THE SENIOR WARDEN
The Senior Warden’s station is in the west. His Jewel is the Level...symbolizing that all Masons
meet on the level, without regard to social, political or religious beliefs or status. The Senior
Warden is in charge of the Lodge when it is at labor. Before the Senior Warden on the pedestal is
a column of the Doric order, the emblem of Strength. He represents Hiram, King of Tyre, who is
also a representative of the column of Strength, because he gave Aid and Strength to King
Solomon while erecting the Temple at Jerusalem.
The Senior Warden of a Masonic Lodge is the second in command within the Lodge Officers.
His position is similar to a Vice-President of any organization. In the absence of the Worshipful
Master, the Senior Warden assumes the Worshipful Master's duties. The Senior Warden of a
Masonic Lodge sits in the West (symbolic of the setting sun) and assists the Worshipful Master
in opening and closing the Lodge.
His ancient duties were to pay the Craft (the members of the guild) their wages and to
handle disputes among the workers. It is his duty to support the Master and to prepare
himself for that office during the following year.
Be familiar with all the Worshipful Master’s duties and be ready to assume the office
in his absence.
Be able to open, close, call off, and call on in all degrees.
Assist the Worshipful Master with all Lodge programs.
Know the business of the Lodge.
Have knowledge of the Constitution and Bylaws of both and local and Grand
Lodge.
Attend Grand Lodge communications and all workshops.
Have knowledge of the finances of the Lodge.
Have knowledge of all Lodge procedures.
Complete a plan for the next year when you will probably be installed Master of the
Lodge.
Additional Powers & Authorities of the Senior Warden Constitution and Bylaws of the
Grand Lodge:
Study: Study the Missouri Manual systematically. Read one section, and review it point by
point before moving on to the next section. Amendments are made each year, so be sure to
read the supplements. Make notes as you read, recording the ideas that occur to you for better
procedures, improved ritual work, increased attendance, special events for the year, special
programs, Temple improvements, etc. Organize your notes and plot your course for the year
ahead. This will result in your Trestle Board filled with designs that will mark your year of
service as one that will be long remembered.
Officer Appointments: If elected, you are to appoint all officers who are not elected. Take
time to select the right people. Be certain each one knows what is expected of him. A good
and a poor appointment to line will have an effect on the direction of the Lodge. For the
future of your Lodge, select carefully. Never make appointments without contacting the
person beforehand.
Committee Appointments: The Master has at least four obligations in reference to Standing
Committees:
to select the best men for the particular job;
to instruct them thoroughly concerning their duties;
to check frequently and see that their work is progressing as it should;
to recognize and thank the committee members for their services. He should observe the
same precautions in the selection, administration and commendation of these committees
as recommended above. Committee work is an excellent medium for creating and
maintaining active interest among the membership, so pass the work around and give as
many as possible something to do.
Special Committees: The Master may appoint special committees to facilitate the
execution of a particular program, project or meeting.
Investigating Committee: This is the most important of all committees because “it guards
the West Gate.” Meticulous selection of your investigating committees, therefore, is of the
utmost importance. Select only those members who will do a conscientious and thorough
job, and who will be present when their reports are to be made. The Master also should
make sure that the Lodge’s new members receive complete instructions in how to
investigate a candidate, and use the pamphlet, “Duties of Investigating Committee,” which
is available from the Grand Lodge office.
Lodge Bylaws: See Lodge By-laws for the duties and responsibilities of the Senior Warden.
Lead by Example:
The importance of showing leadership increases as the responsibilities of Office increase.
The wages of a Master Mason are the approbation and gratitude of the Brethren, and they
can be earned without limit in positive proportion to the efforts extended in planning,
learning and executing the increased responsibilities and duties of Office.
Your Charge:
The Senior Warden is charged at installation to ensure equality of treatment of all Masons,
to assist the Master in the government of the Lodge, and to be ready to assume the Master's
chair, if needed. During the opening and closing ritual he is charged to pay the Craft their
wages as due and ensure the satisfaction of all Brethren.
The wages of a Master Mason are the approbation, respect, and gratitude of his Brethren and
Senior Warden is to the example for all Lodge members to ensure that all who earn their wages
are justly and publicly accorded that respect, gratitude and approval.
Lodge Member's Contributions:
All guidelines written for the Junior Warden apply with even greater emphasis to the Senior
Warden, and he should periodically review them. He should be alert to notice the
contributions made by each member to the well-being of the Lodge and his Brethren and give
them private and public recognition. Such recognition gives every Brother a warm feeling
toward the Lodge, its Officers and his Brethren and further encourages such behavior.
Work on Ritual Proficiency:
The Senior Warden should take an active role in ritual degree work and master the ritual in
preparation for his year in the East.
“Warden’s Night” will be observed on April 18th to afford you and the Junior Warden an
opportunity to demonstrate your proficiency in the next Chair. During Wardens’ Night the
Senior Warden will preside in the East while the Junior Warden will assume the West to
open the Lodge. The Junior Warden will be invited to assume the East to close the lodge,
after the program, with the Senior Warden resuming his position in the West. This places
added emphasis on the preparation of both Wardens to assume the higher office.
Master's Theme:
He should finalize the detailed plans and work on the development of his Master's theme and
schedule the programs to support the theme and confirm the availability of scheduled speakers
invited during the preceding year. Additionally, the Master may ask him to plan and present the
program for a Warden's Night when he will open and close the Lodge or share these duties with
the Junior Warden.
Appointment of Officers:
One of the key functions performed by a newly installed Master to ensure the continued future
prosperity and happiness of the Lodge is the appointment of officers, committee chairmen, and
committee members. The Senior Warden must be prepared with his confirmed appointments
when he is elected to serve as Master. To be prepared, he must contact his prospective appointees
privately to discuss the planned responsibilities of their proposed position and to ascertain their
willingness to carry out those responsibilities in the manner desired by the prospective Master.
Each appointment should be considered in the same light as hiring a man to perform a job with a
clear understanding on the part of both parties as to what is expected of the other in order to
avoid later misunderstandings about the assignment.
Installation Plans:
The Senior Warden must also complete plans for the installation of Lodge officers for the
ensuing year. The plan, like all good plans, should answer the reporter's maxim, “who, what,
where, when and how.” Includes the installing officer, installing marshal, assistant
installing marshal, installing secretary, installing chaplain, and guests who will be present.
Invitations to the installing team should be sent and confirmed early, as they may be involved in
other installations during the same time period. Telephone re-confirmations should be made with
them one or two days prior to installation to ensure their availability and avoid any
misunderstandings and embarrassment.
What: Includes determining whether it will be a public (open) or a private (closed) installation
ceremony. The ceremony for the installation of officers is provided in the Missouri Manual. If
you are holding a public installation in a facility that you have never used before, it is advisable
to contact your District Deputy Grand Master for his opinion/approval as to the suitability of the
facility.
When: Your installation date should be carefully coordinated with other Lodges in the district to
minimize conflicts to the extent possible, so the District Deputy Grand Master and others can
attend as many installations as they are able.
How: Never underestimate the collective power of your Lodge officers and committees. They
can help with the logistics of pulling the myriad and varied detail together. Planning and
executing a successful installation is testimony of your leadership and management skills.
Oversight of Fellowcrafts: Many Lodges have traditional roles assigned to each officer in the
progressive line. The Senior Warden at Temperance Lodge is charged with overseeing the
progress of the Lodge's Fellowcrafts, assigning them meaningful tasks, and helping them to feel
like a valuable part of the Lodge.
Coordinate Catechism Instructors:
The Senior Warden may be assigned to coordinate the catechism instructors and mentors,
maintain a record of the progress of all candidates and ensure advancement preparation is
completed within the time allotted. He may be assigned to work with the Lodge Instructor of
Work, on behalf of the Master, to encourage Lodge members to prepare themselves for the
needed ritual parts and then provide them the opportunity to perform the parts once they are
qualified.
Promote Lodge Inter-Visitation:
The Senior Warden is also to act as the Lodge's “traveling ambassador” to coordinate with
members and other Lodges to promote and schedule visits to other Lodges and stimulate
competition for the Traveling Eagle. This helps promote brotherly love among our fellow lodges
but also provides the Senior Warden with valuable contacts when extra help is needed during his
year in the East.
Committee Oversight:
The Senior Warden is the Chair of the Fundraising Committee. He is also a member of the
Executive Committee and the Budget Committee. He is also charged with assisting other
junior officer’s with their duties as Chairs of their various committees. Such experience and
responsibility provides them an opportunity to earn Master's wages, and this broad ranging
participation strengthens the Lodge.
Write for the Trestleboard:
The Senior Warden is to prepare a paragraph or two “From the West” for the Lodge’s
Trestleboard dealing with his assigned responsibilities or upcoming Lodge events. This
provides a valuable “learn-by-doing” opportunity to write for the Lodge and
to meet the publication deadlines.
Grand Annual Communication:
While it is particularly important for the Senior Warden to attend the Grand Annual
Communication of Grand Lodge, both Wardens should make an effort to attend. The Senior
Warden will be preparing himself for representing his Lodge the following year as
Master, when he will be charged with the responsibility of voting on Grand Lodge business.
It is also an excellent opportunity to hear the newly installed Grand Master's vision and goals
for the Craft.
Recommended Exercises:
Below are a series of nine important learn-by-doing skill-development exercises designed to
continue increasing your self-confidence to meet your responsibilities. These exercises
address the following areas:
a. Family Obligations
b. Selection of Lodge Officers
c. Installation of Lodge Officers
d. Planning Community Projects
e. Recognition of Members and Others.
f. Masonic youth group support.
g. Grand Lodge Proceedings
h. Appendant Bodies, and
i. Assisting Lodge Programs
Senior Warden Speaking Parts in Cipher
The following page numbers can be found in the Missouri Cipher, and indicate the
Senior Warden’s speaking part or other instructions. Also refer to the Continuous
Manual for the floor work of each officer.
Entered Apprentice
Opening – 1-4, 6-7
Initiation – 17-18, 20, 27-28
Closing – 60-61
Refreshment to Labor – 63, 65
Fellow Craft
Opening – 66-72
Passing – 77-78, 80-83, 90,
Lectures – 109-110
Closing – 126-127
Refreshment to Labor – 129, 131
Master Mason
Opening – 132-137
Raising (1st Section) – 142-143, 145-147, 149, 156
Raising (2nd Section) – 165-166, 174-175
Closing – 207-208
Refreshment to Labor – 210, 212