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(Compilation by W. Bro. Jayapalan)
FREEMASONRY IN KERALA BEFORE 1965
It is interesting to note that the seeds of Freemasonry were
sown in this part of the country, more than a hundred and ninety
five years ago. The first lodge was founded in the year 1806 by
the name “Travancore Union” at Quilon. In 1822 another
Lodge by name ‘Hibernia and Union’ was started and that
too at Quilon.
Later, three Lodges appeared one after the other at Cannanore,
“Lodge of Fortitude and Perseverance” in 1813, “Corinthian
Lodge” in 1823 and Lodge “Western Star” in 1863.
While no details are available regarding Lodge “Travancore
Union” and Lodge ‘Hibernia and Union’, records
show that the other three Lodges ceased to exist in 1837, 1862
and 1904 respectively.
In the meanwhile Lodge Kerala was constituted at Calicut in 1886
and it has celebrated its Centenary in 1986. It was in 1897 that
Lodge Minchin in Trivandrum came into being. Twenty-four years
later Lodge Cochin was formed in 1921. It was in 1941 that Lodge
Quilon was established, nearly one hundred and thirty-five years
after the first Lodge in Quilon was constituted. Besides these
Lodges under the English constitution there is another Lodge under
the Scottish Constitution by name Lodge Heather No. 928 at Munnar,
consecrated in May 1902, meeting regularly at the beautiful hill
station Munnar.
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FORMATION OF GRAND LODGE OF INDIA
Soon after the independence of our Nation the brethren evinced
keen interest for the formation of a separate Grant Lodge of India.
Many earlier attempts were rendered futile. Towards the end of
October 1959 the Most Worshipful Grand Master of England and Ireland
and the past Grand Master of Scotland met at London and arrived
at a consensus that a Grand Lodge of India is desirable and that
its establishment should be gradually and actively pursued. Accordingly
a committee was formed to “consider steps to be taken to
establish a Grand Lodge of India and the advice to be given to
our three Grand Lodges there on”. The steering Committee
met at important centres of Masonic activity in India and in less
than six months a report was submitted. The report was circulated
among lodges under different constitutions leaving it for them
to decide whether to opt for or against joining such a body. The
lodges were also informed that if the Brethren in India decided
in favour of an independent Grand Lodge, they would accept the
decision and establish with it the closest fraternal relations
and the Lodges not wishing to participate would continue to enjoy
the existing rights under their respective Grand Lodges.
Out of the total of 277 Individual Lodges in India, 145 opted
for the new Grand Lodge of India. In the six months period after
the formation of Grand Lodge of India on 24th November 1961, one
more Lodge acceded. During the twelve months since the inauguration
of the Grand Lodge, four new Lodges were consecrated. Lodge Minchin
in Trivandrum had by then resolved to maintain the status quo-ante
and to continue to remain under the English Constitution. At the
same time a large number of the brethren of Lodge Minchin resolved
to form a new Lodge in Trivandrum under the Grand Lodge of India,
sponsored by Lodge Santi No. 146.
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LODGE TRIVANDRUM -168 -GENESIS
The consecration of Lodge Trivandrum took place during the Grand
Festival held at Madras on 3rd May 1965. The consecration was
conducted by the then Grand Master of India M.W. Bro. Bhogilal
C. Shah assisted by Grand Officers, in the presence of a large
gathering of distinguished Masons, including a few eminent brethren
from U.K., such as R.W. Bro. Sir Eric Studd., R.W. Bro. Lt. Col.
J. W. Chitty and R.W. Bro. Lt. Gen Sir Harold Williame.
Most worshipful the Grand Master was assisted by
R.W. Bro. Rao Bahadur S.T. Srinivasagopalachari
- as IPM
R.W. Bro. K. Gopalaswami - as SW
V.W. Bro. B.R. Mullaferoze - as JW
V.W. Bro. Dr. S.K. Sen - as Chaplain
R.W. Bro. P.M. Sundaram - as Secretary
R.W. Bro. Ismail - as D of C
W. Bro. Bhaidas R. Shroff - as SD
W. Bro. Rao Sehib K.A.M.A Kaliappa Nadar - as JD
W. Bro E.P. Bharucha - as Swd Br.
W. Bro Rao Bahadur C.S. Bhaskar - as D of C
W. Bro P. C. Chatterjee - as Std. Br
W. Bro R. Krishnaswamy - as Std. Br
W. Bro H.J. Engineer - as AD of C
W. Bro A. Daniel - as Org
W. Bro Dr. Shankar K. Iyer - as I.G.
W. Bro E.W.W. King - as Tyl.
M.W. The Grand Master installed W. Bro. S.S. Pillai as the Founder
Master. The following were the founder officers of the new Lodge:
W. Bro. J. C. Alexander - SW
W. Bro. J.G. Frischi - JW
W. Bro. R.R. Vaidyalingom Pillai - Chaplain
W. Bro. K. Narayana Pillai - Treasurer
W. Bro. N.P. Ramakrishna Pillai - Secretary
W. Bro. U. Chandu Nair - D of C
Bro.C. Narayanan Nair - SD
Bro.S..V. Pandit - JD
Bro.R.. Raghupathy - AD of C
Bro.E..K. Moidu - Alm
Bro.K.. Kunjukrishna Pillai - Org.
Bro.P. Velayudhan Pillai - A Sec
Bro.N. Vijayakrishnan Nair - IG
Bro.K. Mahadevan Pillai - Stwd.
Bro.V. Nirmalan Thampi - Stwd.
Bro.P. R.C. Nayar - Tyl.
R.W. Bro. Rao Bahadur S.T. Srinivasagopalachari, RGM delivered
the charge to W.M.
R.W. Bro. K.G. Gopalaswami, A.G. M. Addressed the Senior and
Junior Wardens, and M.W. Bro. Bhogilal C. Shah the Grand Master
delivered the address to Brethren.
The banner of the Lodge designed by W. Bro. J.C. Alexander was
unveiled by R.W. the Regional Grand Master. R.W. Bro. Rao Bahadur
S.T. Srinivasagopalachari.
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FIRST FIVE YEARS
The new Lodge started its regular meeting at the premises of
Lodge Minchin No. 2710 EC on a rent of Rs. 15/- p.m. At its first
regular meeting of the new Lodge on 17-04-65 the following decisions
were taken:
1. To purchase a steel almirah for the Lodge at a cost of Rs.
400/-.
2. To donate a sun of Rs. 150/- to RGL Fund of Benevolence.
3. To obtain founder jewels.
4. That the W.M. and Officers enter and leave the Lodge in procession.
5. That the National Anthem be sung after every meeting.
6. That after every meeting there will be a dinner.
The following eminent brethren succeeded W. Bro. S.S. Pillai
during the next five years. They were W. Bro. J. C. Alexander,
W.Bro. J.G. Fritchi, W.Bro. C. Narayanan Nair, W. Bro. S.V. Pandit
and W. Bro. S. Kumar. At the time of penning these lines all except
W. Bro. J. G. Firtchi and W. Bro. S Kumar have left this terrestrial
Lodge. The Lodge had to mourn the death of six illustrious masons
during the period; all of them were its founders.
W. Bro. K. Kunjukrishna Pillai
W. Bro. Ramalingom Iyer
W. Bro. P.R.C. Nayar
W. Bro. V. R. Narayana Nair and
W. Bro. K. Govinda Pillai
Total membership stood at 66 as on 31-12-1970.
During the first six years 31 fit and proper persons were initiated
into the Lodge. Bro. Dr. R. Raman Nair was the first initiate
of this Lodge and it is gratifying to note that he still takes
keen interest in masonry. A total of 90 ceremonies were held during
this period. The Lodge had seventy Regular meetings and six emergency
meetings. Past Masters and even junior brethren were encouraged
to participate in rituals.
Decisions and Events
At the regular meeting on 16-10-65 the Lodge adopted the following
recommendation of the standing committee "that the brethren
shall wear full suit, preferably black or black & white and
if the coat is open a tie or bow shall be worn".
On 18-12-65, the Lodge commemorated the release of Indian Craft
Ritual by the Worshipful Master presenting a copy of the ritual
to the junior most brother present. This happy occasion was celebrated
by proposing a toast with cake & wine.
During August 1966 the Lodge a new set of Collars. At the request
of the W. Master of Lodge Southern Cross No. 46 G.L.I a deputation
of 14 brethren visited Lodge Southern Cross No. conducted a ceremony
of Raising on the 22.7.67 and this gesture was responded by Lodge
Southern Cross by sending a delegation of 17 brethren to conduct
a ceremony of Initiation on 26.8.67 at this Lodge.
The Stewards Fund was started during the end of 1967 with every
brother contributing Rs. 5/- each per year.
30 Nos, of Black & white balls were purchased during September
1970 for balloting.
One interesting feature during the period was that Mr. Vadivele
Babu was initiated by his father W. Bro. Dr. Vadivele, Past master
Lodge Southern Cross No.46.
During this period the Lodge donated to lodge Minchin a sum of
Rs. 200/- towards repairs to Lodge building and a sum of Rs. 750/-
for a telephone connection.
Recognition
The lodge recognised W. Bro. R. Vaidyalingom Pillai by presenting
him with 40 years Long Term Service Jewel. Brethern S. Velu Pillai,
U. Chandu Nair, K. Narayana Pillai, N.P. Ramakrishna Pillai and
A. Kasim were presented with 25 years long Term Service Jewels.
W. Bro. S.S. Pillai represented R.W. The Regional Grand Master.
The Lodge had also honoured a number of eminent brethren by conferring
them with Honorary membership of this Lodge. As at December 1970
we had the following brethren in our rolls as Honorary Members.
M.W. Bro. Padma Bhushan Prof. M.S. Thacker
- G.M.
M.W. Bro. Bro. Bhogilal Shah - PGM
R.W. Bro. P.M. Sundaram - P Dy. G.M.
R.W. Bro. K. Gopalaswamy - PAGM
R.W. Bro. M. Ismail - PSGW
R.W. Bro. B.R. Mullaferoz - SGW
R.W. Bro. M. Ismail - PSGW
R.W. Bro. B.R. Mullaferoz - SGW
R.W. Bro. Dr. S.K. Sen - PSGW
R.W. Bro. Rao Sahib K.A. M.A. Kaliappa Nadar - PSGW
R.W. Bro. Bhaider R. Shroff - PJGW
V. W. Bro. Rao Bahadur C.S. Bhaskar - JGW
V. W. Bro. E.P. Bhasnehe - PJGD of C
V. W. Bro. P.C. Chatterjee - PG St. Br.
V. W. Bro. Dr. Shankar K. Aiyar - G Std. Br.
V. W. Bro. E.W.W. King - PARG Std. Br.
V. W. Bro. A. Daniel - PRGO
Visitors
The Lodge had such distinguished visitors as -
M.W. Bro. Bhogilal C. Shah - M.W. G.M
M.W. Bro. Prof: M.S. Thacker - M.W.G.M.
during their respective periods of office.
Charity
The Lodge undertook following charities during the period, by
donating substantial amounts to:
- National Defence Fund
- GLI War Relief Fund
- RGL Fund of Benevolence
- CM's Relief Fund
- Friend in need society
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1971 TO 1980
The following Worshipful brethren occupied the Eastern Chair
during the ten years following 1970.
1971 - W.Bro. N. Vijayakrishnan Nayar
1972 - W.Bro. P. Velayudhan Pillai
1973 - W.Bro. V. Nirmalan Thampi
1974 - W.Bro. R. Gainneos
1975 - W.Bro. N. Jaikumar
1976 - W.Bro. M.S. Mani
1977 - W.Bro. S. Padmanabhan
1978 - W.Bro. M. Ramaswamy Iyer
1979 - W.Bro. Vadivale Babu
1980 - W.Bro. V.P. Velayudhan
Among them the first three were founders of the Lodge. W.Bro.
R. Gainneos was the first initiate of this Lodge to occupy the
Eastern Chair. Incidentally, W. Bro. Gainneos was initiated into
Freemasonry in the presence of M.W. Bro. Bhogilal C. Shah, the
then Grand Master, by W.Bro. J.C.Alexander, who also had the privilege
to install him in the Eastern Chair 10 years later. Likewise,
W. Bro. Vadivale Babu was initiated and later installed by his
father W.Bro. Dr. Vadivale, Past Master of Lodge Southern Cross
No. 46.
Soon after his installation, W.Bro. Dr. N. Jaikumar had to go
abroad on an assignment and W. Bro. R. Gainneos had to rule the
lodge consecutively for two years.
The period between 1971 and 1980 was one of vicissitude. During
the ten years period the bye- laws were amended twice to raise
the annual subscription from Rs. 40/- to Rs. 75/-. The stewards
fund contribution was also raised from Rs. 5/- per annum to Rs.
25/- per annum.
The Lodge unanimously decided to host the Half Yearly Meeting
of the Regional Grand Lodge of Southern India in 1977. The RGL
meet proved a success and it was instrumental in improving attendance
and harmony among brethren. The efforts put in by the then Secretary
Bro. R. Ravikumar and Treasurer Bro. K. Purushothaman Nair helped
to improve the financial position of the Lodge. From the surplus
generated from R.G.L. meet, a fund of Rs. 24, 100/- was created.
The Lodge also adopted certain informal regulations regarding
appointment of officers and proposal of candidates. Thus, when
this decade came to a close the Lodge became active and the attendance
improved.
There were 140 meetings during this period of ten years, wherein
160 ceremonies were held. Thirty three candidates were initiated
into the Lodge. Twenty one brethren became joining members.
Inevitably, a few brethren were summoned to the Grand Lodge above.
They were R.W. Bro. R. Vaidyalingam Pillai, Bro. Ambady Bhaskara
Menon, W. Bro. N.P. Ramakrishna Pillai, Bro. Jacob Zachariah,
Bro. P.G. C. Pillai, Bro. N. Rajeswaran Nair and Bro. C. M. Nair.
Recognition:
The Lodge recognised the following brethren for their long and
dedicated service to Freemasonry.
25 years long term service jewels were presented to W. Bro, S.S.
Pillai, W. Bro. S. Niyogi and W. Bro. C. Narayanan Nair. The 40
years long term service jewels were presented to W. Bro, S. Velu
Pillai and W. Bro. U. Chandu Nair.
Events:
In the year 1973 the lodge resolved to sponsor a new lodge at
Nagercoil by name Lodge Vivekananda, for the benefit of brethren
residing at Nagercoil. But we find from the records that this
lodge was consecrated at Kanyakumari in the year 1985 only.
An attractive teakwood board carrying the roll of Masters was
installed and unveiled in the year 1972.
W. Bro. M. Ramaswamy Iyer was adjusted as the Best Master and
Lodge Trivandrum as the Best Lodge in the Region during the Ritual
working competition held in the year 1978. The lodge also started
observing the Past Master's day and the Ladies' Night and this
practice is continued even today.
In the year 1977 M.W. Bro. D.P. Madon, Most Worshipful the Grand
Master visited the Lodge. The Half Yearly meeting pf RGL held
in 1977 also brought several Masonic dignitaries to the Lodge.
Rt. W. Bro. Ramaprasad Rao visited the Lodge during 1975 and presented
a memento to the Lodge, which is still preserved in the Lounge.
A number of Masonic Papers were read during this period in the
open Lodge. Certain Masonic books belonging to late Vaidyalingom
Pillai were donated to the Lodge.
The Lodge disbursed charities to Regional Grand Lodge Fund of
Benevolence, RGL Flood Relief Fund and to the Vanchi Poor Fund.
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1981 TO 1990
The following brethren occupied the Eastern Chair during the
ten years period.
1981 - W.Bro. R. Ravi Varma
1982 - W.Bro. K.R. Rajasekharan Nayar
1983 - W.Bro. C.S. Sethuraman
1984 - W.Bro. C.P.N. Nair
1985 - W.Bro. M.R.B. Menon
1986 - W.Bro. R. Ravi Kumar
1987 - W.Bro. P.A. Thomas
1988 - W.Bro. P.G. Sukumaran Nair
1989 - W.Bro. A. Gopalan Nair
1990 - W.Bro. (Brig). V.K. Nair A V S M
Among them all except W. Bro. P.G. Sukumaran Nair were initiates
of this Lodge.
The period from 1981 to the present is one of steady progress
and prosperity for the Lodge.
During the period 142, meetings were held and 108 Ceremonies
were conducted, which include 7 Funeral Lodge Services, in memory
of departed brethren. The First Funeral Lodge Service was held
in 1984 in memory of the First Master- the Founder Master of the
Lodge- V.W. Bro. S.S.Pillai, P.G.D of C, P Dy. R G M. Since then
it has become a regular practice in this Lodge to conduct the
service in memory of brethren summoned to the Grand Lodge above.
During the decade, the Lodge suffered heavy loss due to the demise
of the following brethren:
Bro. George Joseph
Bro. K.E. Eapen
W. Bro. N. Jaikumar
W. Bro. S. S. Pillai
W. Bro. U. Chandu Nair
W. Bro. J.C. Alexander
Bro. S.M.A. Karim
W. Bro. C. Narayanan Nair
Bro. K.M.K. Menon
Bro. R. Keleth
W.Bro. A.G. Ninan
Bro. S. Vasudev
Bro. M.M. Mathew
W. Bro. S.V. Pandit
Bro. P. Lekshmanan Pillai
W. Bro. G. Appukuttan Pillai and
Bro. N. Srinivasan.
In this decade 39 persons were initiated and 16 brethren joined
the Lodge.
The Past Masters Day and Ladies Night were regularly held.
The Lodge also participated in a joint meeting held at Madurai
in the year 1983 to meet M.W. The Grand Master M.W. Bro. Sitaram
Jaipuria. It was one of the rare occasions when 9 Lodges of a
region have a joint meeting.
During 1983 "The Trivandrum Freemasons Charitable Association"
was founded and the same was registered under the Charitable Societies
Registration Act.
The Lodge resolved to sponsor a new Lodge at Kanyakumari by name
"Lodge Vivekananda". Many brethren of this Lodge became
founders of the new Lodge and one of the Past Masters of this
Lodge W.Bro.J.C. Alexander was installed the founder Master of
the new Lodge. This new Lodge was consecrated on 12-2-1985 at
Trivandrum by M.W.Bro Sitaram Jaipuria, Most Worshipful the Grand
Master. The Lodge also presented a set of Collars to the new Lodge.
In the year 1985, W.Bro. M.R.B. Menon won the "Chief Justice
K. Veeraswamy Rolling Trophy" for the Best Master of the
Region and Lodge Trivandrum was awarded "Madras Masters Lodge
Golden Jubilee Rolling Trophy" for the Best Lodge in the
Region. W.Bro.M.R.B. Menon was also awarded First Prize in the
Diamond Jubilee Ritual Working Competition of Madras Masters Lodge
NO.103 for conducting the Installation Ceremony.
The Lodge, the Master or its officers were awarded several certificates
of merit during various years for their performance in ritual
Working competition.
The same year a Reserve Fund Account was opened. The Lodge contributed
a sum of Rs.40,000/- to Lodge Minchin No.2710 EC for construction
of a Community Hall. A sum of Rs.10,000/- also was contributed
in the year 1988.
The Trivandrum Masonic Study Circle was started in 1986 and the
Study Circle, all these years did excellent work by organizing
meetings, where papers on Masonic subjects were presented. Candidates
for various degrees were trained, and rehearsals of Ceremonies
were conducted. The study Circle also maintains a Library.
During 1990 the Lodge hosted the Half Yearly meeting of the Regional
Grand Lodge of Southern India. The meeting attracted a large number
of brethren from the entire region. The physical arrangements
as well as the hospitality were appreciated by one and all.
Lodge Trivandrum not only sends out the Master and Officers to
other lodges to conduct ceremonies but also receives such deputation.
Charity:
During this period charities were disbursed to Rotary Institute
for Children in need of Special care, Kerala Federation of the
Blind, Deaf and Dumb School, K.M.S. Polio Home, Regional Grand
Lodge Benevolent Fund, Drought Relief Fund, Refugee relief fund,
Cyclone Relief Operations, Helpage India etc.
Recognition:
During 1989 the Lodge presented 40 years Long Term Service Jewels
to W.Bro. T.E. Mathew and W.Bro. A.I. Abraham and 25 years Long
Term Service Jewels to W.Bro. V.K. Chacko and W.Bro. T.G. Gopalan
Nair. The Lodge has resolved to present the 25 years Long Term
Service Jewel to W.Bro. V. Nirmalan Thampi also.
A number of Masonic dignitaries such as M.W. Bro, Sitaram Jaipuria,
M.W. Bro. Justice Prakash Narain, Rt. W.Bro. A.S. Rajasabhai,
Rt. W.Bro. V. Rajendran, Rt. W. Bro. K.L. Reddi, Rt. W.Bro. V.
Sarangapani, visited the Lodge during the decade.
W.Bro. A. Gopalan Nair had the unique privilege to initiate his
son to Freemasonry and that perhaps indicates the influx of a
second generation in this 25 years old Lodge.
Silver Jubilee Celebrations
The Lodge celebrated its Silver Jubilee on the 21st of September
1990 in a befitting manner. A Silver Jubilee Commemoration Meeting
was held on that day with a large number of brethren from several
Lodges in attendance. R.W.Bro. K.L. Reddi, Right Worshipful the
Regional Grand Master attended the meeting and felicitated the
brethren. The same evening a public meeting was also held which
was attended by guests and ladies. Our departed brethren were
remembered at this meeting. Mementos were presented to Founder
Brethren and Past Masters. A Souvenir was published to mark the
occasion.
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1991 TO 2000
The following eminent brethren occupied the Eastern Chair during
the ten years following 1990.
1991 W.Bro. B.T.Pillai
1992 W.Bro. G.Kumaran Nair
1993 W.Bro. G.R.Nandakumar
1994 W.Bro. Krisna Sankara Pillai
1995 W.Bro. D.Santhikumar
1996 W.Bro. R.Hari Kumar
1997 W.Bro. P.Sreekumar
1998 W.Bro. P.B.Menon
1999 W.Bro. Akhilesh G.Nair
2000 W.Bro. P.Balchandran Nair
Among them the first two Maters were Joining Members from the
English Constitution. W.Bro. G. Kumaran Nair resigned his membership
while in office, in consequence of the withdrawal of recognition
of our Grand Lodge by the United Grand Lodge of England. In all,
44 brethren resigned, reducing the strength of the Lodge to 118.
The Ruling Master, Immediate Past Master, and Senior Warden were
among those who resigned and the Lodge was under care of the Junior
Warden for a short period in 1992. It was indeed an uphill task
to consolidate the functioning of the Lodge. One could find that
this challenge was well met by successive Masters and this decade
proved to be one of many remarkable achievements.
During this period 169 Meetings were held and 166
Ceremonies were conducted. Five meetings were held for presentation
of Long Term Service Jewels, two for holding joint meetings and
one for Funeral Lodge Service.
In this decade 60 fit and proper persons were initiated
and 10 brethren joined the Lodge.
The Lodge suspended its entire agenda for the Regular Meeting
on 20th July 1991 to mourn the demise of H.H. Sree Padmanabhadasa
Chithira Tirunal Bala Rama Varma Maharaja of Travancore.
Five meetings held during the decade were for presentation of
Long Term Service Jewels to the following brethren:
W.Bro.V.Nirmalan Thampi (25 Years)
W.Bro.P.Velayudhan Pillai (25 Years)
W.Bro.S.Kumar (25 Years)
W.Bro.R.Raman Nair (25 Years)
W.Bro.T.S.Padmanabhan (25 Years)
W.Bro.N.Chandrasekharan Nair (25 Years)
W.Bro.R.Gainneos (25 Years)
W.Bro.M.Ramaswamy Iyer (25 Years)
W.Bro.S.Parameswara Iyer (25 Years)
W.Bro.T.G.Gopalan Nair (40 Years)
W.Bro.K.R.Rajasekharan Nayar (25 Years)
W.Bro.M.R.B. Menon (25 Years)
W.Bro.P.G.Sukumaran Nayar (25 Years)
W.Bro.M.K.Sreeharshan (40 Years)
During the year 1997, an emergency meeting was held aboard M.V.
Tippusultan on the high seas of Lakshadeep. A number of brethren
including R.W.Bro.K.R. Rajasekharan Nayar, R.G.M, and R.W.Bro.H.P.
Mathur (Grand Master Elect) were in the ship. Two ceremonies were
conducted during the voyage.
Two Joint Meetings were held during the period under dispensation
from the Grand Lodge of India, in the year 1996 and 1997, both
coinciding with the visit of Grand masters. In one of the meetings
a Divine Service was held which was attended by a large
number of non-masons. H.H. Padmanabhadasa Uthradom Thirunal
Marthanda Varma, Maharaja of Travancore presented a sword
to the Grand Lodge of India.
Many of the senior brethren of the Lodge were honoured by the
Regional Grand Lodge of Southern India as well as the Grand Lodge
of India. W.Bro.K.R.RajasekharanNayar,W.Bro.M.R.B.Menon, Bro.M.Ramaswamy
Iyer, W.Bro.P.G.Sukumaran Nair, W.Bro.Vadivale Babu, W.Bro.A.Gopalan
Nair, were appointed as Assistant Regional Grand Masters.
They brought honour to the Lodge by their creditable performance.
W.Bro.M.Ramaswamy Iyer was elevated to the Rank of V.W.Brother.
W.Bro.K.R.Rajasekharan Nayar, could rise in eminence to
greater heights in the Craft. He was appointed as the Regional
Grand Master of Southern India in 1996. He became the first
brother not only of this Lodge but also of the Sate of Kerala,
to occupy this elevated post. During his tenure, the Region made
substantial progress in all aspects of Freemasonry, Nine Craft
Lodges, one Royal Arch Chapter, three Mark Lodges, and three RAM
Lodges were consecrated. The meritorious services rendered by
R.W.Bro.K.R.Rajasekharan Nayar, were amply rewarded by M.W. the
Grand Master M.W.Bro. K.L. Reddi by conferring upon him the most
coveted award of the "Order of Service to Masonry".
The Lodge will ever remain proud of R.W.Bro. K.R. Rajasekharan
Nayar.
The Lodge resolved to sponsor a new Craft Lodge at Trivandrum
by name Lodge Ananthapadmanabha. Many brethren of
the Lodge became Founder Members of the new Lodge. The new Lodge
bearing No.280 was consecrated on 26th of April 1991, by M.W.
the Grand master Justice. Prakash Narain OSM. W.Bro.K.R.Rajasekharan
Nayar, Past Master of our Lodge became the Founder Master, of
the new Lodge. Lodge donated a sum of Rs.5000/- to the new Lodge.
The brethren of the Lodge, during this decade, also founded the
Chapter Thiruvananthapuram No.92, Mark Lodge Thiruvananthapuram
No.82, and RAM Lodge Thiruvananthapuram No.82.
One of the most important achievements is the formation of Thiruvananthapuram
Masonic Trust, by the two Lodges, Lodge Trivandrum and Lodge
Ananthapadmanabha, in the year 1994. The primary aim of the Trust
is to fulfil the long cherished wish for a Temple of our own.
In the year 2000, land admeasuring 44 cents was acquired at a
cost of Rs.8, 87, 175/-. M.W. the Grand Master, M.W.Bro.Dilip
Dwarakadas Udeshi, laid the Foundation Stone at an impressive
ceremony, and the construction work is now in progress.
The Annual Investiture Meeting of the Regional Grand Lodge
of Southern India in 1996 was hosted by Lodge Trivandrum,
when our own brother, R.W.Bro. K.R. Rajasekharan Nayar , was invested
as the Regional Grand Master. The Grand Festival for the year
1997 was also hosted by us. These meetings were well attended.
The Lodge, the Master and officers were awarded Trophies and Merit
Certificates for their performance in Ritual Working competitions,
year after year. W.Bro.P.B.Menon bagged the Justice.Veeraswamy
Rolling Trophy for the Best Master of the Region in
the year 1998.
The Masonic Study Circle continued to be active this decade also;
organizing meetings where papers related to Masonry were read
and discussed. A Masonic Seminar was organized in the year 1992.
Exchange visits to other Lodges in the area were continued and
the Past Masters Day was held every year providing an opportunity
for Past Masters to involve in ceremonial work.
In this decade also the Lodge had to mourn the loss of some eminent
brethren.
W.Bro. S.Parameswara Iyer
W.Bro. K.Mohan Kumar
Bro.N Chandrasekharan Nair
Bro.N.D.Nair
W.Bro.K. Thrivikraman Nair and
W.Bro.R. Sekher
were summoned to the Grand Lodge above.
During the decade charities were disbursed to Grand Lodge of India
Benevolent Fund, Regional Grand Lodge of Southern India Charitable
Trust, and T.B.Relief Fund. Relief was also provided to a brother
of the Lodge who had undergone a bye-pass surgery.
The decade just preceded has been one of steady progress for
the Lodge. The Lodge has been maintaining a high standard in ritual
working and also on other areas in Masonry activities.
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2001 TO 2010
The following eminent brethren occupied the Eastern Chair during the ten years following 2000
2001 W.Bro. Maj. Gen .M. Kesavan Nair
2002 W.Bro. S. Ramnath
2003 W.Bro. Ashok G. Nair
2004 W.Bro. A. S. Ben Roy
2005 W.Bro. V. R. Harikumar
2006 W.Bro. Dr. V. J. Thomas
2007 W.Bro. P. Vijay Kumar
2008 W.Bro. P. T. Mohan Babu
2009 W.Bro. Dr. R. Rajnish Kumar
2010 W.Bro. Roy Peter
During this period of ten years, 120 regular meetings, 20 emergency meetings and 4 joint meetings were held. In all, 37 Initiation Ceremonies, 39 Passing Ceremonies and 39 Raising Ceremonies were held.
The following brethren were recognised by presenting them with 25 years Long Term Service Jewels.
W. Bro. Dr. R. Ravi Kumar
Bro. N. Mahesh
Bro. K. K. Kamath
Bro. Ajith Thampan
Bro. Dr. P. A. Thomas
W. Bro. V. P. Velayudhan
W. Bro. C. P. N. Nair
Bro. L. V. Mohan Kumar
Bro. S.N. Nair
Bro. Dr. O. S. Menon
Bro. M. R. P. Menon
Bro. D. N. Prasad
Bro. P. E. Subramoniam
W. Bro. Brig. V. K. Nair
Bro. Dr. V. Krishnan Nair
Bro. T. K. R. Nair
Bro. G. R. Nandakuamr
Bro. C. M. Aravindakshnan Nair
Bro. G. Harindran
Bro. Ranjit Sadasivan
40 Years Long Term Service Jewel was presented to R. W. Bro. M. Ramaswamy Iyer and 50 years Long Term Service Jewel was presented to R.W. Bro. M. K. Sriharshen.
The Lodge maintained high standard in Ritual Working and regularly participated in the Annual Ritual Working Competitions. W. Bro. Maj. Gen. M. Kesavan Nair was awarded the “Lodge Pearl City Rolling Trophy for the Best Master in the Group” in the year 2001.
The Lodge had to mourn the loss of the following brethren during this period:
W. Bro. R. Sekhar
Bro. Krishnaswamy Karayalar
W. Bro. M. P. Neelakantan Nair
W. Bro. Dr. R. Harikumar
W. Bro. Augustine Mathew Kayyalakkakom
W. Bro. R. Gainneos
R. W. Bro. K. R. Rajasekharan Nayar and
Bro. K. K. Kamath
were summoned to the Grand Lodge above and the Lodge conducted Funeral Lodge Services in their memory.
The construction of the new Temple which started on the 11th March 2002 was completed and the new temple was dedicated to Gods service on the 10th of January 2010. The meetings of all the Indian Degrees are held in the new premises. The services rendered by R. W. Bro. Late. K. R. Rajasekharan Nayar, and R. W. Bro. P. G. Sukumaran Nayar as Chairmen of the Trivandrum Masonic Trust need special mention.
During the period the Bye-laws of the Lodge were amended twice to raise the subscription and once to change the venue of the meeting.
Similarly the Lodge passed a resolution in 2001 increasing the building fund contribution and passed another resolution in 2004 reducing the contribution to the original amount.
Though the Lodge initially objected to the formation of a third Craft Lodge in Trivandrum, later it gave all the support when Lodge Travancore No. 329 was consecrated.
The Lodge hosted the Annual Investiture meeting of the Regional Grand Lodge of Southern India on 31st January 2004.
During the period substantial charities were undertaken by the Lodge. The Lodge donated liberally to Gujarat Earthquake Relief Fund, Prathibha Poshini, Navajeevan Mental Health and Rehabilitation Centre, GLI Earthquake Relief Fund, Tsunami Relief Fund, Regional Cancer Centre Patient’s Rehabilitation Programme etc.
Bro. Rajnish Clement and V. W. Bro. R. Sushil Raj were presented with a special Citation by Most Worshipful the Grand Master for their dedicated involvement in implementing the Tsunami Relief Project at Pallam.
At the Grand Festival held at Kolkata during December 2010, Most Worshipful the Grand Master announced the appointment of R. W. Bro. Retna Raj Sushil Raj as the Regional Grand Master of Southern India.
While these lines are being written the brethren of the Lodges in and Around Trivandrum are planning to host the Annual investiture Meeting of the Regional Grand Lodge of Southern India wherein R. W. Bro. Retna Raj Sushil Raj will be installed as the Regional Grand Lodge of Southern India.
The ten years just preceded were Golden years for the Lodge.
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2011 TO 2020
The following eminent brethren occupied the Eastern Chair during the ten years following 2010
2011 Rejenish Clement
2012 B. P. Dinesh
2013 Dr. R. Prakasam
2014 V. Sudhakar Rao
2015 Dr. J. Sunil Kumar
2016 Dr. Manoj C. Balagopal
2017 Sankar Krishnan
2018 K. V. Rajagopal
2019 V. A. Surendranath
2020 Dr. Madhav Manoj
During this period of ten years, 111 regular meetings and 28 emergency meetings were held. Three of them were joint meetings. Four meetings were abandoned and 5 Virtual meetings were held in the Year 2020 due to the Covid -19 restrictions. In all, during the decade, 36 Initiation Ceremonies, 37 Passing Ceremonies and 38 Raising Ceremonies were performed.
During the decade the following brethren were honoured by presenting them with Long Term Service Jewels.
50 years Long Term Service Jewels.
Bro. P. Velayudhan Pillai
Bro. V. Sreedharan
R. W. Bro. M. Ramaswamy Iyer
40 years Long Term Service Jewels.
Bro. B. Rajaraman Nair
Bro. P. Chidambaram
R. W. Bro. P. G. Sukumaran Nayar
Bro. S. N. Nair
Bro. L.V. Mohan Kumar
Bro. Philipose Thomas
R. W. Bro. Dr. R. Ravikumar
Bro. C. M. Aravindakshan Nair
R. W. Bro. Dr. P. A. Thomas
Bro. N. Mahesh
Bro. Rama Varma
Bro. T. K. R. Nair
25 years Long Term Service Jewels.
Bro. Subash Chandra Bose
Bro. K. M. Mathew
Bro. K. Srikanth
Bro. M. S. Nair
W. Bro. Krishna Sankara Pillai
Bro. Eapen Joseph
R. W. Bro. Santhi Kumar
Bro. Zulfiquar Marikar
W. Bro. Maj. Gen. M. Kesavan Nair
Bro. P. B. Menon
Bro. G. Gopalakrishnan
Bro. K. Dayasankar
Bro. Dr. V. Snehapalan
W. Bro. S. Ramnath
Bro. K. Venugopalan Nair
W. Bro. Akhilesh G. Nair V. W.
Bro. Dr. P. Balachandran Nair
Bro. Ranjith Mathew
Bro. K. T. Abraham
AWARDS:
R. W. Bro. P. G. Sukumaran Nayar was awarded the Life Time Achievement Award “For the exemplary services rendered for betterment of Freemasonry and for giving Life Time Service to Freemasonry”.
R. W. Bro. Retnaraj Sushil Raj OSM was awarded the Appreciation Award for rendering outstanding and meritorious services for the Furtherance of Freemasonry in India.
R. W. Bro. M. Ramaswamy Iyer was honoured by the Regional Grand Master, by presenting him with a Citation for his meritorious service to Freemasonry in general. Brethren of the Lodge offered their felicitation to him at a special meeting.
Ritual Working Competitions:
Lodge was awarded a Certificate of Participation in Grand Master’s “Seven Star Programme”, in the year 2013.
The Lodge maintained a high standard in Ritual Working and regularly participated in the Annual Ritual Working Competitions.
Under the Mastership of W. Bro Dr. R. Prakasam (2013) the Lodge was adjudged the Best Lodge in the Kerala Area.
During the Mastership of W. Bro. V. Sudhakar Rao (2014) the Lodge was adjudged the Best Lodge in the Kerala Area.
During the year 2017, with W. Bro. Sankar Krishnan as W. Master the Lodge was awarded the Madras Masters Golden Jubilee Rolling Trophy for the Best Lodge in the Region. The Lodge also received Justice Ramaprasad Rao Rolling Trophy for the Best Deacon in the Region for the performance of Bro. Dr. Madhav Manoj.
Under the Mastership of W Bro. K. V. Rajagopal ( 2018) the Lodge won the Pearlcity Award for the Best Lodge in the Group and also was awarded the Kerala Masters Lodge Trophy for the Best Lodge in Kerala.
A good number of brethren were presented with Certificates of Merit for their participation in the Ritual Working Competitions.
Ritual Working Competitions:
R. W. Bro. Retna Raj Sushil Raj was installed as the Regional Grand Master of Southern India, at the Annual Investiture Meeting held at Trivandrum, hosted by a group of Lodges in the Area on the 12th of February 2011.
R. W. Bro. Sushil Raj did exceptionally well as the Regional Grand Master of Southern India by creating records in every field of activity. Lodge Trivandrum afforded him full support in all his laudable ventures. He was also appointed as Deputy Grand Master for a term. R.W. Bro Sushil Raj was conferred with the coveted honour of the “Order of Service to Masonry”. He is now the President of the Grand Board of General Purposes successively for the third year.
During the period two of our beloved brethren, R. W. Bro. A. Gopalan Nair and R. W. Bro. D. Santhikumar were appointed as the Deputy Regional Grand Masters.
R. W. Bro. D. Santhikumar also served the Region as President of the Board of General Purposes consecutively for three years.
W. Bro. T. Ravindran, W. Bro. D. Santhikumar, W. Bro. Dr. P. Balachandran Nair, W. Bro . Dr. A. Devadas, and W. Bro. S. Ramnath served the area as Assistant Regional Grand Master, at one time or the other.
R.W. Bro. P. Vijay Kumar has served as Assistant Regional Grand Director of Ceremonies, Deputy Regional Grand Director of Ceremonies as well as Director of Ceremonies. He also served a term as Assistant Regional Grand Master, and was appointed as the Chief Regional Mentor for the year 2018.
V. W. Bro. S. Sreekumar has served as Regional Grand Steward, Asst. Regional Grand Director of Ceremonies, and Deputy Regional Grand Director of Ceremonies as well as Director of Ceremonies. He is now the Assistant Regional Grand Master.
W. Bro. R. Sreedharan Nair and W. Bro. Sankar Krishnan, have held the ranks of Asst. Regional Grand Inner Guard and Regional Grand Steward, respectively.
Bye Laws:
During the Decade the Bye-laws of the Lodge were amended twice, in the year 2011 and 2015, to increase the Monthly Subscription from Rs. 1,500-00 to Rs.2,000-00 and then to Rs. 2,750-00
LODGE SABARISESAM No. 374 LODGE SABARISESAM No. 374
An important event in this decade is sponsoring a new Lodge at Pathananthitta by name Lodge Sabaridesam . The new Lodge with No.374 was consecrated on the 30th of December 2011.
The Lodge had to mourn the loss of the following brethren during this period:
Bro. Dr. D. Narayana Prasad Bro. M. S. Nair W. Bro. Dr. V. J. Thomas Bro. Ajith Thampan W. Bro. Maj. Gen. M. Kesavan Nair W. Bro. Dr. V.J. Thomas Bro. B. Jayakumar Bro. V. Sreedharan W. Bro. M.R. B. Menon Bro. P.I. Issac R.W.Bro. Brig. V.Krishnan Nair PVSM Bro. Chacko Varghese Bro. P. Chidambaram Bro. R. Rajaraman Nair R. W Bro. M. Ramasamy Iyer Bro. M. Shahul Hameed
Bro. Dr. D. Narayana Prasad
Bro. M. S. Nair
W. Bro. Dr. V. J. Thomas
Bro. Ajith Thampan
W. Bro. Maj. Gen. M. Kesavan Nair
W. Bro. Dr. V.J. Thomas
Bro. B. Jayakumar
Bro. V. Sreedharan
W. Bro. M.R. B. Menon
Bro. P.I. Issac
R.W.Bro. Brig. V.Krishnan Nair PVSM
Bro. Chacko Varghese
Bro. P. Chidambaram
Bro. R. Rajaraman Nair
R. W Bro. M. Ramasamy Iyer
Bro. M. Shahul Hameed
BENEVOLENCE
Preceding most of the regular meetings, a brother from the Lodge would volunteer to contribute 10Kg of rice and Rs. 1000-00 to poor families in the neighborhood.
The lodge initiated a ‘Fund for Distressed Brethren’ to support those amongst us, who could significantly benefit from financial support. An amount of Rs. 50,000/- was disbursed through this fund to a distressed brother for his wife’s cancer treatment.
Lodge played a vital role in helping the flood victims of Pandanad Panchayat. During the decade we have spent more than Rs. 2, 25,700-00 towards relief and rehabilitation for victims of natural calamities.
A sum of Rs. 7, 66,200-00 was disbursed among those suffering from life threatening diseases for their medical aid and sustenance.
The Lodge has also taken the initiative to organize a few Medical Camps which proved beneficial for the local residents.
The Lodge provided substantial assistance to the local Government School to enable their students to equip themselves for on line classes.
In all a sum of Rs. 8, 04,100-00 was donated for promoting proper Education, for improvement of related amenities and as tuition fees for students of professional courses.
A sum of Rs. 1, 28, 000-00 was provided to Regional Grand Lodge of Southern India Charitable Trust.
The lodge donated masks, sanitizer etc. for a sum of Rs. 33,000/- to Fire and Rescue Services and to Regional Cancer Centre as a part of relief activities during covid 19 pandemic.
MENTORING AND CAREER COUNSELLING FOR STUDENTS
The Lodge conducted a mentoring and career Counseling session for students of Std. 12, at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Akkulam. The workshop on ‘Career Guidance & How to handle Pressure- peer & social’ was attended by 85 students and was led by senior brethren.
Motivation and career Counseling session for Class 11 Students was organized by the Career Cell in collaboration with Freemasons of Lodge, Trivandrum at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Pattom.
CORONA - COVID 19
The Corona Virus- Covid 19 pandemic outbreak has put the Craft to unprecedented crisis, and has caused abandonment of many regular meetings of the Lodges around the world.
The activities of our Lodge during the period of pandemic were mostly directed towards helping to ease the pandemic crisis and to extend charity. All activities were briefed to the brethren in the virtual meetings held on line. There was very good participation by Brethren in these virtual meetings. Masonic Education was part of these meetings.
Lodge Trivandrum embarked on a pioneering initiative by forming a Task Force to help the pandemic struck Brethren, their dependants and members of the family. The purpose of the Task Force was to provide timely support to brethren in need, right from the time the infection was suspected. The expertise and the resources of our brethren were made use of, for a considered decision and an assessment of the course of action to be followed.
The Lodge launched the Project “First Bell” in March 2020 at an overall estimated cost of Rs. 7 Lacs to provide educational aids to students to pursue “on line education in schools”. We made available 7” Tablets with accessories to deserving children.
FUN & FELLOWSHIP
The brethren during the decade had given adequate importance to the involvement of the family. Ladies were invited for all open meetings and banquets. Many family Picnics were held. There were games indoor and outdoor in which men women and children of all ages actively participated. There were occasions when the families of the brethren of all the three Lodges in Trivandrum got together fostering fun, fellowship and friendship. MASON SPORTS and Golf tournaments were also held annually.
Brethren of Lodge Trivandrum continue to patronise the Freemasons Lounge meeting every Wednesday at the temple premises. This is a Trivandrum Masonic Trust initiative that brings the brethren of all the Lodges in the city together.
Golden Jubilee:
On 15th February, 2014, under the Mastership of W. Bro. V. Sudhakar Rao, an Advisory Committee was constituted to prepare the plans for the year long Golden Jubilee celebrations during 2014 – 2015.
R. W. Bro. Dr. R. Ravi Kumar, was appointed as Convener.
The Golden Jubilee celebrations were formally inaugurated on 9th March 2014 by R.W. Bro. Retnaraj Sushil Raj, OSM, R .W. the Regional Grand Master of the Regional Grand Lodge of Southern India. The yearlong Jubilee activities culminated in a Golden Jubilee meeting held as an open session on 19th April, 2015, at the Trivandrum Masonic Hall, in the presence of R. W. Bro. Retnaraj Sushil Raj, OSM, the Dy. Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of India and R. W. Bro. Aravind Prasad Chitra, P. Dy. G. M, R. W. the Regional Grand Master of the Regional Grand Lodge of Southern India.
Long Term Service Jewels: At this meeting, Long Term Service Jewels were presented to W. Bro. P. Velayudhan Pillai (50 years), Bro. Philipose Thomas (40 years) and Bro. Eapen Joseph (25 years).
Donations:
- A smart digital class room was equipped with computer, projector, Air conditioner, printer etc. in the Govt. LP School, Mudavanmugal, Trivandrum for a total cost of Rs.90,000/-. The cheque was handed over to the Principal, Govt. LP School, Mudavanmugal
- Organised voluntary blood donation and voluntary organ donation drives with Several brethren, their family members and friends participated.
- Organised a Medical Camp on 17th May,2015 for residents in and around Mudavanmugal.
- There were 49 consultations; 7 in general medicine, 2 in general surgery, 1 in neurology,9 in dermatology, 1 in diabetology, 1 in orthopaedics, 13 in ophthalmology, 3 in ENT,1 in dental surgery and 11 Laboratory tests.
- Another major project undertaken at the Orthopaedics Department, Medical College, Trivandrum, was to assist poor patients in their surgery with the necessary Orthopaedic implants. Twelve such poor patients were assisted at a cost of Rs.76,448/-.
- An amount of Rs.3.00 lakhs was donated to the Thiruvananthapuram Masonic Trust
- The “History of Lodge Trivandrum No.168” was compiled by R. W. Bro. A. Jayapalan and it was attractively laid out and printed by W. Bro. B. P. Dinesh. The book “The History of Lodge Trivandrum No.168 “was released by R.W. the Dy. G.M. by handing over the 1st copy to R. W. Bro. A. P. Chitra, The Regional Grand Master of S I.
- An excellent power point presentation of the History was given by W. Bro. A. Jayapalan.
- The Golden Jubilee Commemorative PIN was released by R.W. The Dy. Grand Master by pinning it on to the W. Master, W. Bro. Dr. J. Sunil Kumar.
- The first Golden Jubilee Member Certificate was handed over to W. Bro. P. Velayudhan Pillai, the senior most Founder member of the Lodge by R.W. The Dy. Grand Master.
- The winner of Masonic Essay competition “The Knowledge of Yourself – The Most interesting of all Human Studies”, W. Bro. Dr. M. Vamshidhar of Lodge Concord No.204, Coimbatore was presented with the cash award of Rs.10,000/-, certificate and memento by R.W. Bro. A. P. Chitra, The Regional Grand Master of S I.
- The Commemorative Plaque of the Golden Jubilee was unveiled inside the Temple by R. W. Bro. Retnaraj Sushil Raj, R. W. the Dy. G. M.
- Shri. G. Siva Kumar and Shri. Anand Velu, caretakers of the Lodge, were given cash Award of Rs.10,000/-and Rs.5, 000/- respectively by R.W. The Dy. G.M. for their sincere and dedicated service.
- The dignitaries were presented with plaques.
- The Golden Jubilee celebrations concluded with party games, music by Freemasons & their family members, fellowship and dinner.
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