Page 10 - MML - Journal - Centenary Edition - Vol. 01 / 2023

In his oration the Chaplain recalled a fourfold oath which was taken by every Athenian soldier:
Steward Steward Steward Tyler
W Bro. A. M. Macdougall
W Bro. T. C. Adikesavalu Pillai W Bro. D. Srirama Sastri
W Bro. F. B. Taraporewala
9
A Publication of Madras Masters Lodge No. 103, GLI
JW
JD
Almoner Asst. Secy.
Inner Guard Steward
Chaplain Treasurer Secretary D of C SD
Madras Masonic Journal Vol. 01 / 2023 - Centenary Year Edition
W Bro. F. J. L. Jeffry
W Bro. T. Rangachariar
W Bro. M. Sanjeeva Rao
W Bro. C. J. Hay Ellis
Incidentally, the first master W Bro. C.R.M. Smythe was the Inspector General of Registrations of the Madras Presidency, and his original name was C.R.M. Schmidt. Because of the anti-German feelings during the world war, he abandoned his German surname and assumed a more British name. In the first meeting 5 brethren were proposed as joining members. The byelaws were adopted. Bro. J. E. Lee who was designated Junior Warden in the warrant could not attend the consecration due to illness and hence he could not be invested and subsequently he passed away on 13-06-1923. The WM was of the opinion that since the Junior Warden mentioned in the warrant could not be invested, the lodge was not properly constituted based on the principle that “three hold a lodge”. The WM was also of the opinion that in the given circumstances he had no power to summon a meeting. There was an interval of about fourteen months before the lodge met again.
Rule 121 of the book of constitutions as it stood then stated that “No brother shall be installed Master or invested as Warden of a new lodge except the brother named in the warrant for such office unless by special sanction of the Grand Master.” The Master referred the matter to the District Grand Master who directed the WM to ascertain whether it was the wish of the members to retain the name of W Bro. Lee in the warrant as the first Junior Warden or to select another brother to that office in which event the warrant should be sent to the Grand Lodge for alteration. The members decided that W Bro. Lee to be regarded as the first Junior Warden and since he was no more W Bro. Thirumalai Pillai should be appointed in the vacancy. The Grand Master’s sanction was also obtained for investing W Bro. Thirumalai Pillai. He was invested in an
Archibald Campbell
George Boag
1. I will not dishonour my sacred shield
2. I will not abandon my fellow soldier
3. I will do battle for our altars and our homes
4. I will leave our country greater and nobler
than now entrusted to me
The Chaplain urged that these noble utterances might well be taken as the motto of every Freemason.
R W Bro. Archibald Campbell after consecrating dedicating and constituting the Lodge in an able, impressive, and dignified manner installed W Bro. C. R. M. Smythe the first Master of the lodge. The first officers were as follows:
W Bro. C. R. M. Smythe Worshipful Master R W Bro. Archibald Campbell IPM
W Bro. P. M. Sivagnana Mudaliar SW
W Bro. J. E. Lee
(not present and not invested)
W Bro. A. F. Gardiner
W Bro. J. T. W. Filson
W Bro. C. W. G. Rebeiro
W Bro. R. F. Standege
W Bro. M. C. Koman
W Bro. A. E. Irvine
W Bro. M. Gopalaswamy Mudaliar ADOC