What is the powers of a worshipful master

The Worshipful Master holds powers far exceeding those of a conventional presiding officer or chairman 1. While elected by the lodge members, a Master cannot be removed by them, answering only to the Grand Master and the Grand Lodge 1. Lodge by-laws cannot alter, amend, or curtail these inherent executive rights 1.

Within his jurisdiction, the Master has complete authority over the lodge's proceedings and governance 1. He can convene special meetings, initiate or terminate debate, propose or second motions, and open or close the lodge at his pleasure, provided statutory Grand Lodge requirements are met 1. He decides all points of order, and his rulings cannot be appealed to the lodge floor 1. Additionally, he controls admission to the lodge, retaining the right to permit or refuse entry to visitors, though arbitrary exclusions may draw Grand Lodge discipline 1.

The Master may temporarily delegate the chair to another brother to preside or confer degrees, but he retains ultimate responsibility for the lodge and may resume the gavel at any time 1. Historically, the boundaries of this authority generated debate; in an 1828 dispute in Bengal, a Master argued against an "unlimited prerogative" that could set aside a constitutionally ascertained majority vote after debate had been permitted 2.

The United Grand Lodge of England states that the Master exercises leadership over the lodge, appoints the officers for the year during his installation ceremony, and presides over both administrative tasks and degree ceremonies. The United Grand Lodge of England also notes that he holds both the authority and the duty to admonish brethren for misbehaviour in the lodge.