MASTER OF A LODGE. The presiding officer of a Lodge of Freemasons, whose style is "Worshipful." In the whole series of offices recognized by the Masonic institution, there is not one more important than that of the Master. Upon the skill, integrity and prudence of the presiding officer, depend the usefulness and welfare of the Lodge. To become the Master of a Lodge, with the title " worthy and well qualified," is a legitimate object of ambition for every young brother who takes an interest in the prosperity of the society. The powers of the Master are very great; far more varied-and positive than those of any organization now in existence. From his decisions there can be no appeal to the Lodge; he is amenable for his conduct to the Grand Master or the Grand Lodge. Equally important with the proper qualifications for the discharge of the duties of the Master, are experience, a thorough knowledge of the ritual and the parliamentary rules of the Craft, the service of a full term as a Warden, except in the case of a newly-constituted Lodge, when there is no Warden or Past Master to serve; a legal election; a compliance with the covenants of the installation service and induction into the oriental chair. The prerogatives of the Master of a Lodge are: 1. To congregate or assemble his Lodge; 2. To preside therein; 3. To fill temporary vacancies in office; 4. To regulate the admission of visitors; 5. To control and terminate discus sions; 6. To determine all questions of order and the order of business, without appeal, except to the Grand Lodge or Grand Master; 7. To appoint all committees; 8. To open and close the Lodge; 9. To be the custodian, of the warrant; 10. To order the issuing of summonses, and compel the attendance of members; 11. To give the casting vote in case of a tie, in addition to his own vote: 12. To sign all drafts upon the Treasurer for the payment of Lodge expenses, with the consent of the Lodge; 13. To refuse to initiate a candidate, if, in his judgment, such initiation would be improper; 14. In company with the Senior and Junior Wardens, to represent the Lodge at all communications of the Grand Lodge; 15. To appoint the Senior Deacon, and such other officers as may be prescribed in the by-laws of the Lodge; 16. To install his successor and assist in con
ferring the official Past Master's degree. His duties are— to attend all communications of the Lodge; to open the Lodge at the time designated in the by-laws, and close it at a reasonable hour; to preserve order in the Lodge; to obey, enforce and defend the landmarks, the laws and edicts of the Grand Lodge, the orders of the Grand Master, and the by-laws of the Lodge; to preserve the charter of the Lodge, and transmit it to his successor; to perform the ritualistic work of Masonry, and instruct the brethren; to cause an investigation into all Masonic offenses committed by the initi ated candidates, by members of the Lodge, or by Masons residing within the jurisdiction of the Lodge; to visit the sick, and perform the Masonic burial service over the remains of a deceased member of the Lodge; to perfect himself in the ritual, laws and usages of the order; to use his best endeavors to preserve and promote peace and harmony in the Lodge, and, by his Masonic deportment in and out of the Lodge, be a good example to the brethren. He is ex empt from discipline for his official acts, except to the Grand Lodge. He cannot dimit or resign during his term of office, for if a vacancy should occur in the office of Master. by death or removal from the jurisdiction, the Senior Warden assumes, by virtue of immemorial practice, all the pre rogatives and responsibilities of that officer. His jewel is the square, because, as that instrument is dedicated to the Master, and is the proper Masonic em blem of his office, it symbolically teaches him official and individual responsibili ties, to regulate his actions by rule and line, and to harmonize his conduct by the principles of morality and virtue, so that no ill-feeling or angry discussions may arise to impair the harmony and good fellowship that should ever distinguish a Masonic Lodge, for he "Who wears the SQUARE upon his breast, Does in the sight of GOD attest, And in the face of man, That all his actions will compare With the Divine, th' unerring square, That squares great virtue's plan. "—Mounts.
The jewels, furniture and other property of the Lodge are in his charge, and he has a general control over all its affairs.