What are the duties of a Worshipful Master in Freemasonry?

The duties and authority of a Worshipful Master encompass both solemn moral commitments accepted upon installation and extensive powers regarding lodge governance 12. Upon taking the chair, a Master assents to ancient charges and regulations requiring him to obey the moral law, submit to Grand Lodge authority, guard against innovations in Masonry, ensure thorough inquiry into candidate character, and admit visiting brethren only upon due examination 1. He is also responsible for appointing his Wardens and instructing them in their duties to assist in governing the lodge and maintaining good order 1.

In presiding over the lodge, the Master exercises powers far broader than those of a secular chairman 2. He holds the authority to convene special communications, govern all lodge business, decide points of order without appeal to the lodge, initiate or end debate, and control who may enter or leave the lodge room 2. While he may temporarily delegate the chair to another brother to preside or confer degrees, he retains full responsibility for all proceedings conducted during his meeting 2.

A lodge cannot alter or curtail these inherent powers through its by-laws 2. Furthermore, a Master cannot be removed from office by a vote of his lodge; he remains accountable solely to the Grand Master, the Grand Lodge, his installation obligations, his conscience, and God 2.