Current Officers
2024-2025 MASONIC YEAR
The above officers have demonstrated years of dedicated service to our lodge and to our community, striving for personal improvement and positively impacting the lives they encounter. In addition to their duties listed below, these individuals, alongside the Past Masters of our lodge, provide mentorship to new members of our lodge, as well as those in the early stages of their Masonic journey, with the aim of preparing them to lead Dallas Lodge No. 760 into the future when the time should arise.
Masonic lodge officers fulfill various roles crucial to the lodge's functioning. The Worshipful Master leads the lodge, presiding over meetings and ensuring rituals are conducted correctly. The Senior Warden supports the Master and stands in for them when necessary. The Junior Warden is responsible for the lodge's refreshment and harmony. The Treasurer manages finances, while the Secretary handles administrative tasks. The Chaplain offers spiritual guidance. Other officers, such as the Senior Deacon, Junior Deacon, Marshall, and Stewards, assist in ritual work and lodge management. Past Masters of a Masonic lodge are those members of the lodge who have served as Worshipful Master, and attain the title of Past Master upon completion of their year as Worshipful Master.
In a Masonic lodge, officers typically ascend through a series of progressive offices, each with increasing responsibility and importance. The progression often begins with the Stewards, then moves through the positions of the Junior Deacon, Senior Deacon, and Wardens (Junior and Senior). Finally, a Mason may ascend to the position of Worshipful Master, the highest-ranking officer in the lodge. The progression allows Masons to learn and grow within the organization, developing the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively lead the lodge.
In Freemasonry, each officer's station is accompanied by a specific symbol, worn as a jewel and displayed on the different aprons. These symbols are emblematic representations of the duties and responsibilities of the various officers within a lodge. Each symbol serves a unique purpose, intended to remind the officer of their role and to inspire them to fulfill their duties with honor and integrity. The following is a brief summary of the symbolic significance of each officer's emblem:
Worshipful Master: The emblem of the Worshipful Master is typically the square, which symbolizes virtue. The square is a symbol of morality and the importance of acting with honesty and integrity.
Senior Warden: The emblem of the Senior Warden is the level, which symbolizes equality. It reminds the Senior Warden to treat all members of the lodge with fairness and impartiality.
Junior Warden: The emblem of the Junior Warden is the plumb, which symbolizes rectitude of conduct. The plumb is used to ensure that buildings are upright and true, reminding the Junior Warden to maintain moral and ethical standards.
Treasurer: The emblem of the Treasurer is two crossed keys, which symbolize the treasures of the lodge. This represents the Treasurer's responsibility to manage the financial resources of the lodge wisely and honestly.
Secretary: The emblem of the Secretary is two crossed quills, which symbolize record-keeping. This represents the Secretary's responsibility to maintain accurate records of the lodge's proceedings and correspondence.
Chaplain: The emblem of the Chaplain is usually a book (such as the Bible or another sacred text), symbolizing the moral and spiritual teachings of Freemasonry. This reminds the Chaplain of their duty to provide spiritual guidance and support to the members of the lodge.
Marshal: The emblem of the Marshal is the baton, symbolizing his authority. The baton is a symbol of leadership and reminds the Marshal to lead with authority and fairness.
Senior Deacon: The emblem of the Senior Deacon is the square and compasses with a sun, symbolizing the senior deacon's office. This represents the Senior Deacon's role in guiding and instructing new members of the lodge.
Junior Deacon: The emblem of the Junior Deacon is similar to that of the Senior Deacon, but with a moon in the place of the sun. This represents the Junior Deacon's role in assisting the Senior Deacon and carrying out other duties as assigned.
Stewards: The emblem of the Stewards is the cornucopia, symbolizing plenty. This represents the Stewards' responsibility to ensure that the lodge is well-provided for and that the needs of the members are met.
Tyler: The emblem of the Tyler is usually the sword, symbolizing his duty to guard the entrance of the lodge. This represents the Tyler's role in maintaining the security and privacy of the lodge.
Past Masters of local lodges, those who served a year as Worshipful Master, have their own special emblem that is worn. (See below image). It is a symbol of honor and recognition for service and leadership within the lodge.
These emblems, in the form of jewels and symbols upon the aprons, are worn by officers during lodge meetings and serve as a visual reminder of their duties and responsibilities. They are also used as a means of recognition and respect within the Masonic fraternity.