FREEMASONS' CONFERENCES
Conferences held in the District every two years since 1989...
First Freemasons' Conference: June 3Oth – July lst 1989
Venue: International Conference Centre, Arusha, Tanzania
Sponsor: Mwanza Lodge No 7485
Chairman: W Bro B K Tanna
Secretary: W Bro Ghanshyam Patel
Number of participants: 55
Papers presented:
1. Freemasonry in retrospect to afford assistance and instruction by W Bro S I Patel
2. What is Freemasonry? By W Bro S I Patel
3. Some thoughts on the Square and Compasses as emblems by W Bro A S Brass
4. Some duties of Lodge Secretary and Lodge Treasurers by W Bro B K Tanna
5. Human virtues by W Bro Rasik Chhotabhai Patel
Second Freemasons' Conference: August, 24th -25th, 1990
Venue: Hotel Intercontinental, Mombasa, Kenya
Sponsor: Equity Lodge No. 9173
Chairman: W Bro B K Tanna
Secretary: W Bro Surinder Dhadialla
Number of participants: 55
Papers presented:
1. Ethics of Freemasonry by W Bro H M Swami
2. Masonic education by W Bro John M Hamill
3. History of organized Freemasonry by W Bro J K Bhalla
4. Duties of the Director of Ceremonies by W Bro Rasik Chhotabhai Patel
5. Symbols of Freemasonry by W Bro J M Benzimra
6. Some duties of Lodge Secretary and Treasurers by W Bro B K Tanna
Third Freemasons' Conference: May 29th - 3Oth,1992
Venue: Hotel Intercontinental, Mombasa, Kenya
Sponsor: Gerald Nevill Lodge No. 9161
Chairman: W Bro Joseph Long
Secretary: W Bro Surinder Dhadialla
Number of participants: 98
Guest Speaker: W Bro Simon F N Waley
Papers presented:
1. The Masonic Lodge Treasurer by W Bro A S Brass
2. Our ceremonies by W Bro J Long
3. Masonic Charity by W Bro J K Bhalla
4. Freemasonry in the future by W Bro S F N Waley
5. The Lodge and the new Mason by W Bro F Hussein
6. Law of Trust and Trustees by W Bro H M Parekh
7. The reward of work, which is the performance of duty by W Bro M G Stokell
Fourth Freemasons' Conference: April 30th -May 1st, 1994
Venue: Imperial Hotel, Kisumu, Kenya
Sponsor: Owen Falls Lodge No. 9447
Chairman: W Bro Surinder Dhadialla
Secretary: W Bro Hansraj Gudka
Number of participants: 150
Guest Speaker: W Bro Brian Gould
Papers presented:
1. The Assistance Grand Masters Working Party Report on London Freemasonry and its implication for the District by W Bro B P Gould
2. Freemasonry has a Mission by W Bro J K Bhalla
3. An introduction to the purpose of learning and performance of Masonic ritual by W Bro M Holt
4. Material brought up for the building of the Temple by W Bro H M Parekh
Fifth Freemasons' Conference: August 22nd -23rd 1996
Venue: Travellers Beach Hotel, Mombasa, Kenya
Sponsor: Lodge of the Coast No. 7518
Chairman: W Bro Andrew S Brass
Secretary: W Bro Surinder Dhadialla
Number of participants: 148
Guest Speaker: R W Bro The Rev Peter Hemingway
Papers presented:
1. American and European Masonic Practices and what they can teach us by V W Bro Rasik Chhotabhai Patel
2. The changing of Freemasonry in England by RW Bro The Rev Peter Hemingway
3. East African Masonic Fund -W Bro M W Holt
4. The Lodge Secretary by W Bro J Long
Sixth Freemasons' Conference: August 18th -20th, 1998
Venue: Tiwi Travellers Beach Hotel, Mombasa, Kenya
Sponsor: District Grand Lodge of East Africa
Chairman: VW Bro Virendra Talwar
Secretary: W Bro Harish Rupani
Number of participants: 152
Guest Speaker: W Bro Charles Carter
Papers presented:
1. Procedure for propositions by W Bro J Long
2. Lodge attendance by W Bro N K Bhalla
3. Duties and responsibilities of the Lodge Treasurers by W Bro Bipin Ambalala Shah
4. Duties of the Lodge Almoner by W Bro Rohit Radia
5. The Lodge by W Bro F Hussein
6. Freemasonry in the 21st century by W Bro C J Carter
Seventh Freemasons' Conference: August 25th -26th, 2000
Venue: Travellers Beach Hotel, Mombasa, Kenya
Sponsor: District Grand Lodge of East Africa
Chairman: WBro VirendraKTalwar
Secretary: W Bro Anjan Harkhani
Number of participants: 172
Guest Speaker: W Bro Robert A Gilbert
Papers presented:
1. The Lodge of instruction by W Bro N K Bhalla
2. The most significant symbol in Freemasonry by W Bro Alfred E Banner
3. The emulation ritual by W Bro Edward Ayres
4. Anti-Masonry and how to overcome it by W Bro Robert A Gilbert
Ninth Freemasons' Conference, 25 - 28 September
Venue: Leisure Lodge, Mombasa, Kenya
Sponsor: District Grand Lodge of East Africa
Chairman: W Bro Biharilal Keshavji Tanna, ADGM, PJGD
Organising Chairman: W Bro Bimal R Kantaria
Secretary: W Bro Gurinder S. Ghataura
Number of participants: 419
Papers presented:
1. Prestonian Lecture -"The language of Ritual" by W Bro Robert David Taylor Sillet, PJGD
2. District Charities by W Bro Dr. Harish Rupani, DGS, PAGDC
3. First paper: "The Guidelines for a programmed learning, memorization and presentation of the ritual: by W Bro William Lore DGChap
4. Second paper: "Speculations into the Origins and livings of ritual in Freemasonry by Bro V Dilip Kumar
5. Mentoring Program by W Bro Anjan Harkani, DDGDC, PDSGW
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Tenth Freemasons' Conference : September 23rd - 26th, 2010
Venue: White Sands Hotel & Resort, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Sponsor: District Grand Lodge of East Africa
Chairman: W Bro Biharilal Keshavji Tanna, ADGM, PJGD
Organising Chairman: W Bro Suryakant D Ramji, PDSGW
Secretary: Bro Deen Nathwani
Number of participants: 298
Papers presented:
1. Etiquette in Freemasonry by V W Bro Graham F Redman, PGSwdB, AGS
2. Masonry Today and Tomorrow by W Bro Robert D T Sillett, PJGD, Prestonian Lecturer-2008
3. Challenges facing Freemasonry in East Africa by W Bro Prof William Lore, PDGChap, DGOrator
4. White Table Presentation by W Bro Robert D T Sillett, PJGD, Prestonian Lecturer-2008
Venue: Leisure Lodge, Mombasa, Kenya
Sponsor: District Grand Lodge of East Africa
Chairman: W Bro Biharilal Keshavji Tanna, ADGM, PJGD
Organising Chairman: W Bro Bimal R Kantaria
Secretary: W Bro Gurinder S. Ghataura
Eleventh Freemasons' Conference, 20-23 Sept 2012
Number of participants: 413
Papers presented:
1. Current Initiatives to Ensure the Future of Freemasonry by V W Bro Nigel Brown, PGSwdB, Grand Secretary
2. Our Masonic Heritage - Development of Freemasonry in East Africa by W Bro Biharial Tanna, PJGD, PAGDC (RA)
3. Freemasonry and Society in Modern Romania by MW Bro Catalin Turliuc, Pro Grand Master - National Grand Lodge of Romania
4. Real Men Wear Aprons by W Bro Robert D T Sillett, PJGD, Prestonian Lecturer-2008
5. Babla Diani Secondary School by W Bro Narendra L Acharya, PGStB
6. Mentoring Scheme by W Bro Sundip H Chotai, DGMentor
Venue: Leisure Lodge, Mombasa, Kenya
Sponsor: District Grand Lodge of East Africa
Chairman: W Bro William Lore, PDSGW, DGOrator
Organising Chairman: W Bro Bimal R Kantaria, PDSGW
Secretary: W Bro Mayur Patel, PDGPurs
Twelfth Freemasons' Conference : September 18th - 21st, 2014
Venue: White Sands Hotel & Resort, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Sponsor: District Grand Lodge of East Africa
Chairman: W Bro William Lore, PDSGW, DGOrator
Organising Chairman: W Bro Suryakant D Ramji, PDSGW
Secretary: Bro Alpesh Sanghvi
Number of participants: 320
Papers presented:
1. Address by R W Bro Nigel Brown, PJGW, Grand Secretary
2. So that the World May Know by W Bro Robert D T Sillett, MBE, PJGD, Prestonian Lecturer - 2008
3. Keeping Masonry relevant in the 21st Century by W Bro Karim H Teja, DGStwd
4. Anti-Masonry in Central Eastern Europe during the 20th Century - Challenges of the Past and Today's Answers by MW Bro Catalin Turliuc, Pro Grand Master, National Grand Lodge of Romania
5. Freemasonry in Africa - An Overview by RW Bro Pierre Malan, DGM South Africa (Eastern Division)
6. We Care by W Bro Harilal J Nathwani, PGStB, DGS
7. Babla Diani Secondary School, W Bro Harish D Rupani, PAGDC, PADGM
8. Kampala School for the Physically Handicapped, W Bro Paul Cockerill, PDSGW
9. Kunduchi Health Centre, W Bro Suryakant D Ramji, PDSGW
UGLE Members' PATHWAY CONFERENCE
Thirteenth Freemasons' Conference
September 28th - 29th September , 2018
Venue: Trademark Hotel, Nairobi Kenya
Sponsor: District Grand Lodge of East Africa
Chairman: W Bro Tiny Ghataura, PGStB, DAGS
Secretary: W Bro Shreekesh Shah, PDGPurs
RW Viri Talwar, DGM with Mike Baker and Lister Park
The District Grand Lodge of East Africa hosted the UGLE Membership Conference in Nairobi, where the Members’ Pathway was introduced to several Districts by W Bro Michael Baker, Grand Lodge’s Director of Communications. A presentation on Secretarial Support was also delivered by W Bro Lister Park, Grand Lodge’s Districts Liason Officer.
The Conference was attended by over 300 participants and included District Grand Masters and members of East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and The Seychelles), Nigeria, Sierra Leone and The Gambia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi, Orange Free State, South Africa Eastern Division, South Africa Northern Division and South Africa Western Division. Also in attendance were members from other Constitutions from Ireland, Scotland and India.
A Grand Ball to celebrate the Conference was attended that evening by well over 400 Masons and their partners.
RW Bro Dr Virendra K Talwar, The District Grand Master - East Africa, welcomed the Members’ Pathway initiative and emphasised its importance in the growth and development of Freemasonry in the region, and worldwide.
The Conference was followed the next day by the Half-Yearly Communication of the District Grand Lodge of East Africa at which W Bro Michael Baker delivered a presentation on “Solomon - A Virtual Learning Environment”
LAUNCH OF THE MEMBERS' PATHWAY
14TH FREEMASONS' CONFERENCE
9th October: The MW Pro Grand Master, Peter Geoffrey Lowndes and the Grand Secretary, VW Bro. Dr. David Staples, accompanied by their spouses, travelled to Kenya to participate in a programme of events organised by the District Grand Lodge of East Africa. The four-day trip included a visit to the Babla Diani Girls Secondary School, one of the District’s most heavily supported charitable causes, where, as well as meeting pupils, the ProGM and the Grand Secretary each planted a banana tree to commemorate the visit.
12th October: The Right Worshipful the District Grand Master, RWBro Dr. Virendra K. Talwar, invited the Pro Grand Master to officially launch the Members’ Pathway programme at a presentation and interactive forum at Freemasons’ Hall in Nairobi, attended by 220 members of the District, and at which, the Grand Secretary gave a State of the Union address. This was followed by a visit to the M.P. Shah Hospital where the ProGM officiated at the opening of their new Physiotherapy Centre, a charitable project donated by the District. The ProGM and the Grand Secretary rounded off the day by attending the District’s Half-Yearly Communication Meeting.
MW Bro Peter Lowndes, Pro GM
RW Bro Dr Viri Talwar, DGM
15th Freemasons' Conference - Zanzibar
28th to 30th September 2023 at the Sea Cliff Spa and Resort
The Sea Cliff Spa and Resort on the exotic island of Zanzibar was host, for the very first time in the history of our conferences, to the 15th Freemasons' Conference.
Freemasonry in East Africa began in Zanzibar with the Consecration in 1904 of Lodge East Africa No. 3007 under the United Grand Lodge of England and this was an apt location to relive that momentous occasion.
The conference was three days of fun and family bonding rather than an academic event.
For the half day academic programme, presentations were made on the following topics
1. The Learning & Development Initiative - Shreekesh Shah
2. Prospective Candidate for Interview & Interviewing an applicant - Geoffrey Radier
3. Preparing the Candidate for Initiation & Supporting the New Freemason - Sundip Chotai
4. How to make Lodge meetings more interesting - Tiny Ghataura
5. The Members' Pathway reconfigured - Karim Teja
15th freemasons' conference COMMITTEE
28th to 30th September 2023
Venue: Sea Cliff Spa and Resort, Zanzibar
Sponsor: District Grand Lodge of East Africa
In the photo: RW Bro Viri Talwar, DGM and his Executive Team
Chairman: W Bro Tiny Ghataura
Chairman (Organising Committee): W Bro Muzu Sulemanji
Secretary: W Bro Shreekesh Shah
Secretary (Organising Committee): W Bro Alpesh Sanghvi
16th freemasons' conference - NAIROBI - KENYA
6th to 12th April 2026, Maasai Mara - Trademark Hotel, Nairobi
April 6th to 12th, 2026, served as the backdrop for the 16th Freemasons’ Conference at which the District celebrated the strength of the Craft in East Africa, bringing together local members and international dignitaries for a series of events defined by fellowship.
The District Grand Master, RW Bro Dr. Viri Talwar, was honoured to host many distinguished brethren including MW Bro Jonathan Spence - Pro Grand Master, VW Bro Edward Goodchild - Grand Director of Ceremonies, RW Bro Percy Driver - District Grand Master of Bombay, RW Bro Ferhad Nilgiria - District Grand Master of Sri Lanka and Bro Kalpesh Shah - District Grand Master in East Africa (Scottish Constitution).
Chairman: Tiny Ghataura
Secretary: Shreekesh Shah
Treasurer: Jaswinder Gharial
Members: Geoffrey Radier, Bimal Kantaria, Mayur Patel, Sundip Chotai, Karim Teja.
MAASAI MAARA
On April 7th, the Pro Grand Master and a party of twenty-two Masons and their partners flew to the world-renowned Maasai Mara Game Reserve. Staying at a luxury camp for three days, the group, while enjoying the spectacular wildlife, engaged in informal, friendly, yet insightful conversations.
suresh raja physiotherapy centre - mp shah hospital, nairobi
In Nairobi, the focus shifted to the District’s impact on the community. Guests were given a guided tour of the £500,000 Physiotherapy unit at MP Shah Hospital. As a flagship charity project in Nairobi, this state-of-the-art facility is a testimony to the District's commitment to community service and engagement.
11th Freemasons' Conference, Trademark Hotel, Nairobi
The 16th Freemasons' Conference was held on Saturday, 11th April, at the Trademark Hotel. The sessions were designed to be both informative and forward looking.
The Pro Grand Master delivered a keynote on Strategy 2022, and the state of the Districts under UGLE. This was followed by a lively thought-provoking open forum.
A District team presented "Building Together" - an innovative online tool to assist units thrive and enhance members' experience.
VW Bro Edward Goodchild provided a fascinating look into his role of the Grand Director of Ceremonies at Grand Lodge Communications and Investitures.
The final presentation highlighted the District's noteworthy charitable contributions over the last twenty years, which now exceed £3 million.
Gala Banquet, Trademark Hotel, Nairobi
The highlight that evening was the Gala Banquet in the hotel ballroom. The evening brought together Masons and their families in fun and celebration. A live jazz band and a DJ kept the crowds dancing until the early hours of the morning.
A Padel tournament on Sunday, 12th April, was hosted by the "Hit & Run" Padel Committee. The RW District Grand Master and The MW Pro Grand Master both attended the event with their ladies and participated in the game. Brethren, ladies, and families enjoyed spirited, friendly competition before the international guests caught their flights back home.
The 16th Freemasons’ Conference will be remembered for its flawless organization, and more importantly for reinforcing the core pillars of the fraternity: Integrity, Friendship, Respect, and Service.