In 1911 one of the members of a former Scottish lodge in Bethal died and was given a masonic funeral. Some of those who attended met later and decided to revive Freemasonry in the town, and having found just the requisite number of seven, applied to United Grand Lodge of England for a warrant, which was granted.

The names of Bethal and Bethel, albeit similar in spelling, have quite different origins, the former being a compound of the names (Elizabeth and Alida) of the wives of the owners of the farms on which Bethal was built, whereas the latter, Bethel, was the name given by Jacob to the spot where he had his dream, and vowed:

'And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house...' (Genesis 28:22).

Bearing in mind that we build to the glory of the GAOTU, the petitioners found the name appropriate. The addition of 'United' reflected the connection with both English and Scottish Masonry.

The lodge at first met on the Wednesday following the second Sunday of the month but later changed this to the first Monday after the full moon, so that members who had come by horse and cart or on horseback would have moonlight to guide them home.

Bethel United met in various venues until 1950, when the present premises in Naude Street were completed and consecrated, providing a lasting home for a lodge which has always found the stalwarts to keep it going, even through some difficult times.

Meeting place: 27a Naude Str., Bethal