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54-542: All of the lodges in a given nation, state, or region are united under the authority of a Grand Lodge sovereign to its own jurisdiction. Most of the lodge offices listed below have equivalent offices in the Grand Lodge, but with the addition of the word "Grand" somewhere in the title. For example, every lodge has an officer called the "Junior Warden", whilst the Grand Lodge has a "Grand Junior Warden" (sometimes "Junior Grand Warden"). A very small number of offices may exist only at

108-470: A crucial event in the Masonic calendar. On the designated election night, the names of the candidates are read aloud, and the members in attendance participate in a democratic vote. The criteria for evaluating candidates may include their contributions to the lodge, knowledge of Masonic principles, and their capacity to lead and support the brethren. The candidate who garners the most votes for a particular position

162-460: A freemason elected to oversee a Masonic jurisdiction , derived from the office of Grand Masters in chivalric orders . He presides over a Grand Lodge and has certain rights in the constituent Lodges that form his jurisdiction. In most, but not all cases, the Grand Master is styled "Most Worshipful Grand Master." One example of a differing title exists in the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania , where

216-409: A mason starts at the most junior office and "progresses" to the next in line each year. The exact composition of the progressive officers varies slightly by jurisdiction, but will typically finish with the series: Junior Deacon, Senior Deacon, Junior Warden, Senior Warden, Worshipful Master. Not all Masonic Lodges adhere to the practice of a progressive line, and this tradition is primarily prevalent in

270-639: A member losing voting rights, being denied the opportunity to visit other lodges, and finally even being debarred or excluded from his own lodge. In some jurisdictions, the position is an elected office, while in others it is appointed by the Master. It is common for the Treasurer to be an experienced Past Master, but this is not required. The Secretary's official duties include issuing the summons (a formal notice of an impending meeting, with time, date and agenda), recording meeting minutes, completing statistical returns to

324-624: Is also a Past Master. In many lodges it is presumed that the Senior Warden will become the next Worshipful Master. In some jurisdictions, the position is an elected office, while in others it is appointed by the Master. The third of the principal officers is the Junior Warden (or Second Warden). The Junior Warden is charged with the supervision of the Lodge while it is "at refreshment" (in recess for meals or other social purposes). In some jurisdictions

378-548: Is commonly assigned to a fairly junior member, as it provides a good opportunity for him to meet members and observe and learn ceremonies, and is at the beginning of the progressive offices leading to the Chair. The task of guarding the door is shared with the 'Tyler' (see above). The Inner Guard is on the inside of the door, and in some jurisdictions is armed with a poignard , or short dagger . In those jurisdictions which do not appoint an Inner Guard (and even in some that do), this duty

432-523: Is distinct from the Deputy Grand Master. There are two distinct traditions in connection with the office of Grand Master. Generally speaking, the European practice is for the same Grand Master to be re-elected for several consecutive years, maybe even several decades, whilst in other countries, a Grand Master serves a set term of only one to three years and then retires. In several European countries,

486-431: Is elected to that office. The combination of merit-based appointments and democratic elections creates a system in which officers with proven dedication and capabilities are recognized and rewarded. This ensures that the lodge's leadership is both competent and representative of the brethren's wishes. Progressive office refers to a series of offices within the lodge, culminating in the office of Worshipful Master. Ideally,

540-570: Is eligible for election as Master vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but the majority of jurisdictions specify that a brother must have served as an installed Warden to qualify. In practice, most lodges will nominate and elect the previous year's Senior Warden in an uncontested election. At the conclusion of his limited term of office, a Worshipful Master is termed a Past Master . The duties and privileges of Past Masters vary from lodge to lodge and jurisdiction to jurisdiction. For example, in some jurisdictions Past Masters become life members of

594-620: Is given to the "Inner Guard" or "Inside Sentinel" or Pursuivant ). In some systems of Continental Freemasonry , the Deacons are entirely absent, although not always, such as in the British Federation of Le Droit Humain. Continental lodges without Deacons share the functions between the Inner Guard and the Wardens. The jewel of the deacons in some jurisdictions is denoted by a Dove or by Mercury,

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648-522: Is given to the Junior Deacon (see above). In most Masonic jurisdictions, each lodge will have a 'Chaplain'. The principal duty of the Chaplain is to lead prayer before and after the lodge meeting, and to say grace while the lodge is at dinner. In many lodges this position is filled by a clergyman (an ordained minister, priest, rabbi, imam, etc.) who is a brother of the lodge. However, it is not required that

702-492: Is quite common in the United States, but not in other countries. In some jurisdictions where it is found, the title is simply an alternative for 'Director of Ceremonies' (see above). However, there are jurisdictions in which the office is distinct from any other, in which cases the duties of the office revolve around the organisation of processions and ensuring the correct precedence and etiquette in formal proceedings, including

756-498: Is the second of the three principal officers of a lodge, and is the Master's principal deputy. Under some constitutions, if the Worshipful Master is absent then the Senior Warden presides at meetings as "acting Master", and may act for the Master in all matters of lodge business. Under other constitutions, only sitting Masters or Past Masters may preside as "acting Master", and so the Senior Warden cannot fulfill this role unless he

810-532: Is to prepare the candidates prior to each of the three degrees and conduct the candidates during the degree conferrals. They also maintain order during special circumstances at the discretion of the Worshipful Master. In some jurisdictions, the Masters of Ceremony are responsible for answering alarms at the preparing room, examination room or outer doors. This title is sometimes used in Continental ritual, but to describe

864-664: Is traditionally responsible for preparing the lodge room before the meeting, and for storing and maintaining the regalia after the meeting. In some jurisdictions the Tyler is a Past Master of the Lodge while in others he may be an employed brother from another lodge. The office of 'Inner Guard' (or Inside Sentinel) is mandatory in UK lodges, but rare in American lodges. The Inner Guard is also an office in Australian and New Zealand lodges. This position

918-547: The General Regulations published by the Premier Grand Lodge of England in 1723 "Every Annual Grand Lodge has an inherent power and Authority to make new Regulations or to alter these, for the real benefits of this Ancient Fraternity; provided always that the old Land-Marks be carefully preserved." However, these landmarks were not defined in any manner. In 1844, George Oliver wrote that some jurisdictions restrict

972-671: The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), the Grand Stewards rank as Grand Officers during their year of office. All who hold or have held the office of Grand Steward may become members of the Grand Stewards' Lodge. Nineteen lodges hold the right to nominate an UGLE Grand Steward each year, and as all Grand Stewards wear distinctive red aprons, these lodges are known as 'red apron lodges'. Typically these lodges nominate their current Worshipful Master and can, therefore, be relatively junior through to extremely senior members. The importance of

1026-423: The universal laws of masonry are landmarks, but not so are the local ceremonies, laws, and usages, which vary in different countries. To attempt to alter or remove these sacred landmarks...is one of the most heinous offences that a Mason can commit. Mark Tabbert believes that the actual rules and regulations laid down in the early masonic landmarks derive from the charges of medieval stonemasons . According to

1080-506: The " Right Worshipful Master"). The Worshipful Master sits in the East of the lodge room, chairs all of the business of his lodge, and is vested with considerable powers without further reference to the members. He also presides over ritual and ceremonies. The office of Worshipful Master is the highest honour to which a lodge may appoint any of its members. The office is filled annually by election, often by secret ballot. The requirements as to who

1134-680: The 1950s the Commission on Information for Recognition of the Conference of Grand Masters of Masons in North America upheld three "ancient landmarks": The first great duty, not only of every lodge, but of every Mason, is to see that the landmarks of the Order shall never be impaired. Grand Master (Masonic) A Grand Master is a title of honour as well as an office in Freemasonry , given to

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1188-486: The Almoner must be well versed in local and national Masonic charities and the scope of their charitable work, so as to offer advice to those who might qualify for such assistance. Masonic Landmarks Masonic landmarks are a set of principles that many Freemasons claim to be ancient and unchangeable precepts of Masonry. Issues of the "regularity" of a Freemasonic Lodge, Grand Lodge or Grand Orient are judged in

1242-504: The Chaplain be a clergyman, as prayers are non-denominational. In some lodges the tradition is for the immediate Past Master to act as Chaplain. The title 'Director of Ceremonies' is used in the United Grand Lodge of England and its subordinate lodges, as well as in many other jurisdictions. However, other titles found in other jurisdictions include 'Lecturer' and 'Ritualist'. Some Continental ritual uses 'Master of Ceremonies' and has

1296-462: The Deacon perform the duties linked to this title in other jurisdictions. This Continental Master of Ceremonies' primary duty is to lead people around the lodge. Whatever the title, this officer is responsible for the smooth flowing of ceremonial and ritual and may hold rehearsals. He may be responsible for prompting other officers who forget their lines. In some jurisdictions, he directs proceedings during

1350-568: The Director of Ceremonies role. Here the Deacon performs the above Master of Ceremony duties. The Almoner (sometimes called the Caring Officer) is responsible for the well-being of lodge members and their families. He remains in contact with members who are unwell, and also maintains a discreet presence in the lives of widows of former members, so that the lodge may readily assist them should they find themselves in any particular need. Of necessity,

1404-425: The Grand Lodge level – such offices are included at the end of this article. There are few universal rules common to all Grand Lodge jurisdictions of Freemasonry (see Masonic Landmarks for accepted universal principles of regular Freemasonry). However, the structure of the progressive offices is very nearly universal. While the precise hierarchy or order of various officers within the "line" of officers may vary,

1458-498: The Grand Lodge, and advising the Worshipful Master on matters of procedure. Many individual lodge bylaws add to these duties by mandating, for example, that the Secretary serve on specific committees. Although any member may hold the office of Secretary, it is typically held by an experienced Past Master. It is not unusual for the office of Secretary to be held by the same member for long periods of time, even decades. In some jurisdictions,

1512-633: The Grand Lodge, while in others they are not. In most jurisdictions, a Past Master retains the honorific "Worshipful" (as in "Worshipful Brother Smith"), however there are a few where this honorific is used exclusively for sitting Masters. The corresponding grand rank is Grand Master . The Grand Master may preside over his Grand Lodge , and also has certain powers and rights in every lodge under his jurisdiction. Grand Masters are usually addressed as "Most Worshipful", or as in Pennsylvania, "Right Worshipful". The Senior Warden (sometimes known as First Warden)

1566-576: The Grand Master is titled "Right Worshipful". Under the Grand Lodge of Scotland , the role is titled "Grand Master Mason". Just as the Worshipful Master of a Lodge annually appoints lodge officers to assist him, so the Grand Master of each Grand Lodge annually appoints Grand Lodge officers to assist him in his work. Grand Lodges often elect or appoint Deputy Grand Masters (sometimes also known as District Deputy Grand Masters) who can act on behalf of

1620-569: The Grand Master when he is unable to do so. In the United Grand Lodge of England , if the Grand Master is traditionally a Prince of the Blood Royal (ie: a member of the Royal Family), he may appoint a 'Pro Grand Master' ('Pro' is from the Latin for 'for') to be "his principal adviser, and to act for him on those occasions when, due to royal engagements, he is unable to be present". The Pro Grand Master

1674-423: The Junior Warden has a particular responsibility for ensuring that visiting Masons are in possession of the necessary credentials. In others, this is the job of the Tyler. In some jurisdictions the Junior Warden presides if both the Master and the Senior Warden are absent. In some jurisdictions, the position is an elected office, while in others it is appointed by the Master. The Wardens are "regular officers" of

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1728-442: The Lodge, meaning that the positions must be filled. The role of the Treasurer is to keep the accounts, collect annual dues from the members, pay bills, and forward annual dues to the Grand Lodge. The annual presentation of accounts is an important measure of the lodge's continuing viability, whilst the efficient collection of annual subscriptions is vitally important, as any lapse in payment (deliberate or unintentional) can lead to

1782-565: The United States. It has faced criticism for its focus on advancing officers who may expect promotion, potentially undermining the significance of other crucial positions that do not fall within this progressive hierarchy. The senior officer of a Masonic Lodge is the Master, normally addressed and referred to as the "Worshipful Master" (in Scotland, and in Lodges under the Scottish Constitution,

1836-415: The Worshipful Master as needed and to carry his orders to the Senior Warden. The office and duties of Junior Deacon are similar in many respects to that of Senior Deacon, to attend the Senior Warden, and carry messages to the Junior Warden. In some jurisdictions he is also responsible for guarding the inside of the main door of the lodge and ensuring that the lodge is "tyled" (in other jurisdictions this duty

1890-404: The Worshipful Master, can include a Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Treasurer, Secretary, Senior Deacon, Junior Deacon, and other positions, depending on the lodge's specific organizational structure. These officers work in collaboration to ensure the lodge's rituals and activities run smoothly. In addition to appointed positions, Masonic lodges often feature elected positions where the brethren have

1944-406: The ancient landmark which thy fathers have set", referring to stone pillars set to mark boundaries of land. He further quotes a Jewish law: "Thou shalt not remove thy neighbors' landmark, which they of old time have set in thine inheritance" to emphasize how these Landmarks designate inheritance. Albert Mackey Expands on the above historical significance of landmarks: "The universal language and

1998-529: The context of the landmarks. Because each Grand Lodge is self-governing, with no single body exercising authority over the whole of Freemasonry, the interpretations of these principles can and do vary, leading to controversies of recognition. Different Masonic jurisdictions have different landmarks. According to Percy Jantz, the Masonic term landmark has biblical origins. He cites the Book of Proverbs 22:28: "Remove not

2052-460: The definition of a Masonic landmark to be only the "signs, tokens and words" while others include the ceremonies of initiation, passing, and raising of a candidate. Some also include the ornaments, furniture, and jewels of a Lodge, or their characteristic symbols. In 1863, Oliver published the Freemason's Treasury in which he listed 40 landmarks. Mackey expanded on both of these lists and remarked that

2106-513: The flags of other countries, in addition of the US flag for special meetings or events, the Marshal is responsible for designating another brother to perform the appropriate similar ceremony for that flag, as the US flag. The Master of Banquet is a role within some Masonic lodges responsible for organizing and overseeing Lodge meals under the supervision of the Junior Warden. This position involves coordinating

2160-429: The globe. However, a common and widely practiced method is through merit-based selection and election, for some other Lodges, a progressive line is in use. A Masonic lodge typically consists of a dedicated group of officers responsible for the smooth operation and governance of the lodge. The highest-ranking officer, often referred to as the "Worshipful Master", plays a central role in this structure. In lodges that follow

2214-502: The installation of a new Worshipful Master. He is also responsible for forming processions and introducing visitors, except in those jurisdictions which appoint a 'Marshal' for these latter purposes (see below). The Grand Lodge of New York has developed the position of Lodge Ritual Director to facilitate this role and to ensure the smooth flowing of ceremonial and ritual and may hold rehearsals. He may be responsible for prompting other officers who forget their lines. The office of 'Marshal'

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2268-471: The introduction of visitors to the lodge. This is distinct (in such jurisdictions) from the role of the Director of Ceremonies in supervising the ritual of the lodge's degree ceremonies. In many jurisdictions of the United States, the Marshal is also in charge of performing the flag ceremonies, including the posting of the flag, leading the Pledge of Allegiance, and retiring the flag. In the case of lodges that use

2322-448: The jewel for the Secretary. Stewards fulfill a number of junior assistant roles. There is considerable variance, even within the same jurisdiction, as to the precise roles played by Stewards. Some of their common duties could include the following: Some jurisdictions specify that each lodge has two Stewards, known as the 'Senior Steward' and 'Junior Steward'. In others, the Worshipful Master may appoint any number of Stewards, according to

2376-502: The jurisdiction, some are "progressive" others are not. The more common ones include: A Deacon is a junior officer in the lodge. In most jurisdictions, a lodge has two Deacons, styled Senior Deacon and Junior Deacon (though First Deacon and Second Deacon are sometimes encountered as an alternative.) The principal duties of the Senior Deacon are to conduct candidates around the Lodge and speak for them during certain ceremonies, to attend

2430-415: The merit-based appointment system, officers express their preferences for specific positions they aspire to hold in the coming year. The Worshipful Master then reviews these choices and considers the merits of each candidate. The appointment decisions are based on factors such as the candidate's dedication, knowledge, experience, and past contributions to the lodge. The officers of a Masonic lodge, aside from

2484-399: The opportunity to choose their leaders through a democratic process. Any qualified brother who wishes to stand for an elected position, such as Senior Warden or Junior Warden, notifies the lodge's secretary of their intent. These positions are typically regarded as critical, as they play a pivotal role in the governance of the lodge and the execution of its rituals. The election of officers is

2538-415: The position is an elected office, while in others it is appointed by the Master. Some jurisdictions allow lodges to combine the duties of the Secretary and Treasurer into a single office the 'Secretary/Treasurer'. Allowing the lodge to continue to operate with a smaller number of officers. The Secretary/Treasurer must perform the duties listed above for both offices. The Secretary/Treasurer typically wears

2592-592: The preparation of food and supplies for Lodge gatherings, working with apprentices and overseeing financial matters related to the meals. The Master of Banquet also plays a symbolic role, with their attire featuring Masonic symbols like a compass and pomegranates, representing precision, abundance, and fraternity. This position reports to the Junior Warden and supervises Senior and Junior Stewards, as well as instructs Entered Apprentices in setting-up Table Lodges and traditions. The offices of 'Senior and Junior Masters of Ceremony' appear in some jurisdictions. Their primary duty

2646-827: The right to nominate UGLE Grand Stewards as well as their duties go back to the first formation of the Premier Grand Lodge, when the Office carried onerous financial liabilities. Grand Stewards of United Grand Lodge of England are still expected to organise and subsidise the Grand Festival, which is held each year directly after the Annual Investiture. In addition to the Grand Stewards at UGLE level as described above, there are also Grand Stewards at Provincial and District Grand Lodge level. There are many officers that are found in some jurisdictions and not in others. Depending on

2700-400: The safest method of defining the landmarks is "those ancient, and therefore universal, customs of the order, which either gradually grew into operation as rules of action, or, if at once enacted by any competent authority, were enacted at a period so remote, that no account of their origin is to be found in the records of history." The first major attempt to define the landmarks of Freemasonry

2754-547: The size and requirements of his lodge, and in this respect the office is unique. Although newer members usually fill the office of Steward, in some lodges it is traditional for a Past Master to be appointed to supervise the stewards' work. The office may serve to dignify a useful member of the Lodge, such as a webmaster or wine buyer, or to establish precedence in the rotation of officers. Grand Stewards are typically promising junior members at Grand Lodge level, who may subsequently expect accelerated promotion as Grand Officers. In

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2808-484: The usual progression is for a lodge officer to spend either one or two years in each position, advancing through "the chairs", until he is elected as Worshipful Master. In addition, there are some offices that are traditionally not considered to be part of the "line", and which may be held by the same brother for many years, or may be reserved for Past Masters. The process of naming officers within Masonic lodges, rooted in centuries-old traditions, varies significantly across

2862-403: The winged messenger, indicating their duty in the Lodge. The 'Tyler' (sometimes spelled 'Tiler') is sometimes known as the 'Outer Guard' of the lodge. His duty is to guard the door (from the outside), with a drawn sword , and ensure that only those who are duly qualified manage to gain entry into the lodge meeting. In some jurisdictions, he also prepares candidates for their admission. The Tyler

2916-432: Was in 1858, when Albert Mackey (1807–1881) defined 25 landmarks in total: In 1911, understanding Mackey's 25 points to be a summary of Masonic "common law", the legal scholar Roscoe Pound (1870–1964) distinguished seven of them as landmarks: In the last century, several American Grand Lodges attempted to enumerate the landmarks, ranging from West Virginia (7) and New Jersey (10) to Nevada (39) and Kentucky (54). In

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