What are the roles of the Junior and Senior Deacon in a Lodge?
The Junior and Senior Deacons play vital roles in the smooth operation and ceremonial aspects of a Lodge in Freemasonry. They act as messengers and assistants, ensuring that the Lodge's work proceeds with order and decorum.
The Senior Deacon is primarily the attendant to the Worshipful Master and has several key responsibilities:
- Attendant to the Worshipful Master: The Senior Deacon stands near the Master's station in the East, ready to receive and execute commands.
- Messenger of the Lodge: They carry messages from the Worshipful Master to the Senior Warden and Junior Warden, ensuring efficient communication.
- Conductor of Candidates: A significant role is to receive and conduct candidates through the various ceremonies of the degrees, guiding them and explaining aspects as permitted by ritual.
- Assists in Opening and Closing the Lodge: The Senior Deacon plays an active part in the ritualistic opening and closing of the Lodge.
- Symbolic Representation: They often carry a staff or rod, symbolizing their role as a messenger and guide.
As noted, the Senior Deacon's station is "at the right hand of the Worshipful Master" and their duty is "to carry messages from the Worshipful Master to the Senior Warden, and to the Junior Warden, and to attend to the preparation and reception of candidates".
The Junior Deacon serves as the immediate attendant of the Senior Warden and has distinct duties:
- Attendant to the Senior Warden: The Junior Deacon stands ready to execute the Senior Warden's commands.
- Messenger of the Lodge: They carry messages from the Senior Warden to the Junior Warden and other members.
- Guards the Inner Door: A critical responsibility is to guard the inner door of the Lodge, ensuring that only qualified Masons are admitted.
- Assists in Preparing Candidates: The Junior Deacon often assists in the initial preparation of candidates.
- Symbolic Representation: They also carry a staff or rod, symbolizing their role as a guardian and messenger.
The Junior Deacon's station is "at the right hand of the Senior Warden" and their duty is "to carry messages from the Senior Warden to the Junior Warden, and to see that the Lodge is duly tiled".
In essence, both Deacons are crucial for the efficient and dignified conduct of Lodge meetings and ceremonies, embodying the principles of communication, order, and guidance.