Page 48 - MML - Journal - Centenary Edition - Vol. 01 / 2023

The D of C begins his duties as soon as he enters the lodge premises, of course well before the appointed time of the meeting. He first signs the attendance register, and then checks if any regular officer is absent. He then prepares the list of substitutes to be placed at the WM’s and Secy.’s desk. The appointment of the temporary officers must be the first care, as these brethren may need some moments for preparing their portions.
He then sees that the regalia, jewels, and emblems of officers are placed in their proper places and in order. If there is a ceremony, he must see that all that is necessary for the degree working are in their places and not missed during the ceremony.
It is his duty to see that the lodge banner is placed in its proper place behind the WM or in the NE corner or carried in the WM’s procession. He assures that the National Flag is also unfurled in the east.
In Lodges where the Officers enter in procession, he will assemble and line up the officers in the proper processional order, see that they are properly clothed, conduct the WM to his place in the procession. He will then request all the brethren to enter the lodge. He places himself at the head of the procession, with the AD of C on his left; he leads the procession to the Lodge door and calls the brethren to order to receive the WM. The Tyler is never part of the procession as his duty is outside the door of the Lodge. The WM is entitled to a sword and the uplifted sword entering the Lodge ahead of him is considered the Sword of Justice. The permissible officers are usually not part of a Lodge procession.
The D of C would supervise the procedure of ceremony strictly according to the ritual in use,( the latest edition of GLI). He should be assertive in seeing that all promptings when necessary are only done by the IPM or
an acknowledged or appointed authority or himself, when the WM or any of the officers have forgotten or lost the thread of their work and are at a loss seeking some help. He should be ready to pick up or correct anything lost or likely to lead to confusion or an awkward pause, at any time. The prompting should be as far as possible in whispers and the D of C or the AD of C acting in the west, may stand near any one at work, and in case of need, whisper the required directions.
The D of C should never call out to the officers with a “trumpet” voice, or speak in a loud and commanding voice, which shows lack of knowledge, is very offensive, and wins no good reward or respect. A gentle bearing is priceless.
He must be aware of the laws, by-laws of the Lodge and decisions of the Grand Lodge, and the details of all ceremonies, requirements of all the lectures, and each degree and be ready to advise the WM on any points of procedure in any ceremony at any time, not with his opinion, but with the actual right ruling, law, or decision of the Grand Lodge
In the temporary absence of the WM, the D of C should see that the IPM takes his place and properly conducts the proceedings. The D of C supervises the entry of visitors and conducts or shows them to their places. The AD of C can generally look after the smaller matters in the west, like guiding EAs & FCs. with their steps and salutes while entering and retiring from the Lodge. The admission of a Candidate and overseeing the preparation by the Tyler is also one of the main duties of the D of C.
It is the duty of the SW to invest the EAs’ andFCs.ItwillbeproperiftheDofC sees that the Deacons or anyone else do not interfere with the investiture.
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A Publication of Madras Masters Lodge No. 103, GLI
Madras Masonic Journal Vol. 01 / 2023 - Centenary Year Edition