The Universal Language of Freemasonry - ArchiMeD - Johannes ...

Chapter 7 - Rituals 515
The Royal Matron occupies the throne, which is the place of the Worshipful
Master in Craft Masonry, and her duties are to preside at the business meetings,
to assist at the advancement of candidates, and to perform other duties required
by the By-Laws. The badge of the Royal Matron is a sword surmounted by a
crown, emblems of authority and dignity, admonishing her that upon her
judgment rest the government of the Court and the Order's prosperity (cf. p.
118).
The Royal Patron likewise is stationed on the throne in the East. His duties
are to see that none of the requirements are omitted, to preside at the
advancement of candidates, and to perform other duties required by the
government of the Rite (p. 61). The badge of the Royal Patron is the balance and
the fasces, surmounted by a lighted antique lamp, which are symbols of
authority, power, and knowledge (cf. p. 119). It is worthy of note that, according
to the symbolism, the Master Mason, e.g. the Royal Patron, is the only
"enlightened" one; maybe because only a man and Mason can have the insight
into the "true light." The women are but relatives of the Masons. His emblem,
the fasces surmounted by a burning light, is also the badge of the whole
Amaranth degree, which further distinguishes it from the others. The
requirement of his presiding at a candidate's initiation underlines the importance
of his office, and although the Royal Matron is higher in rank, he seems to be
more powerful.
The Associate Matron in the West has to assist the Royal Matron in the
discharge of her duties, and to replace her in case of absence. The jewel of office
of the Associate Matron is the wreath as an emblem of honor and preferment,
which is to admonish her to be faithful to her trust and deserving of the
confidence put in her (p. 121).
The jewel of office of the Associate Patron is the same as of the Royal
Patron. He is stationed in the West, at the left of the Associate Matron, and his
duties are to preside and assist in the absence of the Royal Patron (p. 60).
The Treasurer is stationed at the "Place of Finance" (p. 59) in the Northeast.
Her duties are to receive the monies of the Court from the Secretary, to keep
accounts of the financial affairs, and to pay the bills ordered by the Court and
approved by the Royal Matron. The badge of the Treasurer is the crossed keys,
denoting security, which admonishes her to the strictest fidelity in the discharge
of her duties (p. 122).
The Secretary, stationed at the "Place of Record," (p. 59) has the
responsibility to observe the Court's proceedings and make proper record thereof,
to receive all monies and pay them to the Treasurer, and to perform
constitutional duties. The badge of the Secretary is the crossed pens. When
investing the Secretary-elect with his jewel, the Installation Officer says
metaphorically "[...] I am persuaded that they will make an enduring record to
your praise and to the welfare of the Order" (p. 124).
The Honored Conductress in the South has to assist the officers in the
performance of their duties, to see that no intruders who are not entitled to be
there are present, to receive and conduct the candidates, and to aid in welcoming