What is the history of Freemasons Hall in Chennai?
The history of Freemasons Hall in Chennai is a significant chapter in the broader narrative of Freemasonry in India. Freemasonry was introduced to India by the British, with the first masonic lodges appearing in the 1750s. The Freemasons' Hall in Chennai was constructed by the East India Company during the colonial era, officially opened in 1925 after the foundation stone was laid by Lord Willingdon, the governor of Madras.
This hall serves as the headquarters of the District Grand Lodge of Madras and is located on a 200-acre site purchased in 1917. It features three masonic temples and dining halls, showcasing masonic paraphernalia. The hall remains a central hub for masonic activities in Chennai, hosting around fifty lodges and embodying the principles of Integrity, Friendship, Respect, and Charity.
Architecturally, the hall is an elegant colonnaded building surrounded by trees, reflecting colonial-era architecture and maintaining its original purpose over the years.