District Grand Lodge of Madras
The District Grand Lodge of Madras is a Masonic organization under the jurisdiction of the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), serving as the administrative and governing body for Freemasonry lodges in the southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala. [1]
Collectively referred to as the "District of Madras" for Masonic purposes, this region has a rich history of Freemasonry dating back over 250 years. The District Grand Lodge oversees a network of lodges and promotes the principles of Freemasonry.[2]
History
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Freemasonry arrived on the Coromandel Coast of India in the mid-18th century, with the first lodge consecrated in Madras (now Chennai) in 1752 under the authority of the United Grand Lodge of England. This marked the beginning of organized Freemasonry in southern India, initially tied to the presence of the British East India Company. The oldest surviving lodge in the District, Lodge of Perfect Unanimity No. 150, was established in 1786 and celebrated its bicentenary in 1986, making it a cornerstone of Masonic heritage in the region.[3][4]
The District Grand Lodge of Madras was formally designated as a "District" under the UGLE in 1866, reflecting a reorganization of Masonic governance in colonial India. Prior to this, the region operated under Provincial Grand Masters, with Captain Edmund Pascal appointed as the first in 1752. The transition to a District Grand Lodge structure solidified its administrative role over lodges in the Madras Presidency and beyond.[citation needed]
Throughout its history, the District has been a hub for Masonic activities, hosting significant events such as investitures and celebrations. Freemasonry in the region adapted to the post-independence era, maintaining its traditions while fostering a sense of community among members in southern India.[5]
Activities
[edit]The District Grand Charity Fund Trust serves as the charitable arm of the organization, supporting initiatives such as scholarships, medical aid, and assistance to masons in distress. These efforts reflect Freemasonry's emphasis on philanthropy and community service.[citation needed]
Cultural significance
[edit]Freemasonry in the District of Madras has historical ties to colonial architecture and cultural events in southern India. The laying of the foundation stone for Presidency College in Chennai on February 6, 1867, by Lord Napier, a prominent Freemason and then-Governor, exemplifies this connection.[citation needed]
The District maintains a museum and library at its headquarters in Chennai, preserving artifacts and documents related to its history and the broader story of Freemasonry in India.[citation needed]
Headquarters
[edit]The District Grand Lodge of Madras is based at Freemasons' Hall, located at 14 Ethiraj Salai, Egmore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. This site has served as the "Home of Freemasonry in Southern India" since 1867 and remains a central meeting place for its members.[6]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "DGL Madras – The District Grand Lodge of Madras". Retrieved 2025-03-30.
- ^ Deschamps, Simon (2017-06-15). "From Britain to India: Freemasonry as a Connective Force of Empire". E-Rea. Revue électronique d'études sur le monde anglophone. 14 (2). doi:10.4000/erea.5853. ISSN 1638-1718.
- ^ "The District Grand Lodge & Madras – Connected History – DGL Madras". Retrieved 2025-03-30.
- ^ "Madras Musings - We care for Madras that is Chennai". archive.madrasmusings.com. Retrieved 2025-03-30.
- ^ Kalayansundaram, Abinaya (2017-08-23). "Masons of the city's past". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2025-03-30.
- ^ V, Sriram (2025-02-25). "The Freemasons Hall, a 'secret' landmark in Chennai, completes a 100". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2025-03-30.
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