Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object ID |
2020.023.009a-b |
Object Name |
Pendant, Fraternal |
Description |
The Masonic officer jewel for the Junior Deacon, made of a light silver metal and attached to a blue rope lanyard. The Junior Deacon's jewel depicts a right angle of a square and a compass with a crescent moon in the center. The square is a stonemason's tool used to confirm two perpendicular surfaces are at a right angle with each other. It symbolizes morality and reminds Masons to "square" their actions. The compass is a stonemason's tool used to inscribe circles or arcs. It symbolizes wisdom of conduct and reminds Masons to draw a boundary around their desires and passions. The moon signifies that his position is in the west, with the Master. The Junior Deacon is a junior officer in the lodge. He sits to the right of the Senior Warden and serves as his messenger, and the "doorman" for the lodge. His job is to ensure that the Tyler is guarding the door on the outside, and he permits visitors to enter. He and the Tyler communicate with each other by knocking back and forth on the closed door. Both the Senior and Junior Deacon carry rods, which are symbolic of the wand that Mercury, the Roman messenger God, carried. The rods are topped by their officer jewels. (see 2020.023.029) |
Date |
c. 1960 |
Classification |
Organizations (other than religious) |