What are Office Bearers?
Right Worshipful Master (RWM)
Of the three principal officers of a Masonic Lodge, the office of Right Worshipful Master is the most senior office and is the highest honour to which a Lodge may appoint any of its members.
Worshipful Senior Warden
The ‘Worshipful Senior Warden’ is the second of the three principal officers of a lodge.
Worshipful Junior Warden
The third of the ‘principal officers’ is the ‘Worshipful Junior Warden’.
The Wardens are ‘regular officers’ of the Lodge, meaning that the positions must be filled.
Secretary
Although any member may hold the office of ‘Secretary’, it is usual practice for an experienced Past Master to hold this position. He is a key figure in the lodge and is pivotal in the lodges administration.
Treasurer
The role of the ‘Treasurer’ is to keep the accounts of the Lodge.
Almoner
The ‘Almoner’ (sometimes called the ‘Caring Officer’) is responsible for the well-being of lodge members and their families.
Chaplain
The principal role of the Chaplain is to lead prayer before and after the lodge meeting, and again before and after dinner. Prayers are non-denominational within Freemasonry.
Senior Deacon
A Deacon is an assistant officer in the lodge. He will introduce and accommodate visitors to lodge meetings, and to assist the Right Worshipful Master.
Junior Deacon
The office of ‘Junior Deacon’ is similar in many respects to that of Senior Deacon.
Steward
‘Stewards’ are commonly appointed to fulfil several junior assistant roles within the lodge.
Tyler
The ‘Tyler’ is sometimes known as the ‘Outer Guard’ of the lodge and assists with the management of entry to the lodge.
Inner Guard
The office of ‘Inner Guard’ are similar to that of the Tyler but his duties are conveyed within the lodge.
Director of Ceremonies
This officer is responsible for forming processions, introducing visitors, and assisting the RWM with general lodge duties.
Organist / Director of Music
The ‘Organist’ or ‘Director of Music’ provides musical accompaniment to lodge proceedings.
