Lodge Burroughs Strange No. 87
Vijayawada, India

One hundred year of existence of an Association of men is, indeed a remarkable feat, by any standards. For an Institution to weather the storms of natural calamities, trials and tribulations of everyday life, human indiscretions, discordant view points and differences of opinion, mistrust, ill-will and antipathy of the society, vagaries and apathy of the Rulers, is truly, a note-worthy achievement. Mark Lodge Coromandel No. 18 & Royal Arch Chapter Krishna No. 27 of Vijayawada, were constituted, consecrated and dedicated over one hundred years ago have achieved this unique distinction and we now stand on the threshold of celebrating this praise worthy milestone. Our minds should go back to the time when those visionaries – the Founders of this Lodge and Chapter – took upon themselves the arduous task of getting their petition sanctioned and having this Lodge and Chapter consecrated to realize their dream. We should salute them for their sagacity, tenacity and perseverance in getting their aspirations fulfilled and having this Lodge and Chapter consecrated. All of us who have taken upon ourselves the task of having a new Lodge or a new Chapter, established in a place where Masonry has not found a footing hitherto are aware of the enormity of the task, the hurdles that have to be overcome, the hard work that has to be put in and, of course, of the financial implications. So we must admire and laud the efforts of the Founders of this Lodge and this Chapter who took pains to have these institutions placed on a solid foundation and to have nurtured them in their formative years. The commitment and hard work of the successive Master Masons and Companions have ensured not only the survival of these institutions during trying times but also the establishment of healthy traditions which have now made these institutions vibrant and dynamic. The charitable activities over the years must have made a significant impact on the community around.

I wish the Centenary Celebrations of Mark Lodge Coromandel & Royal Arch Chapter Krishna a grand success!

A Lodge completing one hundred years of its existence is indeed a great achievement, a once in a lifetime event for most members. The Freemasons of Vijayawada are indeed privileged that two Masonic bodies, viz. Mark Lodge Coromandel No.18 as well as Chapter Krishna No. 27 have, almost simultaneously, completed 100 years of yeomen service to the cause of Freemasonry. This unique occurrence is worthy of joyous celebration and I congratulate the Freemasons of Vijayawada for coming forward to commemorate this Masonic milestone in a befitting manner.

Vijayawada is one of the older Masonic centers, not only in the Southern Region, but in the country as well. It is one of the very rare locations where we will now have three Masonic bodies which have completed and celebrated their centenaries. From the manner in which they seem to have approached the task of organizing this event, I have no doubt that this meeting will prove to be a grand success. It has also given an opportunity for Freemasons all over the country to visit this city and partake in the Masonic festivities which have been planned with great detail.

This also provides an opportunity for the brethren and companions to reflect upon the events of the past century and to rededicate themselves to the cause of Mark Masonry and the Royal Arch so that when at a later date, future generations of Freemasons look back upon the events of the coming 100 years, their hearts may swell with the same feeling of pride and achievement which you re experiencing now.

I take this opportunity to wish the organizers of these meetings all success and the brethren and companions all the vey best for a great and glorious Masonic future.

R.W.Bro. AP Chitra
R.W. The Regional Grand Mark Master

I am happy to learn that Chapter Krishna No. 27 had completed 100 years of existence in the service to Masonry and I pray that the TTALGMH should bless this Chapter for a successful centenary celebrations and all its future activities.

E. Comp. MV Satyanarayana
Past Grand DoC, PRG Sc.N.

It is my proud privilege and Distinct Honour to be a part on the occasion of the Centenary Celebrations of Royal Arch Chapter Krishna No.27 and Mark Lodge of Coromandel No. 18. A century of years in existence is an extremely important landmark for any institution. The Companions of the Chapter and the Brethren of the Mark Lodge deserve all the praise and appreciation for up keeping and maintaining the dignity of the Chapter and Mark for so long.

I wish and greet each and every Companion of the Chapter and Brethren of the Mark Lodge Coromandel on this auspicious occasion and wish the Centenary Celebrations all success.

E. Comp. P. Viswanatha Rao