ABOUT FREEMASONRY &
STAR OF INDIA LODGE NO. 3444
About Freemasonry
WHAT IS FREEMASONRY?
Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest and largest non-religious, non-political, fraternal and charitable organisations. Its roots lie in the traditions and ceremonies of the medieval stonemasons who built our cathedrals and castles. Some rituals are still celebrated today.
The questions of when, how, why and where Freemasonry originated are still the subject of intense speculation. The general consensus amongst Masonic scholars is that it descends directly or indirectly from the organisation of operative stone masons who built the great cathedrals and castles of the middle ages.
Star of India Then
CONSECRATION
The Star of India Lodge owes its existence to a group of freemasons who, in 1909, were members of the Craft in India. At that time there were many British expatriates residing in India, performing their duties as government administrations, agents of the Colonial Service or as members of the armed services. Many of these men belonged to masonic lodges in India, particularly Bengal, and some decided to establish a lodge in London where they could meet when they returned home on leave or retirement from active service.
Colonel Charles Warren Napier-Clavering, one of the Founders of Star of India
Colonel Charles Warren Napier-Clavering, GCT, is said to be one of the founders of Star of India Lodge NO. 3444. He served in the 13th (Somerset) Light Infantry, 1878 – 1906. He became Provincial Grand Master of Northumberland, Cumberland and Durham, 1912 and died 22nd October 1931.
On the 17th of November 1909, nine brethren from lodges in Bengal met at the Imperial restaurant and resolved to found a lodge where they could continue the friendships of overseas life. There was much discussion about the name to be given to the new lodge; titles such as ‘Star of India’, ‘India & Orient’ and ‘India’ were considered. In the event it was the first of these names that was adopted for the Consecration and first Regular Meeting held at Freemanson’s Hall on 17th June 1910.
Freemasons’ Hall, 60 Queen Street London , home of the UGLE, where we hold our quarterly meetings.
| Photo by kind permission of UGLE
Research suggests that historically the Lodge of Industry and Perseverance No 109 appears to be mother Lodge to the following lodges though those marked with a 'B’ were erased in 1961 as they no longer met regularly:
Star of India Lodge 3444
True Brothers Lodge 121 a
Chota Nagpore Lodge 1352
Mount Everest Lodge 2439 b
Ubique Lodge 2476 b
Zuriel Lodge 2507
Various valuable and interesting historical artefacts once belonging to Star of India, such as medals, beautifully inscribed goblets and crystals are now safely archived at the Freemasons Hall Museum.
Star of India Now
TRADITIONS
To this day the members of Star of India continue to meet quarterly at Freemasons’ Hall to uphold the values, traditions and rich history of our brethren. Star of India Lodge meet on the 3rd Wednesday in October, January, April and May of each year.
VALUES
Freemasonry has always been about making good men better. The core Masonic values of Neighbourly Concern, Charity and Moral Standards are as important today as when Freemasonry was founded many hundreds of years ago. Individuals aim to shape their lives round five core principles:
Integrity: We say what we mean and we keep our promises.
Kindness: Although our families come first, we believe in playing a key role in our communities and give time and money to charitable ventures.
Honesty: We pride ourselves on openness, about what being a Freemason means for us.
Fairness: We treat everyone as equal – we listen to others, explore any differences and look for common ground.
Tolerance: We respect the opinions of others and behave with understanding towards them.
IS FREEMASONRY FOR ME?
Freemasonry means different things to each individual – making new friends, contributing to society, celebrating a long tradition, experiencing personal growth, taking up a hobby, having fun.