CHAPTER IX

THE JUNIOR WARDEN

Occasionally one here is expressed the opinion that show shipbuilding and entertainment under Lodge auspices is a new thing under the sun, the kind of innovation - something at least that is beneath the dignity Free-masonry. the truth of the matter is that "refreshment" is as old as the Craft itself, a part of its original design, so that a large man ignoring it falls below the ideal. This
is proved by the fact that the custody of social activities his place in the hands of one of the principal Officers of the Lodge, the junior Warren; and it is further presupposed that he will have so much to do that is given two Stewards to assist him.

This is the real "social committee" of a Lodge, and if these three Officers were to do what it is the intent for them to do there would be no need for any other committee. Furthermore, it is presupposed that refreshments will bulk so large in the Masonic life that in the beauties, and functions, and prerogatives of the Office that every possible safeguard is thrown about sociability to keep it sweet, wholesome and satisfying as befits the high flying on which the whole of Freemasonry moves.

We are told in the Standard Monitor that "a Lodge is supported by three great Pillars. These are denominated Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty - for there should be wisdom to contrive, strength to support, and beauty to adorn a great and important undertakings. They Are represented by the three principal officers of the Lodge - the pillar Wisdom by the Worshipful Master in the East, whose his presumed to have with wisdom to open and govern the Lodge; the pillar of Strength by the Junior Warren in the west, who to the is to assist the Worshipful Master in the discharge of his arduous duties; and the Pillar of Beauty by the Junior Warden in the South, whose duty it is to call the Craft from labor to refreshment, superintend them during the hours thereof, carefully to observe the than means of refreshments are not perverted to intemperance or access, see that they returned to their labor in due season, that the Worshipful Master may receive honor, and they pleasure and profit thereby."

These three Pillars symbolize the essentials of nobility of character. Wisdom and Strength are each incomplete without the other, Wisdom being necessary to direct Strength, and Strength necessary in the upholding of that which is wise and good. And the Pillar of Beauty is a composite of the other two. Occasionally one meets a man possessed of that clarity of vision which enables him with apparent infallibility to see the best course to pursue in any given situation, able to differentiate between those things that uplift and those that do not, and having a strength of character that enables him to cling to the good. In this blending of Wisdom and Strength is to be found Beauty of character.

No wonder, then, that the Pillar of Beauty is placed in the South midway between the East and the West, and there exemplified by the Junior Warden. "To observe the sun at meridian, which is the glory and beauty of the day" - the very thought of beauty of self is suggested in the recital of the Officer's duty. "The sun at meridian" - at that point of Greatest heat and light whence all living things receive strength to grow! Which teaches us that we, by seeking those qualities of mind represented by the Pillar of Beauty, may hope to grow in Wisdom and Strength, becoming increasingly helpful to those about us.

This enduring quality of Beauty is emphasized by the fact that the Master and Wardens of a Ledge can not resign. Thus it is that our Brother in the South should consider wisely before accepting this station, and, having been installed, should show strength of purpose in the proper performance of his duties. In most Lodges the Junior Warden is one of the five Lodge Officers chosen annually by ballot the other for being the Master, Senior Warden, Treasurer and Secretary. He must have served one year as Warden before he can be. Master - and experience has shown the importance of the training to be received in the West and South as a preparation for the onerous duties of the East.

Again, the Junior Warden has supervision of the Craft while at refreshment. This does not mean that he must remain at his station during this period. Nor are we to suppose that Brethren leaving or entering the Lodge-room during refreshment are to salute him. Neither are the altar nor the Three Great Lights to be turned to face his station at any time. The Junior Warden during refreshment should mingle with those over whom he has supervision; otherwise, how can he be informed as to the means of refreshment?

Lodge social activities come wider his supervision. He has before him two Stewards whose duty it is "to provide for the Craft while at refreshment that the harmony and decorum thereof shown not be disturbed, and that when labor shall be resumed, the Worshipful Master may have honor and the Craft pleasure and profit there from." So reads the installation of the Stewards in the Standard Monitor; here may the Stewards contemplate the significance of the Pillar of Beauty, and how of row. Is that they the latest with him in the South! The provision of proper refreshments and supervision during the hours thereof is no idle task. In their functions the Junior Warden and the Stewards are the Lodge's social committee.

Consider, too, the duty of the Junior Warden in its legal aspect. Section 57 of the Constitutions reads, "In the absence or inability of the Master, or a vacancy in his office, the Senior and Junior Wardens shall, in succession, succeed to his prerogatives and duties for all purposes, except such as pertain to the instailati0n of officers. In the opened, except as hereinbefore provided."

In this we see that, adding to his "wisdom," and increasing his "strength" as a support of the Ledge, the Junior Warden will be as fully informed concerning the ritual and the Grand Lodge constitutions as the Master or the Senior Warden. He may, at any time, without previous notice, be called upon to preside over the Lodge, and must never embarrass the Lodge by ignorance of any duty that may devolve upon him.

In dosing, then, let us repeat that the work of the Junior Warden is important and exacting - a task not to be taken lightly. The Pillar of Beauty stands for those virtues with which he may adorn his mind.

Brother Junior Warden, look well to the South!

Back to Our Stations and Places  Previous Next