Why is a Master addressed as “Worshipful”?
Few Masonic matters are less understood by the non-Masonic public than this. The word “worchyppe” or “worchyp” is Old English, and means “greatly respected.” In the Wycliffe Bible “Honor thy father and thy mother” appears as “Worchyp thy fadir and thy modir.” English and Canadian mayors are still addressed, “Your Worship.” In some of the Old Constitutions of Masonry is the phrase, “Every Mason shall prefer his elder and put him to worship.” “Worshipful,” therefore, in modern Masonry continues an ancient word meaning “greatly respected.” A Grand Master is “Most Worshipful,” that is, “Most greatly respected.
