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The Worshipful Master is the supreme executive authority and presiding officer of a Craft lodge, occupying the Oriental Chair in the East 12. The title "Worshipful" does not denote religious adoration, but reflects an archaic usage expressing honor and respect 2, parallel to historical civil forms of address 1.

In Masonic symbolism, the Master in the East represents the rising sun, serving as a emblem of sovereign authority, order, and light to govern the lodge with regularity and precision 1. He acts as ex-officio chairman of all lodge committees 1 and holds inherent powers far exceeding those of a conventional society chairman 2. While a chairman is subject to parliamentary rules and can be removed by the body over which he presides, a Master is elected by his lodge but can only be removed or suspended by the Grand Master or the Grand Lodge 2.

A Master possesses absolute control over the lodge's work and business. He may assemble or dismiss the lodge at his pleasure, decide all points of order without appeal to the members, and control debate 2. He may temporarily delegate the chair to another brother to preside or confer degrees, though he retains ultimate responsibility for all lodge proceedings 2. Before assuming office through an installation ceremony, the Master-elect must formally assent to a established summary of ancient charges and regulations governing his conduct and fidelity to Grand Lodge laws 23.

Should the Master die or be absent, jurisdiction and procedure vary. Under English Grand Lodge rules, the Immediate Past Master or senior Past Master present takes the chair; Wardens may rule the lodge in their absence, but cannot occupy the Master's chair to confer degrees unless a qualified Master or Past Master presides 1.