Our First Master - W. Bro. John Herbert Hankins A.G.R.
W. Bro. John Herbert Hankins A.G.R. Born 13th June 1846 – Died 27th June 1928 Our Foundation Master was John Herbert Hankins. The Consecration, Erection, and Dedication of Manawatu Kilwinning Lodge, Scottish Constitution, and Installation of its Officers was conducted on Thursday 26 April, 1883, at the Masonic Hall, Palmerston North. John Hankins was a barrister and solicitor, and was formerly a member of Lodge Westland, No. 88, and had been a Mason for at least fourteen years with experience both in English and Scottish Constitutions. He was one of the strong leaders of the new township, and his name crops up in the records of many and various organisations as Palmerston North was growing. John Hankins married Agnes Sophia Wemyss in 1872 and they had four sons and three daughters. He was articled to C.E. Button a barrister and solicitor in Hokitika and was admitted to the bar in 1876. He then came to Foxton to offices opposite Whytes Hotel...