What does the Worshipful Master do?

The qualification required to be eligible for election to become Master is that the brother should have served for a full year as a Senior Warden or Junior Warden in a regular lodge.

The master is effectively the chief executive of the company. Nothing much can happen at a Lodge meeting until the Master starts the proceedings and the members would be in for a marathon session if the Master didn’t close them!

In between the opening and closing of the Lodge, depending on the business to be transacted, the Master will call upon various officers to carry out particular duties, although many will be carried out by the Master himself.

In many Lodges, there is what may be described as ‘a ladder system’ with each officer progressing one step up the ladder at the annual Installation meeting. Even in Lodges employing the ‘ladder system’, it is not always strictly observed and would not normally apply to such offices as Lodge Secretary, Director of Ceremonies, Treasurer, Almoner and Charity Steward as these are offices that benefit from a period of continuity and are not therefore regarded as progressive.

A wise Master will adhere to established sensible practice in order to maintain harmony within his lodge.

It is not compulsory for members to advance through the offices, but under normal circumstances, a member should not accept the office of Warden unless he is prepared to advance to the Master’s chair.

The jewel appended to the Master’s collar is the square. No other jewel or badge is permitted to be attached to any collar.