MY ASSOCIATION WITH LODGE PANDYAN – W.Bro. A Watt
July 4, 2025
W.Bro. A Watt – Ref : Centenary Souvenir of Lodge Pandyan, 1990
As Lodge Pandyan reaches its hundredth year, the W.M. has suggested that I recall some of my memories of the Lodge. I have been initiated into Free Masonry in Lodge St. Patrick S. C- in 1928 and on taking up a sea – going career, found myself based at Calcutta.
An Unexpected Path to Freemasonry in India
There I joined Lodge Albion, No. 1309 S. C. However, “swallowing the anchor” in 1937 I came to Madurai where I was quickly introduced into Lodge Pandyan, where I was very warmly welcomed and impressed by the workings of the Lodge.
At this time, the sale of the Lodge building and the construction of a new Lodge, which had been under review for some twenty years, was finalized and I found myself appointed to the building committee which was headed by W. Bro. Shenbaga Nadar. It was with great satisfaction that the new Lodge building was constructed by direct labor and within the cost and time scale.
However, World War Two 1939 -1945 began, and I was called up for service with the Royal Indian Navy. In the following years I was able to convey fraternal greetings from Lodge Pandyan to several Lodges from Aden to Sydney. It so happened that I did not return to Madurai until the early fifties when I held various offices. I was honored by being installed W.M. for 1957. Later I was appointed Secretary in which office I served until I retired from India in 1962.
I came to Madurai where I was quickly introduced into Lodge Pandyan, where I was very warmly welcomed and impressed by the workings of the Lodge.
W.Bro. A Watt
It was of great satisfaction to me that Lodge Pandyan voted in favour of a G. L. of India, proposed by W. Bro. Rajasabai and seconded by myself and that the vote was unanimous.
Finally, words cannot express how much support and friendship that I received from all the Bretheren of Lodge Pandyan during my period with them and my appreciation of being presented with a P. M. Jewel and a set of R.G. L. Regalia on my retiral from India in 1962.
I have every confidence that Lodge Pandyan will continue in true Masonic principals for another hundred years.