A proud member of Dr. James Griffith Hall Lodge No. 3161, E.Comp. Evan Paul Roberts, W.Bro. Paul Roberts PPrGReg., was introduced to Freemasonry through his now wife, Meryl, and her links with three Brethren. His two sponsors, W.Bro. James Jones and W.Bro. Elgar Jenkins, together with W.Bro. Bill Phillips, all worked at Cwmtawe School in Pontardawe.
Initiated into Freemasonry in November 1996, E.Comp. Paul will celebrate 30 years in Masonry this year. He has served as Master of Dr. James Griffith Hall Lodge on three occasions, in 2003, 2011 and 2024. He is currently the Lodge’s Immediate Past Master and Lodge Mentor, having also served for many years as Treasurer and Charity Steward.
E.Comp. Paul has also proudly served as Master of Meridian Lodge No. 9603 in 2022 and 2023.
His journey in Royal Arch Masonry began with his exaltation into Dr. James Griffith Hall Chapter in March 1998. He progressed to the First Principal’s chair in 2008 and currently serves the Chapter as Treasurer. He is particularly looking forward to celebrating the Chapter’s Centenary in March 2027.
E.Comp. Paul is also a member of Lord Swansea Lodge and a Founder Member of Lord Swansea Chapter, where he has enjoyed the opportunity to venture further afield within kindred Provinces, under the watchful eye and guidance of his predecessor, E.Comp. Julian Rees.
He has also been involved with three Perambulating Swansea Circles — Harmony, Marble and Specular. One of the most enjoyable and rewarding periods of his Masonic career was serving the Province for five years as part of the Craft Provincial Duties Team. This gave E.Comp. Paul the opportunity to meet and communicate with many active Provincial Officers of the time, many of whom have since become great friends — an experience for which he remains truly grateful.
Paul’s passion for Freemasonry is rooted firmly in the social and charitable aspects of our organisation. Alongside his wife Meryl, he has made many great and lasting friendships throughout his Masonic journey. They now look forward to encouraging and supporting a new generation of members as they begin and develop their own Masonic journeys.
Now retired, Paul enjoyed a lifetime in the heavy engineering industry. He began his career as an apprentice fitter and turner with Richard Thomas & Baldwins, before progressing through a variety of roles including draftsman, estimator and contracts engineer. He eventually became Managing Director of Fab-Tech Engineering in Port Talbot.
Paul later served as Works Manager for Rowecord Engineering at their Swansea Works, before joining Corus and subsequently Tata Steel at Port Talbot. During his time there, he worked as a Project Engineer on many of the site’s major installations, particularly the rebuilds and relines of the Blast Furnaces.
Reflecting on his appointment as Provincial Grand Second Principal for 2026–2027, E.Comp. Paul said:
“Being appointed as ProvGSN for 2026–2027 was the biggest and best surprise I have ever experienced in Masonry. I am truly honoured and humbled by this appointment.”