Leadership in the Lodge and Beyond: The Worshipful Master's Guide

Exploring the Roles and Responsibilities Outlined in "V of the Management of the Craft in Working" for the Worshipful Master

V of the Management of the Craft in Working

A Master Mason only must be the surveyor of the work, who shall undertake the Lord’s work reasonably, shall truly dispend his goods as if they were his own, and shall not give more wages than just to any fellow or apprentice.

This verse isn't merely a job description for the Worshipful Master; it's a moral compass that guides us in leadership, stewardship, and fairness, principles that should permeate every aspect of our Masonic journey and daily life.

First, let's clarify: when the verse refers to a "Master Mason," it's actually speaking of the Worshipful Master of a Lodge or an Installed Master who has previously been the Master of a Lodge. This is not about the Master Masons as we understand them today, who are the labourers alongside Fellowcrafts and Apprentices. Now, the negative consequences of not applying the principle are severe. A Worshipful Master who fails to act as a judicious surveyor, steward, and fair payer risks not only the integrity of the Lodge but also undermines the foundational principles of Freemasonry itself.

The term "Master Mason" here is rooted in the ancient tradition where one wasn't called a Master Mason until elected into the chair of a Lodge. The word "master" comes from the Latin "magister," meaning a person eminently skilled in something. The term "surveyor" is derived from the Latin "super-" meaning over and "videre" to see, essentially someone who oversees. When combined, a "Master Mason" as "surveyor of the work" implies a role of eminent skill and oversight.

The verse instructs the Worshipful Master to "undertake the Lord’s work reasonably," to "truly dispend his goods as if they were his own," and to "not give more wages than just." The word "reasonably" comes from "reason," which in Old French is "raison," meaning judgment. "Dispend" is an archaic term meaning to spend or disburse, and its etymology suggests a sense of weighing or judging value. "Wages" and "just" both imply fairness and equity.

So, how do we apply this wisdom in our daily lives?

As Freemasons, we are all leaders in some capacity, whether in our families, communities, or professions. We must approach all tasks with reason and judgment, always considering the greater good and the fair allocation of resources. We should manage not just Lodge resources but our personal resources as if they were sacred trusts, always striving for fairness in our dealings with others.

In essence, this verse teaches us to be judicious leaders, wise stewards, and fair dealers. By embodying these principles, we not only elevate the role of Worshipful Master but also enrich our own lives and those of our brethren.