About Llanfair Lodge - History of Llanfair Lodge No. 7353
Founded 28th September 1954
Meeting at Cardiff Masonic Hall, Guildford Street
Who We Are Today
Llanfair Lodge No. 7353 is a friendly, welcoming lodge based in the heart of Cardiff.
Founded in 1954, the lodge continues to uphold the values of integrity, friendship, respect and service while maintaining strong social ties within the local community.
We are a diverse group of men from many professions and backgrounds, brought together by a shared commitment to personal growth, charity, and enjoying good company.
Visitors and prospective members will find Llanfair to be a relaxed, supportive and enjoyable lodge with a proud history and a positive outlook for the future.
Our Origins
Llanfair Lodge was formed in 1954 by a group of Freemasons who were also members of the Wanderers Club – a social and business club closely linked with Glamorgan Wanderers Rugby Football Club.
Their aim was to establish a lodge rooted in friendship and shared sporting camaraderie.
Although the founders hoped to name the lodge after the Wanderers, this was not permitted by UGLE, so they chose “Llanfair” the Welsh name for St Mary’s Church, reflecting the parish in which the Wanderers Club was located.
On 28th September 1954, the lodge was formally consecrated at the Masonic Temple in Cardiff by the Right Worshipful Brother R.P. St John Charles, Provincial Grand Master.
Twenty-nine founding brethren made up the original membership.
A Lodge with Character & Tradition
Llanfair Lodge has always enjoyed a warm and lively social atmosphere. Rehearsals were traditionally held in a range of unusual venues – from Glan Ely Hospital to rooms above a bakery and even the tax offices on Hayes Road – yet the lodge still earned a reputation for high-quality ceremonies.
Throughout the decades, the lodge has been home to many notable characters, including:
• W. Bro. Trevor Phillips, the Founding Master
• V.W. Bro. Geoffrey Ashe, Deputy Provincial Grand Master
• W. Bro. Cuthbert Banham, long-serving Secretary and supporter of Tenovus
• W. Bro. Geoffrey W. Thomas, Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master
The lodge was also well-known for its entertaining after-proceedings, traditional songs and memorable toasts that made each meeting special.
Our Lodge Logo & Banner
The lodge’s logo, still used today, features a hand-drawn sketch of St Mary’s Church, created by an art student in Cardiff for the sum of £2 2s.
It is surrounded by our Welsh motto:
Heb Dduw – Heb Ddim
Without God – Without Anything
In 2002, to mark 50 years of the lodge, members commissioned a beautifully crafted banner displaying the lodge crest together with the colours and griffin emblem of Glamorgan Wanderers RFC – a reminder of the lodge’s strong sporting heritage.
This connection to the Wanderers continues today, with an annual Wanderers match sponsored by Llanfair and brethren attending.
Charity & Community
Llanfair Lodge has always taken charity seriously.
We support both Masonic and non-Masonic causes including:
• Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice
• Macmillan Nurses
• Velindre Clinical Trials
• Llanishen Good Neighbours
• The Alzheimer’s Society
• The Noah’s Ark Appeal
We also helped fund a student through college in The Gambia, following a visit from a local brother connected to the school.
Our commitment to charity continues today, and we are proud to contribute to Freemasonry’s national effort – in 2024 alone, Freemasons across England & Wales donated over £51 million to good causes.
Looking to the Future
Llanfair Lodge remains active, welcoming and optimistic.
We continue to attract new members and uphold the strong traditions passed down by our founders.
Whether you are new to Freemasonry or already a member, you will find Llanfair Lodge to be a warm, friendly and enjoyable place to meet, learn and contribute to the community.