Kennard Lodge of Freemasons. Number 1258.
Kennard lodge is the oldest Masonic Lodge in Pontypool, and one of the oldest in the former county of Monmouthshire. . It was consecrated as a Masonic Lodge in March 1869 and has been meeting in the town ever since.
The name of the lodge is derived from the Kennard family who were very influential in the industrial success of the Eastern Valley of Monmouthshire. They owned the Blaenavon Coal and Iron Company, which was second only to the mighty Cyfarthfa Ironworks of Merthyr Tydfil.
The lodge is named after Henry Martin Kennard, who was born in London. He was a made a mason as a young man and was keen to see Freemasonry arrive and flourish in Pontypool. Along with other influential men he started the process of approaching Grand Lodge in order to re -introduce freemasonry to the area. This lead eventually to a warrant being granted and a ceremony of consecration taking place in 1869. Thus began a long history of Freemasonry in Pontypool which has passed its one hundred and fiftieth unbroken year. As a tribute to the efforts and enthusiasm as well as his financial help, the Lodge was named after its benefactor.
The Lodge meetings have been held in a number of buildings in Pontypool. It began in the Clarence Hotel, then moved to High Street where it proved too small and moved to the upper floors of a building in George Street. If you look up you can still see Masonic symbols set into the façade of the building. Eventually this building became dangerous, and the lodge made its final move to its present home in Trosnant in 1924.
Kennard Lodge of Freemasons has had a long history of involvement with the communities along the length of the Eastern Valley. Many men of influence and importance have been made members. If you wish to become one of us and wish to be able to enjoy the friendship and camaraderie and also take chance to improve both yourself and your fellow man, then you can contact us on any of the numbers below.
07864042252
07815817052
Howard Harris –Membership Officer Kennard Lodge