The District Grand Lodge of Madras (DGL), is a body created by the UNITED GRAND LODGE OF ENGLAND (UGLE) under the authority of its Book of Constitutions. The head of the DGL is called the DISTRICT GRAND MASTER and is appointed under the authority of the Grand Master of the UGLE in London.
What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry, fraternal in character is one of the oldest surviving organisations in the world. Modern speculative masonry traces its origins to the local guilds of stonemasons. Freemasonry evolved from the guilds of stonemasons and cathedral builders of the Middle Ages. With the decline of cathedral building, some lodges of operative masons began to accept honorary members into their Lodges.
The District Grand Lodge & Madras – Connected History
Freemasonry first arrived in India during the time of the East India Company; Most Lodges of those days were military Lodges, which moved with their Regiments.
District Grand Master
RW Bro T A Devagnanam hails from a distinguished masonic heritage. His family has been in Freemasonry for the past 100 years. His grandfather late W Bro Samuel Devagnanam was initiated in Lodge of Rock No. 260 EC on 1st July 1922.
DGL Governance
The Leadership team at The District Grand Lodge of Madras is led by the District Grand Master, RW Bro Theophilius Arputharaj Devagnanam, who completed 10 years in office in 2021.
Freemasons Hall
Among the various forts, mansions & buildings which the British built in the historic city of Madras, the Freemasons Hall makes a fine entrant in the list. The foundation stone was laid on the 26th of February 1923, by then Governor of Madras, Lord Willingdon.
The Bar Dive
Constituted in 1944, the Prehistoric Order of ancient free-and-easy Old Bar Stewards, of which the Dive Old and Mild is No.1 and distinct in its form. This is a unique degree prevalent only in the jurisdiction of The District Grand Lodge of Madras. The working of this degree is held on the first day evening of the District Grand Lodge Meetings.
The Museum & Library
The District Grand Lodge of Madras possesses various rare and valuable artifacts of historical and masonic significance. All of these are safely curated and displayed at The Museum & Library.