where did the office of director of ceremonies come from and what are his duties

The office was created in the year 1738, held by annual appointment from the Grand Master 1.

In Grand Lodge, the United Grand Lodge of England lists the Grand Director of Ceremonies as an active officer responsible for directing ceremonial proceedings, including the proclamation and installation of Grand Officers. The Grand Lodge of India similarly counts the Grand Director of Ceremonies, Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies, and Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies among its active Grand Officers, assigned to direct ceremonial rehearsals and ensure the smooth running of Grand Lodge ceremonies.

Within individual lodges under the United Grand Lodge of England, the Director of Ceremonies is responsible for organizing ritual rehearsals, directing floorwork and processions, and ensuring the efficient execution of lodge meetings. An article on the Grand Lodge of India's website notes that the Director of Ceremonies works alongside the Deacons to see that ritual and ceremonies are conducted with proper precision, emotion, and dignity. The same article adds that his responsibilities extend to managing seating arrangements, decorum, and etiquette during fellowship and the festive board, as well as calling toasts in exceptional circumstances when authorized.