SENIOR DEACON
His Jewel is the Square and Compass with the Sun in the middle. The sun signifies that his
position is on the lower level, to the right of the Worshipful Master in the east.
His duty is as messenger of the Worshipful Master, hence he does a lot of walking.
The Senior Deacon of a Masonic Lodge is an assistant officer of the Lodge. The Senior Deacon's
position is similar to a Manager. The Senior Deacon's principle roles are to welcome and escort
both visitors and candidates into the lodge and introduce distinguished visitors.
It is his duty to assist the Worshipful Master and carry orders between the Worshipful Master
and the Senior Warden. During degree rituals, he guides the new candidate and conducts him
around the lodge room.
During the opening and closing ceremonies, the Senior Deacon opens the Holy Scriptures to the
correct passage of the degree being worked and closes it after the lodge is adjourned. He also
lights and extinguishes the candles at the altar. He carries the ballot box around the lodge when
new members are being voted upon.
The Senior Deacon (and the Junior Deacon) both carry long staffs (or rods), because as
messengers of the Worshipful Master, the staffs are symbolic of the caduceus (or wand) that
the Roman winged god and messenger Mercury carried during their duties. Atop the rods are
the jewels of their offices.
Having served a year as Junior Deacon, the Senior Deacon has a somewhat smoother road to
travel, as he now knows how much time to allow for his various officer duties, and he will be
well into his learning curve on memory work. As a Senior Deacon, you may still be called on
to perform the duties of a Junior Deacon on occasion, if the Junior Deacon is unable to attend a
meeting. Generally, however, as Senior Deacon, you should:
Takes his orders from the Worshipful Master.
Arrive early enough to set out the aprons and jewels before lodge, and ensure that the
Bible, square and compass are properly displayed on the altar.
Ensure that the Holy Bible is marked for work on the Degrees which the Lodge will
work: Ecclesiastes, Chapter 12 (For Master Mason Degrees and Stated Meetings),
Amos, Chapter 7 (for Fellowcraft Degrees) or Psalm 133 (for Entered Apprentice
Degrees)
Collects and put away the aprons and jewels after lodge is over, as well as the Bible,
square & compass.
Welcomes and accommodates visiting Brethren. This begins before lodge opens.
Greet the visitor; learn his name, his lodge and number, and his address and title, if
any. Provide the Worshipful Master with this information and be prepared to
introduce them during Lodge.
Should have his work committed to memory before his installation so that he may
prepare himself to move up to the Junior Warden’s station.
Sets the tone for initiations. Keep it in tune with good ritual and procedure.
Should have the proper tools available as he receives the candidate for each degree.
Be able to conduct a candidate through the Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, or
Master Mason Degree (both parts), with poise and assurance.
Begin working on your Sub III Card.
Should you be unable to attend a Lodge meeting or other place where you are expected, please
have the courtesy to inform the Master in plenty of time for him to find a replacement.
Lodge Bylaws
See Lodge By-laws for the duties and responsibilities of the Senior Deacon.
Committee Oversight:
As Senior Deacon, you are Chair of the Membership Committee and are charged with the
welfare of the Brethren. As part of your duties of introduce and accommodate visiting Brethren
you are also charged with looking out for your Brother of Temperance. Your primary duty is
Sickness and Distress, ensuring that we practice Brotherly Love. You are to alert the Worshipful
Master of all sickness and distress and follow up with the Brother to aid him and his family. To
ensure proper attendance you are to work with a calling tree to reach out to Brothers before each
meeting and make them feel most well.
Installation of Senior
Deacon
"It is your duty to attend on the Master and Wardens, and to act as their proxies in the active
duties of the
Lodge, such as in the reception of candidates into the different degrees of Masonry and the
introduction and accommodation of visitors. A strict adherence to your duties will make our
ceremonies more impressive to our members and visitors."
Senior Deacon Speaking Parts in Cipher
The following page numbers can be found in the Missouri Cipher, and indicate the Senior
Deacon’s speaking part or other instructions. Also refer to the Continuous Manual for
the floor work of each officer.
Entered Apprentice
Opening – 1-5, 8
Initiation – 9-21, 24-29
Closing – 60-61
Labor to Refreshment – 62
Refreshment to Labor – 63
Fellow Craft
Opening – 66-67, 72
Passing – 73-91
Lectures – 92 (Middle Chamber 92-113)
Closing – 127
Labor and Refreshment – 127
Refreshment to Labor – 129
Master Mason
Opening – 132, 137
Raising (1st Section) – 138-142, 144-150, 154-158
Raising (2nd Section) – 158-162, (1st Craftsman) 166-173
Lectures – 204
Closing– 208
Labor and Refreshment – 209
Refreshment to Labor – 210