Celebrating 300 Years of the Province of Cheshire: A Historic Milestone in Freemasonry

On Saturday, 7th June, more than 1,000 Freemasons from across the Province and beyond gathered in the historic city of Chester to mark a truly momentous occasion—the Tercentenary of the Province of Cheshire. As the oldest Masonic Province in the world, the event celebrated 300 years of tradition, brotherhood, and service to the community.

The commemorative celebrations began with a moving service held in the majestic setting of Chester Cathedral. With sunlight filtering through centuries-old stained glass, the cathedral provided a fitting backdrop for a ceremony rich in heritage and symbolism. The service was attended by a distinguished array of guests, including the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, the Pro Grand Master Jonathan Spence, the Dean of Chester Cathedral, and the leadership of the Cheshire Freemasons. Masons from lodges across the region filled the cathedral, united in a spirit of reflection and celebration.

A highlight of the service came when David Dyson, Provincial Grand Master, made a significant and heartfelt announcement. In honour of the Tercentenary, Cheshire Freemasons would be donating a remarkable £300,000 to support ten local charities—an enduring testament to Freemasonry’s longstanding commitment to charitable giving and community support.

Following the service, the celebrations continued at Chester Town Hall, where an Especial Meeting of the Province of Cheshire was held. The grand, Victorian elegance of the Town Hall added further gravitas to the proceedings, providing a splendid environment for this historic gathering.

As evening fell, the sense of celebration carried on at two prestigious venues: the Grosvenor Hotel and the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Here, Freemasons were joined by their wives and families for a series of elegant dinners, toasting to 300 years of Masonic heritage in Cheshire and looking ahead to the future with pride and optimism.

The day was not just a tribute to the past, but a reaffirmation of the values that have defined the Province for centuries— Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Service. It was a celebration worthy of a legacy three centuries in the making.