As in any organization, we have a hierarchy, with our Lodge Members taking up various positions in office, and a progression available for those members who want to progress to and through those positions. A few are long term, for several years, but some are transitional, steps on a pathway.
At Greyfriars, just like in other Lodges, the roles are accompanied by badges of office and unlike many Lodges, the actual badges have been passed down over many years, some have been in the Lodge for 100 years. Our roles are defined in our Book of Constitutions, but here is the unofficial version….
The Principal Officers
Worshipful Master
The leader and Chairman of the Lodge, leading all meetings, helping the Brethren to learn about Masonry.
Usually very competent on ritual, (but with the author being one noticeable previous Worshipful Master, whose reputation has no mention of his ritual prowess…or lack of it).
Senior Warden
A key role in our meetings. Often expecting to be the next Worshipful Master if the members vote him in.
Think of this role as the senior apprentice to the Worshipful Master, but probably only has a year in this office, possibly two to learn the trade, before he gets into the ‘Big Chair”
Junior Warden
Another key role in our meetings. Usually, a member on the up and is a sort of Junior Apprentice to the Worshipful Master. Maybe a year, possibly two in this role, before the progression up to Senior Warden. Sometimes this role is ably filled by an experienced Lodge Member, while some of the newer members progress towards the role.
Assistant Officers
Tyler
He has a sword, but quite what he does with it, join us and find out! He does guard the outer door.
Senior Deacon
Now it starts getting serious, not yet a Warden, but certainly working more in the meetings
Junior Deacon
The first real walk-on part in the rituals and the first step on the progression up to the Worshipful Master
Inner Guard
A good role to start more active participation in GreyFriars Lodge, the doorkeeper with the Tyler to make sure only Candidates and Masons are in the meetings
Other key officer roles
Secretary of the Lodge
The Secretary of the Lodge is a very significant role, held typically for 5 or more years. All the admin of the Lodge, including summoning to meetings, handling new membership applications, liasing with the Provincial offices and just about anything else, including many matters during meetings is handled by the secretary. Probably the real ‘kingpin’ of the Lodge.
Treasurer
Looking after the bills, collecting the membership and dining fees, keeping the accounts and making sure the Lodge is in the black and the funds secure.
Director of Ceremonies
Usually a Lodge Member who knows it all, knows how to greet special guests, what the ritual is that every other person has to do, knows where everyone should be standing, walking, sitting and saying (or not saying) and at the Festive Board, very importantly, does the raffle!
Visiting Grand Officer
At Greyfriars, we have a great Visiting Grand Officer, he represents Grand Lodge, helps and encourages the Lodge members in all they do, reports back to Grand Lodge how we are doing and is generally an all round good Freemason to us all.
Other roles
Past Master
Like it says in the title, this role is filled by the Past Master who stepped down a year or so ago. Unlike the rest of the Lodge members, this role allows the holder to have his Ritual Book in his hand as he prompts the Worshipful Master when he forgets his lines.
Almoner
Stays in touch with Lodge members who are not in the best of health and of course, making sure the Lodge maintains contact with the widows of past members.
Charity Steward
Lead person is assisting the members to fulfill their charitable obligations.
Mentor
Key role, especially for new Lodge Members who probably have no idea the first few meetings quite what is going on!
Organist
You will never guess what instrument he plays? Serious and fun, that’s what the members want their organist to be.
Assistant Director of Ceremonies
Helps the Director of Ceremonies when needed and occasionally fills in when he cannot attend
Assistant Secretary
Stewards
Great place to start being involved in GreyFriars Lodge Meetings, not much responsibility yet. Stewards have stepped onto the path to go places in the Lodge (when you are ready). Enthusiastic new members may become Stewards in their second year in the Lodge is they want to!
Lodge Members not in office
