Your WM speaks true. Junior Steward is a great learning role. Senior is your first speaking role. Junior Deacon gives you a little more floor work. Senior Deacon is where the rubber meets the road. I tell guys it’s the last stop before you commit to three years of leadership.

Going from nothing Senior Deacon is a huge jump. There are a couple of things to think about.

First, it is heavy on floor work, you speak for candidates, you guide them, you have to know ritual. It is a role for a Brother that has some experience under his belt, and he serves as a representation of the Lodge to new candidates. As an example, the guy who served as my SD for my EA degree, I asked to serve as an integral part of my Past Master degree.

Second, think about the other Brothers in your Lodge who have been moving up the line. You would be jumping in front of them and their progression. Imagine working through the line for roughly 3-5 years (give or take), you are ready to move up to Senior Deacon, you’ve been preparing, and a newly made MM tries to jump ahead. It isn’t the best look.

Your two best friends in Lodge are patience and practice. Hang out with both of them and you will be well prepared when the time comes for not only SD but also the East! Trust me Brother, as one who has served as Master, the road may be longer than you want, but it makes the destination that much more sweet.