What were the significant events in the history of Freemasonry in Madras?
Freemasonry in Madras has a rich history marked by several significant events. One of the earliest notable occurrences was the establishment of a lodge named 'Perfect Unanimity, No. 1' on October 7, 1787. This lodge was consecrated with great dignity and propriety, marking a formal organization of Freemasonry in the region.
Another important event was the initiation of Omdit-ul-Omrah Bahauder, the eldest son of the nabob of the Carnatic, into masonry in 1777. This initiation was celebrated by the Grand Lodge in England, which sent a congratulatory letter along with a blue apron and a copy of the Book of Constitutions, indicating the high regard for the institution in India. His response, written in Persian and enclosed in a cover of cloth of gold, further solidified the connection between the Indian and English Masonic communities.
Additionally, the intervention of Brigadier General Horne, who was appointed as the Provincial Grand Master on the Coast of Coromandel, led to the unification of various lodges in Madras, overcoming earlier divisions that had affected the fraternity. This union was significant for the stability and growth of Freemasonry in the region.
Overall, these events reflect the establishment and growth of Freemasonry in Madras, showcasing its integration into the social fabric of the time and its connections to broader Masonic traditions.