On the evening of Friday 10th November 2022, the members of Hetton Lyon Lodge No. 6533 of gathered at the Masonic Hall Hetton Le Hole to celebrate their 75 th Anniversary with some 94 brethren in attendance.
An event of such importance was recognised with a Full Team Visit led by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master Michael Graham PSGD.
Ron Smith delivered a précised history of the lodge, World War II, 1939-1945, proved to be a watershed moment in World history, the World was changed forever in very many ways.
Masonically it became a time of expansion, due to men returning home from the horrors of war, and others, who had not been in the Armed Forces, were seeking some form of order and stability in society. Indeed 190 new lodges were formed in 1946 and that had risen to over 1000 by 1955. In 1946 Bernard Gilpin Lodge had 182 members with many more waiting to join.
Against this background 20 Brethren decided to form a new lodge, originally the Founders had suggested that the new lodge be named Bowes Lyon but because of the Royal connection could not be granted; and after further deliberation it was decided to take Hetton Lyon and on the Wednesday 6th August 1947 the warrant was granted and signed by the Acting Grand Master, Edward William Spencer, 10th Duke of Devonshire.
To read full history click here:
The evening was finished off at the festive board, where Michael responding to his toast, stated his appreciation to the lodge for their planning that went into this momentous evening in the lodge’s history. He went on to thank the brethren for the generous donations given in the lodge room earlier of £75.00 to Durham Benevolence and £75.00 to Tender loving Teddies, without exception the most successful initiative the Province of Durham have had.
The Worshipful Master Simon Smiles went on to thank the members of Hetton Lyon for their unequivocal support and although small in number, they were incredibly strong as a unit; a major factor in reaching the evenings celebrations.
The responses on Provincial Wardens were given thanking the members of Hetton Lyon for the warmth of welcome, the generous hospitality shown to the team and for the gift of a Pen to those in attendance.
Congratulations Hetton Lyon as we look forward to you celebrating your Centenary.
