5th Ontario District Master Paul Johnston

Worthy Faithful Navigators, Former District Masters, District Team Members and Sir Knights.    

Worthy Brother Knights and Sir Knights

Hello, 

I am Paul Johnston, a happily married husband to Cheryl for 35 years, a proud father of

two children, an even prouder grandfather and a Knight of Columbus. We live near Chatham on

my family farm and belong to the Chatham family of parishes. I have been an engaged Knight

for over 32 years and a Sir Knight for 24 of those years. I enjoy mostly being involved in the

youth programs such as the Freethrow and hockey shootout however participate in many more

activities and programs. I have a great sense of pride getting involved with my parish, the

communities I have lived in and with all the members of different Councils and Assemblies. I

can start with a list of my past and present titles, jobs and responsibilities however, they are just

that, titles. My greatest accomplishments revolve around the great Men and Ladies I have met,

having had the opportunity to work along side many of you. My leadership roles in the

organization have allowed me to learn a lot about the Knights of Columbus, our country and

about myself and I am excited for the future. There have been many changes in our order and I

embrace change for the betterment of our organization and the communities we serve. Even

though I have seen members leave, Councils close and Assemblies struggle I also see new

members getting involved in the order. Our ladies and families are welcomed in our activities

and ceremonials. This is awesome. I will close with a few things I enjoy doing when not at

work or at the Knights. I enjoy travelling with my wife (planes, trains, and automobiles),

cycling (Knight Riders) spending time with my grandchildren and working around the farm.

I want to take this moment to thank our Worthy Master Gord Edwards and Lady Cheryl for

their tireless work over the last four years making the 5th Ontario District a strong jurisdiction

in our order. I would be remiss if I did not thank all of my predecessors and Ladies for their

hard work in growing the District to where it is today. I look forward to working with the

Assemblies engaging our members and growing our membership in both the Third Degree and

Fourth Degree. I have served the District as a Marshall under 3 Masters and have enjoyed every

moment of it. I learned a lot about the Fourth Degree and the members of our Assemblies. With

work commitments I will do my best to visit the assembly meetings and social events as time

allows me. I want to get 2 exemplifications planned for the upcoming year so will be calling

upon the Faithful Navigators to host one, hopefully one in the east and one in the west. I will be

setting dates for our semi-annual District meetings that will not conflict with the Diocesan

meetings or any other functions. Effective communication in the Knights of Columbus is key

and it is two way so I will need your continuous feedback so that we can continue to

engage or members and grow the Fourth Degree.

Vivat Jesus.

Fraternally & Patriotically,

SK. Paul Johnston – Master

5th Ontario District 

Cardinal McGuigan Province

519-300-6812

 5th Ontario District Master's Staff

District Treasurer: 

SK. Steve Ilijanich, FDD, PGK, PFN (#2097)

District Secretary: SK. Gord Edwards GK, FDM, FDD, PGK, PFN (#2097)

1 year Trustee: SK. Kevin Belanger DD, PGK, PFN (#0861)

2 year Trustee: SK. Joe Legue FN (#0867)

3 year Trustee: SK Richard Blyth FN (#2097)

Website Administrator:

SK. David Gelinas, State Secretary, FDD, PGK, PFN (#2355)

Former Masters of 5th Ontario District
SK Gord Edwards, GK, FDM, FDD, PGK, PFN (#2097)

SK. R.A. (Reg) Campbell, GK, FDM, FDD, PGK, PFN (#2097)

SK. W. Peter H. Harding, FDM, FDD, PGK, PFN (deceased)

SK. Douglas D. Shwaluk, FDM, FDD, PGK, PFN (#3854)
SK. James L. Farrand, FDM, FDD, PGK, PFN (deceased)
SK. Stanley E. Balakowski, FDM, FDD, PGK, PFN (#2355)
SK. William Tobin, FDM, PFN (#1789)
SK. James H. Houston, OMC, FDM, FDD, PGK, PFN (#0885)
SK. Henry Marentette, FDM, FDD, PGK, PFN (deceased)
SK. Donald Strong, FDM, PFN (deceased)
SK. Jerome P. McNamara, FDM, FDD, PGK, PFN (deceased)

District Marshalls

Marshall of the District

SK. Kevin Belanger, DD, PGK, PFN (#0861) London

Marshalls

SK. Steve Ilijanich, FDD, PGK, PFN (#2097) Windsor/Essex

Exemplification Team

SK. & Deacon Dan O'Connor (Faithful Friar)

SK. Reg Campbell (Expositor of the Laws)

SK. Ted Richardson (Historian)

SK. John P. Semaan (alternate Historian)

SK. Vince Malloy (Defender of the Faith)

SK. Greg Barr (Registrar)

SK. Mark Roehler (Narrator)

SK. David Gelinas (Video Director & Equipment)

SK. Joe Legue (Asst Video Director & Equip Manager)

SK Gord Edwards (Audio Director)

SK. Steve Ilijanich (alternate Audio Director)