An important office in the Lodge, for it is necessary that it should be filled by a man who can not only make out the common transactions of the Lodge, but is also capable of comprehending the spirit of a lecture, and introducing it into the transactions, briefly and at the same time correctly. The Secretary must be a Master Mason, and, when necessary, the brethren must assist him as copyists. It is customary in many Lodges, on account of the numerous and often severe duties of the Secretary, to exempt him from the payment of annual dues, and sometimes even to give him a stated salary. The Secretary, like the Treasurer, is only a business officer of the Lodge, having nothing to do in the ritualistic labours. The Secretary acts, in his relation to the Lodge, in a threefold capacity. He is its recording, corresponding, and collecting agent. The emblem of his office is crossed quill pens.
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This page is adapted from the Glossary at Phoenixmasonry — Used with permission.
