Senior Deacon - a Study

SENIOR DEACON

OVERVIEW

The Senior Deacon is the fifth, and highest, junior officer in the line of progression. This is a station that offers an opportunity to assume more responsibility in the lodge and to demonstrate leadership potential. The Senior Deacon is the "Captain of the Floorwork." The manner in which the Senior Deacon conducts himself reflects directly on the candidates.

The emblem for his station is the Square and Compasses, with the sun 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 Senior 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.

His first major exposure to the ritual of the lodge is learning of the Middle Chamber lecture of the Fellow Craft degree. He should have this lecture prepared for presentation by his installation into his office.

He is responsible for the candidates once they are inside the door. He should be able to conduct them in such a manner that they are comfortable with him. This will help make their experiences pleasurable ones. He should use his station as a way to inspire the other junior officers, as they will soon succeed to this station. He will always conduct the candidate about the lodge for the first section of each degree. He will return to his station only after the candidate is placed in the hands of the Junior Deacon to be conducted out of the lodge at the conclusion of the first section.

The Senior Deacon is also responsible for handling the ballot box whenever the Master calls for a ballot. He should review the procedures for balloting in the Grand Constitutions and the Floorwork Recommendations section of the Official Cipher. The duty here is specific. He is to stand guard at the ballot box and insure that all members present have voted unless specifically excused by the Master. After the balloting has concluded, he is to vouch that everyone has voted. During the second section of the Third Degree in the presentation of the Ancient Form, he is to assume the role of the First Craftsman. In this role, he will remove his lodge collar and apron and wear a Fellow Craft Apron. He will not carry his rod about the lodge during this section. When the role of the craftsman has been completed, he is to return to his station and put on his regalia. At this point, he is to check that the Junior and Senior Stewards have done the same, and sit when the Senior Deacon sits.

When parading about the lodge, the Alter is always to the right of the Senior Deacon and the Junior Deacon will either be to his left or immediately behind. 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. He should concentrate on being able to deliver ritual while moving about the lodge. His performance has a direct bearing on the candidates. By giving his ritual in a strong and confident manner he will leave a lasting impression on the candidate.

The Senior Deacon is the senior ranking junior officer and the highest appointed officer in most lodges (note: some lodges elect the Senior Deacon). As such, under the direction of the Master, he has the responsibility for the direction, training, and functioning of the junior officers, other than when they are under the direction of the Junior Warden for meals and functions (see Junior Warden's duties). He should ensure that all other junior officers perform their duties with dignity and in a timely manner to obtain the objective stated above.

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

SPECIFIC

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