On the 12th of September 2024, the brethren of Loyal Wye Lodge, No. 1807, gathered in Builth Wells to celebrate an outstanding milestone in Craft Freemasonry.
W.Bro. John Hopkins celebrates 50 years of dedication and service to Freemasonry, and to mark this phenomenal achievement AProvGM, W.Bro. Timothy R. Clark, accompanied by his Provincial team, which included the Past Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies, W.Bro. Dafydd Iles, and Provincial Grand Steward, W.Bro. Andrew Goodall, were delighted and honoured to be in attendance.
W.Bro. John’s remarkable journey in Freemasonry began on the 10th of May 1974, when he was initiated into Old Loughtonians Lodge No. 7311, in the Province of Essex, installed as Worshipful Master in 1984, and again in 1992 and 1993. His enthusiasm for Freemasonry led him to join Highstone Lodge No. 8778 on the 1st of October 1986,
In January 1996, W.Bro. John became a joining member of Loyal Wye Lodge No. 1807. He progressed through the various offices of the Lodge attaining Chair of King Solomon on the 9th of October 2002, and again in 2010 and 2017. His dedicated service within the Province of Essex led to his first appointment to the rank of Past Provincial Grand Standard Bearer (PPrGStB) in 1993. His efforts were further recognised in the Province of South Wales, where he was promoted to Past Provincial Junior Grand Deacon (PPrJGD) in 2008, and later to Past Provincial Grand Superintendent of Works (PPrGSuptWks) in 2019.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of W.Bro. John’s 50-year certificate and prestigious lapel pin by AProvGM, W.Bro. Timothy R. Clark, who expressed what an incredible achievement it is to mark 50 years, and thanked John for his hard work and dedication throughout the years, and indeed the many years to come.