MARTINSVILLE LODGE #74 F. & A. M.
Appointed Positions
Tyler / Assistant Tyler
The appointment of Tyler to the Lodge is of extreme importance especially if the progression to the Office of Master is practiced. Just as the Tyler's sword is used as a symbol to guard against the approach of cowans and eavesdroppers, so it should admonish us to set a guard over our thoughts, words and actions, thereby preventing the approach of every unworthy thought, word, or deed and preserving consciences void of offense toward God and toward man.
To perform he should be prepared to:
1. Be prompt and early at all Lodge meetings and see that all Lodge paraphernalia is in place for all Stated and Special meetings.
2. See that all paraphernalia is kept clean and in good repair.
3. Assist the Senior Deacon and the Lodge Welcoming Committee to accommodate all visiting Brethren and act as host of the Lodge.
4. Inform the Master of a visiting Brother to be examined for admission.
5. See that all Brethren in the Lodge Room are properly clothed - apron on outside of clothing.
6. Register all regular and visiting Brethren and see that they are duly vouched for or examined.
7. See that all paraphernalia is put away at the close of Lodge.
Chaplain / Assistant Chaplain
The textbook of the Chaplain is that Great Light in Freemasonry, which forever sheds its rays upon every lawful assemblage of Masons.
He has the obvious duties to:
1. Open and close all meetings with prayer being careful to keep all supplications universal and common to all religions.
2. Attend all Masonic funerals services and give the prayers of that service.
3. Learn and deliver the scripture readings for the various degrees.
(a) Psalms 133
(b) Amos 7: 7-8
(c) Ecclesiastes 12: 1-7
4. To serve on committees as assigned
Junior Steward / Assistant Junior Steward
It shall be the duty of the Junior Steward to cheerfully accept the responsibility of aiding and assisting the Senior Steward.
He should be prepared to:
1. Become proficient in rod and floor work.
2. Assist the Junior Warden when the Lodge is at refreshment.
3. Extend to visiting Brethren such attentions as circumstances may suggest.
4. Commence learning memory lectures as assigned.
5. Be punctual in attendance at all Lodge meetings, and assist the SS to prepare and present the candidate.
Senior Steward / Assistant Senior Steward
A good Lodge will be recognized when giving value to the work of the Stewards. It shall be the duty of the Senior Steward to assist the Deacons and other officers in the discharge of their duties, and to see that the tables are properly furnished at refreshment, and that every Brother is suitably provided for.
It is his duty to:
1. Prepare and present candidates and to assist the Deacons and other officers in performing their duties.
2. Aid in making visitors feel welcome through introductions and providing a good seat in the Lodge Room.
3. Become proficient in rod and floor work.
4. Attend to other such duties as may be directed by the Worshipful Master.
Junior Deacon / Assistant Junior Deacon
It shall be the duty of the Junior Deacon to be the messenger of the Senior Warden. His duty is the custody of the door opening from the Tyler's Room. He permits no one to enter or retire without consent from the Master or Senior Warden.
He should be prepared to:
1. Understudy the Senior Deacon that he may relieve him whenever necessary and prepare himself for advancement to the duties of the Senior Deacon including the committal and delivery of the Middle Chamber (Staircase) Lecture.
2. Assist in the preparation of candidates for the degrees.
3. Reach a high degree of proficiency with the rod and its use.
4. Assist in introducing visiting Brethren and see that they are made to feel at home.
5. Proceed with a study of the Book of Constitutions and By-Laws including Chapters 12 through 39 Indiana Blue Book of Masonic Law.
6. Attend all called meetings of the Lodge, except when he has been officially excused.
7. Carry out Lodge assignments given by the Worshipful Master
Senior Deacon / Assistant Senior Deacon
The Senior Deacon is the messenger of the Worshipful Master. His most important duty is to welcome visiting Brethren and introduce them to the Lodge members so that they will feel at home. Both ritual and floor work are a part of the required operation of this station.
He should be prepared to:
1. Introduce and accommodate the visitors of the Lodge. (See Blue Book page 179 --Reception of Distinguished Guests.)
2. Receive and conduct the candidates in all degrees.
3. Prepare the ballot box at the order of the Worshipful Master. (See Blue Book pages 176-179-- Ball and Cube Ballot.)
4. Be able to give the Senior Deacon's (middle chamber) lecture.
5. Proceed with the study of the Book of Constitutions and By-Laws and the By-Laws of the Lodge.
6. Attend and participate in Lodge schools of instruction.
7. Carry out the duties assigned by the Worshipful Master.
8. Commit to memory the Worshipful Master part of the EA degree.
Elected Positions
Junior Warden
The Junior Warden is primarily a liaison officer or coordinator of activities. This does not mean that he takes the spotlight but is a vital member of the TEAM. Usually the Master and the Senior Warden have more work to accomplish than time permits, and the Junior Warden is the one looked upon for assistance.
The obligations of the Junior Warden are:
1. To serve as Master in the absence of the Worshipful Master and Senior Warden.
2. Know the opening, closing, conferring of degrees, and how to conduct a business and/or stated meeting.
3. Promptness and regular attendance at all Lodge meetings and special social functions.
4. Assisting the Senior Warden in "special functions."
5. Carrying out any duties assigned by the Worshipful Master, such as:
(a) Supervision when the Lodge is at refreshment.
(b) Being a part of the Lodge Greeting Committee.
(c) Serving on the Ritual Committee.
6. Continued study of the Grand Lodge By-Laws.
7. Supervision of arrangements for visitations to other Lodges and return visitations.
8. To prefer charges as set forth under Indiana Blue Book Reg. 43.080(b)
Senior Warden
It shall be the duty of the Senior Warden to look well to the West and serve as an assistant to the Worshipful Master in the government of the Lodge. It should be for him a year of planning, keeping in mind that a primary duty upon reaching the Master’s Chair is “to set the Craft to work and give them proper instruction.”
The obligations of the Senior Warden are:
1. Serve as Master in his absence.
2. Be able to open, close and confer all degrees.
3. Know the business of the Lodge and have knowledge of all committee work, and candidates in process, and coming events.
4. Help secure instructions for the candidates.
5. Have a knowledge of the finances of the Lodge.
6. Have knowledge of the codes, which relate to proper discussion, Lodge procedure, Lodge jurisdictions, Masonic conduct, authority of the Master, etc.
7. Observe the various Brethren who would best fulfill the duties of a line officer, as next year he must appoint new officers. He should consider the following:
(a) Does the selected Brother have the time to devote eight years of sincere application to the Lodge?
(b) Will the appointment conflict with his vocation?
(c) Does his family support him in his endeavor?
(d) Has he initiative and a good personality?
(e) Is he capable of memorizing and presenting the work and lectures?
(f) Will he develop into a LEADER?
Worshipful Master
The Worshipful Master has been elected by his Brethren to fulfill the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a Master Mason. No Mason should begin climbing the flight of stairs to the Master's Chair in the East without first pledging to himself that he will dedicate and devote all his energy and zeal to fulfilling his duties to the best of his ability. The trust placed upon him by the Brethren should never be violated.
A respected and successful Master will:
1. Call the Lodge to order in Stated Meetings at the time and place set in the By-Laws.
2. Call the Lodge in special meetings for degree work, emergency meetings, or social functions.
3. Preside at the meetings of the Lodge. (When absent, the Wardens by rank will preside. If all three officers are absent, the Lodge cannot be opened.)
4. Control all discussion and preserve harmony and good order within the Lodge.
5. Pass upon the proficiency of candidates for advancement, or permit a vote by the Lodge members present. (Chapter 30, Indiana Blue Book of Masonic Law.)
6. Control the voting within the Lodge and see that each member present casts a vote or is legally excused from voting. (See pages 176-179 Blue Book --Ball and Cube Ballot.)
7. Prohibit the discussion of political and religious matters in the Lodge.
8. Know the Indiana Blue Book of Masonic Law and By-Laws and the By-Laws of the Lodge.
9. Preserve the Lodge Charter as its lawful custodian.
10. See that degree work is exemplified with dignity consistent with the requirements of the Grand Lodge.
11. Carefully select all appointive offices and committees of the Lodge, and see that they are at labor.
12. Approve all orders or vouchers drawn on the Treasurer with consent of the Lodge.
13. Fill temporarily all vacant stations and places with proficient mem- bers. (See Blue Book Reg. p.080, 17.080-1, and 17.080-2.)
14. Read and discuss in Lodge the proceedings of the Grand Lodge.
15. Preside at the Masonic Burial or Memorial Service of a deceased member if requested, or cause the same to be done. (Chapter 23, Indiana Blue Book of Masonic Law.)
16. Make immediate personal contact with the family and offer assistance upon notice of the passing of a Brother or a member of his family.
17. Represent the Lodge at the Grand Lodge Annual Communications, area meetings, Lodges of Instruction, educational meetings, etc. (Reg. 18.010.)
18. Answer all communications promptly and courteously.
19. See that the Constitution, Laws and General Regulations of the Grand Lodge are observed and obeyed.
20. See that actual Past Master's Degree is conferred in conformity with the Indiana Grand Lodge Rules and the edicts of the Grand Master upon the Master elect-- who will become his successor in office.
21. See that his successor is installed.