MASONIC RITUAL

Attending at the Altar

MASONIC RITUAL EXPLAINED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CUSTODIANS OF THE WORK

Is the Senior Deacon the only Brother allowed to touch the Square and Compasses?

“Attending at the Altar” is not among the enumerated duties of the Senior Deacon. Rather, our Ritual assigns this work to the Senior Deacon because he is conveniently close to both the Altar and the Worshipful Master. This is no basis to assert that the Senior Deacon has exclusive provenance over the Altar, however, and it is a prerogative of the Worshipful Master to direct or authorize any Brother to perform any work in the Lodge.

Response provided by RW Samuel Lloyd Kinsey
Chairman, Custodians of the Work, Grand Lodge of New York

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