where did the office of junior warden come from in craft masonry and what are his duties

The government of lodges by a Master and two Wardens developed from medieval English trade gilds, which elected Wardens as early as the fourteenth century to oversee crafts 1. While Scottish operative lodges were traditionally governed by a Deacon and a single Warden, the tripartite structure of a Master and two Wardens was formally established in English Masonic regulations during the seventeenth century 1. In specific Scottish lodge records, such as those of Mary's Chapel in Edinburgh, the distinct offices of Senior and Junior Warden were introduced in 1737 2.

The Junior Warden sits in the South 31. His principal charge is to oversee the Craft during hours of refreshment, observing the time and calling the lodge from labor to refreshment and back again at the order of the Worshipful Master 34. In this capacity, he is responsible for maintaining decorum and ensuring that refreshment is not converted into intemperance or excess 3. When ordered by the Master or Grand Master, he also prefers charges in cases of suspected Masonic misconduct 3. Historically, the Junior Warden examined visiting brethren and ushered in visiting deputations, though these tasks were eventually reassigned to committees, Stewards, or a Master of Ceremonies 24.

Within the administration of the lodge, the Junior Warden has the right to appoint the Stewards 4. If both the Master and the Senior Warden are absent, deceased, or removed, the Junior Warden assumes the governance of the lodge and makes temporary officer appointments 4. His emblem of authority is a column, which stands erect while the lodge is at refreshment and lies recumbent during labor 13. His official jewel is the plumb or plumb rule 1.