CHAPTER MAYO NO. 1122 EC, NAGPUR

A SHORT HISTORY OF THE CHAPTER FROM OCTOBER 1874 TO OCTOBER 2024

Compiled by E. Comp Praveen Sahni, Scribe ‘E’

Establishment and Early Years (1869-1891)

The Chapter of the Holy Royal Arch was established in Nagpur under a Charter of from the Supreme Grand Chapter of England, dated the 3^rd day of November 1869. The founders granted by the Supreme Grand Chapter were Excellent Companions:

Thomas Ward, William Taylor, M. H. Francis Joseph Jordan, J. B. Reed, George Carpenter, J.H. Bedford, Runard Smith, P.J. Laville, and H.J. Tarrant.

The Charter is attached to the warrant of Lodge Corinth No. 1122. The Chapter was consecrated on the 7th October 1874, by M.E. Comp. W.H.Hussey, The Grand Superintendent at the time, when Companions W.H. McGowan, was installed as the Z, FrancisJ. Laville as the ‘H’ and A. Scott as the ‘J’.

(1889-1904) Visits and Membership Growth

The first official visit from the District Grand Chapter occurred in January 1889, when Chapter Mayo was honoured by a visit from M. E. Comp. I.M. Shields, District Grand H.A. and also visit paid by M.E. Comp. sir, K.C.I.E. District Grand Superintendent, in December 1904.

The records shows that M.E. Comp Hussey, Butler and Sir Lawrence Jenkins were made Honorary Members.

It is also noticed that the first printed summons were attached to the minutes in the meeting of 18th April 1900. These summonses have been regularly printed since then, but have from time to time changed their get up. From these summonses it is noticed that the lowest membership in the Chapter was that of only 12 members in 1904. But surprisingly, it was in the year 1904, when the building of the Masonic Hall was being built at Nagpur, and Chapter Mayo donated a sum of Rs 760-3 Annas for this cause.

(1904-1914) Expansion and Changes

This period saw a steady rise in the membership, with a number of emergent meetings to conduct exhalations. There have been special dispensations attached wherein in one meeting even 6 candidates were exalted. The membership rose to 70 members. On 20^th July the Chapter went into mourning for 6 months in memory of His Most Gracious Majesty the King Edward the Seventh Emperor of India, and Protector of the English Royal Arch Masonry, who was called to the Grand Chapter above on 6th May 1910.

(1915-1924) Developments

The earlier summons saw a change in 1916, when the roll of members was printed, with their dates of exaltation or joining. In this year Field Marshal Earl of Khartoum P.G.S.N. was called to the Grand Chapter above. In the meeting of 4th January 1918, it is noticed that for the first time the Annual accounts of the Chapter were passed

(1925-1934) Further Changes

A surprising thing was noticed in 1925 when from July the banquet after the convocation was discontinued. In subsequent meetings there was discussion on this subject on 6th October 1926 meeting and the banquet were reintroduced but again on payment of stewardship charge of Re 3/- per head. On 4th March 1927.E.Comp. Major T.G. Green, P.D.G.S.N. was elected as the 2^nd Honorary member the other being M.E. Comp. Sir Lawrence Jenkins, who later was called to the Grand Chapter above on 2/11/1928. The details of the other Honorary members, and when they were removed from the list is not to be found. In 1928 it is also seen that there was an amendment approved in the Bye law to change the dates of the meetings to every last Saturday of the month in Jan/Apr/Sept/Nov. In 1931 it is seen that E. Comp. G.P. Dick was elected as an Honorary member. It is seen that in 1932, for the first time a notice of the Annual Communication of the District, to be held on 28th Nov. 1932 was inserted in the summons. The membership of the Chapter for reasons unknown dwindled to just 28 by the end of 1934. On 29th Sept 1934, E. Comp. Rai Saheb R.R. Abhyankar presented the robes for the three Principals, it is not known whether the robes in use now a days are the same ones.

(1935-1944) A Decade of Losses, Legacy, and Growth

The year 1935 saw the calling to the Grand Lodge above of M.W. Bro. Lord Ampthill Pro Grand Master of the Grand Lodge and MEC Lord Cornwallis the M.E. 2nd Principal of the Grand Chapter.

In 1936 again the Chapter Bye Laws were amended to change the dates to the 3rd Saturday in the months of Jan/Feb/July/Nov. In 1940 E.Comp. Rai Bahadur A. R. Bambawale was elected as an Honorary member. On 20th July 1940, the St. John’s Box was introduced for the first time and the collection on that day was Rs 4-12 annas. It is a matter of pride that this Charity continues even today. In 1941 E. Comp. G.P.Dick was called to the Grand Chapter who was the Honorary member.

Again, the year 1942 saw some misfortunes when in February the M. E. First Grand Principal HRH The Duke of Connaught & Strathearn were called to The Grand Chapter above. In August the M.E. First Grand Principal HRH The Duke of Kent was called to The Grand Chapter above. And in December, E. Comp. T.G.Green an Honorary member, who had served as the Z in 1912, and as the Scribe E in 1899,1908, 1909, 1914, 1917 was called to The Grand Chapter above. 1943 was also a sad year as Comp. Rao Sahib R. Rajjanna, who was exhalated on 18 April 1906, and was made a Janitor on 18 July 1906, was called to The Grand Chapter above on 7th Feb 1943 after serving as Janitor continuously for 37 years. The first incident of a Grand Superintendent of the District being called to The Grand Chapter above was that of M.E. Comp. W.A.C. Bromhanm P.G. Soj. On 6/12/1943. There is no record of any other Earlier Grand Superintendent memorial. This decade also saw a steady rise in membership which had fallen to 23 in 1935 go up to 49.

(1945-1954) Significant Events

Honorary member A. R. Bambawala was called to the Grand Chapter above. Again in 1947 the Chapter went in mourning for M.E. the first Grand Principal Rt Hon’ble the Earl of Harewood. In 1949 Sir M. B. Dadabhoy was elected as an Honorary member. This year also saw the calling to Grand Chapter above of Past Grand Supdt. MEC Sohrab R. Davar P.G.St. Br. On the 27th Feb 1950 is the record of visit of MEComp. J.S.Tilley OBE PAGSoj Grand Supdt. of the District of Bombay. Again, in Jan 1951 the Chapter went in mourning due to the ME First Grand Principal being called the Grand Chapter above His Grace Duke of Devonshire. A very interesting episode is narrated in the minutes of 1951, when on a complaint raised by the auditor Late E. Comp. N. F. Avasia, whom many of us know, the Janitor at that time was suspended and later excluded for misappropriation of the Chapter funds to the tune of Rs 543-15 Annas. In 1953 Hon. Member M. B Dadabhoy was called to the Grand Chapter above., In 1954 E.Comp. M. R. Mehta was elected as an Hon. Member. It is worth mentioning here that contrary to the traditions that we follow nowadays, a companion who used to first serve as a scribe, stepped up the ladder to become the P.Soj, J, H. and Z. Comp. M. R. Mehta served as the Scribe E for 4 years from1920 1923, in which for two years he also jointly served as the Treasurer. Only he became the Z in the year 1930. The average membership during this period was 40.

(1955-1962) Significant Changes

This is that period of the history, when some of our existing members were very much in the Chapter, and would remember some events. The tradition of becoming the 1^st principal first and then the Scribe ‘E’ was introduced during this time when Late E. Comp. Savak Poacha became the Z for 1956 and 1957, and then took charge of the office of the Seribe E in 1958, which he continued till 1983 record number of 26 years. In 1960 E. Comp. J I Temulj PDG Asst Soj was elected as a Hon member. In 1962 the Chapter went in mourning for the memory of M.E. Comp. A.C. Bottomley PGSt.Br Grand Supdt, of Bombay. Member ship increased slightly to 44.

(1963) Crucial Decisions

This is an important year for Freemasonry in India, an emergency meeting was summoned on 30/3/1963 where 13 Companions were present and took a unanimous decision to continue in the English Constitution. In November 1963, the Bye Laws were again amended to change the months of the meetings to Jan/April/July/Oct, January being the Installation month. This pattern is continuing as on date.

(1964-1970) Further Developments

1965 Hon Member M. R. Mehta was called to The Grand Chapter above, and another Hon. member Jamaji Temulji in 1970. It is observed that E.Comp. Jamaji Temulji was the last Hon, member and till date, the Chapter has not elected any further Hon Member, for reasons unknown.

(1971-1989) Membership Resurgence

Technically speaking here completes the 100 years of the Chapter in 1974 from date of its consecration. On 1874. In 1974 an amendment was made in the Bye Laws to raise the subscription charges, which became Rs 50/- per year. In the year 1976 on the 16th Oct a visit was paid by the Dist. Grand Supdt, MEC T.N.Jungalwale PAGSoj and again on 29^th September 1978 an official visit was made by MEC J.F.Shroff Dist. Grand Supdt. It is to be noted with joy that MEC A.E.G.Gilbert was also present in the capacity of 2nd Dist. Grand Principal along with E.Comp. M.V.S. Iyer the Dist Grand Scribe ‘E’ at that time. The membership of the chapter steadily rose from 40 to 72 members.

(1990-2002) Significant Changes

For some reasons the membership again started dwindling and by the end of 1991 it became only 52. On the 15th October, the Chapter had the privilege of the visit of M.E.C. J.F. Shroff, Dist. Grand Superintendent once again. This time also our Dist. Grand Superintendent MEC A.E.G.Gilbert accompanied him. Also present on that day were E. Comp. Dolly Bajan and E.Comp. Capt. Nair. From 1983 onwards discontinuation of the printed summons and introduction Cyclostyled ones is seen, with the list of members being given once a while. On 19th January 1989, when E.Comp. S.A.Ansari was installed as the Z, we were graced by the visit of the then, and also as of date, Dist. Grand Supdt. M.E.C. A.E.G.Gilbert along with E.Comps Sitaram, Bajan, Capt. Nair, P.C.Naik. It is after a period of 5 years we once again saw this galaxy of Officers from the District Grand Chapter. Similar to the case in 1963, the District once again faced with the problem with the Grand Lodge of India, effecting the Chapter also. 14 companions opted to retain their membership with the Indian constitution and resigned from the Lodge Corinth and the chapter Mayo, bringing our strength to just 37. Efforts were made to enrol new members and on date 28th October the membership stood at 40.

1994, The Centenary Celebration on October 28th

It was a significant event, held during the tenures of Ex. Comp. Rajan Chand and Scribe E,

1. Comp. V.P. Kaoria. The Centenary Celebration was attended by M.E. The District Grand

Superintendent of Bombay & NI, M.E. A.E.G. Gillbert, E. Comp. D.C. Bajan, E. Comp. P.C.

Naik, E. Comp. S.U. Sitram, M.E. Comp. Zariwlal, E. Comp. V.S. Telang, E. Comp. Jaisawal, M.E. Capt. C.S. Nair, E. Comp. D.K. Moitra, and E. Comp. Mankikar. An escort was formed to receive the deputation.

Highlights of the celebration included:

Presentation and verification of the Centenary Charter.

An oration by E. Comp. S-A-Ansari on Royal Arch Masonry and the centenary.

A reaffirmation oath administered to all Companions.

Presentation of the special Centenary Jewel to the Chapter’s three Principals, with

Jewels to be distributed to all members after the meeting.

A resolution was adopted by the companions of The Chapter held on the regular

Convocation on 28 Nov 1997.It was unanimously resolved to continue with three existing Principals for the next year that is 1997-1998.

Chapter dues were raised from Rs 100 to 300 w. e. f Jan 1999.

In the year 2000 five companions were automatically excluded as per rule no 71 of Bof C and their name was struck off the rolls of the Chapter.

(2003-2013) Notable Amendments, Financial Growth, and Key Events in Chapter History

In the year 2003 there was a proposal for amending the By-Laws to state that, as per Rule 48 of the Book of Constitutions, the Scribe E’s services shall be considered equivalent to the Chapter subscription fee, while he will still remit required payments to the Grand and District Grand Chapters. It was voted and carried.

In 2007 For the first time, the Chapter had made a fixed deposit of Rs. 50,000 with Union Bank of India. After covering subscription collections and regular administrative expenses, the Chapter’s financial position reflected a closing balance of Rs. 66,420.

(2014-2024) Membership Changes, Pandemic Challenges, and Sesquicentennial Milestone

In 2014 there were 6 companions who submitted their resignation with identical contents

and reasons. Membership of the Chapter reduced from 52 to 45 by July 2014 further reduced to 33 in 2015.Surprisingly Summons and Minutes of July 2015 to October 2016 are missing

2020: Covid-19 Pandemic Challenges

The Convocation of the Chapter scheduled for 18th April 2020 and 18th July 2020 could not take place as these were cancelled in compliance with the directives issued by the Supreme Grand Chapter and the District Grand Chapter of Bombay. This cancellation was implemented by all the Chapters of worldwide.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, which disrupted normal activities and required strict adherence to safety protocol.

Regular and election convocation from 2019 to 2023 was held with notice, to use Mask for Covid-19 protection.

The Convocation of the Chapter on 17th April and on 17th June 2022 could not be held because the meeting was Cancelled/abrogated as per the directives of Supreme Grand Chapter as well as from District Grand Chapter of Bombay due to worldwide Pandemic- Covid-19 (Corona)

2024: Sesquicentennial Celebration

The companions of the Royal Arch Chapter Mayo 1122 E.C. marked a historic milestone as the Chapter celebrates 150 years of existence. The Sesquicentennial celebration was held on Saturday, the 19th October 2024, with a series of carefully planned events.

A fund of Rs. 25,000 was established to support a brother in need.

A commemorative plaque recognizing 150 years of the Chapter’s rich history, along with a Past Z Board, was unveiled by M.E. Comp. Percy Driver, Grand Superintendent of the District Grand Chapter of Bombay, who honoured the event with his esteemed presence. His delegation, consisted of E. Comp. Devesh Hingorani, PGSwdB Dy Grand Superindent, E. Comp. Anil Nair, PAGDC 2nd DG Principal, E. Comp Jamsheed Master 3rd DG Principal, E. Comp. Balasubramanian, PAGDC DG Scribe N and E. Comp. Col. Kaizad Bhaya (Veteran), DG Scribe E who graced the occasion.

A commemorative group photograph was taken to record this historic moment, which will be proudly displayed in the banquet hall. The celebration concluded with an evening of live music and a special family get-together bringing together companions and their families for an unforgettable night of fellowship and entertainment and rededication for the Cause of Masonic and brotherhood. This historic event was held under the leadership of MEZ Umesh Kedarpawar, 2^nd Principal E Comp Rajesh Advani, 3^rd Principal E Comp Dhruv Kumar, Scribe E E Comp Praveen Sahni and Treasurer E Comp S S Bedi.

We do hope and pray to the TALGMH to give strength to see this Chapter Mayo through

its 200 years in the year 2074 and till the time with us shall be no more.