Outside Guard — The Door Officer (Outside)

Fellow Outside Guard — very short version

You stand at the outer door. You verify that anyone approaching the chamber during a business meeting is a Knight in good standing before they reach the Inside Guard. That's the job.

The current Charter, Constitution and Laws (Order L&R §126 and §144) uses "Outside Guard" throughout — that's the canonical name today. Older bylaws or ceremonial references may still say "Outside Sentinel"; treat them as the same role.

Note that §126 allows councils to elect two Outside Guards to alternate duties — check your council bylaws.

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What an Outside Guard actually is

Per Order L&R §144 and the Method of Conducting a Council Meeting:

1. Stationed outside the chamber — typically at the hallway entrance or building door for late arrivals.
2. First point of entry verification. Confirms arriving members are Knights before they reach the Inside Guard at the chamber door.
3. Coordinates with the Inside Guard.

You're the outer ring; Inside Guard is the inner ring.

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What you own

The outside of the door during meetings.

• Recognize arriving members or check membership cards.
• Direct late arrivals to wait if the opening prayer or a closed portion of the meeting is in progress.
• Handle non-member visitors politely — business meetings are closed; redirect them to an appropriate future event (social, Admission Degree for candidates, etc.).

Coordination with the Inside Guard.

• You screen first, they screen second. Between you, no non-member should reach the chamber floor during business.
• If you're unsure about a visitor, hold them at your position and get the Inside Guard or Warden.

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What you don't own

• The inside of the chamber during meetings.
• Attendance tracking.
• Any financial, program, or ceremonial lead role (you may have a small ceremonial part, but you're not the lead on any of it).

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Fraternal year rhythm

July: Installation. Meet with the Warden and Inside Guard to align on how the team handles the door.

Each business meeting: Arrive with the Warden and Inside Guard. Position at the outer door 5 minutes before opening. Stay through closing.

Ceremonial meetings: Extra prep; some ceremonies have a small Outside Guard part.

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Common pitfalls

• Being absent entirely. If you're not at the door, the council's screening depends entirely on the Inside Guard. That's fine for casual meetings but problematic if anything sensitive is discussed.
• Leaving the post mid-meeting. Once the meeting opens, late arrivals still need to be screened. Stay put.
• Treating non-members rudely. Business meetings are closed, but non-members who wander in are usually curious parishioners or guests — redirect them politely. Harsh treatment hurts recruiting.

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One more thing

Outside Guard is a small role. Treat it as small but not trivial — the council trusts you to stand at the door and do it. Councils notice who shows up consistently for a year even in a minor role, and those are the Knights offered bigger chairs.

Show up. Stand at the door. Coordinate with the team. That's the job.

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Source notes. Draws on Charter, Constitution and Laws (Order L&R, 2025 edition — §126 council officers list; §144 Guards duties), the Method of Conducting a Council Meeting, and standard KoC ceremonial practice. Send feedback if anything's off.

Last reviewed: April 18, 2026. Fraternal year 2025–26.