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 of our institution, have existed from its very beginning.  No lodge could ever have been opened until a Tiler was appointed, and stationed to guard its portals from the approach of “cowans and eavesdroppers.”  The qualifications requisite for the office of a Tiler are, that he must be “a worthy Master Mason.”  An Entered Apprentice, or a Fellow Craft, cannot tile a lodge, even though it be opened in his own degree.  To none but Master Masons can this important duty of guardianship be intrusted.  The Tiler is not necessarily a member of the lodge which he tiles.  There is no regulation requiring this qualification.  In fact, in large cities, one Brother often acts as the Tiler of several lodges.  If, however, he is a member of the lodge, his office does not deprive him of the rights of membership, and in ballotings for candidates, election of officers, or other important questions, he is entitled to exercise his privilege of voting, in which case the Junior Deacon will temporarily occupy his station, while he enters the lodge to deposit his ballot.  This appears to be the general usage of the craft in this country.

The Tiler is sometimes elected by the lodge, and sometimes appointed by the Master.  It seems generally to be admitted that he may be removed from office for misconduct or neglect of duty, by the lodge, if he has been elected, and by the Master, if he has been appointed.

Chapter V.

Of Rules of Order.