In many parts of the world the new Master and other officers of a lodge are placed in office during the weeks close to 27 December (the Feast Day of St John the Evangelist, a traditional Patron of Freemasonry). Thus it seems timely to reproduce the following article ..."Worshipful Brother, you are now embarking on a journey of leadership in the Craft. As the years pass, and you become more and more knowledgeable in Masonry, you will get many positions and Ranks. But, believe me, no other position, however high, can give you the satisfaction of a job well done, of having served your immediate Brethren with sympathy and empathy, as the Mastership of a Lodge. The Lodge, being the most important Institution in Masonry, you are in a unique position to serve its interests, to serve the interests of its Members, and strengthen and nurture it you effort in doing so will give you satisfaction, far beyond the effort you put, and will remain in your memory, for a long time and until time with you is no more."
"There are, however, many things in favour of the Master. The office of the Master, like the other Offices, is covered in hoary traditions of antiquity. The do's and don't are clearly elucidated in the various charges. The Constitutions and bye-laws can solve many a problem that can arise in the Lodge.
"The Master should neither be rude nor peremptory. He should neither be hasty nor lagged in decision making. Decisions shall be made on the basis of rules and not based on personalities or partiality. The Master can consult any senior Mason, or be advised beforehand, but he should remember that, ultimately, the decision is his.
"Throughout your term of office you will be addressed as "Worshipful Master". Do you know what that means? It is one of the archaic terms we use, attesting to the age of our Craft. The Standard Dictionary defines it as "worthy of honour by reason of character or position." In Masonry the title is given not only because of position attained, but because the character is supposed to have justified the position. In the Old Charges of Freemasonry we are told: "All Perfection among Masons is grounded upon the real Worth and personal Merit only."
"From the word "Worth" in the Old Charges comes the term "Worshipful" as we use it. See that you justify in your own life and work the title you now bear, and be worthy of the honour which your Brethren have conferred upon you."
Extract from the Editorial of Masonic Newsletter by the Masonic Study Circle, Goshamahal Baradari Masonic Building Committee, India, January 2008 issue (editor WBro. R Srinivas)
from Jan-Mar 2008 issue of 'Square and Compasses' - magazine of the Grand Lodge of India
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