On Monday, 12th May 2025, Hen Bont Lodge No. 4691 proudly celebrated its Centenary at Pontypridd Masonic Hall, marking an historic milestone in the Lodge’s rich and distinguished history. To commemorate the occasion, the Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. D. Gerald Rowbottom, honoured the Lodge with his presence, accompanied by a full Provincial escort, reflecting the importance of the event within the Province.
The Lodge takes its name from the iconic “Yr Hen Bont” (“The Old Bridge”) in Pontypridd, a pioneering feat of engineering built in 1750 by William Edwards of Eglwysilan. Once the longest single-span stone bridge in the world, it remains a lasting symbol of strength and ingenuity, values mirrored in the Lodge it inspired.
The origins of Hen Bont Lodge trace back to 1924, when a sub-committee of Merlin Lodge No. 1578, chaired by W.Bro. W.R. Davies and supported by W.Bro. W.H. Todd as Secretary, sought to establish a Daughter Lodge in Pontypridd. A Petition was duly submitted, and a Warrant granted on 5th November 1924. The Consecration followed on 7th May 1925, led by Sir Charles L.D. Venables Llewelyn, then Provincial Grand Master. The Installation of the first Master, W.Bro. W.R. Davies, took place the same day, with W.Bros. John Griffith Jones and J. Colenso Jones serving as Senior and Junior Wardens respectively.
Over the decades, Hen Bont Lodge has nurtured countless Brethren and witnessed many significant achievements. In 1931, W.Bro. Colenso Jones became the first member to receive Grand Rank. By 1939, Bro. John P. Maddox became the first Initiate to ascend to the Master’s Chair. During the Second World War, members of the Lodge served their country with honour, some even as Prisoners of War, returning home to continue their Masonic journey.
The post-war years were marked by strong growth. The Lodge thrived through the 1950s to the 1970s, with long waiting lists and frequent Initiations. Among its standout members was W.Bro. Henry James Mars, initiated in 1954, who attained the Master’s Chair in 1971 and was later appointed to Grand Rank in 1985.
The Lodge’s legacy includes the consecration of Cwm Rhondda Lodge No. 9692 in 1999, a Lodge sponsored by Hen Bont and the first to meet in the Rhondda Valley.
Hen Bont Lodge is also proud to have nurtured notable figures such as W.Bro. Desmond Barnett, a dedicated Freemason who rose to become Provincial Grand Master of the Mark Degree and received Grand Rank in multiple Masonic orders; and W.Bro. Wayne Buffet Warlow, a respected Prestonian Lecturer and Past Grand Organist, whose contributions to Freemasonry, particularly in Masonic music, were widely celebrated.
Hen Bont Lodge also pays heartfelt tribute to the late Bro. Graham Mundy, who served with unwavering dedication as Tyler from 1982 to 2007. A constant and dependable presence, Bro. Graham was not only a fixture of Hen Bont Lodge but also faithfully served as Tyler for several other Lodges meeting at the Pontypridd Masonic Hall and beyond. His quiet dignity, impeccable service, and gentlemanly manner earned him the respect and affection of all who knew him. Bro. Graham’s presence at the door was much more than ceremonial, it was a symbol of his steadfast commitment to the Craft and the values it upholds. Though he is no longer with us, his memory continues to resonate within the walls of the Lodge he so loyally served. He is sorely missed, but fondly remembered, by Brethren across the Province.
Hen Bont Lodge would like to formally recognise and honour the dedicated service of the late W.Bro. Mel Gabriel, who served faithfully as Lodge Secretary until his sudden and untimely passing. Mel was instrumental in the planning and success of our Centenary celebrations — from organising the meeting itself to overseeing the production of commemorative merchandise and securing the Centenary Warrant. His commitment, attention to detail, and love for the Lodge were evident in all that he did. He is sorely missed by all who knew him, and his legacy will long be remembered within Hen Bont Lodge.
Our grateful thanks to W.Bro. John Edmunds, who delivered a fascinating and in-depth account of the rich and remarkable history of Hen Bont Lodge. His insights brought to life the legacy and enduring significance of the Lodge through the years.
We are also deeply appreciative of W.Bro. The Rev. Anthony Stevens, Provincial Grand Chaplain, whose evocative presentation transported us back in time, offering a vivid portrayal of what the Lodge would have experienced in its formative years through to the present day.
As Hen Bont Lodge enters its second century, it does so with pride in its past and optimism for its future. The Brethren today honour the legacy of those who came before and remain committed to upholding the enduring principles of Freemasonry.
The Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. D. Gerald Rowbottom, was delighted to present the Lodge’s Centennial Warrant to W.Bro. Peter Jones, the Centennial Worshipful Master.
The presentation marked a proud milestone in the Lodge’s history, celebrating 100 years of fellowship, tradition, and loyalty to the Craft.