On Monday, 6th November, the brethren of Trisant Lodge No. 4154 assembled at Pontyclun Masonic Hall to perform a Third Degree ceremony, raising Bro. David Holder to the sublime degree of a Master Mason.
The evening was given a wonderful boost by the presence of ten members from Sketty Hall Lodge No. 8752, Swansea, who made the journey up the M4 to support the meeting, their warmth and enthusiasm adding greatly to the already vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for which Trisant Lodge is renowned.
Visiting is, without question, the lifeblood of our wonderful fraternity. The brethren of Sketty Hall Lodge made this particular visit with a special purpose: to express their gratitude and thanks to W.Bro. Marc Owen Smith of Trisant Lodge. For an astonishing eleven consecutive years without missing a single meeting of Sketty Hall Lodge as a visitor, an achievement both remarkable and inspiring in equal measure.
The story of Marc’s long-standing connection began many years ago when Marc was working for South Wales Police as a civilian. One day, while quietly practicing his ritual at work, a colleague, W.Bro. Rob Wanless, overheard certain familiar words and phrases and asked, “Are you on the square?” From that moment, a lasting Masonic friendship was formed.
Over the past decade, Marc and Rob have made regular reciprocal visits to each other’s Lodges. On the rare occasions when Rob has been unable to attend, W.Bro. Phillip Walker has stepped in to extend the hand of friendship and ensure that the tradition continues. Marc attributes his remarkable visiting record to a combination of favourable shift patterns and, most importantly, the warmth, camaraderie, and Friendship he receives from the brethren of Sketty Hall Lodge and the welcoming atmosphere of Swansea Masonic Hall.
A passionate advocate for the importance of visiting and preserving centuries of Masonic tradition, Marc shared his thoughts:
“I truly believe that visiting in Freemasonry is its lifeblood, and seeing other Temples really interests me. I regularly visit a Welsh heritage Lodge in Berkshire with Rob Wanless, and recently discovered that another cousin of mine had joined St David’s Lodge in Berkshire.
In 2023, I had the privilege of attending Grand Lodge of New York and visiting two Lodges there while on a family holiday, definitely a highlight of my Masonic career! As Morecambe and Wise used to say, ‘It’s the same song, but some of the notes are in the wrong places’. Amazing!
I am also a passionate Lewis, and whenever I see another brother wearing a Lewis pin, it reminds me of my father, W.Bro. Arthur Smith, who was also an avid visitor before we sadly lost him in 2019.”
Such is Marc’s pride in being a Lewis that he now supplies and distributes Lewis pins and cufflinks around the world, always taking the time to explain the story and symbolism behind the Lewis. All proceeds are returned to his many visited Lodges supporting raffle prizes and charitable donations, a perfect example of the selfless service and quiet dedication that characterise the best of Freemasonry.