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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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1990 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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