Sitting (L to R) : W. Bro. A Joyce, W. Bro. R Fischer, W. Bro. J W Hay-Ellis, Bro. A J Cross.
Standing (L to R) : W. Bro. J J Barefoot, W. Bro. V Aravamuthu Iyengar, Bro. P Kottaiswamy Devar, Bro. G P Carless.
W. Bro. ROBERT FISCHER
Born on 21 Jan 1841, he was a Barrister-at-law practicing at Madurai Courts. He had the title of “LLB”. His mother Lodge was “Tuscan” No. 14, E.C., in which Lodge he was Initiated on 24 Jan 1872, Passed on 27 Mar 1872, and Raised on 28 May 1872, respectively. He was the Founder-Master of Lodge Pandyan and continued to hold that office for 3 consecutive years and was made an Honorary Member on 2 Jan1906. He died in November 1908.
W. Bro. JOHN WILLIAM HAY-ELLIS
Born on 3 Nov. 1840. He was a member of Lodge Universal Charity No. 273 E.C. He was Assistant Engineer in P.W.D and his address as given in the Membership Register reads “Rundall’s Road, Vepery, Madras” He was the D.G. Superitendent of Works, when the Lodge was constituted. He opened the first meeting of Lodge as Worshipful Master. and installed the first Master and was appointed as the first Immediate Past Master. He was the first Honorary Member of the Lodge.
Bro. JAMES JOSEPH BAREFOOT
He was Initiated on 18 Sep 1880, Passed on 4 Oct, 1880, and Raised on 20 Nov 1880 in Lodge Prudentia No. 1859, E.C. He was an Engine Driver of South Indian Railway. He was the first Treasurer and Secretary. For the next year too, he continued to serve as Secretary. After discontinuing his membership for some time, he became a joining member on 2 April 1900 and was member untill his death in 1912.
Bro. ALFRED JOYCE
He was Born on 4th December, 1852. His mother Lodge was Kerala No. 2188 E.C. in which he was Initiated on 17 May 1882, Passed on 8 July 1882, and Raised on 15 July 1882. He was the Executive Engineer (PW.D.) and was the first Senior Warder of Lodge Pandyan. He resigned his membership on 1 Jan 1892, and subsequently rejoined on 2 March 1896. He was the Worshipful Master for two consecutive years -1897 and 1898.
Bro. ALFRED JAMES CROSS
He was a Foreman in the Loco Workshop of South Indian Railway. He was the first Junior Warden of Lodge Pandyan. He subsequently resigned his membership in September, 1893.
Bro. PERIASAMI KOTTAISWAMI DEVAR
Born on 29 August, 1860, he was the Zamindar of Palayampatti. He was the first Senior.Deacon of our Lodge.He died in September, 1894. His son W Bro. Ramachandra Dever had graciously donated the land for our existing Temple. His great-grandson Bro. K. S. D. Rajendran was the Junior Warden of our Lodge in the Centenary Year in 1990.
W. Bro. VEDANTA ARAVAMUTHU IYENGAR
He was born on 20th Oct. 1860. He was an Overseer in P.W.D. He was appointed as the first Tyler (till, a serving brother was appointed to that office from 1st April, 1890). After serving as Junior Warden. and Senior Warden. in the years 1891 and 1892, he became the Worshipful Master for the year 1893. After discontinuing his memberÂship for a brief period, he rejoined the Lodge on 1 July 1909.
Bro. GEORGE PROCTOR CARLESS
He was born on 25th Oct. 1852. He was an ExecuÂtive Engineer (Periyar). He was the first Junior Deacon of Lodge Pandyan. He resigned in July, 1894, on account of his transfer.