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


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SENIOR WARDEN

 OVERVIEW

           The Senior Warden is the second officer in the line of progression. This is a station that offers an opportunity to further demonstrate his administrative talents to the lodge. the Senior Warden is in a position to affect the direction the lodge will take over the next few years.

           The emblem for his station is the Level. 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. The Traveling Apron will also have this emblem on it along with the name of the lodge. This apron is to be worn while visiting other lodges. Additionally, the truncheon will be carried by the Senior Warden in the performance of his duties while in the lodge room.

           It is the ritualistic duty of the Senior Warden to assist the Master in all phases of his duties. He is to help to ensure his programs and his year are successful. It is important for the Senior Warden to perform this to the best of his ability as he will be setting an example for the junior officers to follow in their stations.

           When in lodge it is the duty of the Senior Warden to communicate any orders from the Master to the Junior Warden. Additionally, he is to duly examine the candidate (s) when they are presented in all three degrees. He has one lecture to present to the candidates; part of the third section of the First Degree. There is a limited amount of ritual in the second section of the Second Degree and more in the Second Section of the Third Degree. The Official Cipher should be reviewed for specifics. 

          It is the duty of the Senior Warden to be prepared to assume the Master’s station at a moment’s notice, and to perform his duties in the absence to maintain the Master’s plans. He shall be responsible to assist the Master in all ways possible in conducting the business of the lodge. He shall be prepared to attend Lodge of Qualification for Master at the end of his term, prior to being installed Master. As Senior Warden, he is a voting member of his district’s Lodge of Instruction and Grand Lodge. 

Below are some of the specific responsibilities of the Senior Warden.

 SPECIFIC DUTIES 

  1. He shall be prepared to open the lodge on any degree in the absence of the Master.
  2. He shall, in the absence of the Master, automatically assume the East and conduct the lodge for the evening.
  3. He shall be prepared to conduct a Masonic Funeral.
  4. He should be firming and confirming his plans for his year as Master of the lodge. Any advance preparations should have be completed by the end of the year, and should have a report available for the nominating committee on his plans for his year.
  5. His attendance is required at the Annual Meeting of Grand Lodge in December (Second Wednesday) and at the quarterly convocations in March, June and September (always second Wednesday of the month unless otherwise notified by Grand Lodge. Eighty-eight percent of the voting power of Grand Lodge is held by Masters and Wardens of the individual lodges. If it is impossible for him or either Warden to be present, he shall ensure that a proxy with proper credentials is appointed and is there to represent his Lodge. The proxy has the power to vote only if all three officers are not in attendance. The Senior Warden is also requested to attend the stated convocation Feast of St. John.
  6. His attendance is required on the suites of the District Deputy Grand Master of his Masonic District at all Official and Fraternal Visits.
  7. He should visit ailing brethren at the hospital or at home and determine if any assistance by the lodge is needed.
  8. He shall be prepared to read a portion of the Grand Constitutions of the Grand Lodge at a monthly meeting specified by the Master.
  9. In some lodges he is responsible for the assigning of positions for Senior Wardens’ Night and be responsible for this event.
  10. He is responsible for the coordination and training of the Fellow Crafts for the Third Degree.
  11. He will, with the assistance of the Treasurer and Secretary, create an operating budget for his year as Master. This is to be approved by the finance committee and presented to the Nominating Committee prior to his election as Master.
  12. His attendance is required at the annual “Master’s Path Workshop” held every spring for the training of incoming masters within 30 months of his installation as Master of his lodge.
  13. He is to serve on the lodge’s Finance Committee. This involves approving payment of bills and advising the Master on matters involving lodge finance.
  14. He is to serve as Co-Chairman of the lodge’s Service Committee. This usually involves working with the Master and the committee chairman in interviewing applications by members of the lodge for admission to the Masonic Home in Charlton.
  15. He is to serve on the lodge’s Pre-Application Committee. He is to sit in on all meetings with perspective candidates and to help conduct the pre-application interview. He will serve the lodge by being the first line of contact in determining if a man is qualified to become a member of our fraternity.
  16. He should plan on representing 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.
  17. He should have a copy of the Grand Constitutions and be familiar with their requirements by the time he is installed as Master of the lodge, otherwise he may make serious mistakes due to ignorance.
  18. He will ensure there is ample assistance each month for the collating, stuffing and sorting of the monthly lodge notices as necessary.