The Lodge Secretary is appointed by the Worshipful Master and invested on the installation night. Though it is the prerogative of the WM to appoint his Secretary, more often than not, he refrains from disturbing the existing Secretary or the system established by him. It should, however, be noted that the management of the affairs of the Lodge is the responsibility of the W. M. and the Secretary cannot usurp that function. His primary duty is to assist and, where possible, guide the W. M. and undertake such duties as are cast upon him by the Constitutions or bylaws or by the command of the WM. He also acts as the Legal Adviser to the WM, in that he is expected to correctly interpret the Rules in the Book of Constitutions and various directives or clarifications issued by the Grand Lodge and the District Grand Lodge. Duties of the officers of the Lodge are defined by the rituals, and are supervised by the Director of Ceremonies. The Secretary should not interfere with them, unless he has been appointed by the WM to that additional position under Rule 104(a).  Duties of the Treasurer and Secretary are briefly indicated by the Constitutions. Most of the tasks carried out by the Secretary are governed by convention and usage.

             In our District (The District of Madras) the RWDGM encourages the Secretary’s office to be treated as a ladder position on the way to the Eastern Chair. The experience at the Secretary’s desk helps the WM in due time to better monitor the administration of the Lodge. Such a practice would  help spreading the knowledge and skill of Lodge administration to a larger number of Brethren, which in turn would also be helpful in maintaining good order in the Lodge. In any event the Secretary’s post should not be occupied by one individual for long, say never more than three years.  It is also against the Grand Lodge directives on long tenures in any one position.

             In a Lodge the Secretary enjoys precedence  just below the Treasurer and above the Director of Ceremonies, as follows:

W. M.

Senior Warden

Junior Warden

Chaplain (if appointed)

Treasurer

Secretary

Director of Ceremonies

             Duties of the Secretary defined by the Constitutions relate to :

1. Reading of the Antient Charges to the Master-elect prior to his installation

2. Maintenance of the Minutes Book (Rule 144)

3. Submission of Annual Returns to the Grand Lodge (Rule 146) and to the District Grand Lodge (Rule 149)

4. Submission of Installation Returns to the Grand Lodge (Rule 151)

             Duties cast on the Secretary by convention or usage include:

a.  Maintenance of membership records

b.  Issue of Summons

c.  Recording of attendance of members

d.  Collection of dues

e.  Issue of Clearance Certificates

f.  Correspondence on behalf the Lodge

g.  Custody and administration of Lodge Properties

h.  Acting as Secretary to the Lodge Committees

i.  Handling legal issues, and matters arising out of the Constitutions        and  District Grand  Lodge Bylaws or Lodge Bylaws and

j. Attending to matters not assigned to any other officer of the Lodge as and when a need arises or when directed by the WM.

THE LODGE SECRETARY

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