1963 was a year of historic events; The Polio Vaccine was rolled out across the UK and the US; the first woman was launched into space; The Beatles released 'I Saw Her Standing There'; and Byron Thomas was initiated into Islwyn Lodge, where he began a six decade journey with the Freemasons'.
60 Years In Freemasonry
The Provincial Team were out in force recently, joining the brethren of Islwyn Lodge to celebrate Byron Thomas’ 60 years in Freemasonry.
Attending the Lodge meeting were the Richard G. Davies, Provincial Grand Master, Chris Evans, Deputy Provincial Grand Master, and a Past Provincial Grand Master M. J. Hughes and many other Grand and Provincial Officers in the Craft and Royal Arch.
Early Life
Byron was born on 8 Apr 1938, and was a prolific student at Pontllanfraith Grammar School, receiving many academic and sporting accolades. On leaving school, Byron saw National Service with the Royal Air Force, where he became the Secretary of the Dambuster Squadron, no less.
After National Service, Byron attended Loughborough University, where he obtained a degree in History and also won colours in rugby, he has a distinguished sporting career representing Wales in athletics and several rugby clubs, including Newport RFC, Cardiff RFC, and Ynysddu RFC, to name a few. He had three trials for Wales and was Welsh Reserve, only being denied a cap through serious injury.
As his sporting career drew to a close, Byron focused on a teaching career and embarked on an equally impressive Masonic journey.
Freemasonry
Byron began his Masonic career when he was initiated into Islwyn Lodge on 9 Jan 1963 at the age of 25. He was initiated by his father, Trevor Thomas, who sadly passed away two months later. He was passed on 23 Oct 1963 and raised on 24 Jan 1964.
Byron’s achievements in Freemasonry are many;
Craft, Islwyn Lodge
- Chaplain 2006-07
- Tyler 2005-06
- Tyler 2004-05
- Director of Ceremonies 2003-04
- Assistant Director of Ceremonies 2002-03
- Tyler 1996-97
- Master 1992-93
- Master 1975-76
Province of Monmouthshire
- Provincial Senior Grand Warden 2004-05
- Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden 2000
- Past Provincial Grand Registrar 1993
- Provincial Senior Grand Deacon 1983-84
Royal Arch, Monmouthshire (Exalted on 14th October 1964)
- Third Provincial Grand Principal 2017-18
- Provincial Grand Scribe N 2005-06
- Past Provincial Grand Registrar 1994
- Provincial 2nd Assistant Grand Sojourner 1983-84
Byron’s contribution to Freemasonry was recognised in 2007 when he became Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies at Grand Lodge.
There was universal agreement from those who spoke in the Temple and the after proceedings that Byron demonstrates everything good about Freemasonry. He is a friend to many, a figurehead to new Freemasons, and well-respected throughout the Province and far beyond.
On behalf of all Monmouthshire Freemasons, we congratulate Byron on this fantastic achievement, and wish him many years of enjoyable Freemasonry ahead.
