Mr Litton said his father, grandfather and my uncles were all Freemasons. "But I was a stroppy lad and initially said I wouldn't join.
"However, when my wife and I were in Kenya and surrounded by those I played sport with who were Freemasons, I changed my mind. I was asked if I could model myself on my father, who was kind, honest and had integrity, would I do so.
"In the end, my wife persuaded me to join because she knew my father would be delighted."
Leaving Kenya 42 years ago, the Littons had to choose between returning to the United Kingdom or coming to New Zealand.
"We haven't looked back since coming here, and two years ago I was nominated for the position of grand master of the New Zealand lodge. It's a privilege."
After talking with young people, Mr Litton said he discovered they liked the ethos of the lodge, as well as the ceremonies, rituals and even the old-fashioned language of the Freemasons.
"Of course we get those questions, 'oh, you are those people with secrets who ride goats' - which is simply a myth.
"But we have to adapt and the young guys have given us a challenge, saying they would like to see wives and families involved, too.
"We've got to allow for that, but the Freemasons is a bit like the Curnard Queen Elizabeth cruise ship - slow to turn around."
However, Mr Litton said he didn't believe the Freemasons would change their philosophy and ceremonials.
"We are an organisation which cares for people in the community, but we don't talk about some of what we do because we don't want to embarrass people.
"We have a very good charitable fund and put money into medical research, as well as sponsoring Daisy Readers for the visually impaired and a playground at Homai College in Auckland. Our very large fund has been very carefully invested."
After the ceremonies at Rawhiti Lodge on Saturday afternoon, an anniversary celebration was held in the Dannevirke Town Hall where the lodge had been consecrated on November 20, 1890.
"When you look back, our founding members were the cornerstone of our district," said Paddy Driver, the Master of Rawhiti Lodge.
"And it's amazing to see Fred Allardice, a lodge member, here. His grandfather was a founding member and it's quite unique to still have an Allardice in the lodge after 125 years."
Mr Driver said three years ago things looked pretty bleak for Rawhiti Lodge.
"We've 22 members but only nine active members. But thanks to the efforts of members we are now able to pay our way and are starting to gain new members."
Mr Driver said he believed some lodges should be closed, because Freemasons were paying a lot of money for the upkeep of multiple buildings.
"But there are those who say: 'Over my dead body.' However, urgent action is required but innovation isn't a word often used in the lodge," he said.
"I'm proud to be Master and our nine active members have done us proud. We've worked hard as a team to pull us out of the trouble we were in three years ago.
"Although we've gone through some hard times, this lodge is in great heart."
