ST. JOHN'S LODGE
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS


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JUNIOR DEACON

 OVERVIEW 

The Junior Deacon is the fourth junior officer in the line of progression. This is a station that offers an opportunity to assume more responsibility for the lodge’s candidates. He has direct responsibility for their preparation. The manner in which the Junior Deacon conducts himself reflects directly on the candidates and the junior officers. 

The emblem for his station is the Square and Compasses, with the crescent moon mounted within their precepts. The collar may have the emblem encircled or not. The emblem will also be on the Lodge Apron which will be worn during lodge in place of the usual blue-bordered white members’ apron. Additionally, the Junior Deacon will carry a black rod with the emblem mounted on top of it. He will carry this in the performance of his duties while in the lodge room. 

The ritualistic duty of the Junior Deacon is the supervision, reception, and preparation of candidates. He will be assisted in this by the Senior and Junior Stewards who are under his direction for this purpose (see duties of the Stewards). As this duty involves the initial contact with the lodge in operation by the candidates, and therefore their first impression of the lodge, it is imperative that these officers be fully aware of this at all times in the presence of the candidates and act accordingly. They should always treat the candidates with decorum, courtesy and with friendliness. It is important to impress upon them that we are gentlemen. Under no condition should a candidate be made to feel uncomfortable, inferior or fearful. A brief explanation as to the dress of the candidate should be made without revealing anything of the ritual. 

If there is more than one candidate for the degree, the Junior Deacon will conduct the second candidate about the lodge during the first section of each degree. He is also to return to his station as assume his regular duties after the candidates are placed at the Altar for their obligation. If the lodge has one or three candidates, the Junior Deacon will return to his station after the candidates are all received into the lodge. 

The Junior Deacon is responsible for tyling the door at all times. This ceremony should always be done with dignity and never be rushed. The knocks should be made distinct. Whenever the door is untyled, he is to stand at the door as the Inner Guard, and should never return to his station until the door is securely tyled. 

When parading about the lodge, the Alter is always to the right of the Junior Deacon. Although Floorwork is the Mater’s prerogative, it is suggested that timing for sitting in the chair be coordinated with the junior officers. When parading about the lodge room, turns should be made using military right angles carrying the rod extended down from the right shoulder. Finally, when stepping off, it should always be on the left foot. 

As Junior Deacon, he should be required to plan one social event for the year. A logical choice would be to plan a Ladies’ Night for the members and their ladies. Although a similar event may have been planned in the previous year as Senior Steward, many things may not have gone smoothly. This would reflect on the previous year’s event. He is to arrange for meals, entertainment, facilities, and a small gift for the ladies. This is an opportunity to demonstrate to the brethren the administrative and managerial capabilities, and what can be learned from a previous experience. 

He would find it advisable to purchase a Masonic Trestle-Board and Official Cipher. They may be obtained through the lodge Secretary or through the Grand Lodge supply room. 

Below are the specific duties and responsibilities of the Junior Deacon.

SPECIFIC DUTIES 

  1. He shall ask the three questions as required in the first degree. They shall be asked of each candidate separately and privately in the presence of the Stewards after the candidates have been prepared, with hoodwink. If the two Stewards are not available, he may use any two members of the lodge.
  2. He shall collect the fees for each degree before the degree work begins, unless the Secretary informs him that the fees have already been remitted. He shall turn any fees collected over to the Secretary together with the names of the candidates.
  3. He shall be responsible for supplying each candidate with a clean uniform at the time of the first degree. A stick-on nametag may be used to identify each uniform for the second and third degrees.
  4. He shall be responsible for supplying each candidate with a newly cleaned pair of white socks for each degree.
  5. He shall be responsible for the candidates’ uniforms and aprons and see that they are properly cleaned and stored for the following degree at the conclusion of each degree.
  6. He shall see to it the candidates are properly prepared for the degree prior to the opening of the lodge. This includes cable-tow set for the proper degree, slipper, hoodwink, asking of the three questions for the first degree, and in the case of the second and third degrees, aprons in the proper configuration.
  7. He shall attend all weekly instruction periods for the candidates unless specifically excused by the Senior Deacon. If he is unable to attend, he will inform the Senior Deacon in ample time for other arrangements to be made.
  8. He is responsible for the organization of the closet where the regalia is stored and shall ensure that it is kept neat and tidy. He shall ensure all regalia is put back in their proper locations, and if items have been borrowed, they have been returned or arrangements made for their return.
  9. He shall be responsible, under the direction of the Junior Warden that all lights in the building are off at the conclusion of all activities and degree work. If he has to leave early, he will request another officer to do this and inform the Junior Warden who has this responsibility.
  10. He shall provide each candidate with a copy of each lodge notice that has his name printed within for the taking of the degrees and for balloting. He can obtain these from the Secretary.
  11. He shall learn and perform the middle chamber lecture and work of the second degree for step-up night.
  12. He should prepare himself to be able to step up to the Senior Deacon’s work at a moment’s notice, exclusive of the middle chamber lecture.
  13. He shall supervise the setting up of the lodge for degree work with the aid of the Stewards.
  14. With the assistance of the Stewards, he shall inventory the regalia and furniture of the lodge at least once a year, and make a written report to the Master and Wardens. This information should also be reported to the Secretary.
  15. He is to serve on the lodge’s Greeting Committee, along with the Inside Sentinel, Stewards, and Senior Deacon. Every brother should be greeted as he enters the lodge room prior to the start of the meeting. This is an excellent vehicle to get to know the brethren and they to get to know him. This further creates an atmosphere of warmth for the brethren who attend meetings regularly.
  16. It is his duty to remind the candidates, by telephone, of the Lodge of Instruction five days before that meeting. This is extremely important as a candidate cannot advance to the next degree without having first received instruction in the previous degree. If a candidate is unable to attend the LOI, he is to notify the Master or Secretary so alternative instruction can be arranged.
  17. He is to serve as co-chairman of the lodge’s Transportation Committee. He is to assist in the arranging and scheduling rides for the brethren who wish to attend lodge but are unable to drive. He should always remember that he is dealing with the brother’s dignity, and should never make him feel that it is an imposition to get him to lodge.
  18. It is recommended that he attended some of the Official and Fraternal Visits of the District Deputy Grand Master of his Masonic District. It is the prerogative of the DDGM whether he is invited on the suite, but he must be in a tuxedo. Most DDGM’s will gladly extend an invitation unless there is an exceptionally large suite.
  19. He should represent the lodge at the annual Grand Master’s Country Fair held on the grounds of the Masonic Home in Charlton. This is usually held the Sunday before Father’s Day. There are upwards of 20,000 visitors to the Masonic Home that day and many hands make for light work.
  20. He will ensure there is ample assistance each month for the collating, stuffing and sorting of the monthly lodge notices as necessary.