Mr Clouston, who was a farmer at Lauder and retired to Alexandra, was not only the longest-serving Grand Lodge officer in New Zealand but also in Australia and England, Manuherikia Lodge member Jim Harborow said.
The records were confirmed by New Zealand Grand Master Mark Winger, of Auckland, who came to Central Otago last week for a ceremony to present Mr Clouston with a certificate recognising his 50 years' service, Mr Harborow said.
Mr Harborow said Mr Clouston's contribution to the Freemasons was significant and he was widely respected.
``He's held in such high esteem, not only in our district but throughout New Zealand. He's just been involved in so much, and has been a tremendous mentor.''
Mr Clouston joined the Freemasons almost 64 years ago, joining the St Bathans Lodge in 1953, and was later made an officer of the Grand Lodge, which supervises and governs individual lodges.
