Lodge Nipal : The Historical Context

During the early time of entry of freemasonry in the country, it was the privilege of Gorakhpur to be associated with the organization of brotherhood. The existence of freemasonry since more than 300 years in the universe itself is the proof of its objectives to be viable for all times.
Lodge Nipal now No.38 G.L.I. (Old 2018 E.C.) had the privilege to serve this remote area of the country since last 134 years i.e. from 19th Oct. 1883, when a Lodge named 'Lodge Nipal' was founded by some military and civilian officers mostly Englishmen.
Military officers were drawn from the Gorakha Recruiting Centre (Depot), Gorakhpur, where high Military Officers had always been posted, quite a few of whom were Masons.
On receipt of charter it was consecrated on 19th of October 1883. A number of Brethren of Grand Lodge of England participated in the consecration ceremony.
The first W.M. was Lt. Col. Francis Fraser John Take, (1883-85 of Bengal Staff Corps), He was a member of Lodge St. John Evangelest No. 1483 of England. The Lodge functioned in a building adjoining the present St. Andrew's Intermediate College, Gorakhpur on the northern side.
Near about 1887 it was shifted to the upper storey of the Union Club, in which it continued for over 40 years. The Union Club building stood where All India Radio, Gorakhpur now stands.