What are the responsibilities of the Master of a Lodge?

The Worshipful Master holds ultimate responsibility for the conduct, business, and work of his lodge, answering directly to the Grand Master and the Grand Lodge 1. Provided he acts within the laws of the Grand Lodge, ancient landmarks, and established usages, his authority within the lodge is nearly absolute 1.

He possesses the right to preside over and govern the lodge, congregating it for special communications and opening or closing it at his discretion, subject to Grand Lodge rules regarding proper notice and timing 1. During meetings, he controls debate, decides all points of order without appeal to the body, and may propose or second motions 1. He may place any brother in the East to preside or confer a degree, but he retains total responsibility for whatever takes place under that delegated authority 1.

Governance of lodge committees rests entirely with the Master. While a lodge may vote to create a committee, only the Master has the inherent right to select its members, and he serves ex officio on every committee he creates 1. This includes appointing committees to examine visiting brethren and to investigate petitioners for initiation, for whose accuracy, fairness, and speed he is directly accountable 1.

Additionally, the Master governs admission to the lodge room, holding the right to admit or exclude visitors and the duty to ensure no unauthorized persons enter 1. In most jurisdictions, he also holds the exclusive power to issue a formal summons to the membership 1.