Celebrating 125 years of service with gift of scholarships

Celebrating 125 years in New Zealand, Freemasons gave $192,000 in scholarships to 28 of the country’s A-grade university students at a ceremony held inside Christchurch’s Transitional ‘Cardboard’ Cathedral on Saturday 13 June.

Eight postgraduate students were awarded a total of $72,000 and 20 university students a total of $120,000. The students are from AUT, and Auckland, Massey, Victoria, Canterbury, Lincoln and Otago universities.

The only qualification for students who choose to enter the scholarship programme is that they have consistent A-grades, are completing a degree and are active volunteers in their communities.

John Litton, the 77th New Zealand Grand Master, said the scholarships are an important part of Freemasons’ philanthropy. He said that given the organisation’s 125th anniversary in New Zealand, it is fitting that the scholarships are presented inside the Transitional Cathedral.

“Cathedrals have much to do with our history, as Freemasonry began in Europe when the men who worked as stonemasons, building castles and cathedrals, formed an organisation to protect their specialist engineering skills and pass them on to worthy apprentices.

We are delighted to assist these students because we believe firmly in education, the opportunity it offers and the value it delivers society-wide,” said Mr Litton.

Over the last 37 years Freemasons has provided 1,079 such scholarships, valued at $4.61 million.

This year Professor Emeritus Martin Devlin ONZM presented the scholarships. Aside from his academic and business background, Professor Devlin has had a distinguished Army career.

ENDS

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