Contents.

CONTENTS .

LEADER—OUR PROGRAMME .. .. .. .. 1 ........LODGE O FFICERS : THEIR QUALIFICATIONS AND DUTIES .. 2 THE MASONIC POET ' CORNER 3 ORIGINAL C ORRESPONDENCE AND ANSWERS .. .. 3 OUR TRESTLE BOARD .. .. .. .. .. 4

......REPORTS OF LODGE MEETINGS AND LODGES OF INSTRUCTION 4 MASONIC N OTES AND MEMORANDA 5 METROPOLITAN REGULAR LODGE AND CHAPTER MEETINGS FOR THE WEEK .. .. .. .. .. 5 PROVINCIAL REGULAR LODGE AND CHAPTER MEETINGS

FORTHCOMING .. .. .. .. 5 , 6 , 7 METROPOLITAN LODGES OF INSTRUCTION MEETINGS FOR THE WEEK .. .. .. .. .. 7 ADVERTISEMENTS , SUPPLEMENT , & PAGE .. .. S

Our Programme.

Our Programme .

" WE MEET UPON THE LEVEL . "

lj * SJ ~ 2 | ii N presenting this , the first number of a weekly r £ § l fc ) w journal the great aim of which will be to

\ $ p Sfe set before its readers all matters of interest fi-fcr ^ T ^ Saj which will affect the great Masonic Brotherhood , it cannot be otherwise than necessary that we should explain the nature of our intent , the reasons which have

induced the venture , and the lines upon which we hope to raise a superstructure perfect in all its parts and honourable to the builders .

The English Craft has already two weekly publications which have for some years past faithfully done good service to Freemasonry ; and although doubtless we may be

by them considered as intruders into their presumed especial domains , it will be our earnest endeavour to avoid all things outside our OAvn independent working

which could possibly disturb the good relations ordinarily existing between journalists . Our first desire is to place within reach of those who seek to be informed of current

events in Freemasonry , but object to so large a contribution to masonic journalism as has been heretofore

required from them , a weekly record of interesting occurrences and communications at a price so nearly nominal that no individual member of our Order could possibly

Our Programme.

consider Ins outlay extravagant . We believe there is a large field for our labour in this respect , and that the addition of a third masonic organ , at a third of the cost

of our larger contemporaries , will be hailed Avith satisfaction by thousands of our brethren who have hitherto been debarred from sharing in the gratification

resulting from acquaintance with masonic doings from week to week . And in this regard we have every confidence that our venture will be pecuniarily beneficial to ourselves :

that whilst we shall be making provision for a great want we shall secure adhesion to our principles and a ready sale for the medium of their expression . Thus a mutual

obligation Avould in reality become a mere interchange of benefits , and both subscribers and proprietors Avould " meet on the level . ' . '

The intention of THE MASONIC S TAR is to act squarely and independently of all external influences ; to discuss Masonic questions temperately and with

strict impartiality ; to uphold in all controversy the rules and constitutions of Freemasonry ; to be candid yet kind in all its reports , and where persons are

concerned to give to every man his just due , and that Avithout distinction . Whilst TEMPERANCE shall restrain us on all occasions when expressing our OAVH opinions ,

FORTITUDE shall be our constant companion when strength of argument is necessary to expose a wrong ; PRUDENCE shall regulate our reason and judgment when

reflecting on the circumstances which may surround the actions of others ; and above all , JUSTICE shall be our standard when exercising our efforts to point out

the principles of equity in any given direction . We shall keep in vieAV before us at all times those emblems which adorn our Brotherhood , and endeavour to promote to the utmost of our humble ability the best interests of the Craft Ave love so dearly .

Secretaries of Lodges and Scribes of Chapters , & c , will greatly oblige us by forwarding notices of forthcoming meetings , and information relating to Masonic matters of local or general interest to the Craft . Every attention shall be given to their requirements in respect of same , and Ave shall bo happy at all times to reciprocate their favors to the full extent of our power .

N . B . —If Worshipful Masters of Lodges , or Secretaries of Lodges of Instruction , should fail to receive a copy of this number of- TH _ MASONIC STAB , a communication to the Editor is solicited , and the omission shall be rectified .