Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object ID |
2020.023.007a-b |
Object Name |
Pendant, Fraternal |
Description |
The Masonic officer jewel for the Senior Deacon, made of a light silver metal and attached to a blue rope lanyard. The Senior Deacon's jewel depicts a right angle of a square and a compass with the sun in the middle. 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 sun signifies that his position is in the east, with the Master. The Senior Deacon is a junior officer in the lodge. He sits to the right of the Worshipful Master and serves as his messenger. He welcomes visitors and new candidates into the lodge, guides new candidates around the room during degree rituals, and opens and closes the Bible and lights or extinguishes candles at the altar during opening and closing ceremonies. In some lodges, he carries the ballot box around the room when new members are voted on. 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 2020.023.028) |
Date |
c. 1960 |
Classification |
Organizations (other than religious) |