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Although the Lodge is made up of its various Brethren, certain of those Brethren perform specialised functions. Some of those functions relate to routine administration, much as there is a division of such responsibilities in any organisation. Other functions are unique to Freemasons and relate to our ceremonies. Some positions are elected, others are appointed by the Worshipful Master. Usually all are conferred according to merit and ability. They typically change in April every year.
The Lodge is run by the "Worshipful Master", in conjunction with two "right-hand men", who we call "Wardens". There is a "Senior Warden" and a "Junior Warden". These Brethren enlist the help of other Officers whose functions are ceremonial in nature - these are the "Deacons" (of which there are two, a "Senior Deacon" and "Junior Deacon"), the "Inner Guard", the "Tyler", the "Director of Ceremonies" and his assistant (the "Assistant Director of Ceremonies"), the "Chaplain" and the "Organist".
At our meetings it is common for us to have visiting Freemasons from other masonic Lodges. A number of Brethren, called "Stewards" assist in looking after these visitors and help with refreshment after our ceremonies.
We collect subscriptions from our members and disburse money to pay our expenses and are required to keep proper accounts, similar to any private organisation. For such functions we have a "Treasurer". We also have to deal with paperwork, membership matters and correspondence as does any private organisation, and to assist in such duties we have a "Secretary" and "Assistant Secretary".
We have an "Almoner" who is responsible, amongst other things, for looking after the health of our Brethren and reporting to the Lodge if any Brother or member of their family is sick or in distress, so that appropriate assistance can be rendered, if required.
Charity is one of the principles upon which Freemasonry is founded. At any given time we have a number of charitable efforts that are ongoing. To coordinate all of these we have a "Charity Steward". |