Charity Festival & Annual Communication, Goa – 2023
The District Grand Lodge of Bombay organized its Charity Festival along with its Annual Communication & Investiture meetings at Goa in October 2023.The events were spread over 2 days at Hotel Taj Vivanta, Panjim Goa as the venue.On 5th October 2024, the District received MW Pro Grand Master MWBro. Jonathan Spence and VWBro. Adrian Marsh, Grand Secretary along with their respective ladies.A private dinner was hosted by RWBro. Percy Driver, Dist. Grand Master for MW Pro Grand Master and heads of visiting Districts from India and overseas at Fisherman’s Warf.
The following morning of 6th October, a meeting of District Grand Masters along with MW Pro Grand Master and Grand Secretary was held to discuss matters of common interest and challenges being faced.
The Annual Convocation & Investiture meeting of the District Grand Chapter of Bombay was held on the evening of 6th October 2024.
The meeting was followed by a gala banquet where a local live band of Goa made the audience tap their toes and dance through the night with their wonderful music.
MWBro. Jonathan Spence and RWBro. Percy Driver with their better halves
VWBro. Adrain Marsh and RWBro. Dev Thapar with their better halves
A night surely to remember
It was a special day as MWBro. Jonathan Spence, MW Pro Grand Master celebrated his birthday amongst us.
MWBro. Jonathan Spence cutting the cake
The following morning of 7th October 2024, Lodge Haig Brown No. 3829 held their Annual Installation meeting which was attended by MW Pro Grand Master, District Grand Master for Bombay and other Rulers of visiting Districts from India and overseas. This was perhaps the first time in history of Lodge Haig Brown No. 3829 that so many Rulers of Districts had attended the meeting of that Lodge.
It was with great respect and honor that MW Pro Grand Master after receiving his consent was elected as an Honorary member of the Lodge.
WM WBro. Anshul Singhal, Lodge Haig Brown No. 3829 along with District and distinguished visitors.
Immediately following the closing of Lodge Haig Brown No. 3829, Lodge Friendship & Harmony No. 1270 for the young Masons started its meeting and likewise MW Pro Grand Master after receiving his consent was elected as an Honorary member of the Lodge.
WM VWBro. Devesh Hingorani, Lodge Friendship & Harmony No. 1270 along with District and distinguished visitors.
While the Brethren were engaged in the Lodge meeting, the ladies visited Big Foot, at Lutolim Goa, a place which showcased the rich history of Goa.
The Annual Communication & Investiture meeting of the District Grand Lodge of Bombay was held on the evening of 7th October 2024.
With over 125 Brethren in attendance including distinguished visitors MWBro. Jonathan Spence, MW Pro Grand Master and VWBro. Adrian Marsh, Grand Secretary of United Grand Lodge England RWBro. Michael Holland, Provincial Grand Master for the Provincial Grand Lodge of Herefordshire, RWBro. Jeyaraj Ratnaswamy, District Grand Master for District Grand Lodge of Eastern Archipelago, RWBro. Ferhad Nilgiria, District Grand Master for District Grand Lodge of Sri Lanka, RWBro. Dev Lal Thapar, District Grand Master for District Grand Lodge of Bengal, RWBro. PV Kumar, District Grand Master for District Grand Lodge of Northern India, WBro. Mathew Joseph, Dy. District Grand Master of District Grand Lodge of Madras from the English Constitutions and from the sister constitutions – RWBro. Ardeshir Aga, Provincial Grand Master for Ireland in India and Brother Gautam H, Past Substitute District Grand Master of District Grand Lodge of India, Scottish Constitution.
consent was elected as an Honorary member of the Lodge.
Rulers of District Grand Lodge of Bombay along with visiting dignitaries on the dais
Brethren from Pune and Sholapur
Brethren from District of Eastern Archipelago and Lodge St. George, Mumbai
During both the evenings, while the Brethren were engaged in Masonic meetings, the ladies were engaged in a separate ladies’ programme including games well conducted by Mrs. Vedika Devesh Hingorani.
Ladies engaged in the games and activities. The winners receiving their prize
The District congratulates all Companions & Brethren who received Active & Past Ranks on their preferment.
In 2017, when our District had celebrated Tercentenary of modern Freemasonry, MW Pro Grand Master MWBro. Jonathan Spence who had graced the occasion in his capacity as Deputy Grand Master, had inaugurated The Bombay Masonic Benevolent Fund and our District Grand Master had pledged a collection of Rs. 5 Million over a period of 5 years. The culmination of this was the celebration of the Charity Festival in 2024 wherein the District surpassed the earmarked amount with a total collection of over Rs. 6.50 Million. The District sincerely thanks all those who supported the District through their generous contributions. MWBro. Jonathan Spence, MW Pro Grand Master UGLE unveiled the Scroll containing names of Donors (over Rs. 1 Lakh) to The Bombay Masonic Benevolent Fund. This scroll will be displayed at the District’s office in Mumbai
MWBro. Jonathan Spence, MW Pro Grand Master UGLE and RW Bro. Percy Driver, District Grand Master for Bombay unveiling the Scroll
The occasion was apt for the District to inaugurate another fund through the auspicious hands of MW Pro Grand Master “MWBro. Jonathan Spence Education Fund” under the aegis of Bombay Masonic Benevolent Fund. During the evening, over Rs. 3.50 Million were pledged by Brethren and Lodges. The District is ever grateful for the benevolent hearts that came forward to support the cause. The MWBro. Jonathan Spence Education Fund will be used to support education of under privileged children and recognize the excellence in academics, sports, music and other extra-curricular activities of children and grandchildren of members of the District.
District made donations to two NGOs of Goa who are providing education to the under privileged and children with special abilities.
Lodge of Emulation No. 1100, Pune had organized a Quiz competition wherein over 40 Brethren from across constitutions participated. The surplus of Rs. 1.75 Lakh was donated the Bombay Masonic Benevolent Fund. The winners received their prize (plaque) at the hands of MW Pro Grand Master.
WBro. Shreevardhan Sinha receiving the Prize for 1st Place
VWBro. Devesh Hingorani & Bro. Gautam H receiving the Prize for 2nd Place
Dr. Amol Talaulikar & Bro. Souvik Chakraborty receiving the Prize for 3rd Place
VWBro. Devesh Hingorani conducted an American auction of a beautiful mural made by Mrs. Parvathi Madhav Nair. A substantial collection was made towards the Bombay Masonic Benevolent Fund.
VWBro. Devesh Hingorani conducting the American auction of the mural
Mrs. Usha Vishwamohan the winner of the auction
The meeting was followed by a gala banquet where professional dancers enthralled the audience with their dance performances. The brethren and ladies then let their hair down to the wonderful DJ music.
Dance performance
