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
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]
Masonic Temple
In the mid-19th century, the Lodge of Perfect Unanimity constructed a Masonic temple near the Madras seafront. When the location proved inconvenient, the building was rented to and later purchased by the Madras Police, becoming the police headquarters of Chennai; Masonic symbols from its earlier use remain visible on the building. [6]
Freemasons’ Hall at Egmore was formally opened on 26 February 1925 by Lord Goschen, then Governor of Madras, providing the first permanent home for Freemasonry in the city after more than a century of meetings at temporary venues such as Fort St. George, the Pantheon, Vepery, and Mount Road.[6]
The move to Egmore followed decades of frequent relocations caused by financial and spatial constraints. After recommendations made between 1914 and 1916 by Masonic officials, the District Grand Lodge consolidated resources to build a modern, shared temple, establishing Freemasons’ Hall, Egmore, as a significant institutional and architectural landmark in Chennai. [6]
Early Masonic temple later acquired by the Madras Police
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. [7]
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. [8]
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. [9]
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