what does a worshipful master do

The following are the duties of the Worshipful Master:

More items

Full Answer

What is a Worshipful Master's rank?

While the Worshipful Master’s rank is highest of all members, his Lodge Officer Duties are the easiest to remember. The Worshipful Master is responsible for every single thing within his lodge during his year as Master. He is ultimately responsible for every other lodge officer and their duties.

What is the role of the Worshipful Master of a lodge?

The Worshipful Master of a Masonic Lodge is the highest ranking of all Lodge Officers which a Lodge may elect. He sits in the East of the Lodge room (symbolic of the Rising Sun in the East).

What can the Worshipful Master not do?

It may now be interesting to look for a moment at some matters in which the Worshipful Master is not supreme, and catalog a few things he may "not" do. The Master, and only the Master appoints the appointive officers in his lodge. In most Jurisdictions he may remove such appointed officers at his pleasure.

What are the working tools of a Worshipful Master?

Programs, projects, and banquets constitute another class of Working Tools for the Worshipful Master. The magnitude and scope of these will necessarily vary with the size, location, and resources of your Lodge. However, if you believe your Lodge is not capable of doing much along these lines, you will never know until you try!

Who is the Worshipful Master?

What is an exemplary worshipful master?

What is the honor of being a Freemason?

What is the Master's Hat?

What does it mean to be a master in the Masonic Lodge?

Can a Freemason become a Master?

See 1 more

Why do they call him Worshipful Master?

In ancient times, the word “Worshipful” meant “Respected”. Because one Master Mason was elected by the members to lead them, he was given the title Worshipful Master indicating that he was a respected Master Mason. In modern Lodges, a new Worshipful Master is elected each year.

What are the duties of the Worshipful Master?

Duties of the Worshipful Master He represents the Lodge at the Grand Lodge. He is responsible for scheduling Lodge functions. He performs Degree and Ritual work. He updates the Lodge By-Laws as necessary.

What is the highest position in the Masons?

Master MasonThe highest rank in Freemasonry, then and now, is the third degree: Master Mason.

How do you address a Worshipful Master?

When speaking during lodge meetings, you address the Brethren as thus, 'Worshipful Master, Right Worshipfuls, Worshipfuls, Wardens and Brethren. ' If the Most Worshipful Master is present, you say, 'Worshipful Master, Most Worshipful, Right Worshipfuls, Worshipfuls, Wardens and Brethren. '

What rank is a Worshipful Master?

The Worshipful Master of a Masonic Lodge is the highest ranking of all Lodge Officers which a Lodge may elect. The Worshipful Master sits in the East of the Lodge room (symbolic of the Rising Sun in the East) and directs all of the business of the Lodge.

How do you become a successful Worshipful Master?

Intelligent planning, effective communication and conducting meetings with dispatch, dignity, and diligence will make your year as Worshipful Master one you can be proud of and remembered by others.

What is the son of a mason called?

In Speculative Masonic language, the son of an English Mason is called a Lewis, but in our country the use of this term in not as well known in modern times.

What do Masons call themselves?

FreemasonsThe degrees are part allegorical morality play and part lecture. These three degrees form Craft (or Blue Lodge) Freemasonry, and members of any of these degrees are known as Freemasons or Masons.

What are the Masons beliefs?

To become a Freemason, the applicant has to be an adult male and must believe in the existence of a supreme being and in the immortality of the soul. The teachings of Freemasonry enjoin morality, charity, and obedience to the law of the land.

What do Masons say after prayer?

"So mote it be" is a ritual phrase used by the Freemasons, in Rosicrucianism, and more recently by Neopagans, meaning "so may it be", "so it is required", or "so must it be", and may be said after the person giving the prayer says 'Amen'.

Why do Masons wear aprons at funerals?

The Mason's apron reminds us of an important lesson that derives from the simple apron of the craftsman: the dignity and worth of labor, the honor that comes with being a workman, and the glory attached to life and living for one's purpose.

What does the G stand for on the Masonic emblem?

geometryThe “G” at its center remains subject to dispute; some experts at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, for example, believe the “G” in the symbol's center represents geometry, a critical field to the first Freemasons, while others believe it represents God, the “Grand Architect of the Universe.” The Square and ...

What is Worshipful Master in masons?

The Worshipful Master sits in the East of the lodge room, chairs all of the business of his lodge, and is vested with considerable powers without further reference to the members. He also presides over ritual and ceremonies.

Who is the Worshipful Master in Freemasonry?

Worshipful Master This term designates a Brother who is currently acting as the Master of a Lodge.

Why does the Worshipful Master sit in the East?

The Worshipful Master sits in the East of the Lodge room, symbolic of the Rising Sun in the East, and directs all of the business of the Lodge. While most Masonic Lodges are built with an East-West orientation, even if the building faces a different direction, the Master is said to be “in the East”.

What is the obligation of a Mason?

Our obligations require us to be obedient towards our Craft, reverent toward the Great Architect of the Universe, protect the secrets of the craft, respect all others, and love and care for all Brethren as ourselves.

What is the worshipful master's jewel?

The Worshipful Master’s Jewel is the Square. This is a stonemason’s tool to ascertain true and correct angles of the cut and smoothed stone. Thus his Jewel symbolizes virtue.

Who takes credit for lodge functions?

All eyes are upon the Master . If lodge functions go smoothly, it is the Master who takes the credit. If lodge functions go awry, it is the Master who bears the blame. Therefore, the Master wears many hats.

Do Freemasons worship the Master?

While Freemasons call the Master, “Worshipful Master”, they do not, as some people may erroneously believe, actually worship him. “Worshipful” is an honorary title which shows respect for his position. In France, the word “Worshipful” is replaced with the word “Venerable”.

What is the right of a worshipful master?

A Worshipful Master has no more right to invade the privacy which shrouds the use of the "Black Cube" (or Ball), or which conceals the reason for an objection to an elected candidate receiving the degrees, than the humblest member of the lodge. He cannot demand disclosure of action or motive from any brother, and should he do so, he would be subject to the severest discipline from the Grand Lodge.

What is the power of the Grand Master?

A very important power of the Master is that of appointing committees. No lodge may appoint a committee. The lodge may pass a resolution that a committee be appointed, but the selection of that committee is an inherent right of the Master. He is, "ex officio," a member of all committees he appoints. The reason is obvious; he is responsible for the conduct of his lodge to the Grand Master and the Grand Lodge. If the lodge could appoint committees and act upon their recommendations, the Master would be in the anomalous position of having great responsibilities, and no power to carry out their performance.

What are the powers of Oriental Chair?

The incumbent of the Oriental Chair has powers peculiar to his station; powers far greater than those of the President of a society or the Chairman of a meeting of any kind. President and Chairman are elected by the body over which they preside, and may be removed by that body. A Master is elected by his lodge, but he cannot be removed by it; only by the grand Master or Grand Lodge. The presiding officer is bound by rules of order adopted by the body and by its by-laws. A lodge cannot pass by-laws to alter, amend or curtail the powers of a Master. Its by-laws are subject to approval by the proper Grand Lodge Committee or by the Grand Master; seldom are any approved which infringe upon his ancient prerogatives and powers; in those few instances in which improper by-laws have been approved, subsequent rulings have often declared the Master right in disregarding them.

Does the Worshipful Master appoint officers?

It may now be interesting to look for a moment at some matters in which the Worshipful Master is not supreme, and catalog a few things he may "not" do. The Master, and only the Master appoints the appointive officers in his lodge. In most Jurisdictions he may remove such appointed officers at his pleasure.

Who has the right to suspend a Grand Master?

The Master has the right of presiding over and controlling his lodge, and only the Grand Master, or his Deputy, may suspend him. He may put any brother in the East to preside or to confer a degree; he may then resume the gavel at his pleasure - even in the middle of a sentence if he wants to! But even when he has delegated authority temporarily, the Master is not relieved from responsibility for what occurs in his lodge.

Can a Grand Master suspend a lodge?

But, he cannot suspend, or deprive of his station or place, any officer elected by the lodge. The Grand Master or his Deputy, may do this; the Worshipful Master may not. A Master may not spend lodge money without the consent of the lodge. As a matter of convenience, a Master frequently does pay out money in sudden emergencies, ...

Can a Grand Lodge remove a Master?

A Master is elected by his lodge, but he cannot be removed by it; only by the grand Master or Grand Lodge. The presiding officer is bound by rules of order adopted by the body and by its by-laws. A lodge cannot pass by-laws to alter, amend or curtail the powers of a Master. Its by-laws are subject to approval by the proper Grand Lodge Committee ...

Why was Master Mason given the title of Worshipful Master?

Because one Master Mason was elected by the members to lead them, he was given the title Worshipful Master indicating that he was a respected Master Mason.

Where did masonry begin?

Masonry began in England in the days when the beautiful old Cathedrals were being built. The craftsmen who designed those magnificent buildings, and those who built them, organized themselves into lodges. Each lodge elected a Master to head the group and other officers to lead it – those ancient lodges were the beginnings of Masonry.

What does "worshipful" mean in Freemasonry?

Used in Freemasonry, it's reference is to an ancient word usage with a meaning similar to the honorific "Your Honor". Use of the word 'worshipful' continues today in titles such as "The Worshipful Lord Mayor of Dublin" - who is not worshipped in the traditional sense nor is he necessarily a secular Lord - and is certainly not a Lord in a religious sense by anyone's stretch of imagination.

What is the power of a master?

A very important power of a Master is that of appointing committees. No lodge may appoint a committee. The lodge may pass a resolution that a committee be appointed, but the selection of that committee is an inherent right of the Master. He is, ex officio, a member of all committees he appoints.

What is the Master's right to control his lodge?

But even when he has delegated authority temporarily the Master is not relieved from responsibility for what occurs in his lodge. It is the Master's right to control lodge business and work. It is in a very real sense his lodge. He decides all points of order and no appeal from his decision may be taken to the lodge.

How long does it take for a Master to leave office?

After a year (or perhaps two ) the Master leaves office and a replacement is elected, generally by secret ballot, from amongst the membership. From then on, the former Master is - in effect - a 'has-been', albeit an appreciated one! * Didn't get 'worshipped' when he was in office and won't a year later....

Where in the Bible does it say that no one can serve two masters?

The further argument is taken out of context from the Biblical translation found in Matthew 6:24 "No one can serve two Masters; for he will hate the one and love the other or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other." Of course, the "master" referred to in the Bible was one who had total control over the life of the servant/slave. Such is FAR from the situation in Freemasonry!

Do Masons have to obey the President?

Masons are required to obey the Master of a Lodge about as much as but no more than any member of any voluntary association or organization is required to obey the President of that organization . There is nothing more and nothing less involved.

Who has the right to control the lodge?

The Master has the right of presiding over and controlling his lodge, and only the Grand Master or his Deputy may suspend him. He may put any brother in the East to preside or to confer a degree; he may then resume the gavel at his pleasure - even in the middle of a sentence if he wants to! But even when he has delegated authority temporarily the Master is not relieved from responsibility for what occurs in his lodge. It is the Master's right to control lodge business and work.

What does the Worshipful Master say?

Another source (Anderson's Book of Constitutions) says that the Worshipful Master should be "of good morals, of great skill, true and trusty, and a lover of the whole Fraternity , wheresoever dispersed over the face of the earth.".

What is the most important part of the Worshipful Master's position?

The most important part of the Worshipful Master's position is having a sense of vision, a sense of direction, and a sense of purpose.

Why are the brothers of the lodge important?

The Brothers of the Lodge are a vital Working Tool for the Worshipful Master; they are the reason for his existence and for his holding the position of Worshipful Master. They will elect you to the position because they have confidence in you and will want you to succeed in the position.

How does WM show enthusiasm?

The WM must evidence enthusiasm for the position by showing up at the various Lodge meetings, programs, and banquets throughout the year. This position requires a significant time commitment which you must be prepared to make, and which probably will interfere with other things that are important to you in life. (Be sure those in your household understand this, before you assume the position!)

Can you start too soon for the position of Worshipful Master?

You cannot start too soon preparing for the position of Worshipful Master! Hopefully, if you are reading this article with a view toward structuring your year In the East, you are progressing through the Officers' Line, and are not facing imminent election to or installation in the position of Worshipful Master. Begin thinking NOW about what it is that you want to do as Worshipful Master--if you wait until you are elected or installed, you have simply waited too long, and will spend your year In the East reacting to situations that you might have anticipated, and playing "catch-up."

Should each succeeding master be better?

With each succeeding Master having additional years of service performed by other Past Masters, and additional ideas used by other Past Masters, to review and draw on, the performance of each succeeding Master, in each Lodge, should be better and better in the position. Note that I said "should be." In fact, we all know it does not happen that way.

Does the WM sponsor youth programs?

The WM must demonstrate support for the youth programs that the Lodge sponsors by his presence and attendance. Yes, the Lodge provides a place for them to meet, and (usually) some funding. But, BE THERE for them! This will pay dividends, both in their lives as they move to adulthood, and in the life of the Lodge and its appendant bodies. (Our two newest EAs, for example, are Senior DeMolays from our Lodge DeMolay Chapter.)

Who is the Worshipful Master?

The Worshipful Master is carefully selected for the role, and he is someone that has been groomed for the Chair during his tenure as Senior Warden, Junior Warden and other Masonic positions.

What is an exemplary worshipful master?

Honorable person: The exemplary Worshipful Master is an honorable person that takes delight in behaving honorably when discharging his duties. Knowledgeable person: He gains knowledge of Masonic literature and recommends the right books for Brothers in the Lodge. Tireless worker: The exemplary Worshipful Master serves the Lodge tirelessly.

What is the honor of being a Freemason?

The Worshipful Master. There is no greater honor for a Freemason than when he becomes elevated to the Chair as the Lodge Master or Worshipful Master of the Lodge. Most Brothers elevated to this Chair feel pleased and anxious at the same time. They receive the gavel of authority with trepidation.

What is the Master's Hat?

The Master’s Hat: The exemplary Worshipful Master must be humble. He must realize that the honor belongs to the hat and not the person wearing the hat. He must never think of himself alone, and he must think of honorable duty to the brethren alone.

What does it mean to be a master in the Masonic Lodge?

Outside the Masonic Lodge, the word ‘Master’ is often taken to mean someone that should be served. But in the Masonic Lodge, the Master is a teacher and not someone that should be served.

Can a Freemason become a Master?

Not every Freemason will eventually become a Worshipful Master. Only those that have been deemed worthy will ascend the Chair. The Lodge Master is the one that everyone in the Lodge turns to for direction.