Master is a District Exemplification of the ritual. BYBYBY-BY ---LAWSLAWS All officers, elected and appointed, are required to attend the annual Each officer shall be thoroughly Exemplification. This is a regulation set familiar with the By-laws of his lodge, by Grand Lodge. particularly in respect to his own As with the Lodge of duties. Ask the Secretary for a copy if you do not have one. Instruction, it is part of the duties assigned to and accepted by each lodge officer. It is the responsibility of each GRAND LODGE officer to contact the Master personally GRAND LODGE in advance to give the reason why they CONSTITUTIONS AND will miss the Exemplification. If it is a REGUREGULATIONSLATIONS last minute emergency, common courtesy dictates the Master be Each officer should have read contacted as soon as possible for that and be familiar with the Constitutions purpose. If the Master is not available, and Regulations of the Grand Lodge of the Secretary should then be notified. Massachusetts. The Master and The telephone numbers for both Wardens should each have a copy in appear in the monthly lodge notice. their possession. The other officers Should attendance by line officers of may borrow a copy from the Secretary the lodge be deemed “unacceptable” by or a Warden. the Grand Lecturer, the lodge will be required to convene a private Exemplification at a time convenient to CONDUCT the Grand Lecturer and at the total expense of the lodge. The conduct of the officers is very important to the impression that the lodge makes on others, and to the
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quality of work and performance in the meeting with a prospective candidate lodge. All officers should always and his sponsor, the Master and remember this and act accordingly. As Wardens should be dressed neatly. As part of this there is no place for levity, in all contact with non-Masons, one is horseplay or other unseemly behavior to act in such a way as to give the most in the lodge room or in the preparation favorable impression. Proper dress for room, nor during the actual instruction the Lodge of Instruction is a shirt and period for candidates. There is ample tie, sports jacket and slacks or business opportunity for fun and frolic before suit, dress shoes and socks. In short, an and after the meetings and instruction officer should always dress in a periods. This also applies to rehearsals, dignified manner reflecting the respect although certainly some humor may be he has for his brethren and their allowed as long as it does not impact an respect for him. officer's ability to learn the ritual and The black tuxedo is worn for floor work. However, it is important to several reasons. First, as we primarily remember that other officers are trying meet in the evening, it is the socially to learn the work, so any humor accepted formal attire. Second, as an should not be disruptive of this end as officer, it is used to make one stand out it could impact upon the candidates. A and by so doing give the air of dignity little thought given to this will and authority. The stature an officer accomplish much in maintaining the receives by wearing a tuxedo will give respect and the dignity of the work. the brethren the incentive to look to him for leadership and guidance. It is the officer's responsibility to DRESS understand this and maintain the integrity of a Masonic Lodge officer. The dress for officers during meetings or on any official function is The parade white dress gloves normally black tuxedo with unruffled are important because that is what white shirt with standard collar, black makes all officers equal. One officer bow tie, black socks and black shoes, may be a plumber by trade, a second a and a pair of white parade gloves. lawyer, a third may be a construction While in lodge an officer will wear the laborer. Simply looking at a man's officer's collar and apron of his hands will usually indicate if he is a installed station. The collar is laborer or white collar worker. silvertone with blue underlining with Unfortunately, there are certain innate the emblem of the office suspended prejudices regarding career from the bottom. The collar may have descriptions. What this means is that a the emblem encircled or not. The man of a certain labor group may not emblem will also be on the lodge be able to command as much respect officer's apron, which will be worn in from someone as he could if he did place of the usual blue-bordered white something else. If all officers are apron worn by members. wearing white gloves, it may help eliminate the prejudices and make all It is preferred that officers be officers equal. Remember, formal wear neat and clean, with beards and is an officer's uniform when in lodge. mustaches trimmed and well kept. For candidate instruction they should be As time passes, officers will neatly dressed. For an application have the opportunity to wear a pocket
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jewel. The rule of thumb is to wear it apron of higher office and any pocket when you are in a lodge room. If you jewels he has earned. When a Past are anywhere outside the lodge Master temporarily fills a vacant office, building, do not wear the jewel. This he is to only wear the collar of the includes parades, church services, office he is temporarily assuming, not Funeral services and banquet facilities the apron. that are not Masonic. Whenever in lodge, officers The reason for this is because should maintain good posture. This pocket jewels are for use only at lodge means sitting in an erect position when functions and are not for public in the assigned station, with both feet display. We do not want to tempt fate planted firmly on the floor. One should by wearing these jewels outside. They not slouch, lean to one side, or cross could fall apart or some elements of the legs. An officer should sit tall and our society could come forward and proud, carrying himself at all times in attempt to take them in the belief they such a manner to command the respect are worth money. If we do not wear of the brethren. jewels in public, we will not encourage that sort of behavior. Further support for this policy can be found in section APPLICATION MEETINGS 818 of the Grand Constitutions. An application meeting should Regarding Masonic Funeral be normally held in an ancillary room Services, the only brethren not in white in the lodge building. The application aprons will be the lodge officers. meeting is usually held in the lodge so Everyone should wear a dark business the candidate may see the beauty of suit with a dress shirt, conservative tie, your building and its facilities, but at dress shoes and socks. There should the discretion of the Master, it may be be no pocket jewels of any sort, no Past held at some other suitable place. In Master's Aprons or any other apron this case, arrangements should be made worn except as noted above. Finally, all for the candidates to see the building. Masons at a Funeral Service are to be Application meetings should not be addressed as “Brother.” See section on held during rehearsals. “MASONIC TITLES.” On the subject of aprons, all brothers must have an apron while MASONIC TRESTLEBOARD attending lodge. This includes installations and other semi-public The Masonic Trestle-board is affairs. The apron is the working tool something every officer should have in of the Mason and we are at “work” his possession. It contains much when we are in lodge. While some valuable information including the jurisdictions permit aprons to be worn monitorial portions of the three under the jacket, in Massachusetts an degrees in Freemasonry such as: apron is ALWAYS worn outside the An Installation Service. jacket. It is never worn underneath.
If a Past Master is installed into A Funeral Service an office he is to wear the collar of that Suitable Prayers for opening and office. He may wear the apron of that closing a lodge office, his Past Master's apron, or other
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Form of Application for the Degrees returns to “Worshipful.” The others keep the title of Right Worshipful for Official Visitation program life. A brother who is elected to serve Dedication of Masonic Halls and as Junior or Senior Grand Warden is Constitution of a new lodge also addressed as Right Worshipful and keeps his title for life. If a Past Grand Warden or Past Deputy Grand Master is elected to serve as Grand Master, he MASONIC TITLES is addressed as “Most Worshipful Grand Master,” Grand Master, or There is some apparent Brother
Masons, we became Brothers and when When desiring to speak to the we leave this mortal world, we will Master or the Lodge when in session, it leave as Brothers. All else is transitory. is proper protocol to raise your hand Thus said, any brother serving and await recognition from the Master. as an officer is to be addressed as When acknowledged by the Master, it “Brother
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Masters, and they encourage the junior District Deputy Grand Marshal. One officers to attend whenever possible. It should not address the lodge unless is advisable to check with the current called upon to do so by the District District Deputy Grand Master Deputy Grand Master. Finally, there is regarding his policy. to be no prompting of officers on their ritual by any member of the suite When traveling on a suite, the unless specifically asked to do so by the appropriate dress would be as if one Worshipful Master or District Deputy were in his own lodge, including Grand Master. tuxedo, apron and gloves. The
Wardens and Master have a special traveling apron and pocket jewel they will wear. Other officers will wear plain GRAND MASTER'S AWARD white aprons obtained from the lodge being visited. Past Masters and Past Each officer should be aware of District Deputy Grand Masters will the requirements each year for this wear their respective aprons and award so as to support the Master in jewels. When entering the lodge room obtaining this award should he so on the suite, there is to be no talking. desire. The requirements for this After being introduced to the Master of award are available from the Secretary the Lodge, you should proceed to a or from the Grand Master's office. convenient seat as directed by the
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WORSHIPFUL MASTER
OVERVIEW SPECIFIC DUTIES 1. He shall see that the officers and The Worshipful Master is the candidates are proficient in their top officer in the line of progression. work, and they carry out their duties This is a station that offers an in a proper manner. opportunity to further demonstrate the administrative and managerial talents 2. Immediately upon notification of to the lodge. The Master is in a position sickness or death of a brother, he to affect the direction the lodge will shall make, or see to it a Warden take over the next few years. makes, a personal visit if possible or a telephone call to the family to offer The emblem for this station is any assistance that is within the the Square. The collar may have the power of the lodge to perform, and emblem encircled or not. The emblem which may be needed. He shall will also be on the Lodge Apron which follow up any action which will may will be worn during lodge in place of result and see that it is completed. the usual blue-bordered white members' apron. The Traveling Apron 3. He shall conduct any Masonic will also have this emblem on it along funerals that may be requested with with the name of the lodge. This apron the assistance of the officers of the is to be worn while visiting other lodge. In unusual circumstances, lodges. such as the service being out of state, he shall make the necessary The Master has complete and arrangements to have another lodge overall responsibility for all aspects of conduct the service through the the lodge. This includes ritual, floor Grand Lodge Service Department. work, candidate instruction, dinners and other functions, Masonic Funerals, 4. He will ensure that visits to the sick relations with Grand Lodge, the service are made, whether in a hospital, committee, blood program, relations nursing home, or at home. He will with the building association, if any, work closely with the Service Committee chairman as this is a the Masonic Awareness program, very important function of the charitable funds, the music for the lodge. lodge, visiting sick brethren, public relations, and anything else that affects 5. He will keep the Wardens well informed of the activities of the the welfare of his lodge. This is a large lodge, remembering that either job. Fortunately, much of this work is Warden may need to take on the delegated to others, either to officers or responsibilities of his office at any to committee chairmen. However, he is time in order to have a smooth responsible to see that each performs continuous operation of the lodge. their task to his satisfaction and reflects This is particularly true of the the welfare of the lodge. As Master, he Senior Warden, as he will succeed is a voting member of the district’s him in office the following year. He Lodge of Instruction and Grand Lodge. shall inform the Senior Warden of Below are specific duties and any business that will be carried over to his year. responsibilities of the Master.
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6. He will act immediately upon any 11. He will appoint a Nominating matters pertaining to the Masonic Committee no later than April of Home in Charlton, MA. his term as Master. 7. His attendance is required at the 12. He should never hesitate to seek Annual Meeting of Grand Lodge in advice from the Secretary, December (second Wednesday) and Treasurer, a Past Master or his at the quarterly convocations in officer line if he feels it is needed, March, June and September (always remembering always that any second Wednesdays of the month action is his ultimate unless otherwise notified by Grand responsibility. The Treasurer and Lodge). Eighty-eight percent of the Secretary are particularly good voting power of Grand Lodge is held sources of information, as they are by the Masters and Wardens of the usually well seasoned Past Masters, individual lodges. If it is impossible and have usually been in that office for him or either Warden to be for several years. This also present, he shall ensure that a proxy provides continuity for leadership. with proper credentials is appointed 13. He will, to the best of his ability, and is there to represent his Lodge. strictly adhere to the approved The proxy has the power to vote budget he presented to the only if all three officers are not in Nominating Committee. He should attendance. He is also strongly always consider the fiscal health of requested to attend the stated the lodge and should inform the convocation (Feast of St. John) in Finance Committee of any major December. deviations from the approved 8. His attendance is required, along budget prior to implementation. with the Wardens, on the suites of 14. He will make periodic reports to the District Deputy Grand Master of the lodge updating the his Masonic District at all Official membership on the status of his and Fraternal Visits. program plans for the year. 9. He will learn the parts of the District 15. He shall review these duties Deputy Senior Grand Warden annually, revise as needed, and (DDSGW), District Deputy Junior reissue these duties to all officers Grand Warden (DDJGW), and the prior to their meeting with the District Deputy Grand Treasurer Nominating Committee, most (DDGT) for all Official Visits. likely in May. 10. He shall ensure that all line officers 16. He shall issue a call-down list for attend the visitations of the District the purpose of getting information, Deputy Grand Master as required. calling special meetings informing Attendance by the Marshal, members of funerals etc. as quickly Secretary, Treasurer, Ritualists, as possible to all concerned. The Electrician, Tyler and Chaplains call-down list will show the order are requested if available. The of calling and give instructions for Senior Deacon will keep use. It shall be issued to all officers attendance records for him. He before their installation. should encourage other members to attend. 17. Although the Secretary usually produces the monthly notice as he
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has a great deal of the input to it, regalia respective to his particular the format and makeup of the station. notice is the responsibility of the 19. He will ensure there is ample Master. This includes his monthly assistance each month for the message, which should be collating, stuffing and sorting of substantive and prepared with the monthly lodge notices as forethought. This is the Master’s necessary. way of communicating with all the Lodge’s members. 20. He should plan on representing the lodge at the annual Grand Master's 18. Normally, the lodge will be set up Country Fair held on the grounds with the regalia laid out in the of the Masonic Home in Charlton. proper positions in the lodge. At This is usually held the Sunday the request of the Master, it may be before Father's Day. There are laid out in an ancillary room so upwards of 20,000 visitors to the that the officers may march in to Masonic Home that day and many open the lodge. If the Master hands make for light work. decides to open in station without marching in, it is the responsibility 21. He shall have attended a Master’s of each individual officer to see to Path workshop within 30 months it that he has all the necessary prior to his installation as Master.
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SENIOR WARDEN
OVERVIEW second section of the Third Degree. The Official Cipher should be reviewed The Senior Warden is the for specifics. second officer in the line of progression. This is a station that offers It is the duty of the Senior an opportunity to further demonstrate Warden to be prepared to assume the his administrative talents to the lodge. Master's station at a moment's notice, The Senior Warden is in a position to and to perform his duties in his affect the direction the lodge will take absence to maintain the Master's plans. over the next few years. He shall be responsible to assist the Master in all ways possible in The emblem for this station is conducting the business of the lodge. the Level. The collar may have the He shall be prepared to attend a Lodge emblem encircled or not. The emblem of Qualification for Master at the end of will also be on the Lodge Apron which his term, prior to his being installed will be worn during lodge in place of Master. As Senior Warden, he is a the usual blue-bordered white voting member of his district’s Lodge of members' apron. The Traveling Apron Instruction and Grand Lodge will also have this emblem on it along with the name of the lodge. This apron Below are some specific duties is to be worn while visiting other and responsibilities of the Senior lodges. Additionally, the truncheon Warden. will be carried by the Senior Warden in the performance of his duties while in SPECIFIC DUTIES the lodge room. 1. He shall be prepared to open the It is the ritualistic duty of the lodge on any degree in the absence Senior Warden to assist the Master in of the Master. all phases of his duties. He is to help to ensure his programs and his year are 2. He shall, in the absence of the successful. It is important for the Master, automatically assume the Senior Warden to perform this to the East and conduct the lodge for the best of his ability as he will be setting evening. an example for the junior officers to 3. He shall be prepared to conduct a follow in their stations. Masonic Funeral. When in lodge it is the duty of 4. He should be firming and confirming the Senior Warden to communicate his plans for his year as Master of any orders from the Master to the the lodge. Any advance preparations Junior Warden. Additionally, he is to should have been completed by the duly examine the candidate(s) when end of the year, and should have a they are presented in all three degrees. report available for the nominating He has one lecture to present to the committee on his plans for his year. candidates; part of the third section of the First Degree. There is a limited 5. His attendance is required at the amount of ritual is the second section Annual Meeting of the Grand Lodge of the Second Degree and more in the in December (second Wednesday)
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and at the quarterly convocations of held every spring for the training of in March, June and September incoming masters within 30 months (always the second Wednesday of of his installation as Master of his the month unless otherwise ordered lodge. by Grand Lodge). Eighty-eight 13. He is to serve on the lodge's Finance percent of the voting power in Committee. This involves approving Grand Lodge is held by the Masters payment of bills and advising the and Wardens of the individual Master on matters involving lodge lodges. If it is impossible for him to finance. be present, he shall notify the Master for any proxy action that 14. He is to serve as Co-Chairman of the may be needed. (The proxy votes lodge's Service Committee. This only in the absence of all three usually involves working with the senior officers.) The Senior Warden Master and the committee chairman is also requested to attend the stated in interviewing applications by convocation in December at the members of the lodge for admission Feast of St. John. to the Masonic Home in Charlton. 6. His attendance is required on the 15. He is to serve on the lodge's suites of the District Deputy Grand Application Committee. He is to sit Master of his District at all Official in on all meetings with perspective and Fraternal Visits. candidates and to help conduct the application interview. He will serve 7. He should visit ailing brethren at the the lodge by being the first line of hospital or at home and determine if contact in determining if a man is any assistance by the lodge is qualifies to become a member of our needed. fraternity. 8. He shall be prepared to read a 16. He should plan on representing the portion of the Grand Constitutions lodge at the annual Grand Master's of the Grand Lodge at a monthly Country Fair held on the grounds of meeting specified by the Master. the Masonic Home in Charlton. This 9. In some lodges he is responsible for is usually held the Sunday before the assigning of positions for Senior Father's Day. There are upwards of Wardens' Night and be responsible 20,000 visitors to the Masonic Home for this event. that day and many hands make for light work. 10. He is responsible for the coordination and training of the 17. He should have a copy of the Grand Fellow Crafts for the third degree. Constitutions and be familiar with their requirements by the time he is 11. He will, with the assistance of the installed as Master of the lodge; Treasurer and Secretary, create an otherwise he may make serious operating budget for his year as mistakes due to ignorance. Master. This is to be approved by the Finance Committee and presented to 18. He will be available every month for the Nominating Committee prior to the collating, stuffing and organizing his election as Master. of the lodge notices as necessary. 12. His attendance is required at the annual “Master's Path Workshop”
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JUNIOR WARDEN
preparations for all dinners, including OVERVIEW the cooking, serving or catering as needed. He is also to do the same for all The Junior Warden is the third collations and other social activities of senior officer in the line of progression. the lodge. He shall plan any menus This is a station that offers an needed and, at the direction of the opportunity to demonstrate his Master, any entertainment. The administrative talents to the lodge. The exception is the annual Children’s Junior Warden is in a position to affect Holiday Party, if traditionally held in the direction the lodge will take over his lodge, and which may be the the next few years. responsibility of the Entertainment Committee. For any of these functions, The emblem for this station is the Stewards, Inside Sentinel and other the Plumb. The collar may have the helpers are under his direction. It is his emblem encircled or not. The emblem duty to see that these people perform will also be on the Lodge Apron, which their work properly to meet the will be worn during lodge in place of objectives of the event. As Junior the usual blue-bordered white Warden, he is a voting member of the members’ apron. The Traveling Apron Lodge of Instruction. Below are the will also have this emblem on it along specific duties and responsibilities of with the name of the lodge. This apron the Junior Warden. is to be worn while visiting other lodges. Additionally, the truncheon will be carried by the Junior Warden in SPECIFIC DUTIES the performance of his duties while in 1. He shall be prepared to open the the lodge room. lodge on at least one degree, When in lodge it is the preferably the Third Degree, in the ritualistic duty of the Junior Warden to absence of both the Master and the communicate to the Brethren any Senior Warden. orders transmitted from the Master 2. He shall, in the absence of both the through the Senior Warden. Master AND Senior Warden, Additionally, he is to duly examine the automatically assume the East and candidate(s) when they are presented conduct the lodge for the evening. in all three degrees. He has one lecture He may enlist the assistance of a to present to the candidates; the second Past Master for degree work but he section of the First Degree. There is a must open, conduct the business limited amount of ritual is the second meeting, and close the lodge. He sections of the Second and Third does NOT automatically assume the Degrees. The Official Cipher should be West in the absence of the Senior reviewed for specifics. Warden. It is the duty and responsibility 3. During his term he should be of the Junior Warden to make all making plans and preparing for his necessary arrangements and term as Master. This should include
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any special date reservations needed 10. He will collect all monies received or third party commitments from the Stewards collected for required. meals and/or other events, total all income and expenses, and deliver 4. His attendance is required at the Annual Meeting of the Grand Lodge to the Secretary together with his in December (second Wednesday) accounting. and at the quarterly convocations of 11. He is to serve on the lodge's in March, June and September Finance Committee. This involves (always the second Wednesday of approving payment of bills and the month unless otherwise ordered advising the Master on matters by Grand Lodge). Eighty-eight involving lodge finance. percent of the voting power in Grand Lodge is held by the Masters 12. He is to serve on the lodge's Service and Wardens of the individual Committee. This usually involves lodges. If it is impossible for him to working with the Master and the be present, he shall notify the committee chairman in Master for any proxy action that interviewing applications by may be needed. (The proxy votes members of the lodge for only in the absence of all three admission to the Masonic Home in senior officers.) The Junior Warden Charlton. is also requested to attend the stated convocation in December at the 13. He is to serve on the lodge's Feast of St. John. Application Committee. He is to sit 5. His attendance is required on the in on all meetings with perspective suites of the District Deputy Grand candidates and to help conduct the Master of the his District at all application interview. He will serve Official and Fraternal Visits. the lodge by being the first line of contact in determining if a man is 6. He should visit ailing brethren at the qualifies to become a member of hospital or at home and determine if our fraternity. any assistance by the lodge is needed. 14. He should plan on representing the lodge at the annual Grand Master's 7. He shall be prepared to read a Country Fair held on the grounds portion of the Grand Constitutions of the Masonic Home in Charlton. of the Grand Lodge at a monthly This is usually held the Sunday meeting specified by the Master. before Father's Day. There are 8. His attendance is requested at the upwards of 20,000 visitors to the annual “Master's Path Workshop” Masonic Home that day and many held every spring for the training of hands make for light work. incoming masters. He must attend a 15. He is responsible for arranging for a Master’s Path Workshop within 30 parking space for the District months prior to his installation as Deputy Grand Master as close to master of his lodge. the lodge entrance as possible 9. He should have a final schedule of whenever he visits the lodge. In the meals for the year, ready prior to cases of inclement weather, he his installation, to the satisfaction of should station a Brother, with an the incoming Master for his year as umbrella, near the door to assist Junior Warden. the District Deputy and his suite
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participants. If there is no on-site otherwise he may make serious parking, the Junior Warden is to mistakes due to ignorance. arrange for valet parking for the 17. He shall be available every month District Deputy Grand Master. for the collating, stuffing and 16. He should have a copy of the Grand organizing of the lodge notices as Constitutions and be familiar with necessary. their requirements by the time he is installed as Master of the lodge;
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SENIOR DEACON
OVERVIEW placed in the hands of the Junior Deacon to be conducted out of the lodge at the conclusion of the first The Senior Deacon is the fifth, section. and highest, junior officer in the line of progression. This is a station that offers The Senior Deacon is also an opportunity to assume more responsible for handling the ballot box responsibility in the lodge and to whenever the Master calls for a ballot. demonstrate leadership potential. The He should review the procedures for Senior Deacon is the “Captain of the balloting in the Grand Constitutions Floorwork.” The manner in which the and the Floorwork Recommendations Senior Deacon conducts himself section of the Official Cipher. The duty reflects directly on the candidates. here is specific. He is to stand guard at the ballot box and insure that all The emblem for this station is members present have voted unless the Square and Compasses, with the specifically excused by the Master. sun mounted within their precepts. After the balloting has concluded, he is The collar may have the emblem to vouch that everyone has voted. encircled or not. The emblem will also During the second section of the Third be on the Lodge Apron, which will be Degree in the presentation of the worn during lodge in place of the usual Ancient Form, he is to assume the role blue-bordered white members' apron. of the First Craftsman. In this role, he Additionally, the Senior Deacon will will remove his lodge collar and apron carry a black rod with the emblem and wear a white Fellow Craft Apron. mounted on top of it. He will carry this He will not carry his rod about the in the performance of his duties while lodge during this section. When the in the lodge room. role of Craftsman has been completed, His first major exposure to the he is to return to his station and put on ritual of the lodge is the learning of the his regalia. At this point, he is to check Middle Chamber lecture of the Fellow that the Junior and Senior Stewards Craft degree. He should have this have done the same, and sit when the lecture prepared for presentation by his Senior Deacon sits. installation into his office. When parading about the lodge, He is responsible for the the Altar is always to the right of the candidates once they are inside the Senior Deacon and the Junior Deacon door. He should be able to conduct will either be to his left or immediately them in such manner that they are behind. Although floorwork is the comfortable with him. This will help Master's prerogative, it is suggested make their experiences pleasurable that timing for sitting in the chair be ones. He should use his station as a coordinated with the junior officers. way to inspire the other junior officers, When parading about the lodge room, as they will soon succeed to this turns should be made using military station. He will always conduct the right angles carrying the rod extended candidate about the lodge for the first down from the right shoulder. Finally, section of each degree. He will return when stepping off, it should always be to his station only after the candidate is on the left foot. He should concentrate
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on being able to deliver ritual while This may be done by the Senior moving about the lodge. His Deacon, one of the junior officers, a performance has a direct bearing on the Past Master, Chaplain or other candidates. By giving his ritual in a brother who is well versed in strong and confident manner he will Masonry . leave a lasting impression on the 2. He shall maintain an accurate candidates attendance record and progress on The Senior Deacon is the senior each candidate and report these ranking junior officer and the highest results to the Secretary in a timely appointed officer in most lodges (note: fashion. some lodges elect the Senior Deacon). 3. He shall see that each candidate As such, under the direction of the attends and receives the required Master, he has the responsibility for the instruction at the district’s Lodge of direction, training and functioning of Instruction (LOI) for each degree. the junior officers, other than when After the candidate has completed they are under the direction of the the Third Degree, the Senior Deacon Junior Warden for meals and functions shall conduct the candidate to the (see Junior Warden's duties). He Secretary’s desk to sign the By-laws should coordinate with the Junior of the Lodge. Warden on conflicts that may come about because of his dual direction. He 4. If any candidate cannot or, because should ensure that all other junior of some special emergency, does not officers perform their duties with make a scheduled LOI, he shall, dignity and in a timely manner to with the assistance of the Master, obtain the objective stated above. make arrangements for a makeup Below are the specific duties and before the date of the next responsibilities of the Senior Deacon. scheduled degree. 5. He shall ensure that a junior officer SPECIFIC DUTIES personally accompanies each candidate to the opening of the LOI and during the rest of the evening. 1. He is in complete charge of the This duty may be divided between instruction of the candidates, and the officers. the assignment of junior officers to assist in the instruction of 6. He shall maintain an attendance candidates. Normally, each session record of officers at candidates should be a minimum of two hours instruction and at LOI's for the use with a minimum of four sessions of the Master and eventually the between degrees. It is necessary to Nominating Committee for the teach the candidates to “read” the following year. This information Cipher book and give hints on should also be reported to the memorizing the lectures, such as the Secretary in a timely manner. importance of repetition, frequency 7. He shall see that the junior officers of sessions, and other techniques. are proficient in their ritual and Also, time should be used to explain floor work as directed by the the meaning of the symbolism and ritualists. He will give them allegories of the degrees, and how necessary instruction. This may be they can be applied to everyday life. scheduled with the officer and may
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be done following candidate well as the Senior Warden's and instruction. Master's position. 8. He shall be prepared to exemplify 13. He is to serve on the lodge's the candidate lectures with each Greeting Committee, greeting candidate in the Lodge or elsewhere every brother who enters the lodge as the Master may direct, on any room. degree. 14. He is to serve as secretary for the 9. He will discuss with the Master lodge's Finance Committee periodically or as needed, any meetings, unless otherwise problem relative to the morale of, provided for in the lodge's By-laws. and good will among, the junior He will take the minutes of the officers. meeting and pass them to the Junior Warden for transcription 10. He shall present a menu plan to the and distribution. This information nominating committee for his year should also be reported to the as Junior Warden. Secretary in a timely manner. 11. It is recommended that he attend 15. He should represent the lodge at some of the Official and Fraternal the annual Grand Master's Country Visits of the District Deputy Grand Fair held on the grounds of the Master of the his District. It is the Masonic Home in Charlton. This is prerogative of the DDGM whether usually held the Sunday before he is invited on the suite, but he Father's Day. There are upwards of must be in a tuxedo. Most DDGM's 20,000 visitors to the Masonic will gladly extend an invitation Home that day and many hands unless there is an exceptionally make for light work. large suite. 16. He will be available every month 12. Since the Senior Deacon is expected for the collating, stuffing and to step into the Junior Warden's organizing of the lodge notices as position the following year, he necessary. should be preparing for that job as
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JUNIOR DEACON
Under no conditions should a OVERVIEW candidate be made to feel uncomfortable, inferior or fearful. A brief explanation as to the dress of the The Junior Deacon is the fourth candidate should be made without junior officer in the line of progression. revealing anything of the ritual. This is a station that offers an opportunity to assume more If there is more than one responsibility for the lodge's candidate for the degree, the Junior candidates. He has direct responsibility Deacon will conduct the second for their preparation. The manner in candidate about the lodge during the which the Junior Deacon conducts first section of each degree. He is to himself reflects directly on the return to his station as assume his candidates and the junior officers. regular duties after the candidates are placed at the Altar for their obligation. The emblem for this station is If the lodge has one or three the Square and Compasses, with the candidates, the Junior Deacon will crescent moon mounted within their return to his station after the precepts. The collar may have the candidates are all received into the emblem encircled or not. The emblem lodge. will also be on the Lodge Apron which will be worn during lodge in place of The Junior Deacon is the usual blue-bordered white responsible for tyling the door at all members' apron. Additionally, the times. This ceremony should always be Junior Deacon will carry a black rod done with dignity and never rushed. with the emblem mounted on top of it. The knocks should be made distinct. He will carry this in the performance of Whenever the door is untyled, he is to his duties while in the lodge room. stand at the door as the Inner Guard, and should never return to his station The ritualistic duty of the Junior until the door is securely tyled. Deacon is the supervision, reception, and preparation of candidates. He will When parading about the lodge, be assisted in this by the Senior and the Altar is always to the right of the Junior Stewards who are under his Junior Deacon. Although floorwork is direction for this purpose (see duties of the Master's prerogative, it is suggested the Stewards). As this duty involves the that timing for sitting in the chair be initial contact with the lodge in coordinated with the junior officers. operation by the candidates, and When parading about the lodge room, therefore their first impression of the turns should be made using military lodge, it is imperative that these right angles carrying the rod extended officers be fully aware of this at all down from the right shoulder. Finally, times in the presence of the candidates when stepping off, it should always be and act accordingly. They should on the left foot. always treat the candidates with As Junior Deacon, he should be decorum, courtesy and with required to plan one social event for friendliness. It is important to impress the year. A logical choice would be to upon them that we are gentlemen. plan a Ladies’ Night for the members
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and their ladies. Although a similar 4. He shall be responsible for supplying event may have been planned in the each candidate with a newly cleaned previous year as Senior Steward, many pair of white socks for each degree. things may not have gone smoothly. 5. He shall be responsible for the This would be an excellent chance to candidates’ uniforms and aprons and improve on the previous year's event. see that they are properly cleaned He is to arrange for meals, and stored for the following degree entertainment, facilities, and a small at the conclusion of each degree. gift for the ladies. This is an opportunity to demonstrate to the 6. He shall see to it the candidates are brethren the administrative and properly prepared for the degree managerial capabilities, and what can prior to the opening of the lodge. be learned from a previous experience. This includes cabletow set for the proper degree, slipper, hoodwink, He would find it advisable to asking of the three questions for the purchase a Masonic Trestle-Board and first degree, and in the case of the Official Cipher. They may be obtained second and third degrees, aprons in through the lodge Secretary or through the proper configuration. the Grand Lodge supply room. 7. He shall attend all weekly Below are the specific duties and instruction periods for the responsibilities of the Junior Deacon. candidates unless specifically excused by the Senior Deacon. If he SPECIFIC DUTIES is unable attend, he will inform the Senior Deacon in ample time for 1. He shall ask the three questions as other arrangements to be made. required in the first degree. They 8. He is responsible for the shall be asked of each candidate organization of the closet where the separately and privately in the regalia is stored and shall ensure presence of the Stewards after the that it is kept neat and tidy. He shall candidates have been prepared, with ensure all regalia is put back in their the exception of the hoodwink. If proper locations, and if items have the two Stewards are not available, been borrowed, they have been he may use any two members of the returned or arrangements made for lodge. their return. 2. He shall collect the fees for each 9. He shall be responsible, under the degree before the degree work direction of the Junior Warden, that begins, unless the Secretary informs all lights in the building are off at him that the fees have already been the conclusion of all activities and remitted. He shall turn any fees degree work. If he has to leave early, collected over to the Secretary he will request another officer to do together with the names of the this and inform the Junior Warden candidates. who has this responsibility. 3. He shall be responsible for supplying 10. He shall provide each candidate with each candidate with a clean uniform a copy of each lodge notice that has at the time of the first degree. A his name printed within for the stick-on nametag may be used to taking of the degrees and for identify each uniform for the second balloting. He can obtain these from and third degrees. the Secretary.
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11. He shall learn and perform the instruction in the previous degree. middle chamber lecture and work If a candidate is unable to attend of the second degree for step-up the LOI, he is to notify the Master night. or Secretary so alternative instruction can be arranged. 12. He should prepare himself to be able to step up to the Senior 17. He is to serve as co-chairman of the Deacon's work at a moment's lodge's Transportation Committee. notice, exclusive of the middle He is to assist in the arranging and chamber lecture. scheduling rides for the brethren who wish to attend lodge but are 13. He shall supervise the setting up of unable to drive. He should always the lodge for degree work with the remember that he is dealing with aid of the Stewards. the brother's dignity, and should 14. With the assistance of the Stewards, never make him feel that it is an he shall inventory the regalia and imposition to get him to lodge. furniture of the lodge at least once 18. It is recommended that he attend a year, and make a written report some of the Official and Fraternal to the Master and Wardens. This Visits of the District Deputy Grand information should also be Master of his Masonic District. It is reported to the Secretary. the prerogative of the DDGM 15. He is to serve on the lodge's whether he is invited on the suite, Greeting Committee along with but he must be in a tuxedo. Most the Inside Sentinel, Stewards and DDGM's will gladly extend an Senior Deacon. Every brother invitation unless there is an should be greeted as he enters the exceptionally large suite. lodge room prior to the start of the 19. He should plan on representing the meeting. This is an excellent lodge at the annual Grand Master's vehicle to get to know the brethren Country Fair held on the grounds and they to get to know him. This of the Masonic Home in Charlton. further creates an atmosphere of This is usually held the Sunday warmth for the brethren who before Father's Day. There are attend meetings regularly. upwards of 20,000 visitors to the 16. It is his duty to remind the Masonic Home that day and many candidates, by telephone, of the hands make for light work. Lodge of Instruction five days 20. He will be available every month before that meeting. This is for the collating, stuffing and extremely important as a candidate organizing of the lodge notices as cannot advance to the next degree necessary. without having first received
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SENIOR STEWARD
OVERVIEW If the lodge has more than two candidates, the Senior Steward will The Senior Steward is the third conduct the third candidate about the junior officer in the line of progression, lodge during the first section of each and is a station that offers an degree. He is to return to his station opportunity for some responsibility for and assume the regular duties after the the lodge's candidates. To achieve this candidates are instructed to leave the position demonstrates the fact the Altar and salute the Junior and Senior Brother has shown some promise and Wardens. If there are two or fewer potential interest in the lodge affairs to candidates, the Senior Steward will receive this appointment. return to his station after the candidates have been duly examined by The emblem for this station is the Master. the Cornucopia, with the opening, or horn, facing left. The collar may have During the second section of the emblem encircled or not. The the Third Degree in the presentation of emblem will also be on the Lodge the Ancient Form, he is to assume the Apron, which will be worn during role of the Second Craftsman. In this lodge in place of the usual blue- role, he will remove his lodge collar bordered white members' apron. and apron and wear a white Fellow Additionally, the Senior Steward will Craft Apron. He will not carry his rod carry a white rod with the emblem about the lodge during this section. mounted on top of it. He will carry this There is one line of ritual to be recited. in the performance of his duties while The Senior Deacon will ask one in the lodge room. question and the Senior Steward will respond. This ritual will be found in The ritualistic duty of the the Official Cipher. Senior Steward is to take care of the regalia of the lodge and to assist with When the role of Craftsman has the preparation of the candidates. As been completed, he is to return to his this duty involves the initial contact station and put on his regalia. At this with the lodge in operation by the point, he is to check that the Junior candidates, and therefore the first Steward and Senior Deacon have done impression of the lodge, it is imperative the same, and sit when the Senior that the Stewards be fully aware of this Deacon sits. at all times in the presence of the When parading about the lodge, candidates and act accordingly. They the Altar is always to the right and the should always treat the candidates with Junior Steward is always on the left of decorum, courtesy and with the Senior Steward. Although friendliness. It is important to impress floorwork is the Master's prerogative, it upon them that we are gentlemen. is suggested that timing for rising be Under no conditions should a timed with the Junior Steward. Further, candidate be made to feel when parading about the lodge room, uncomfortable, inferior or fearful. turns should be made using military
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right angles carrying the rod extended 3. REGALIA down from the right shoulder. Finally, A. The Stewards shall set up the when stepping off, it should always be furniture of the lodge for each on the left foot. The Stewards have two degree. It is suggested that a basic responsibilities. First, they are guide be posted on the wall of the responsible to the Junior Deacon, regalia closet or case for under the direction of the Senior reference. Deacon, for the regalia of the lodge (see below for specifics). Second, they are B. They shall lay out all of the responsible to the Junior Warden in officer's aprons, collars with the assisting him for dinners and functions jewels, and the proper of the lodge. This dual supervision can implements of the various officers in the respective lead to conflicts, but cooperation positions. between the supervising officers should keep conflicts to a minimum. In case of C. Under the direction of the Junior conflict, check with the other officer Deacon, they shall put away all regalia in its proper place courteously. The final decision, of immediately upon the closing of course, rests with the Junior Warden. the lodge. If anything has been The Stewards handle a lot of the details borrowed they shall see that it that keep a lodge running smoothly, has been returned to the person and are important to the operation of from whom it was borrowed. the lodge. Specific duties of the D. They shall polish any regalia that Stewards are listed below. Any of these requires it including officer's duties may be delegated to the Inside jewels, Altar Square and Sentinel or Assistant Stewards, if any, Compasses, batons, truncheons but the Stewards are responsible for and Senior Deacon's combination their completion. Square and Compasses. E. They shall assist the Junior SPECIFIC DUTIES Deacon in inventorying the regalia of the lodge. 1. The Stewards are responsible for assisting in teaching of the candidate’s lecture(s) during the 4. FUNERAL BOX weekly instruction periods under A. The Senior Steward, with the the direction of the Senior Deacon. assistance of the Junior Steward, 2. The Stewards need to arrive at least is in charge of the care of the one half-hour prior to a rehearsal to funeral box and to see that it set the regalia required for the arrives at a funeral in a timely degree being rehearsed. For a fashion. meeting where dinner is being B. He shall inventory the funeral box served, they may need to arrive one when the general regalia is hour earlier or more, as needed to inventoried and include the assist the Junior Warden in results in the Junior Deacon's preparing for dinner as well as report. He shall continuously setting up the lodge hall for the maintain the box, as it may be degree. needed at a moment’s notice with no time to replenish it.
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C. When notified, he should ensure meals and/or other events as a box is available with sprigs of directed and give to the Junior Acacia for the members. Warden with a proper accounting D. He shall notify the Secretary E. Unless a caterer with a wait-staff when the supply of aprons is low. has been engaged, they shall serve and wait upon the brethren E. The normal inventory is as and guests in the dining hall. follows: F. They shall clean the tables and 1 Combination Square and assist in the kitchen as needed Compasses prior to any socializing. 2 Compasses 1 Square 1 G. The Senior Steward shall know Magnetic Compass (to how to properly and safely determine East) operate the dishwasher and other 1 Holy Bible equipment in the kitchen, if 1 Masonic Trestle-board provided. The Junior Steward shall learn how during his year as 2 Burial Service books Junior Steward. 21 Printed prayers (Solemn H. After most of the members have Strikes the Funeral Chimes) left, they shall break-down the 4 Officers and Members tables and chairs and store them register in the proper locations, leaving up the number of tables as the 2 Black ink pens Junior Warden shall direct. 23 Aprons I. They shall complete the cleaning 1 Sprig of Acacia for Master of the kitchen including the floor and the dining hall. Most *Sprigs of Acacia for kitchens and dining rooms have members brooms and mops for this 1 Marshal's baton (this may purpose. have to be put in from the J. They shall remove all rubbish in regular regalia of the Lodge plastic bags provided to an at the time of taking the box appropriate container for proper to the funeral). disposal. 5. DINNERS AND FUNCTIONS K. The Senior Steward is responsible A. The Stewards shall set up as to see that pitchers of fresh, cold many tables and chairs as water and clean cups are directed by the Junior Warden. provided in the South, West and East of the lodge hall. On the B. They shall ensure the tables are second degree, there should be a covered and set as directed by the cup of water available on the Junior Warden. Treasurer's desk for the Senior C. They shall sell meal tickets prior Deacon. to the meal and record 6. CANDIDATES attendance as required. A. The Stewards shall assist the D. They shall collect all monies for
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Junior Deacon in the reception 9. He is to serve on the lodge's and preparation of candidates. Greeting Committee, along with This is a very important function the Inside Sentinel, Junior Steward, as it provides a first impression and Deacons. He should greet by the candidate. They should every brother who enters the lodge always treat the candidate with room prior to the start of the decorum, courtesy and with meeting. friendliness. It is important to 10. The Senior Steward should be impress upon them that we are required to plan one social event gentlemen. Under no conditions for the year. A logical choice should a candidate be made to would be a Ladies Night for feel uncomfortable, inferior or members and their ladies. He must fearful. arrange for a meal, entertainment, B. They shall set out the candidate's facilities, and a small gift for the uniform, cable tow, hoodwink, ladies. The specifics are left to him white socks and proper slipper and will demonstrate to the lodge (1st right, 2nd left, 3rd none). his administrative and managerial For the second and third degrees skills and capabilities. they shall also lay out the 11. The Stewards should plan on candidate's apron. representing the lodge at the C. They shall be present during the annual Grand Master's Country asking of the Three Questions by Fair held on the grounds of the the Junior Deacon to the Masonic Home in Charlton. This is candidates. They shall learn usually held the Sunday before these questions so as to be able Father's Day. There are upwards of to ask them in the second half of 20,000 visitors to the Masonic their term, if asked by the Junior Home that day and many hands Deacon. make for light work. 7. During balloting, the Senior Steward 12. They should be available every should station himself at any month for the collating, stuffing additional door in the lodge room and organizing of the lodge notices as necessary. as necessary. 8. The Senior Steward may, depending 13. It is recommended that he attend on lodge traditions, be responsible some of the Official and Fraternal for the candidates learning their Visits of the District Deputy Grand third degree cipher and Master of his Masonic District. It is demonstrating their proficiency in the prerogative of the DDGM the same. The candidates should whether he is invited on the suite, be ready no later than three days but he must be in a tuxedo. Most prior to the next communication. DDGM's will gladly extend an When the candidates are ready, the invitation unless there is an Senior Steward should inform the exceptionally large suite. Senior Deacon and the Master.
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JUNIOR STEWARD OVERVIEW aware of this at all times in the presence of the candidates and act The Junior Steward is the accordingly. They should always treat second junior officer in the progressive the candidates with decorum, courtesy line, and is a station that offers an and with friendliness. It is important to opportunity for some responsibility for impress upon them that we are the lodge's candidates. To achieve this gentlemen. Under no conditions position demonstrates the fact the should a candidate be made to feel Brother has shown some promise and uncomfortable, inferior or fearful. interest in the lodge affairs. If the lodge has more than two The emblem for this station is candidates, the Junior Steward will the Cornucopia, with the opening, or conduct the fourth candidate about the horn, facing right. The collar may have lodge during the first section of each the emblem encircled or not. The degree. He is to return to his station emblem will also be on the Lodge and assume the regular duties after the Apron, which will be worn during candidates are instructed to leave the lodge in place of the usual blue- Altar and salute the Junior and Senior bordered white members' apron. Wardens. If there are two or fewer Additionally, the Junior Steward will candidates, the Junior Steward will carry a white rod with the emblem return to his station after the mounted on top of it. He will carry this candidates have been duly examined by in the performance of his duties while the Master. in the lodge room. During the second section of The ritualistic duty of the Junior the Third Degree in the presentation of Steward is to assist with the the Ancient Form, he is to assume the preparation of the candidates. This role of the Third Craftsman. In this means he is expected to be present well role, he will remove his lodge collar before the opening of the lodge to help and apron and wear a white Fellow ensure that the candidate(s) is properly Craft Apron. He will not carry his rod dressed for his degree work. He is to about the lodge during this section. stand witness for the Junior Deacon, when he asks the candidate the three There is one line of ritual to be questions prior to their taking the first recited. The Senior Deacon will ask one degree. During this time, he should question and the Junior Steward will leave all talking to the Junior Deacon. respond. This ritual will be found in However, common sense should be the Official Cipher, and is the only used. Once the candidate is prepared, ritual recited by the Junior Steward. he is to return to his station and put on When the role of Craftsman has his regalia for the evening. been completed, he is to return to his As this duty involves the station and put on his regalia. At this candidate’s initial contact with the point, he is to check that the Senior lodge in operation, and therefore his Steward and Senior Deacon have done first impression of the lodge, it is the same, and sit when the Senior imperative that these officers be fully Deacon sits.
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for the candidates learning their When parading about the lodge, second degree cipher and the Altar is always to the right along demonstrating their proficiency in with the Senior Steward. Although the same. The candidates should be floorwork is the Master's prerogative, it ready no later than three days prior is suggested that timing for rising be to the next communication. When timed with the Senior Steward. the candidates are ready, the Junior Further, when parading about the Steward should inform the Senior lodge room, turns should be made Deacon and the Master. using military right angles carrying the rod extended down from the right 3. He is to serve on the lodge's Greeting shoulder. Finally, when stepping off, it Committee, along with the Inside should always be on the left foot. Sentinel, Senior Steward, and Deacons. He should greet every
brother who enters the lodge room SPECIFIC DUTIES prior to the start of the meeting. In addition to the duties of the Senior 3. He should be required to plan one Steward, the following are some social event for the year. A logical specific duties performed by the Junior choice would be for a Holiday Party Steward. in December for members and their families. Along with the chairman 1. During balloting, the Junior Steward of the entertainment committee, he should station himself at the untyled must arrange for a meal, door. entertainment, facilities, and a 2. The Junior Steward may, depending small gift for the children. on lodge traditions, be responsible
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INSIDE SENTINEL
OVERVIEW During the procession of the This is the first office in the Third Degree in the presentation of the progressive line. As you must crawl Ancient Form, he is to form the before you learn to run, as such, it Brethren in a single file at the affords the first opportunity to learn beginning of the third circuit of the the basics of being an officer of a lodge. Clarification of this procedure Masonic lodge. The emblem for this can be found in the floorwork section station is the double crossed swords. of the Official Cipher. The collar may have the emblem As Inside Sentinel, he is to serve encircled or not. The emblem will also as part of the lodge's greeting be on the Lodge Apron, which will be committee along with the Stewards and worn during lodge meetings in place of Deacons. He should greet every brother the usual blue bordered white who enters the lodge room prior to the members' aprons. start of the meeting. This may seem The ritualistic duty of the Inside trivial, however, how can he ask a Sentinel is to stand guard over the brother for assistance in performing the untyled door to the lodge room. He is duties he will assume in higher stations to allow none to enter or leave the if he does not get to know them, and lodge through this door except for the they do not get to know him? The Junior Deacon, the Stewards, the greeting committee is the perfect Candidate or Candidates, and the three mechanism to assist a junior officer in ruffians in the Third Degree. It is the getting to know his fellow brethren Inside Sentinel who opens and closes and, additionally, it helps create an this door except when the Senior atmosphere of warmth for the brethren Deacon is directed to investigate the who attend lodge meetings. demand at the door, to conduct the The Inside Sentinel should be a candidate(s) into the lodge room, and keen observer of all that goes on in the during the second section of the Third lodge and should be learning as much Degree when other brethren will be as possible. It is wise for any officer to passing through the door as part of the be ahead of his own office. This is an ceremony. In all cases, after those who excellent opportunity to get ahead and have passed through the door are in the for a learning year. He should assist the lodge room, he is to ascertain that the Stewards in any way possible, and learning their duties specifically (see door is closed and secure. Junior and Senior Stewards). He should If the lodge is fortunate to have prepare himself to be able to assume five candidates, he will be responsible either of the Steward's duties and for conducting the fifth candidate degree work at any time. The duties are relatively simple, yet they form the around the lodge room during part of foundation for the future duties an the first section of each degree. He will officer will assume. Strong adherence return to his station and assume his to the duties assigned will make his regular duties after the candidates are future experiences enjoyable ones. instructed to leave the altar and salute the Wardens.
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Below are some specific duties 3. He should assist the Stewards by and responsibilities of the Inside filling the water pitchers in the Sentinel. South, West and East with fresh, cold water and ice if available. SPECIFIC DUTIES 4. In the absence of the Electrician, he 1. During balloting, the Inside Sentinel will operate the lights for the should station himself at the tyled meetings. door. 5. He should attend the visits of the 2. He should learn the ritual for the District Deputy Grand Master as three gates and be prepared to fill a scheduled. vacancy if necessary. He should be thoroughly familiar with the work of the Fellow Craft Team.
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TREASURER
The duties of a lodge Treasurer are few, He will accept all deposits made and are spelled out in the charge he by the Secretary and post those receives on being installed in office. As deposits to the respective chart of the chief financial officer of the lodge, accounts. He will also make any he will be responsible for paying all deposits necessary into any pre-paid bills as authorized by the Master and/or accounts such as postage for standard By-laws of the lodge, maintaining the mailings. lodge’s operating checkbook and any He will, at least annually, savings accounts and investments. prepare financial statements in The emblem for this station is conformity with “generally accepted the crossed keys. The collar may have accounting principles” and present the emblem encircled or not. The them to the lodge membership. He will emblem will also be on the Lodge’s also prepare financial statements in the Apron, which will be worn in place of format provided by the Grand Lodge the usual member’s blue-bordered and ensure that these financials are white apron, unless the treasurer is a reviewed or audited by a committee past master or higher, whereupon he appointed by the Master of the lodge, may wear the apron of his highest and that they are submitted to the office. Grand Lodge by December 1 st of each All funds, incoming and year. outgoing, should flow through the He will ensure that all federal Treasurer so he may maintain an and state tax forms are properly accurate and complete record of the completed and filed within the financial transactions of the lodge. He specified deadlines, with copies filed will maintain close contact with the with the Grand Treasurer’s Office. As lodge’s trustees to ensure that all of 2010, the only required submission expenditures are properly approved of a Lodge is an IRS form 990N, and conform to the bylaws of the lodge 990EZ, or a full form 990, depending and the constitutions of the Grand on the gross receipts of the lodge. Lodge. The Treasurer will work closely Under the direction of the with the lodge’s Auditor to ensure that Master and trustees, he will work all funds and accounts are properly and closely with any professional accurately depicted, and will file an investment managers to ensure the annual report to the lodge at the funds of the lodge are properly lodge’s stated annual meeting. invested and make periodic reports to the lodge with those results. In some lodges, however, the trustees are solely responsible for the interaction with the investment managers.
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SECRETARY
The duties of a Secretary are numerous, Additionally, he should process varied, and at times time-consuming. the monthly deposit of funds into the But if a Secretary can effectively lodge’s bank, and will also transmit the manage his time, he will find that the totals of any funds collected and most of the tasks that need to be deposited to the Treasurer for his accomplished can be done in a minimal records. amount of spare time. Other tasks include the The emblem for this station is maintaining of the individual records the crossed quills. The collar may have of the Lodge members, the processing the emblem encircled or not. The of the various applications for degrees emblem will also be on the Lodge’s and affiliations, the processing of the Apron, which will be worn in place of various forms of a demit, and the the usual member’s blue-bordered assisting of the Master in preparing the white apron, unless the secretary is a lodge notice of communication for the past master or higher, whereupon he upcoming meeting. may wear the apron of his highest He will ensure that there are an office. ample supply of candidate aprons and As the chief operating officer of ciphers on hand and maintain an ample the lodge, most of the visible tasks a amount of envelopes and labels Secretary performs are those of available for mailing the monthly recording the minutes of the various notices. meetings of the lodge, and handling The Secretary will be some of the correspondence necessary. responsible for ordering various types He will also transmit the monthly of regalia at the discretion and reports of membership activity within direction of the Master. He will also his lodge to the Grand Secretary’s keep track of the various types of Office in a timely manner. awards available for the membership in Those tasks not so visible are the form of service pins. the sending of dues bills, collecting and The Secretary will also be the properly posting the dues payments prime contact for most and the issuing of dues cards. communications involving Grand He should be keenly aware of Lodge and will be responsible for the by-laws of his lodge and intimately validating the membership roles as familiar with the Grand Constitutions. maintained by the Grand Secretary’s Office.
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ELECTRICIAN
hour before meetings and rehearsals OVERVIEW to check out the lighting. He shall It is recommended every lodge verify all the lights are working and appoint an Electrician, who shall be at prepare lights for use. He shall each and every meeting and rehearsal ensure that station lights are to light the way for the Master. Proper operational including the desk use of the lighting can greatly enhance lamps for the Secretary and the impact of the ritual, including the Treasurer’s desks. opening and closing of the lodge. He is 3. He shall make notes on proper under the direction of the Master. lighting of the lodge for each of the The emblem for this station is degrees and execute them faithfully the crossed lightning bolts. The collar for the Master. may have the emblem encircled or not. 4. When the lights are ready, he should The emblem will also be on the Lodge assist the Stewards in preparing the Apron which will be worn during lodge lodge for meetings and rehearsals. in place of the usual blue-bordered white members' apron. 5. He should note anything about the lodge hall in need of repair and Below are some specific duties and notify the Master and the responsibilities of the Electrician. representative of the building association, if any. SPECIFIC DUTIES 6. He should assist the Junior Deacon 1. He shall remain aware of the tone with the preparation of the and feeling of each part of each candidates when needed. degree and keep his eye on the 7. He should attend the visits of the Master for any changes during the District Deputy Grand Master as ceremony. scheduled. 2. He shall arrive at least one half
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TYLER
OVERVIEW Below are some specific duties and responsibilities of the Tyler. Although the Tyler remains outside the lodge while ritual and meetings are conducted, he is a very SPECIFIC DUTIES important officer of the lodge as he is the first member of the lodge a visitor 1. He should request an examination comes in contact with. He should be committee for visiting brethren very courteous and considerate of when needed. them. He should notify the Marshal or 2. He should verify that all visiting Senior Deacon of their presence as brethren are properly vouched for. soon as possible. 3. He shall maintain the Members' and The emblem for this station is Visitors' registers. the sword. The collar may have the emblem encircled or not. The emblem 4. He shall learn his part in the third will also be on the Lodge Apron which degree ritual. will be worn during lodge in place of 5. He should attend the visits of the the usual blue-bordered white District Deputy Grand Master as members' apron. scheduled.
MARSHAL OVERVIEW Below are some specific duties and responsibilities of the Marshal. The Marshal's most important duty, usually as the lodge’s Immediate Past Master, is to be available as a SPECIFIC DUTIES source of knowledge to the Master when requested. In addition to his 1. He should assist the Master as ritual duties he will conduct visitors requested. and guests of the lodge as the Master 2. Check with the Tyler and inform the shall direct. Master of any special or out-of-state The emblem for this station is visitors. the baton. The collar may have the 3. Obtain the names of any brothers emblem encircled or not. The emblem wishing to make a presentation to a will also be on the Lodge Apron, which candidate at a 3rd Degree and report will be worn during lodge in place of them to the Master. the usual blue-bordered white members' apron. 4. Should attend the visits of the District Deputy Grand Master as scheduled
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ASSOCIATE STEWARD(S) OVERVIEW should be learning as much as possible. They shall assist the Stewards in It is wise for any officer to be ahead of their duties under the direction of the his own office. This is an excellent Junior Warden or Senior Deacon as opportunity to get ahead and for a needed. The use of Associate Stewards learning year. They should prepare will greatly enhance the smooth themselves to be able to assume either functioning of the lodge. Although of the Steward's duties and degree work there is no official office of Associate at any time. While the duties are Steward, it provides a good opportunity relatively simple, they form the for interested brethren to gain foundation for the future duties an experience and training as possible officer will assume. Strong adherence future officers. to the duties assigned will make their They should be keen observers future experiences enjoyable ones. of all that goes on in the lodge and
CHAPLAIN(S)
OVERVIEW
Most chaplains who have served The ritual states the Chaplain for a number of years will have many will conduct the devotion of the lodge. different prayers they have customized This includes opening and closing for the openings and closings. prayers and any ritualistic prayers during the degrees. A chaplain should also make himself available, if possible, when The emblem for this station is called upon to assist the Master in the Holy Bible. The collar may have the conducting Masonic funeral services. emblem encircled or not. The emblem will also be on the Lodge Apron, which A lodge may have more than will be worn during lodge in place of one chaplain who share the the usual blue-bordered white responsibilities equally. members' apron.
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PROXY
of the lodge who has signed the Bylaws OVERVIEW of the lodge (except if representing The Proxy is an elected position lodges outside the geographic in the lodge, whose sole function is to boundaries of Massachusetts), and he attend the Quarterly Communications should be able to attend all Quarterlies. of the Grand Lodge and vote on any A Proxy living out of state or otherwise issues that may be required as directed unable to fulfill these requirements is by the Lodge. The Proxy votes only in of no use to the lodge. A Proxy may the absence of all three senior officers only serve one lodge. of the lodge, the Master and Wardens. An elected Proxy should be a member
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DUTIES OF COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN
BLOOD DONOR/CPR ENTERTAINMENT 1. Act as a liaison between the Lodge 1. To plan events that are to entertain and the District Blood Chairman, the members of the lodge and their and the American Red Cross when families. necessary. 2. To plan programs at the direction 2. Report to the lodge on the donor of the Master and to appoint a recruitment within the district and committee to work to achieve those within the Lodge. plans.
3. Keep local lodge donor records. FINANCE D.A.R.E. 1. To oversee the financial status of 1. To develop relations with the local the Lodge's funds. Police Department's D.A.R.E. 2. In the absence of the Master, to officers and to ascertain their needs provide signatures on the bills and determine how the lodge might presented for payment in be able to assist or promote their accordance with the By-laws of the activities. Lodge. 2. Develop programs within the 3. To assist the Senior Warden in Lodge, or assist in developing planning his budget for the ensuing programs within the District and year, and to assist the Master in the community, to assist in raising keeping his budget on track. funds to support the local programs. FUNERAL
2. To report on those activities when 1. To conduct funeral services for requested by the Master. departed brethren at the request of DeMOLAY and/or absence of the Master. 1. To establish and maintain relations 2. To enlist the assistance of other with the local DeMolay chapters, able brethren in conducting the and to act as a liaison between the services. Lodge and those chapters. MASONIC AWARENESS 2. To report on those activities when requested by the Master. 1. Develop Awareness programs within the lodge to stimulate EDUCATION increased attendance by our members and to attract new 1. Ensure that candidates receive candidates. proper instruction in our ritual and are proficient in it. 2. Maintain correspondence with District Masonic Awareness 2. Ensure that candidates attend the Chairman and report to him our district’s Lodge of Instruction. activities.
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deceased brethren or members of MEMBERSHIP his family.
1. Ensure that all applications for 5. Maintain communications with the membership are properly lodge Secretary concerning the investigated, and that all welfare of the lodge. requirements of the lodge are fulfilled by both the lodge and the applicant, reporting the results to TROWEL MAGAZINE the Secretary. 1. To write and submit articles of the activities of the lodge to the Trowel NOMINATING Magazine for publication on an ongoing basis. 1. To evaluate and recommend to the membership candidates for the Other duties may be defined in the offices of Master, Senior Warden, future, and other committees may be Junior Warden, Treasurer, named and their functions defined by Secretary, Auditor of the funds, if the Master as the needs of the Lodge applicable, Proxy, and members of warrant. the Board of Trustees in accordance with the lodge’s By-laws. 2. To assist in the evaluation of the ADDITIONAL APPOINTED performance of the junior line POSITIONS officers and assist the incoming Master in the selection of his Ambassador appointed line officers. 3. To receive a report from the Senior Every Lodge is required to have Warden outlining his programming a visible and hopefully knowledgeable plans for his term as Master. member to serve as the Lodge’s 4. To receive from the Senior Warden a Ambassador. His responsibility will be copy of an operating budget to serve the Lodge as its spokesman in approved by the Finance Committee the community, and as such should be for his term as Master. comfortable and skilled in public speaking. He should be experienced enough to speak in lodges and LOI’s on SERVICE Masonic topics. He should have 1. To report on the general welfare of enough information available to him to the brethren and their families. be able to represent the appendant bodies to any Master Mason. He may
2. To compile data on those in need serve as a mentor to any number of and to report to the Lodge of those candidates or new Masons. He should suffering losses and/or joyous be considered a membership events. development specialist and as such 3. To arrange for visits to sick brethren devise and create membership and to send well wishes to them in development functions. He should accordance to lodge custom. attend and complete the Ambassador training program prior to his 4. To send cards of condolences from appointment. the lodge to the families of our
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An Ambassador should be Mentor articulate, positive, respected, knowledgeable, clean and well dressed, A Mentor may be any member able to relate multi-generationally, and who tales a sincere interest in the do so to target audiences. He should progress of a new Mason. He should recognize that building and be one who is willing to work closely maintaining membership is essential to with the new Mason. The mentoring the Lodge’s success. A Lodge process should begin as the prospective Ambassador will not take the place of candidate’s application is read in the Masonic Awareness or Service Lodge. This ensures that even before Committee members who are engaged he is elected for membership, he is in Masonic work in the Lodge family or properly informed of the basic community. The Ambassador will fundamentals of the Fraternity, and has work on the grass-roots level in an involved and educated contact who membership development. It will be may act as an educator and companion his responsibility to act upon throughout the degree process and prospective candidates to “close the during his first few months as a master sale” and bring him before the Lodge Mason. with his application. More than one A Mentor should be Ambassador may be appointed as knowledgeable enough to be able to needed. stimulate the candidate and keep his interest peaked. A Master who has properly planned programming and Chief Instructor events throughout the year supplements the Mentor and provides The Chief Instructor may be activities that will make a candidate or any member who has an intimate new member want to become involved. knowledge of the Fraternity. His Every candidate is a stranger to principle duty is to assist the Lodge in Freemasonry and Freemasonry is a instructing the candidates in the stranger to him. The candidate should history and heritage of the Fraternity be exposed to our rich history and by utilizing the prepared lessons from heritage. A mentor’s duties are not the Education Department as a basis solely to teach the candidate about the for instruction. He may function as a beauty and meaning of our ceremonies, ritualistic instructor but that is a but to present him with the spirit of the secondary function of the Chief Fraternity so they can understand and Instructor and is usually delegated to a appreciate its purposes and ideals. The member who has a solid knowledge of new Brother will feel that he has the ritual. become an integral part of the Masonic The Chief Instructor is a family. The Lodge therefore will be the resource available to the Lodge, beneficiary of new members who have properly trained, and has the ability to a deeper understanding and can take effectively teach the lessons. He will be an active role right from the beginning. utilized if a candidate is unable to attend a District Lodge of Instruction, Other individual appointed or may be recruited to instruct at a positions may be required by the Grand Lodge of Instruction. Master as opportunities arise.
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