Loyal Monmouth Lodge, No. 457 is one of the oldest working Lodges in the Province and holds a rich past dating back to its consecration in 1839. Today, it stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Freemasonry, but it hasn’t been without its challenges.
In recent years, Loyal Monmouth faced a severe membership crisis, a situation mirrored across many Lodges. By the late 1990s, the Lodge faced a significant decline in membership, a challenge threatening its existence. Membership had dwindled to just 38 by 2015, and the Grade II listed building housing the Lodge was in a state of disrepair, posing a substantial financial burden.
Faced with this decline in membership and the physical state of their Lodge, the members realized that it was time for a change. The implementation of the Members’ Pathway was a turning point. Monmouthshire was chosen as a pilot Province, and Loyal Monmouth was designated as a pilot Lodge for the Members’ Pathway. The Lodge embraced this concept by forming a Members’ Pathway Committee.
The results were remarkable. In 2018, the Lodge had 40 members, which grew to 48 two years later, and now, in the present year, membership stands at 61, with five Candidates ready for Initiation. With a new-found sense of purpose, Loyal Monmouth aims to initiate six new members annually. Its stretch goal is to reach a consistent membership of 80-plus by its bicentenary in 2039, a testament to the enduring spirit of Freemasonry and the power of proactive approaches.
Today, Loyal Monmouth serves as a home for various Masonic Orders, including a Craft Lodge, a Royal Arch Chapter, Rose Croix and, more recently, a Mark Masons Lodge. It has enjoyed a vibrant revival brought about by the Members’ Pathway and a renewed commitment to an open, inclusive and enjoyable Masonic environment.
Provincial Grand Master, Richard Davies said:
‘I am delighted with the results achieved by the Loyal Monmouth Lodge both in terms of the way they have embraced the Members’ Pathway and their commitment to our Provincial Buildings Strategy.’
