Very abbreviated duties of lodge officers

 President:

·        Opens and conducts meetings

·        Keeps order of the agenda for meetings as provided in the ritual book

·        Calls for motions; Can’t vote (except in case of a tie) and can’t make a motion

·        May appoint committee chairs

Vice President:

·        Acts for the president in the absence of the president

·        Has all of the authority of the president when acting

·        Assists the president when called on to act

Immediate Past President (not normally an elected position):

·        Acts for the president when he/she and the vice president are both absent from a meeting

·        Has all of the authority of the president when acting

·        Assists the president when called on to act

Orator:

·        Gives opinions concerning the application of the local, state and national bylaws

·        Renders an opinion to the president concerning bylaws when asked

·        Sees that the laws of the order are followed

Recording Secretary:

·        Is the custodian of the archives of the local lodge

·        Records the minutes of the council meetings and general meetings

·        Manages correspondence coming to and leaving the lodge

·        Writes and sends notices of meetings

·        Is the focal point for correspondence during arbitration hearings

Financial Secretary:

·        Is the collector and accountant of the local lodge

·        Collects dues and assessments

·        Writes orders of payment

·        Presents orders of payment to the treasurer

·        Keeps financial records, particularly those related to Grand and Supreme lodges

·        Orders payment to the National Office for Capita Tax

Treasurer:

·        Manage the accounts of the lodge

·        Receives money from the financial secretary

·        Deposits the money in the appropriate account

·        Issues and signs checks after receiving order of payment from the financial secretary

·        Moves funds between accounts as directed by the president or financial secretary

Master / Mistress of ceremonies:

·        Officer who participates in ceremonies of the lodge, such as initiation of new members

Guard:

·        Doorkeeper of the lodge

·        Manage who comes and goes during meetings, with input from the president

Trustees:

·        Examine and audit the books kept by the financial secretary and the treasurer

·        Examine quarterly reports of the financial secretary

·        Serve on or chair committees as directed by the lodge president