07/26/2026
DON’TS FOR WORSHIPFUL MASTERS
A Masonic Reflection on Leadership, Duty, and the Master’s Responsibility
Source: The Canadian Craftsman, March 1891
The following admonitions, written more than a century ago, remain a timeless guide for every Worshipful Master. The Master’s chair is not a throne of privilege but a station of service, responsibility, and trust.
A Worshipful Master Should Not:
1. Do not be a parrot.
Do not merely repeat what others say. A Master must think, study, and understand the principles he teaches.
2. Do not be a part of a man, but a whole one.
Develop yourself completely—your character, judgment, knowledge, and virtues.
3. Do not allow pride to overcome you.
The Master’s jewel is not a crown. It is a symbol of duty.
4. Do not be careless in dress, speech, or manners.
Your conduct reflects not only yourself but the dignity of the Lodge.
5. Do not be lazy or habitually late.
A Lodge cannot remain active under inactive leadership.
6. Do not sleep while expecting your Lodge to be awake.
The energy of the Lodge follows the example of its Master.
7. Do not sacrifice the Lodge for personal ambition.
The Master serves the Craft; the Craft does not serve the Master.
8. Do not teach virtues that your own life contradicts.
A Mason leads best by example.
9. Do not tolerate careless and indifferent officers.
Train them, guide them, and hold them accountable.
10. Do not labor with poor foundations.
Seek quality in membership. A strong Lodge is built on good men.
11. Do not perform your duties half-heartedly.
The work of Masonry must be understood, felt, and lived.
12. Do not mistake the office as only an honor.
It is a sacred trust entrusted by your Brethren.
13. Do not imagine yourself a king.
The Worshipful Master is the servant of the Lodge.
14. Do not assume you are always the wisest.
Every Brother has knowledge and experience worthy of respect.
15. Do not forget that your reputation affects your Lodge.
The community judges the Lodge through the character of its Master.
16. Do not forget the initiate watches you.
Your actions teach louder than your words.
17. Do not neglect proper preparation and communication.
A Master must continually improve himself.
18. Do not delay the Lodge’s business unnecessarily.
Efficiency shows respect for the time of your Brethren.
19. Do not claim authority on Masonic law without study.
Consult the Constitution, Edicts, and Regulations before giving judgment.
20. Do not forget courtesy, kindness, and brotherly love.
A true Master governs with fairness and compassion.
21. Do not keep inactive members merely to increase numbers.
Quality strengthens a Lodge more than quantity.
22. Do not sacrifice standards for popularity.
A great Lodge is measured by its character, not its roster size.
23. Do not seek attention or applause.
Dignity, humility, and wisdom are the marks of true leadership.
24. Do not diminish your predecessors.
Honor those who served before you and build upon their work.
25. Do not forget that you are always under watch.
Every decision should serve the best interest of the Lodge.
26. Do not forget to bring intelligence and preparation to the East.
Leadership requires thought, study, and vision.
27. Do not neglect the proper delivery of Masonic work.
Stand with dignity, speak with confidence, and teach with sincerity.
28. Do not forget to remain alert.
The Worshipful Master must be awake, attentive, and ever ready to serve.
The True Lesson
The Worshipful Master is not the ruler of the Lodge—he is its guardian.
He does not stand above his Brethren—he stands among them.
He does not seek honor—he accepts responsibility.
He does not command respect—he earns it through humility, wisdom, and service.
“The strength of a Lodge is not measured by the brilliance of its Master’s title, but by the quality of his example.”
∎ A timeless charge for every Brother who enters the East.
