The Freemasons Magazine And The Craft.

« literary organ ; and Ave heard Avith much pleasure the compliments paid to us on that score by the different speakers at the meeting we have referred to—Ave have UOAV another incentive to persevere in . our endeavour to maintain and uphold the Magazine as a truthful and independent journal . During that period we have introduced to our

Brethren the writer of our Architectural Chapter , in the person of an old and valued Mason , and ive have obtained other efficient literary assistance , in order that ive mig ht do our part towards assisting the Brethren in their researches into Masonic lore , ancl in their endeavours to unfold the hidden mysteries of nature and science . AVe are certain there are yet many brethren of literary tastes and talents who will be

willing to assist us in our labours , ancl we can assure them that ive shall duly appreciate any articles of Masonic , scientific , architectural , or archteological interest Avith Avhich they may favour us ; ancl that no expense shall be spared by us to illustrate such articles by the . aid of the engraver , Avhenever their interest can be thereb y enhanced ,

Directors Of Ceremonies.

DIRECTORS OF CEREMONIES .

Is many of our Loclges the Director of the Ceremonies is commonly one of the offices , and is the first step in the course of office , which leads to the chair . In some Lodges it follows or precedes the Stewardship . The practical operation is this , that the officer—very frequently a young Mason iu the first year of Ms initiation—does nothing , for he does not know what to do j lie has never seen a Director

of the Ceremonies discharging any duty j lie attends the Lodge or stops away as he likes , sits where he likes , witnesses various irregularities ivhich he knoAvs not how to correct , and at the end of his year of office finds himself Inner Guard . By some mysterious operation he has got from the inside ofthe Lodge , ancl the full range of it , to just within the door , and no further—ancl there for a year he stays and gets a little further on year by year . At some time he attends the Provincial Grancl Lodge , and there he sees a Prov . G . Director of the

Ceremonies with , perhaps , an Assistant Director , very busy , ancl with enough to do ; and finds they are chosen for their knowledge of the duties and are experienced functionaries . AVhen lie gets into high office he attends the Grancl Lodge of England , and there he finds the Grand Director of the Ceremonies with Avand in hand , and that he is truly a dignitary of importance , regulating the proceedings , and Avith

the distinctive jirivilege of moving about the Lodge Avhile the members are seated . The Master of a Lodge may or may not think about these things ; but he has appointed his officers , including the Director of the Ceremonies , in the usual course , ancl lie lets his successors do the same , unadvised as to any necessity for change ; and so the Director ( or , as E 2