Blue Plaque to Commemorate History of Freemasonry within Bargoed

A Blue Plaque has been unveiled in Bargoed to commemorate the involvement of Freemasonry in the community.

Ken Verlander (pictured right) of Gelligaer Lodge was invited to join the South Wales Assistant Provincial Grand Master Marc Lewis (pictured left) in the task of unveiling the Blue Plaque.

The plaque proudly shows that freemasonry has been a part of the local community for 72 years, since 1946.

The Gelligaer Lodge was established in May 1946 and meets on the second Monday from September to June. Ystrad Mynach Lodge has also been meeting in Cardiff Road, Bargoed since February 1974, on the fourth Wednesday of September, November , January, March and May. Both lodges are very active and raise significant monies for local charities.

Marc Lewis said, “The Blue Plaque will be a constant reminder to us of our heritage and our future. We are very proud of the role we play in our local community and in providing charitable assistance where we can. We welcome any enquiries from the public and from anyone interested in becoming a Freemason.”

South Wales Freemasons have been celebrating the Tercentenary 300 years of Freemasonry within the United Grand Lodge of England, and are affixing Blue Plaques to many of its’ Masonic Halls across South Wales. Early records exist of Freemasonry within the current South Wales region being established in Cardiff & Cowbridge in 1754.