What is the history of Freemasons Hall in Chennai?

A Freemasons' Hall in Madras is recorded as early as 1791, serving in the Craft as the place of meeting for both the Stewards' Lodge and Lodge Perfect Unanimity 1. By 1823, discussions regarding a dedicated, newly built temple were initiated when Lodge Perfect Unanimity formally raised the necessity of soliciting private subscriptions among the local brethren to construct a permanent hall 1.

Although the Provincial Grand Lodge agreed to assist the undertaking, actual construction was delayed for several years 1. The foundation stone of the new Masonic Temple, situated on the beach near Cappers in St. Thomé, was ultimately laid in 1839 by Lord Elphinstone, the Governor of Madras 1. Constructed through the efforts of Lodge Perfect Unanimity, the building was noted for its neat and imposing exterior appearance along the coast 1.

The new hall was officially brought into use for major provincial communications in the Craft on March 18, 1841, when Lord Elphinstone was installed there as Provincial Grand Master by Deputy Provincial Grand Master John Carnac Morris 1.