A Double Presentation and a Family Initiation in New Zealand
Warm congratulations from everyone at Northumberland Freemasons to our Antipodean Brother, W. Bro. Roger Hutchinson Johnstone, who has recently celebrated an extraordinary 60 years in Craft Freemasonry.
This remarkable milestone was marked in New Zealand, where the District Grand Master of the North Island, R.W. Bro. Warren Weir presented Roger with a 60-year certificate. On the very same evening, W. Bro. Brian Denton was able to present Roger with a second certificate on behalf of the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master for Northumberland, making Roger one of the very few brethren ever to receive two 60-year certificates on the same night.
Adding to the occasion’s significance, Roger took the Chair as Worshipful Master and initiated his grandson, Bro. Locklin Hewins, into Freemasonry – a proud, emotional and truly memorable moment for both family and Lodge.
Born in Gateshead in 1941, Roger began his working life with British Rail, then served in the Royal Air Force before joining Newcastle City Police, where he held a wide range of roles. In 1998, Roger emigrated to Hamilton, New Zealand, where he remains an active and respected member of both the Craft and the Royal Arch.
Roger’s 60-year journey through Freemasonry is one marked by commitment, service, integrity, and deep family connection – a Masonic story that spans hemispheres and generations.
We offer our heartfelt congratulations to W. Bro. Roger Johnstone on this truly outstanding achievement, and our thanks for his dedicated service to Freemasonry in Northumberland and New Zealand.