DUTIES OF THE
SENIOR WARDEN

The Senior Warden sits in the West, symbolic of the setting sun, and assists the Worshipful Master in opening and closing the lodge. He is the second in command, like the Vice President; and if the Worshipful Master is unable to attend the meeting, he may open and conduct business. His ancient duties were to pay the Craftsmen their wages and to handle disputes among the workers. These days, he's just a heartbeat away from the East, so his task is to support the Worshipful Master, and to prepare himself for that office for the following year.

The Senior Warden's jewel of office is the Level, a stonemason's instrument used to check the level of horizontal surfaces. It symbolizes that all Masons meet on the level, without regard to social, political, or religious status.