History
Founded in 1822, Secunderabad
St. John's Lodge No. 434 EC has been part of Secunderabad's Masonic story since 1822. Seventeen military brethren received authority to meet as Lodge St. John on 16 August 1822, establishing a permanent Masonic presence in the cantonment.
From its early military membership, the Lodge grew into a lasting institution for fellowship, charitable service, and Masonic learning. It opened its own Lodge rooms in 1824, welcomed its first civilian member in 1828, received the number 434 in 1863, and continues to preserve a remarkable heritage in Hyderabad and Secunderabad.
Six chairs now used by the Past Masters originally came from the Brighton Royal Pavilion and were sent to the British Residency at Chudderghat in the early nineteenth century. Although no official record survives, six were likely gifted to the Lodge.
The Worshipful Master's Chair was gifted to the Lodge by Nawab Salar Jung III, Prime Minister of Hyderabad State.
Two centuries of history
First Recorded Lodge in Hyderabad
The earliest recorded Masonic activity in Hyderabad was Lodge Unity and Friendship, worked by the 33rd Regiment under Provincial Warrant No. VII. Its short life forms the earliest known chapter of Freemasonry in the Deccan.
Royal Scots at Secunderabad
The Royal Scots arrived with their Lodge Unity, Peace and Concord. Their presence, first linked with Madras and later renewed at Secunderabad, kept the Masonic tradition visible before St. John was formed.
Authority for Lodge St. John
On 16 August, acting Provincial Grand Master George Lys authorised the brethren to meet as Lodge St. John, No. 13 on the Provincial Register. Seventeen founders were named, all from military service.
Officers Invested and Work Begins
A Lodge of Emergency met on 30 August to invest the first officers. By the end of the year the Lodge had grown quickly, with regular meetings, ceremonial work, charitable giving, and its first St. John's Day observance.
First Royal Arch Record
On 7 April, the minutes first record Royal Arch work at Secunderabad. Of 49 members, 35 had passed the Chair, then the qualification for the Royal Arch degree.
Foundation Stone and Lodge Rooms
On 11 March, brethren processed from the Public Rooms to lay the foundation stone of their new Lodge. By October, St. John was working in its own premises and could offer its rooms to visiting brethren.
First Civilian Member
William M. Palmer was proposed in May, elected later that month, and initiated on 3 June. His admission marked the Lodge's first recorded step beyond an exclusively military membership.
Recognition on the English Register
The Grand Lodge number 628 was assigned in 1832. In 1837, the Lodge noted that it had been working since August 1822 and had recorded 223 members, while seeking more direct contact with the Grand Lodge of England.
Warrant for St. John's Chapter
The surviving warrant for the Royal Arch Chapter is dated 7 November 1838. The book notes that the document appears to be a duplicate, while confirming the Chapter's early connection with the Lodge.
Lodge Work Resumes
After a period of dormancy, brethren reconstituted the Lodge on 6 July. This return to regular work illustrates the resilience needed by a military Lodge whose members were frequently transferred.
First Surviving Chapter Minutes
The earliest surviving Chapter record is dated 22 December. Officers were elected and installed, and five Master Masons were proposed for exaltation at the following regular meeting.
Revival and Renewal
Following another interruption, the Lodge reopened with its property reported in very good order. The Master expressed the hope that regular weekly work would restore St. John to a flourishing place in the Province.
Renumbered No. 434
A reorganisation of the English register changed the Lodge's number from 628 to 434. The number remains central to its identity today.
A New Era for the Chapter
The Royal Arch Chapter entered a renewed period of activity. New officers, revised by laws, and regular meetings strengthened its close connection with Lodge St. John.
History of Freemasonry Published
J. D. B. Gribble published History of Freemasonry in Hyderabad Deccan, with a preface by Lord Ampthill. The volume preserved the Lodge's early records and the wider Masonic history of the city.
Bicentenary of the Lodge
Lodge St. John's No. 434 EC marked two hundred years since its foundation, honouring the generations of brethren who have sustained its place in the life of Secunderabad and Hyderabad.
Museum of Freemasonry, London
A curated selection of historic jewels.
Past Master's jewel presented to W. Bro. William Thomas Freke Farewell.
Past Master's jewel presented to W. Bro. F. G. Baker.
Past Master's jewel for St. John's Lodge No. 434.
A living record of the Craft
Explore a rare archival document that bears witness to the Lodge's deep historical roots and its place in the broader story of Freemasonry in Hyderabad.