THE ARCANE SCHOOLS - Fort Myers Beach Masonic Lodge No. 362

the invariable usage in all lodges, and neither in the monitorial
ceremonies of installation, nor in any rules or regulations which I
have
seen, is any exception to this usage made in respect to Deacons. The
written as well as the oral law of Masonry being silent on this
subject,
we are bound to give them the benefit of this silence, and place them
in
the same favorable position as that occupied by the superior officers,
who, we know, by express law are entitled to occupy their stations for
one
year. Moreover, the power of removal is too important to be exercised
except under the sanction of an expressed law, and is contrary to the
whole spirit of Masonry, which, while it invests a presiding officer
with
the largest extent of prerogative, is equally careful of the rights of
the
youngest member of the fraternity.
From these reasons I am compelled to believe that the Deacons, although
originally appointed by the Master and Senior Warden, are not removable
by
either, but retain their offices until the expiration of the year.
Section VII.
_Of the Stewards._
The Stewards, who are two in number, are appointed by the Junior
Warden,
and sit on the right and left of him in the lodge. Their original
duties
were, "to assist in the collection of dues and subscriptions; to keep
an
account of the lodge expenses; to see that the tables are properly
furnished at refreshment, and that every Brother is suitably provided
for." They are also considered as the assistants of the Deacons in the
discharge of their duties, and, lately, some lodges are beginning to
confide to them the important trusts of a standing committee for the
examination of visitors and the preparation of candidates.
What has been said in relation to the removal of the Deacons in the
preceding section, is equally applicable to the Stewards.
Section VIII.
_Of the Tiler._
This is an office of great importance, and must, from the peculiar
nature