where did the office of principal sojourner come from and what are his duties

The character of the Principal Sojourner derives from the return of the Israelites from Babylonian captivity, where the Hebrew term for a sojourner designated a person living outside his native land 1. In the degree's historical narrative, this officer represents the leader and spokesman of a party of three sojourners returning to Jerusalem 1. In the English system, three officers serve as Sojourners, whereas in the American system, the candidates represent the three historical sojourners while a single officer acts as the Principal Sojourner 1. The Grand Lodge of India lists the Principal Grand Sojourner among the active national grand officers in its Supreme Grand Chapter.

The duties of the Principal Sojourner are those of a conductor, performing functions that resemble those of a Senior Deacon in a symbolic lodge 1. The United Grand Lodge of England states that the role involves leading the narrative presentation and guiding the candidate through floor work during Royal Arch Exaltation ceremonies. In the American system, when a Chapter opens on any of the preliminary degrees, the Principal Sojourner occupies the Senior Deacon's station 1. Regalia associated with the office includes a dark robe with a tessellated border, a sleuthed hat, and a pilgrim's staff 1.