John Lockhart Webster, born in Stockton on Tees on 12th December 1946 was brought up in Eaglescliffe and educated at Glenhow School in Saltburn and Durham School. He has enjoyed a career in the banking industry, joining Barclays Bank, Darlington District in 1965 and has since been attached to branches throughout the North East including: Bishop Auckland, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Richmond and Sunderland as well as 3 years with the Head Office Inspection Department as an Internal Auditor. He is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers.
Now living in Wensleydale, NorthYorkshire, John and his wife Barbara have 3 children, Roger aged 32, Fiona aged 30 and Simon aged 27. They are the proud grandparents of Isabelle aged 6 months. John has a keen interest in Golf representing Yorkshire Seniors and he is Past Treasurer of Bedale Golf Club. In his younger days he was a keen Rugby player, his son Simon has followed his fathers’ footsteps and is a current Scottish International player. Recently retired John and Barbara now enjoy travelling, particularly occasional winter breaks abroad.
At 42 years of age John followed his grandfather and father into the Craft and was initiated into Old Dunelmian Lodge No.8100 on the 13th January 1989. This Lodge, meeting in Durham City draws its membership from “old boys” and staff of Durham School. He became Worshipful Master of this Lodge in July 1996 and was Treasurer from 1998 to 2008.
In his home town of Stockton on Tees he joined Lodge of Freedom No. 4027 becoming Master in 1998 and is currently the Lodge Charity Steward and Benevolent Fund Representative. He is also a joining member of Thornborough Lodge No.6434 in the neighbouring Province of Yorkshire North & East Riding. 2003 was a particularly busy year for John when he served as Provincial Senior Grand Warden in the Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham.
Being 1st Principal of Old Dunelmian Royal Arch Chapter in 2007 John has many other Masonic interests. In the Ancient & Accepted Rite he was Most Wise Sovereign of St. Cuthbert Rose Croix Chapter No.96 in 2002 and has received the 30th degree. A year as the Emminent Preceptor of Prince Bishops Preceptory of Knights Templar in 2007 was followed by his election as Provincial Treasurer in 2008.
He currently serves on the Freemasonry in the Community Committee; is a trustee of Durham Benevolence Ltd and sits on the South Area Committee of the RMBI 2010 Festival.
On his installation as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master for the Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham 4th September 2008 John said:
“Bearing in mind the complexity of the problems facing all nations of the world as we progress into the 21st Century I feel that Freemasonry stands out particularly in its principles of Honour, Truth and Virtue. The diversified membership has provided me with an excellent opportunity of making new friends. I look forward to our monthly meetings, the initiation of candidates and the opportunity of spending time in the company of fellow Freemasons whilst making a regular contribution to Masonic and local Charity. It is rewarding to see the fruits of our labours reflected in the outstanding work of our Grand Charity, the RMBI, Durham Benevolence and our involvement in Freemasonry in the Community. Despite a recent fall in membership numbers I look forward to continuing the good work of my predecessors and striving to raise our profile, demonstrating that the Craft is an appealing, enjoyable and rewarding experience”
Asst PGM Webster has been given responsibility for Lodges meeting in the South area of the Province which includes Masonic Halls in Barnard Castle, Billingham, Castle Eden, Darlington, Hartlepool, Middleton in Teesdale, Staindrop and Stockton.
