On Monday 20th April, an extraordinary milestone was celebrated within the Province of South Wales as Brethren gathered at Pontypridd Masonic Hall to mark the 150th anniversary of Merlin Lodge No. 1578.
The Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother, Robert G. Payne, attended, accompanied by his full Provincial escort, to lead the historic celebrations. The Temple and dining hall were filled to capacity, reflecting the significance of the occasion and the deep respect held for the Lodge across the Province.
Adding further distinction to the evening, the Worshipful Master, Worshipful Brother Adrian Daniel, held the unique honour of serving as the Lodge’s 150th Worshipful Master.
The Lodge was further honoured with the presence of Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master, V.W.Bro. Roy Woodward, Past Assistant Provincial Grand Masters, W.Bro. David Hackman, and W.Bro. Kelvin Jones.
A highlight of the meeting was a detailed and engaging historical account delivered by the Lodge Secretary, Worshipful Brother Paul Dickson. His address charted the Lodge’s journey from its consecration through to the present day, capturing both the triumphs and challenges experienced over a century and a half. He paid particular tribute to the many distinguished and dedicated Brethren who have contributed to the Lodge’s enduring legacy.
The celebrations continued into a vibrant and well-attended festive board, where the atmosphere was truly electric. Brethren from across the Province came together in unity and fellowship, ensuring that every seat was filled for this memorable evening.
A particularly touching moment saw the current Worshipful Master, Adrian Daniel, present Worshipful Brother Tom Higgs, the Lodge’s centennial Master, with a commemorative bottle of wine, recognising his continued dedication and valued presence within the Lodge.
A Proud History
Merlin Lodge No. 1578 was granted its Warrant on 23rd October 1875, with its Consecration Ceremony taking place on 20th April 1876 at the New Inn, Taff Street, Pontypridd. The ceremony was conducted in the presence of Worshipful Brother Edward James Morris, Deputy Provincial Grand Master, alongside his Officers. Notably, the silver vessels used during the ceremony were generously loaned for the occasion.
The Lodge’s Primus Worshipful Master was Brother John Edward Price, whose lifelong commitment set the tone for generations to follow. In its earliest days, the Lodge attracted a remarkable calibre of candidates, including prominent industrialists such as Lewis Gordon Lennox, whose firm supplied chains to the Royal Navy, and members of the influential Crawshay family, deeply connected to the region’s industrial heritage.
From its very first regular meeting in May 1876, Merlin Lodge demonstrated both ambition and vitality. On that evening alone, multiple initiation ceremonies were conducted before a gathering of approximately 200 Brethren and visitors, requiring special dispensation due to the unusually high number of candidates.
Throughout its history, the Lodge has been the proud recipient of meaningful and enduring gifts. Among these are the silver Square and Compasses and the Volume of the Sacred Law, both still in use today, symbolising continuity and tradition.
The Lodge also played a key role in the establishment of Pontypridd Masonic Hall. In 1885, land was acquired for its construction, supported in part by funding from the Pontypridd Self Help Society, demonstrating the strong community spirit that has always been associated with the Lodge.
In 1976, the Lodge celebrated its centenary with a special service at St Matthew’s Church, Trallwyn, where the Centenary Warrant was presented by the Provincial Grand Master, Lord Swansea. Worshipful Brother Tom Higgs served as the centennial Master and remains, to this day, at 96 years of age a highly respected and active member.