Definition of Past master (masonic)

In Freemasonry, Master Masons who have "been through the chairs", that is, who have completed a term of office as Worshipful Master of a Lodge, are ranked as Past Masters in the Craft as a whole, and in Grand Lodge in particular. They alone are qualified to participate in certain work of a Lodge. In addition, Lodges commonly appoint Past Masters to certain offices or functions: for example, it is practically essential for a Director of Ceremonies (also known as a Ritualist in some jurisdictions) to be qualified as a Past Master, or he could not attend all the ceremonies; and a Lodge's by-laws often require a proportion of the Lodge's committee members to be Past Masters.