History
Founded in 1822, Secunderabad
St. John's Lodge No. 434 EC was founded on 16 August 1822 by British military officers stationed in the Secunderabad Cantonment, a key base for the East India Company.
Formally constituted in 1836 under the English Constitution, the Lodge provided a space for officers to practise Freemasonry — fostering brotherhood, charity, and philanthropy. Its establishment reflects the enduring cultural legacy of the British military presence in the Twin Cities.
Two centuries of history
First Freemasonry in Hyderabad
The 33rd Regiment stationed in Hyderabad worked under Warrant No. VII as Lodge Unity and Friendship — the earliest recorded Freemasonry in the Deccan.
Foundation of Lodge St. John
On 24th June 1822 — the Festival of St. John the Baptist — British military officers of the 30th Regiment at Secunderabad Cantonment resolved to petition for a warrant. The Lodge was formally opened on 16th August 1822 under 17 founding members, all military men.
Royal Arch Chapter Established
The Royal Arch degree was first recorded being worked at Secunderabad in April 1823, with no fewer than 35 of the Lodge's 49 members having passed the Chair — qualifying them for this sublime degree.
Foundation Stone of Lodge Building
The foundation stone of the Lodge's permanent premises was laid on 11th March 1824. Funds were contributed by brethren including a generous Rs. 300 donation from Bro. Macintosh towards the building.
First Civilian Member Admitted
Mr. Palmer became the first civilian initiated into Lodge St. John, marking the Lodge's gradual evolution beyond its exclusively military origins. He was a member of the celebrated banking firm W. Palmer & Co.
Formal Constitution under English Constitution
The Grand Lodge of England formally issued the Lodge's warrant, assigning it the number 628 — later renumbered 434 in 1863, the number it retains to this day. The Lodge was thus formally constituted under the English Constitution.
St. John's Royal Arch Chapter Warranted
A formal warrant for Chapter St. John No. 434 was issued on 7th November 1838, cementing the Lodge's standing in the higher degrees of Freemasonry under the English Constitution.
Renumbered No. 434
Following a Grand Lodge reorganisation, the Lodge's number was changed from 628 to 434 on the register of the United Grand Lodge of England — the number it proudly bears today as part of its full title: Lodge St. John's No. 434 EC.
History of Freemasonry Published
J. D. B. Gribble, I.C.S. and a distinguished member of the Lodge, published History of Freemasonry in Hyderabad Deccan — with a preface by Lord Ampthill, Pro Grand Master of England and District Grand Master of Madras.
Constitution Bicentenary — 200 Years of Brotherhood
Lodge St. John's No. 434 EC celebrated 200 years of unbroken Masonic brotherhood in the Twin Cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad — a remarkable testament to the Lodge's resilience and continuity.
A living record of the Craft
Explore a rare archival document — a testament to the Lodge's deep historical roots and its place in the broader story of Freemasonry in Hyderabad.