Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 185, § 10: Registers of deeds acting as assistant recorders

Section 10. The register of deeds in each district where land has been registered shall have the same authority as the recorder to make memoranda affecting the title of such land, and to enter and issue new certificates of title, and to affix the seal of the court to such certificates and duplicate certificates of title; but in executing the provisions of this chapter, registers of deeds shall be subject to the general direction of the recorder, in order to secure uniformity; and, in the performance of their duties under this chapter, the official designation of registers of deeds shall be assistant recorders for their respective registry districts.