Crack the code
The historic links between a Renfrewshire burgh and America’s capital city are discovered by cracking the Houstoun code.
Decoding the secret cipher explains how George Houstoun – who is buried in Paisley Abbey – used Washington for inspiration when he founded Johnstone and designed its town centre in February, 1782.
An examination of Johnstone and Washington street maps show they’re laid out on the grid system which utilises sacred geometrical principles, including right angles, straight lines and squares, which Freemasons employ to illustrate the brotherhood’s moral and social aspirations.
Today terms like “on the straight and narrow,” “upright intentions,” “on the level” and “square conduct” still express correct behaviour.
George Houstoun also founded Johnstone’s Houstoun St Johnstone Masonic Lodge which was chartered on August 5, 1811. His son, William, was the first Right Worshipful Master.
The Houstouns had business interests in America where the Texan city of Houston was named after them. In 1790, George Houstoun was Grand Master of
Derek Parker knew many of Paisley’s secrets – the grimy and the good.
He wandered every corner in search of the clues that would unlock Renfrewshire’s rich history.
These tales were shared with readers in his hugely popular Parker’s Way column.
We’ve opened our vault to handpick our favourites for you.
Georgia in the Deep South.
He was inspired by George Washington, first president of the USA, after whom the city of Washington is named.
George Washington was a Freemason and Master of a Virginian Lodge. He supervised the grid system design of the city which bears his name.
These same architectural principles are evident in Johnstone, with its two main squares – Houstoun and Ludovic – and grid system streets running parallel and at right angles to the High Street.
Johnstone High Parish Church – built on land provided by George Houstoun in 1792 – faces north east.
This is the compass point where the sun rises on the longest day and the point in Masonic temples where entered apprentices undergo the first degree ritual and are spiritually enlightened.
Like many American churches, the High Parish is octagonal in design
– eight being a sacred number in Freemasonry.
One final point. Within a mile of Johnstone centre, on Milliken estate, where the Houstouns lived originally, is a mansion with a most American name – the White House.
Named after the American president’s residence, it’s another of several amazing links between Johnstone and the American capital enshrined in the Houstoun code.