What is Freemasonry
Freemasonry, as it exists in various forms all over the world, has a membership estimated at around six million worldwide. The fraternity is administratively organised into independent Grand Lodges, each of which governs its own Masonic jurisdiction, which consists of subordinate (or constituent) Lodges. Our Lodge is under the jurisdiction of Grand Lodge of Ireland, in terms of membership, (with local organisation into Provincial Grand Lodges possessing a combined membership estimated at a few thousand).
Lodge Nowroze Wadia No. 804 Establishment and Consecration:
Lodge Nowroze Wadia No. 804, a distinguished beacon within the Masonic fraternity, received its Warrant on the 8th of June 1958 and its Consecration ceremony took place on the 27th of October 1958. The Warrant was granted to the Petitioners, a group of visionaries led by the first Worshipful Master, Wor. Bro. Minocher Hormusji Variava.
The Lodge derived its name from a revered figure, Late Bro. Nowrosjee (Nowroze) Wadia (30th August 1849 - 19th December 1899). He was an esteemed member of Lodge Rising Star of Western India no. 342 S.C., who was not merely a Freemason; but also a pioneer in the business realm; Founder of the Bombay Dyeing and other Textile Mills in Bombay, shaping the economic landscape of the city. He was also committed to Public Service through his roles as a member of the Bombay Municipal Corporation, Secretary of the V.J.T.I. and a Trustee of the Bombay Port Trust. Furthermore, he dedicated his efforts to various Educational Institutions, solidifying his status as a Philanthropist.
Founding Members
The Lodge emerged under the guidance of Wor. Bro. Minocher Hormusji Variava, with 20 visionary Founder Members. Minocher Variava (P.M. No. 771) was first W.M.; Jehangir Shroff (No. 1359 EC) was S.W. and Nusserwanji Kootar (No. 3275 EC) was J.W. and the Memorial was recommended by Lodge Nos. 771, 792 (later a GLI Foundation Lodge) and 319.
Warrant Application and Issue
On the 25th of February 1958, a Memorial for a new Warrant to establish a Lodge in Bombay, India, was submitted. Signed by twenty-one brethren from various Lodges and Constitutions, the Memorial recommended Minocher Variava as the first Worshipful Master, Jehangir Shroff as Senior Warden and Nusserwanji Kootar as Junior Warden.
On the 21st of May 1958, the Grand Lodge Board of General Purposes recommended the issuance of a new Warrant to establish a Lodge in Bombay, named "Nowroze Wadia No. 804". The recommendation was endorsed by Lodge Nos. 319 and 771, Bombay, as well as by R. W. Bro. William Charles Mason and R. W. Bro. Maneckji Dossabhoy Bharucha, Provincial Grand Master and Provincial Deputy Grand Master of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Western India. The Grand Lodge Minute on the 5th of June 1958 confirmed the issuance of the new Warrant.
Historical Connections to Lodge No. 804 in Ireland:
The history of Lodge Nowroze Wadia traces back to Lodge No. 804, originally established in Cleffany, County Fermanagh, Ireland, on 5th March 1795. Lodge No. 804 experienced a journey through different locations in Ireland before being struck off the Grand Lodge Register. Legend has it that this Lodge had a membership composed mainly by those of the Roman Catholic faith and when the Church came out against Freemasonry the Lodge was obliged to close. When the few remaining members, out of consideration for their former members, decided not to meet in Brookeborough but chose to go to Lisnaskea instead, the Cleffany Brethren made a gift of their Aprons and Regalia to the new Lodge now in Brookboro, Co. Fermanagh in November, 1856. The Warrant was returned to Grand Lodge by the Provincial Grand Lodge of Tyrone and Fermanagh on 30 October, 1869.
A Living Testament
As Lodge Nowroze Wadia No. 804 continues its journey through time, it remains a living testament to the ideals instilled by its Founder Members and the revered figure after whom it is named. The Lodge stands as a beacon of Freemasonry, fostering fellowship, enlightenment and philanthropy, echoing the principles that have defined Freemasonry for centuries.