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HISTORY OF THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY (PASADENA) IN

AUSTRALIA  by Andrew Rooke.  Our Australasian Section of the Theosophical Society is part of the worldwide theosophical movement founded in 1875 in New York City by H. P. Blavatsky, Henry S. Olcott, William Q. Judge, and others. Since Blavatsky’s death the Theosophical Society has divided into many separate organisations, including the TS (Adyar) based in India, our TS (

Pasadena), and the United Lodge of Theosophists based in

Los Angeles, California.  These major branches of the theosophical movement pursue broadly similar aims, with different emphasis on aspects and presentations of teaching.  

Our Australian Section is part of the Theosophical Society (Pasadena), currently under the Leadership of Randell C. Grubb, with International Headquarters located near

Pasadena, California USA. Our aim is to pursue the original programme of the TS, with its objectives being to form an active brotherhood among mankind; to promulgate the essential unity of all that is, and demonstrate that this unity is fundamental in nature; to study ancient and modern religion, science, and philosophy; and to explore the hidden side of nature and mankind. 

The first split in the Theosophical Society took place in 1895, with Colonel H. S. Olcott and Annie Besant on one side, and William Quan Judge on the other. Prominent among the early members who supported Judge at that time was T. W. Willans of

Sydney, who had joined the TS in 1889. He made application for the first Charter on 23 August 1895, for the “Lemurian Branch”, and this was later granted by Judge. Later, on the 30 July 1930, G. de Purucker as Leader of the Theosophical Society chartered Sydney Lodges No’s. 1 and 2, and on 18 March 1938, the Melbourne Lodge was chartered. In the early decades of the 20^th century, the work of our section was concentrated in

Sydney under the leadership of Mr. Willans.           

In 1938 Colonel J. M. Prentice became President, and succeeded in the 1940s by Ray James. From 1951 to 1973 Mrs. Muriel Vickeridge was our National Secretary. In the 1970s Clive Bellgrove served as Liaison Officer between our Section and the International Headquarters, and in 1981 Andrew Rooke became National Secretary and remains in that position currently. The focus of activity has gradually shifted from

Sydney to

Melbourne, due largely to an active group of members in that area.  

During Grace F. Knoche’s leadership (1971-2006), there was increased emphasis on public work throughout our Theosophical Society (Pasadena). From August 1976, monthly public meetings were resumed in Melbourne, and in April 1983 the Australasian TS Newsletter, now Theosophy Downunder, commenced publication. In 1992 the section was finally able to realize its long-held dream of a permanent home at 664 Glenhuntly Rd., South Caulfield in Melbourne. The Theosophical Society (

Pasadena) Centre houses the Australasian Section library and bookshop, hosts regular meetings, and continues as the focus of our activities today.

In March 2006 Randell C. Grubb became leader of the Theosophical Society. In 2007 we the established University of the Third Age (U3A) classes in basic theosophy and revamped our newsletter and website as Theosophy Downunder (www.theosophydownunder.org). 

The twentieth century included two world wars, cruel dictatorships, incredible acts of inhumanity, and disharmony with the environment executed on an enormous scale. Finally towards the end of the twentieth century there appeared a glimmer of light – an awakening to the fact of our universal brotherhood – giving renewed hope that we can, if we will, survive as a whole and live in peace. Global awareness spurred on by the ecological crisis of global warming in the 21^st century has led to a wider realization that humanity is indeed one entity and an intimate part of the earth as a living being. 

A shining beacon, ever steady and bright, is the theosophical ideal and its objectives which may apply to everyone, rich or poor, regardless of race, nationality, or religion. If we in Australia, and our Companions around the world, continue to serve the theosophical ideal as steadfastly as did those who have gone before us, I am confident that its light will shine ever brighter throughout the 21^st century and beyond.