On Monday, 23rd June 2025, a significant milestone was marked in the history of the Province with the official opening of the new Provincial Office in Bridgend, aptly named “Benevolence House.”
The Deputy Provincial Grand Master in Charge, V.W.Bro. D. Huw E. Mosford, was joined by the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E.Comp. Paul R. Clement, along with members of the Provincial Executive, the Chairman and Trustees of the Masonic Benevolent Fund of South Wales, and a number of invited guests for the occasion.
The morning began with a dignified Provincial procession across the car park of Bridgend Masonic Hall to the newly completed office building, a fitting and wonderful spectacle that captured the importance of the day.
The Deputy in Charge led the formal proceedings, offering heartfelt reflections and paying tribute to our late Provincial Grand Master, D. Gerald Rowbottom, whose vision and leadership were instrumental in overseeing the development of the new building.
A moving prayer was delivered by W.Bro. Paul Boyle, Provincial Assistant Grand Chaplain, in memory of the late Provincial Grand Master, followed by a solemn minute’s silence observed by all present.
During the festive board, the Chairman of the Masonic Benevolent Fund of South Wales and Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master, V.W.Bro. Andrew Gretton, spoke with evident pride and gratitude. He reflected on the MBF’s commitment to supporting the development, expressing his delight at the successful completion of the project. With warmth and humour, he also acknowledged the late Provincial Grand Master’s invaluable contributions to the building and its vision.
Thanks must go to W.Bro. Dyfrig Edwards and W.Bro. Phillip Aubrey for their planning and organising of Bridgend Masonic Hall, and to Jayne and her catering team for the truly magnificent food we were served.
“Benevolence House” now stands as a true home for the future of our Masonic administration in South Wales.
