H a w a i i a n L o d g e F & A M Under the jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Hawaii Volume 67, No. 2 2nd Quarter—July 2008
Chartered by the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of California, May 1852 to May 1989 Chartered by the Grand Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons of Hawai`i, May 20, 1989. HAWAIIAN L ODGE F. & A.M. 2008 O FFICERS MASTER O RLANDO S. R AGUDOS (E DNA ) R 676 4218 94 1092 N AWELE S T. O 365 6004 WAIPAHU , HI 96797 C 265 2448 ORAGUDOS @HAWAII .RR .COM SENIOR WARDEN ALEXANDER A. E SCASA (R EXIE ) R 625 2179 95 689 M AKAIOLANI S T. O 257 0509 X8404 MILILANI , HI 96789 C 551 6145 ESCASAA 001@ HAWAII .RR .COM JUNIOR WARDEN BERNARD C. B ALDUEZA (C ARMELITA ) R 689 6269 91 896 M AKULE R D. #106 O 471 2405 X5505 EWA B EACH , HI 96706 BERNARD .BALDUEZA @NAVY .MIL TREASURER A LBERTO P. A LARCON (E MELINA ) R 626 9332 P. O. B OX 237 C 722 9791 HONOLULU , HI 96809 0237 FRBERT 808@ YAHOO .COM SECRETARY A NTONIO M. L IGAYA , PM (F É) R 626 8723 95 301 A LA ’O KI P L. O 474 5748 MILILANI , HI 96789 C 479 3144 ANTONIO .LIGAYA @NAVY .MIL CHAPLAIN R ICHARD B. H USTON , PM (K AREN ) R 625 2568 94 439 P APOLOHIWA S T. O 448 1843 MILILANI , HI 96789 C 386 5573 49H USTON @HAWAII .RR .COM SENIOR D EACON RICARTE (R IC ) M. T AYLAN (L OIDA ) R 621 0082 1934 C ALIFORNIA A VE . O 473 800 X4513 WAHIAWA , HI 96786 TAYLAN RM@ PHNSY .NAVY .MIL JUNIOR D EACON JAMES C ORLEY , J R. (R HONDA ) R 595 7124 70 P ALIMALU D R., O 783 6195 HONOLULU , HI 96817 CORLEYJR @HAWAIIANTEL .NET MARSHAL R OLANDO C. R ESURRECCION (J OHNA ) R 689 1657 91 2039 L A’AKONA P L. O 473 8000 X3258 EWA B EACH , HI 96706 REZRETUSN @YAHOO .COM SENIOR S TEWARD JOHN G. A YLETT (C INDY ) R 263 3001 537 U LUHAKU S TREET KAILUA , HI 96734 KEIKIONIAU @YAHOO .COM JUNIOR S TEWARD STEVENSON A. C HAN R (619) 757 3987 1519 N EHOA S T. #A408 O 473 800 X4937 HONOLULU , HI 96822 STEVENSONCHAN @YAHOO .COM ORGANIST M ANUEL T. V ALBUENA (M ARIE ) R 487 1241 98 126 N AHELE S T. O 943 4954 AIEA , HI 96701 C 292 3611 VALBUENAM 001@ HAWAII .RR .COM TILER D AVID N.E. K AOHELAULI , PM 949 7809 P.O. BOX 17592, HONOLULU , HI 96817 H a w a i i a n L o d g e F & A M Under the jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Hawaii Volume 67, No. 2 2nd Quarter—July 2008
Table of Contents List of Lodge Officers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 A Note to the Brethren, WBro. Serafin Colemares, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 From the East, WBro. Orlando S. Ragudos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 From the West, Bro. Alexander A. Escasa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 From the South, Bro. Bernard C. Baldueza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Grand Master’s Address , MWBro. Dennis S. A. Ing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Profile of new Grand Master of Masons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Profiles of Other Grand Lodge Officers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 A Brief History of the Grand Lodge of Hawai`i, MWBro. Dennis Ing . . . . . . . 18 Photo Gallery I: Filipino Fiesta & Parade and 4th of July Celebration. . . . . . . . 20 Feature Articles: • Grand Oration, MWBro. Stuart M. Cowan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 • Walk the Masonic Light, Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno . . . . . . . . . . . 36 • Many Fraternal Groups Grew from Masonic Seed, Barbara Franco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 • Freemasonry in the Community and the Development of Modern Society, RWBro. Tren Cole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 • Reflections on Freemasonry and the Community, Bro. Raymund Ll. Liongson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Photo Gallery II: Degree work; GM visitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 General Interest Articles • How Do Non Masons and Masons Think of Masonry? MWBro. Robert Singer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 • Role of Freemasonry in the 21 st Century, RWBro. A. Gonçalves . . . . 66 • Lodge of Romania, Prof. Mariano Bianca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Masonic Humor & Fun, WBro. Billy Biala and WBro. Tony Ligaya ...... . . . 74 Photo Gallery III: Other Lodge Activities Lodge Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 From the Secretary’s Desk, WBro. Antonio M. Ligaya . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Necrology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Lodge Committees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 AAA loha! Welcome to the second issue of the Cable Tow for this Masonic year. This issue features the new set of officers of the Grand Lodge of Hawaii; I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate MW Dennis Ing on his ascension to the grand oriental chair. The same felicitations go to the other officers of the Grand Lodge. I wish all of them well as they take on the mantle of Grand Lodge leadership. It is of interest to note that a majority of the Grand Lodge officers are members of Hawaiian Lodge, showing once again the primary and important role that Hawaiian Lodge plays in Hawaii Masonry. In addition, it is quite remarkable that all members of the Cable Tow Committee are either officers or committee chair of the Grand Lodge of Hawaii. The theme for this issue is “Freemasonry and the Community.” We selected this theme, not only because it jives well with one of the main thrusts of the new Grand Master, but also because we believe that Freemasonry is rooted and has a very important role to play in the community. After all, Freemasonry aims at develop ing “good men and true” who will become the living stones that make up the edi fice that we call society. There is also a need for Freemasons to be involved in society not only because the fraternity’s growth and membership depends on how it is seen by the community but also because its tenets of brotherly love and relief dictate us to embrace and be in the community. In this issue, we are printing the speech by the Grand Orator who exhorts the Masonic lodges in Hawaii to be more active in the community. Also included is an article which talks about the need for the fraternity to be in the community, another which advances the idea that frater nal groups grew out of the seed of Freemasonry, and another that talks about our sense of community. We also included other articles that are of general interest but nonetheless deal with important issues and lessons in Freemasonry. Lodge matters, as well as pic tures of various lodge activities are also found within. A page on Masonic humor is included which, we hope, will provide us with some light hearted moments. I wish to thank the members of the committee for their continued support and for their tireless efforts in putting together this publication. I wish to give special thanks to Bro. Raymund Liongson of Leeward Lodge who, on account of the sab batical of our lay out artist, WB Dale Palileo, took on the difficult job of preparing the lay out for this issue. We expect to see him become a full fledged member of the Cable Tow committee soon. We hope you will enjoy this issue. Fraternally, BBB rethren, I greet each and every one of you, and wish you a Happy Independence Day! May you find joy in the spirit of freedom and giving. My first six months as the Master of our Lodge have gone by swiftly. I am so fortunate to work with such professional and sincere Brethren, and I am especially grateful for the efforts and enthusiasm of my officers. Yet, we will not rest and must fulfill all needed tasks to keep our Lodge rejuvenated. Needless to say, our conferring of degrees has been relentless, and we continue to embrace the passion for our ritual, with the assistance of our coaches, WB Wilson Camagan and MW Dennis Ing. I look forward to expanding our pro jects in a new direction, as we support the vision of the Grand Lodge for all Lodges to work closely together, and that we increase our involvement in the com munity. Our Lodge had been generously awarding college scholarships each year, but our exposure to the public has been relatively minimal. Participating in pa rades is a step in the right direction, but sometimes it looks like we have marched un noticed in the local media. Let us encourage all the Lodges to work as one in showing the goodness of Masonry to the community. One of the projects I think works well in this re gard is the “Adopt a School” program. This would involve working with one school throughout the year, assisting students or improving their facilities on a continuing basis. However, this can only be possible if we all generously support the mission and work harmoniously together on this endeavor. Our commitment to Masonry and our support of the community, with both our philanthropy and our time, will be surely gratifying in the end. I look forward to your unwavering sup port. Finally, I leave you with this thought: Humility or humbleness is the quality of being courteous and respectful of others. It is the opposite of aggressive ness, arrogance, boastfulness, and vanity. Rather than "Me first," humility allows us to say, "No, you first, my friend. Humility is the quality that lets us go more than halfway to meet the needs and demands of others.
III hope everyone is enjoying the summer in spite of busy schedules at work. For those who are fortunate enough to get away from work and enjoy some summer vacation, may you all have a safe and enjoyable time. Our theme for this issue of the Cable Tow is about “Masonry and the Community.” We as Masons are all involved in so many masonic charities and community services. Our Grandmaster, the Most Worshipful Dennis Ing, included in his Long Range Strategic Plan Initiatives under Five Paddles of Progress, the Community and Public Relations as one of the Five Paddles that will hopefully lead us to the achievement of our Grand Lodge Mission and Vision Statement. There are several charities and community projects that we, as Masons, are involved. Among them is the Shriners Hospitals for crippled and burned chil dren which give free medical care and transportation to children under 18 years of age. Shriners Hospitals are at the head of medical treatment and research in orthopaedic, burn and spinal cord injury care . Another project is the Scottish Rite’s learning program which accepts preschool children who have difficulty speaking or understanding the spoken word, or school age children who have dif ficulty learning to read. The Supreme Council also administers several scholarship programs such as Sovereign Grand Commander's Scholarship, Sam and Millie Hillburn Scholar ship, Public School Administration Scholarship and Shepherd Scholarship. In addition to these, Scottish Rite provides some disaster relief for fire, flood, earth quake, and hurricane victims. Although the works of the Shriners Hospitals and the Scottish Rite are in the bigger scale, we as a Grand Lodge and respective Lodges can also be involved in our own community and in charity in our own small ways. Our Lodge and other lodges, as well as the different concordant bodies, award college scholar ships to deserving students. We also administer the Keiki ID program as well as partnering with the community in Adopt A Higway program, to name a few. These programs, although are small ways of giving back to the community, are a sure way of showing the people that Masons care. Brethren, let us put forth our best efforts to engage ourselves in support ing the community in which we live. We can all work together to build a more gracious and compassionate society by being active in our respective community . Enjoy the rest of the summer and see you all in Lodge! Masons in Service SSS ummer has just arrived and everybody is thinking about summer va cations, the beach or just relaxing, but we as Masons throughout the years have made community service a part of our core of our organization. Masons have nationally, regionally and locally contributed to their com munities in many ways. Masonry has many branches that have special charities that they support. Hawaiian Lodge members support the local Shriners Hospital through fundraising efforts for its transportation fund, scholarships for college students and thousands of other worthy causes. Our Brothers are also actively involved as private citizens in other numerous charitable causes close to their hearts. I know a lot of you are already performing community service; those that don’t may consider participating in one of the many activities in the future. This summer Hawaiian Lodge will be having our Annual Picnic on July 6th at the Shriners Beach Club in Waimanalo. Come and join your fellow mem bers as we celebrate another prosperous year. Let us give thanks to the members and their families and friends that will be preparing another successful gathering. For those who have not been to the Shriners Beach Club, we encourage you to join us and see one of the nicest private beaches which is owned by Aloha Shriners Hawaii. We Masons are very proud of our members’ traditions of helping one another and mankind in general. We hope you will join us in our attempt to make our community a better place to live in and work! Grand Master’s Address MWBro. Dennis Ing (Delivered during the 2008 Installation of officers of the Grand Lodge of Hawai`i, at the Scottish Rite Cathedral on April 19, 2008.)
Monty Glover. They are intelligent, knowledgeable, skillful and enthusias MMM ost Worshipful Sirs, Worshipful tic. We are all friends. We see eye to Sirs, distinguished guests, Brethren, eye on most things. We will work to friends and family, my remarks will be gether as a team to make this Grand brief. Lodge what it should be. In May of next year, we will be cele Our appointed officers are also skilled brating the 20 th anniversary of this and enthusiastic, each chosen because Grand Lodge. Like many other grand he will approach his assignments with jurisdictions, we find ourselves dwin commitment and zeal. All of them will dling in membership and (because serve on important committees, and all members furnish our income) dwin of them have taken their jobs not for dling in funds. honor, but because they are dedicated One of the main reasons we visit other to supporting this Grand Lodge. jurisdictions and the Grand Masters’ One of our primary goals during this Conference is to get a perspective of term will be to finish our long range who we are. Make no mistake about it, strategic plan – an important element we are a small jurisdiction, and, yes, a which our Grand Orator reminded us poor jurisdiction. Sometimes I feel a this morning has been missing from bit embarrassed at how small we are – our organization. The name of our there are Lodges who have more mem plan, the “Five Paddles of Progress”, bers than all of our eleven constituent comes from Washington State’s “Eight Lodges combined. But being small and Pillars of Progress”. But the plan itself poor, makes the job of the Grand Mas will be somewhat different from ter and the Grand Lodge officers that Washington’s, and I assure you that we much more important, and it makes will henceforth not be working on pro our job that much more challenging. jects that belong to “my term” or “my It is indeed time for us to lay aside the year”, but on projects that will be part honors and the accolades – though I of our long range plan, projects that am grateful for this honor and for your may span several terms and several accolades. It is time for us to get down years. to the serious business of properly run The focus of this term will be two ning this Grand Lodge. fold: first, to grow and retain our mem I am pleased to say that you have bership, and second, to endeavor to elected some wonderful teammates for remove the distance between the me – your Deputy Grand Master Marty Grand Lodge and our constituent Alexander, your Sr. Grand Warden Lodges – physically and psychologi Charlie Wegener, and the newest of cally. Next February we will hold what the Pillars, your Jr. Grand Warden I hope will be the largest “Fast Class” ences, in order to equip our Lodges held in Hawaii since 1996, when my with the means to employ modern dad, Bennett Ing, as Grand Master techniques of management, admini introduced the One Day Class to Ha stration, recruitment and retention. We waii. will bring speakers from another juris We also hope to assist our Lodges in diction, and offer participation in the keeping new members interested in California Grand Lodge’s online lead Lodge activities and in retrieving old ership training program. members who may have strayed away Finally, my slogan for this year is “Out from the Lodge. of the Box”. While we must not aban Toward that end, we are planning less don tradition and our ancient usages out of state travel, and more inter and customs, we must begin to think island travel – so that all of our Lodges “out of the box”, to conceive of new – especially our Brethren on neighbor ways to accomplish the difficult tasks islands – can share ideas and pro ahead, and we must be bold enough to grams. One of the try them. The old ways seem not to be first things I intend working as well to do is to make this “While we must not abandon in this fast paced Grand Jurisdiction tradition and our ancient us- world. For exam computer literate. ages and customs, we must ple, I’ve ap We will organize begin to think “out of the pointed eleven and sponsor com box”, to conceive of new ways Inspectors this puter classes for our to accomplish the difficult year – one for Lodges – in internet tasks ahead, and we must be each Lodge – and access, Word and bold enough to try them.” on Oahu they will Excel. First, be rotate every four cause it is time for months. I think all of our Lodges to have a common this will be advantageous both to the database for our members. Second, Inspectors and to the Lodges, who will because the internet has proven to be be able to avail themselves of the ex the greatest source of membership pertise and personality that a particular recruitment. Third, because communi Inspector may have. We will try more cation is the key, and computers enable online communication and conferenc us to communicate easily and fast. ing, and yes, more online publicity. Yes, we must bring our jurisdiction We will try advertising and partnering, into the 21 st Century. and we will take another look at the definition of “recruiting”. We will have a monthly newsletter in addition to our quarterly bulletin, so Our plans are ambitious and challeng that our Lodges will know what the ing. But with your support, the support Grand Master and the Executive Com of our team of elected and appointed mittee are doing, and what they are officers, and with the assistance of our planning to do, what they have spent Great Architect, I am looking forward and what they intend to spend. to a successful outcome. We are on our “Transparency” will be the byword of way. We are “out of the box”. our Grand Lodge. Thank you for your confidence in me, We are planning leadership confer and thank you for all the good wishes you have given me today. Most Worshipful Grand Master DENNIS SAU ART ING Address: P.O. Box 10486, Honolulu, Hawaii 96816 (Phone 537 2556) Born: August 28, 1941 Education Iolani School; Johns Hopkins University (B.A.); University of California Hastings College of Law (J.D.) Occupation: Private law practice (1970 present) concentrating in the areas of business law, probate & estate planning, real estate; owner, president and lecturer for Hawaii Bar Review Course; former deputy prosecuting attorney, City & County of Honolulu (1967 70); former Assistant House Minority Attor ney, State of Hawaii legislature (1972) Community activities: Hawaii Ballet Theatre: general manager and stage manager (1980 present); Member, Board of Governors, World Medicine Institute (Acupuncture School) Masonic activities: Hawaiian Lodge : Past Master 2002; Trustee 2004 present; New Temple Committee representative 2002 present; Youth Groups committee chair; Officer’s Coach 2003 05, 2007 present Schofield Lodge : Member 2006 present Grand Lodge: Grand Master 2008; Jurisprudence Committee 1998 present; Inspector 2003 05 Scottish Rite, Honolulu Valley: KCCH; Past Wise Master, Rose Croix 2004; Officer, Lodge of Perfection 2005 present Honolulu York Rite Bodies: Officer, Red Cross of Constantine 2005 present; Past Master, Council of Cryptic Masons 2005; Past Commander, Commandery of Knights Templar 2006, High Priest, Chapter of Royal Arch Masons 2008 Order of DeMolay: Chair, Advisory Council of Hawaiian Chapter 1998 present; Deputy Executive Officer for Hawaii; Chevalier Degree; Legion of Honor Degree Aloha Shrine: Noble, 2006 present; Shriners Hospital, Honolulu: Board of Governors, Member 2003 present, Secretary 2006 present Family: Wife: Charlys (since 1968); Daughter: Kristin; Mother: Angie Ing, widow of Bennett K. C. Ing, PGM (1996)
Photo with Family
(L R): WBro. Keith Isaacson, PM (Schofield Lodge), Bros. Matthew Rowe (Honolulu Lodge), Roland Resurreccion, Vernon South, MWBro. Dennis Ing (Grand Master), an uni dentified guest, and WBro. Orlando Ragudos during the Grand Lodge's Inaugural Golf Outing on April 20, 2008 at the Navy Marine Golf Course. Right Worshipful MARTY P. ALEXANDER Deputy Grand Master
Initiated: August 26, 1998 Passed: November 4, 1998 Raised: December 1, 1998 Member of Lodge Maui F&AM Member of Maui Scottish Rite Valley of Kahului Member of Aloha Shriners Member of Maui Shrine Club Member of Maui Chapter #5 Order of the Eastern Star Member of Honolulu York Rite Bodies Member of Tranquility Lodge 2000 (GL of Texas) (1st Lodge on the moon) Member of Robert C. Cretney Lodge #420 (Sterlington, LA) (my father's home lodge) Member of Leeward Lodge
1999 Lodge Maui Chaplain then qualified and moved to Sr. Deacon Published Lodge Maui's Trestleboard Published Lodge Maui's Web Site 2000 Jr. Warden of Lodge Maui Published Lodge Maui's Trestleboard Published Lodge Maui's Web Site Lodge Maui Temple Association Board of Directors 2001 Sr. Warden of Lodge Maui Published Lodge Maui's Trestleboard Published Lodge Maui's Web Site Lodge Maui Temple Association Board of Directors Secretary 2002 Worshipful Master of Lodge Maui Published Lodge Maui's Trestleboard Published Lodge Maui's Web Site Lodge Maui Temple Association Board of Directors Secretary & CFO Appointed Warder for Maui Chapter #5 Order of the Eastern Star Lodge Maui Investment Committee 2003 Worshipful Master of Lodge Maui (2nd Term) Published Lodge Maui's Trestleboard Published Lodge Maui's Web Site Warder for Maui Chapter #5 OES (But then served last 6 months as Secretary) Lodge Maui Temple Association Board of Directors Secretary & CFO Lodge Maui Investment Committee Performed duties of Junior Grand Deacon during Grand Lodge Communications Chairman Grand Lodge of Hawaii Electronic Communications Committee Grand Lodge of Hawaii Annual Communications week committee 2004 Lodge Maui Chaplain Published Lodge Maui's Trestleboard Published Lodge Maui's Web Site Lodge Maui Temple Association Board of Directors Treasurer & CFO Lodge Maui Investment Committee Junior Warden of the Maui Scottish Rite (2 yr. term) Warder for Maui Chapter #5 Order of the Eastern Star State Chairman George Washington Masonic National Memorial Assoc. Grand Lodge Neighbor Islands Inspector Performed the duties of Grand Secretary during the Grand Lodge Communications Chairman Grand Lodge of Hawaii Electronic Communications (Web Site) Grand Lodge of Hawaii Annual Communications week committee 2005 Lodge Maui Chaplain Published Lodge Maui's Trestleboard Published Lodge Maui's Web Site Lodge Maui Temple Association Board of Directors Treasurer and CFO Lodge Maui Investment Committee Junior Warden of the Maui Scottish Rite (2 yr. term) Secretary for Maui Chapter #5 Order of the Eastern Star State Chairman George Washington Masonic National Memorial Assoc. Grand Lodge Inspector 2006 McKee Award Recipient Lodge Maui Senior Warden Published Lodge Maui's Trestleboard Published Lodge Maui's Web Site Lodge Maui Temple Association Board of Directors President and CFO Lodge Maui Investment Committee Senior Warden of the Maui Scottish Rite (2 yr. term) Secretary for Maui Chapter #5 Order of the Eastern Star Junior Grand Warden, Grand Lodge of Hawaii Grand Lodge of Hawaii Newsletter Publisher 2007 Published Lodge Maui's Trestleboard Published Lodge Maui's Web Site Lodge Maui Temple Association Board of Directors Treasurer & CFO Lodge Maui Investment Committee Senior Warden of the Maui Scottish Rite (2 Yr. Term) Secretary for Maui Chapter #5 Order of the Eastern Star Senior Grand Warden, Grand Lodge of Hawaii Appointed to Grand Lodge of HI HMC Update Committee Aloha Shriner Membership Committee Ambassador to Lodge Maui 2008 Published Lodge Maui's Trestleboard Published Lodge Maui's Web Site Lodge Maui Investment Committee Deputy Grand Master, Grand Lodge of Hawaii Aloha Shriner Membership Committee Ambassador to Grand Lodge of Hawaii GL Finance Committee Chairman GL Strategic Planning Committee Chairman
“Freemasonry today — more than before — has an important role to play and a goal to reach for itself and for the whole mankind.”
Freemasonry, the Youth, and Community Service The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls and the International Order of DeMolay are youth organizations sponsored by the Masonic Fra- ternity that teach leadership, confidence, and citizenship to young women and men. Right Worshipful CHARLES L. WEGENER JR. Senior Grand Warden
Initiated: Ko’olau Lodge, (April 6, 1996) Passed: Ko’olau Lodge (April 6, 1996) Raised: Ko’olau Lodge (April 6, 1996) Master: Ko’olau Lodge (2001, 2004) Awards: McKee Award, Ko’olau Lodge (2003) Grand Lodge Offices, Boards and Committees: ◦ Inspector, Grand Lodge Hawaii (2003 2007) ◦ Credentials Committee (2002 Present) ◦ Senior Grand Steward (2002) ◦ Junior Grand Warden (2007) ◦ Senior Grand Warden (Present)
Concordant & Appendant Masonic Organizations
• Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite: ◦ KCCH Scottish Rite Valley of Honolulu (2006) ◦ Purveyor, Scottish Rite Valley of Honolulu (1996 Present) • York Rite: ◦ Captain of the Host, Honolulu Chapter #1 (2007) ◦ Excellent High Priest, Honolulu Consul #1 (2007) ◦ Sovereign, Red Cross of Constantine (Present) ◦ Commander, Honolulu Commandery #1 (2003) ◦ York Rite College, Honolulu (2001 Present) • Shrine: ◦ Ringmaster, Aloha Temple Shrine Clowns (2002 2003) ◦ Shrine Clown, Aloha Temple (1997 Present) • Order of the Eastern Star: ◦ Kailua Lanikai No. 9 – Worthy Patron (2007) ◦ Harmony No. 4 (2006 Present) ◦ Leilani No. 8 (Present) Right Worshipful MONTY J. GLOVER Junior Grand Warden
Right Worshipful Monty J. Glover was Raised in Honolulu Lodge March 20th, 2002. Shortly after his raising he was installed as the Sr. Deacon, and in 2005 was installed as Master of the Lodge. He is a very active Ma son being involved with Scottish and York Rites, Aloha Shrine, Red Cross of Constan tine, and the York Rite College where he is currently serving as the Governor of the College. Right Worshipful Glover has Masonry in his blood. Many of his relatives are Masons in cluding his Father, Grand father and several uncles. His Mother is a member of the East ern Star and his Sister is a former Rainbow Girl. At the age of fifteen, he joined the Interna tional Order of DeMolay in Illinois and was active until his family moved to Germany.
Right Worshipful Glover is also active in many committees within the Craft. He has served on the Grand Lodge Jurisprudence Committee, and served as treasurer of the Honolulu temple association for 4 years. He is an affiliated member of Lodge lé Progres Dé l'Oceanie. He has also been honored with the Hiram and McKee awards and the Knight Commander Court of Honor in the Scottish Rite." Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Hawaii
Grand Master The Most Worshipful Dennis S.A. Ing
Deputy Grand Master Right Worshipful Marty P. Alexander
Senior Grand Warden Right Worshipful Charles L. Wegener Jr.
Junior Grand Warden Right Worshipful Monty J. Glover
Grand Treasurer Honorable Russell C. Hook
Grand Secretary Most Woshipful Randy T.S. Chang (PGM)
Grand Lecturer Most Worshipful Donald W. Wilson (PGM)
Grand Chaplain Very Reverend John B. Connell
Grand Orator Worshipful Carl W. Scheer
Grand Marshal Worshipful Wilson S. Camagan
Grand Standard Bearer Worshipful Michael D. Janovsky
Grand Sword Bearer Worshipful Serafin P. Colmenares Jr.
Grand Bible Bearer Worshipful Teofilo P. de Aquino
Senior Grand Deacon Worshipful James A. Willig Jr.
Junior Grand Deacon Worshipful Scott Waracka
Senior Grand Steward Worshipful Orlando S. Ragudos
Junior Grand Steward Honorable Alexander A. Escasa
Grand Historian Honorable Milton Anderson
Grand Organist Honorable Garry Graham
Grand Pursuivant Worshipful Manuel V. Aquino Sr.
Grand Tiler Honorable Charles L. Comeau
Inspectors: WB Oscar Tuano, WB Tony Arruda, MW Walter Hager, WB Roger Walraven, WB Donovan Young, WB Robert Shultz, WB Timothy K.S. Yuen, WB Antonio Ligaya, WB Frank Condello II, WB Richard Huston, and WB Keith N. Isaacson ally issued an edict “prohibiting any activity on the part of Masons in Ha waii in the formation of a Grand Lodge of Hawaii.” by MWBro. Dennis Ing Perhaps in an effort to soften the Grand Master harshness of Heubner’s edict, Califor Grand Lodge of Hawaii nia Grand Master Lester McElwain conducted another poll the following year. A broader sample and more de SSS tailed questions were asked. Still, only hortly after Hawaii achieved state 35% of the membership favored the hood in 1959, there was a movement establishment of our own governing among our local Lodges to form our body. own Grand Lodge. Ever since the early 1900s, all Lodges in Hawaii had Ten years later, the California been part of the Grand Lodge of Cali Grand Lodge proposed that Hawaii fornia and Hawaii. But as a sovereign become a “District Grand Lodge”, still state, Hawaii now fell under the subordinate to California but with its American doctrine of “exclusive juris own government. In 1983 Grand Mas diction”, where each state had its own ter Harry Maynard formed a Special governing Masonic body, its own Committee to conduct a series of six Grand Lodge. meetings with the Masters of the Lodges in Hawaii. His committee con However, the support for our own sisted of California PGMs and two Dis grand body was vocal but small. In trict Inspectors from Hawaii, William 1970 a poll conducted among the local R. McKee and Oswald J. B. Lau. The Lodges indicated that only 7% of the committee’s conclusion was that a Dis membership in Hawaii was in favor of trict Grand Lodge would be unfeasible forming a Hawaii Grand Lodge. And in Hawaii, and they articulated the ma in 1971, to avoid disharmony and agi jor arguments of those in favor and tation in local Masonry, the California against forming our own Grand Lodge: Grand Master, Herbert Huebner, actu Those opposed to our own Grand Lodge thought: (a) it was too expen Grand Lodge. In the following year, sive for our (then) 12 Lodges to sup at the 1988 Annual Communication in port; (b) we would lose our privileges California, then presided over by Leo with respect to the Masonic Homes of Mark (California’s first Chinese Grand California (retirement and nursing care Master), a resolution was adopted ap facilities); (c) we would lose member proving the convening of a Constitu ship of those not living in Hawaii; and tional Convention to form the Grand (d) we needed more time to strengthen Lodge of Hawaii. local Lodges. The convention was held on May Those who wanted our own Grand 20, 1989. Grand Master Stanley Lodge felt: (a) local Lodges could sup Channon came from California to de port a Grand Lodge, and further delay liver our charter, and the first officers would only mean higher costs; (b) our of the Grand Lodge of Hawaii were needs differed from those in California; elected. Thus, “The Most Worshipful (c) Hawaii was then the only state that Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted didn’t have its own Grand Lodge; and Masons of the State of Hawaii” was (d) no one in Hawaii would otherwise created. be able to become Grand Master. At the time, we were one of the Very little resulted from the Spe smallest Masonic jurisdictions, with cial Committee’s report until 1987, four 12 Lodges and slightly under 3,000 years later, when California Grand members. Over the years our mem Master Jack Levitt appointed a special bership has dwindled to about 1,700, committee of the members of the and we now have only 11 Lodges. As Lodges in Hawaii. This committee of 2005, we were the smallest jurisdic conducted yet another poll, in which tion. Only Alaska (2,145) and Utah slightly more than a majority of the (2,070) come close. We have work to members in Hawaii favored our own do.
(Front L-R) MW Dennis Ing, Grandmaster, MW Randy Chang Sr., WBro. Wilson Cama- gan, WBro. Phil de Aquino, WBro. Michael Janovski, (Center L-R) WBro. Carl Scheer, WBro. Jim Willig, WBro. Orly Ragudos, Hon. Bro. Chuck Comeau, WBro. Manny Aquino, (Back L-R) WBro. Jun Colmenares, WBro. Tony Ligaya, WBro. Rick Huston, Hon. Bro. Alex Escasa pose after the Grand Lodge of Hawaii installation of officers. May 10, 2008 Fort de Russy Park to Kapiolani Park
Freemasons join the members of the Philippine Celebrations Coordinating Committee (PCCCH) as they depict on a float the roles of significant characters in the Philippine Re form and Revolutionary movements who were themselves freemasons. L R: Maggie Do mingo, Bro. Alex Escasa (Apolinario Mabini), WBro. Frank Condelo (Marcelo H. del Pilar), WBro. Antonio Ligaya (Dr. Jose Rizal), Edna Alikpala, Connie Ramires, WBro. Orlando Ragudos (Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo). Seated: Jo Maria Farina and Larry Ramirez (Andres Bonifacio).
Hawaiian Lodge Master WBro. Orlando Ragudos pose with the community cast of one of the Philippine Independence Day Parade floats. Brethren from the different lodges in Hawaii assemble at Fort deRussy Park for the parade. Above, Leeward Lodge unfurls its banner ready to troop the one mile Kalakaua festival parade.
Bro. Joe Rosales, MWBro. Dennis Ing, RWBro. Monty Glover, and Bro. Roland Resurreccion standby as the parade prepares to start. In the background are youth participants to the colorful Ati atihan.
Working Together for the Community! Masons (above) and Masonic youth groups (below) proudly take part in the July 4, 2008 parade at Kailua which started at Kainalu Elementary School, continuing on Kainalu Drive to Kailua District Park.
Opposite page : Against azure sky and impressive mountain, Bros. Stefan Sabel, John Aylett and Roland Resurreccion lead the Hawaiian Lodge with its banner. The Masonic Commitment. (Seated L R) Bro. Fred Cabansag, Bro. Alex Escasa, WBro. Billy Biala; (Standing) Bro. Gildo Soriano, Bro. Don Alva rado. Right side of vehicle: Bro. Rudy Cabalar, Bro. Mi chael Soriano, Bro. Vic Reyes, Bro. Manny Quodala, WBro Ben Malajito, Bro. Bernie Baldueza. Inside vehicle: Bro. Gerry Mateo and Bro. Albert Alvarez.
Aloha Shriners Provost Guard Unit in their familiar fez and vest await the start of the 4th of July parade.
MWBro. Dennis Ing, Hawai`i Grand Master (third from right), join the brethren from Leeward Lodge as they catch the breeze under a tree canopy. WBro. Manuel Aquino, Master of Leeward Lodge, stands fourth from left. by MWBro. Stuart M. Cowan, PGM (Delivered during the Annual Communication of the M. W. Grand Lodge of Hawai`i, at the Scottish Rite Cathedral on April 19, 2008. ) make your own decisions and judg ments. You are today as in 1998, at MMM ost Worshipful, Right Wor liberty to ignore my comments, or shipful, Worshipful Sirs, Brethren you may alter the direction of this all: Grand Lodge from that of these ten years last past. I am hopeful RW It is not often one is given the op Bro. Dennis can effect needed portunity to make predictions and change, as I still believe you can ten years later determine their accu accomplish a great deal if you want racy. Today, I have a chance to to do so. compare my January, 1998 observa tions on the state of the Craft to the Some may remember my 1997 ref present, to see if we have pro erence to the credo of Walt Disney: gressed. Unfortunately, we have “All your dreams can come true, if not, at least not in the right direc only you have the courage to pursue tion. IF information conveyed to them”. I’m not sure we still have me regarding our present condition “the dream”, however, as we con is accurate, given what I am about to tinue down the same inauspicious say, the title of this Grand Oration path, 1996 1997 being a blip in the might well be that bumper sticker road earlier traveled. We approach we saw around town ten years or so that fifteenth year dangerously near ago: “Hawaii Masons Care”. . . with demise as portended ten years ago. the epilogue: “But Not Very Much”. I had hoped we would have learned from experiences in this and other My January, 1998 Grand Master’s jurisdictions so to change the hand report was my evaluation of the writing on the wall. We have not. state of Hawaii Masonry then. Hawaii Masonry, with all too few While I believed we had made some exceptions, still suffers from a ter progress since our founding in 1989, minal case of apathy complicated by I noted WE HAD A LONG WAY lingering Polynesian Paralysis. TO GO if Hawaii Masonry was to survive into the Third Millennium. Experiments which work in other And Brethren, I have never been in jurisdictions fail here for lack of the habit of telling you what you implementation and execution. want to hear. I tell it like it is! You Programs we began but did not complete were well received and Lodge Banquet. And now we have implemented outside Hawaii. We worked our way back to Scottish have not profited from our mistakes Rite Cathedral, a locale which our and the experiences of related or then public relations lady, Lisa ganizations. Our individual and Josephsson called: the Haunted collective egos seem always to House on the Hill, seriously dimin impede progress: “It wasn’t my ishing our “public presence” and idea so why do it! If I don’t get the community persona. credit, it’s a lousy idea.” I iterate George Santayana’s 1905 quote: "Those who cannot remember YOUTH GROUPS: Our 1997 the past are condemned to repeat Communication closed memorably it ". On the table there, are exam with our Rainbow girls treating us ples of and references to, a number to their Lord’s Prayer Hula and of programs we tried here, but Job’s Daughters their Closing abandoned. So there are a number Cross. If you’d like to view that of areas here to cover, beginning event, it’s on DVD on the table. with: I’m certain you’d enjoy it. Our Kids brought tears to the eyes of PUBLIC IMAGE : In January, more than one visitor. But with 1997 under the leadership of one exception, we have not sup MWBro. Bennett Ing, our incom ported our Youth Groups these ten ing Grand Master’s dad, we opened years last past. Job’s Daughters are Grand Lodge in the Monarch Room GONE; Rainbow Grand Assembly of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel host is smaller every year, Masons con ing a record number of visitors spicuous by their absence. On the from sister jurisdictions: 9 sitting bright side, thanks to incoming Grand Masters; 30 jurisdictions Grand Master Dennis and a few attending, a delegacy of which any others equally dedicated, we have a Grand Lodge would be proud. DeMolay Chapter, Masonic assis MWBro. Bennett moved Freema tance still sorely lacking to support sonry out of lodge buildings into those kids. public view for the first time in our short history. This, plus our meet COMMUNICATIONS: Our Ha ing in early January, a time of year waii Masonic Family Council when those from colder climes lasted one year before going the liked Hawaiian sunshine, produced way of all good things. From a visitors from whom we could draw first well attended meeting knowledge and ideas. For reasons (including Neighbor Island lodges unknown, we moved that prime by teleconference), attendance date and learning opportunity to dwindled. By December, 1997, April or May, depending on vaga there were no attendees from Oahu ries of calendaring, a method which Lodges, Shrine, Youth Groups or has worked to our detriment. I do Concordant Bodies, save for Ill. note that this year, we managed to Bro. Pete Holsomback There were squeeze it in before Passover, but I more Grand Lodge Officers attend suspect some may be attending ing than members. By 1999, even their Seder tonight vice the Grand the parade banner proclaiming “The Family of Freemasonry in gram. I wish you better success. If Hawaii” disappeared. That experi communication in Hawaii is any ment to bring us together as a Ma indicator, it is unlikely those repre sonic Family to a common purpose sentatives, whoever they are, have is considered a failure as was the done much communicating with Grand Lodge Newsletter, which anyone. It is amazing that we who also died abornin’, along with the purport to guide our youngsters do Grand Lodge Master Calendar. not follow their lead. If you’ve There are all too few means of ever attended a Rainbow Grand communication amongst our mem Session, please note they appoint bers, though please note that those representatives to sister Assemblies bodies reaching their members and as part of their Agenda, read through a newsletter do much bet reports on their contacts with their ter in membership and attendance sister Assemblies. Amazingly sim than those that don’t. Draw your ple! own conclusions. Admittedly, there is an “every now and then” MEMBERSHIP: The major prob virtual newsletter which RWBro. lem confronting our Fraternity is Marty Alexander sends from Maui. loss of membership. From our We shall see if that serves the pur number of maybe 2,700 in 1998, pose. Given the aging of our Fra we presently have perhaps 1,600. ternity, maybe not, but hopefully Brethren, I have been on the COG so. And I tried to enter what is MINA Masonic Renewal Commit supposed to be the Grand Lodge tee since 1998, attended most meet “website”. Wasn’t available last ings and have TRIED to bring to Monday. Incidentally, since this Hawaii membership tools used Oration was first drafted, I received successfully in other jurisdictions. a copy of Shriners Making It Hap- These have, without exception, pen newsletter, the lead story enti been ignored in favor of “We’re tled: “TEAM Membership” Unites Hawai`i . . . we do it Our Way”. All Masonic Family Organizations So be it! But we have proven con In Illinois”. Copy on the table . It’s clusively these past ten years, that commended to your reading as Our Way, doesn’t work. Grand Lodge of Illinois, in 2008, has now begun, what Grand Lodge MASONIC MENTORING & of Hawaii started in 1997 . . . and EDUCATION: We have failed abandoned in 1998. ‘Nuff said”. utterly in Masonic Education and mentoring, particularly educating In 1997, we tried to revitalize the new Masons. Notwithstanding Grand Representative program to sources of available materials, communicate with other Jurisdic some on the table, we have no, tions. Then as now, we could not repeat NO, Masonic education or determine the identity of represen mentoring programs. Ritual work, tatives or ascertain what they did. from time to time, yes. Explana Ten years later we are still trying to tion and inspiration, NO! If any solve that very same problem so to education is begun for new mem re establish that very same pro bers we do enlist, they are usually abandoned to their own learning skills, thus not becoming involved age in the in Masonry. Result: they lose in Honolulu Star- terest, do not come to Lodge, and Bulletin last do not advance in Masonry. We month dealing then recycle past masters and offi with Sithan cers, sometimes even to open Leam. L’ Pro Lodge. This does not bode well for gres and Pearl Hawaii Masonry. I remember for Harbor con instance, inviting Ill. Bros. Jim tributed thou Tresner and Bob Davis to Hawaii sands of dol to put on an education seminar, lars and much including their famous and inspir effort to bring ing “Visit with General Albert that young Pike”. Their DVD is on the table. lady from It would have cost two air tickets Cambodia to from Oklahoma. Neither Grand Honolulu for Sithan Leam Lodge nor our Blue Lodges could treatment at Shrine Hospital. The make the time, or they were not media, without our input from a interested. MWBro Bob Conley’s professional, attributed that gener presentation on the Millennial Gen osity to the “charity of Medicorps eration and Masonry was likewise and its Star Bulletin readers”. Even rejected. And have we held a Mas giving credit to Shrine Hospital for ters & Wardens seminar in the last her treatment, the Masonic Frater 9 years? nity was nowhere to be found or credited. And not one Shrine fez COMMUNITY RELATIONS: was in evidence in any media im Brethren, one highly successful and age surrounding this young lady, proven means to counter member proving again our Fraternity is not ship losses is to become involved knowledgeable of or connected in community projects that the with, public relations. Such schol community may know who we are arship programs with which Ma and what we do. In 1997, Grand sonry has been involved are not Lodge retained a professional pub publicized in any manner of which lic relations consultant, Elissa Jo I am aware: again, loss of Masonic sephsohn. She assisted us when we recognition. did things in the community, chari table and youth activities, scholar In 1997, I was privileged to address ships, cornerstones, and the like. the 62 Grand Masters of COG She was terminated in 1998. A MINA on the subject of Masonic couple of years ago, l’Progres and Public Awareness. They were par Pearl Harbor Lodges retained Bill ticularly receptive to our then exis Bigelow to perform public relations tent public relations program with services. He put us on radio, TV Ms. Josephsson to the extent that and in the newspapers. Then he Grand Lodge of California adopted too, went the way of all good it. We then promptly abandoned it. things, and our publicity tanked, COGMINA was intrigued with the again. Witness if you would, on community charities we supported: the table, full four pages of cover the Hawaii Family Support Cen ter (and later the USS Missouri) , Masonic Organ Donor Program we some Grand Masters seeing these brought over from Grand Lodge of as effective and realistic means to Tennessee. That program put that counter membership loss. Our sup Grand Lodge on the national map. port for HFSC died after 1998 as It was proclaimed AND adopted, at did our community recognition our request, by the City & County from same. Some of the kids we of Honolulu in the Mayor’s office supported, are “on the table”. in 2001. It never got off the ground Other programs of/by our Grand in our Lodges. And if we do award Lodge faded gradually into limbo, scholarships or other awards, save including our Public Schools and for recipients, their families and Constitution Observance programs, teachers, Masonic attendance is at least in the last four to six years. uniformly dismal. Public Schools Even Honolulu Lodge’s support for Week gets even less Masonic and the latter at the Maritime Museum/ community notice. I’ve seen noth Falls of Clyde died its own slow ing from Grand Lodge recently of death for lack of Grand Lodge and any such promotion nor for that Masonic support. Lodge Members matter, any Grand Lodge Procla and officers stayed away in droves mation for these events in recent and did not invite their friends and years. WBro Bob Dietrich of Kona neighbors either. So we wound up Lodge once said of their school with lots of Japanese tourists at program: students outnumber Ma tracted by the sounds of the Pipes sonic attendees by four to one. & Drums. Sound familiar? Ten years ago, there existed a cou We managed a well attended Third ple of worthy charitable programs Degree on board USS Missouri in in Hawaii which had been noted by October, 2001, raising five new Grand Lodges around the country. Brothers. Many mainland jurisdic First among those was the Keiki tions and Masonic Bodies sup Saks program founded by Marge ported our Battleship, given its Shoppach and friends. This pro Masonic history. Look if you will gram garnered us great community at the Masonic groups on its donor public relations and media cover boards. Its sister ship in Camden, age. Few members of the Craft NJ was adopted by Grand Lodge of were familiar with it and so did not New Jersey. It is now home to support it. It required little effort to USS New Jersey Masonic Lodge, collect items homeless kids could proving highly successful. Not use or drop by Makiki Temple withstanding some on Missouri’s some Thursday to help the ladies Executive Board who were mem package materials to distribute to bers of our Lodges, we let that pro deprived kids of our communities. gram and its Masonic recognition, Very few did. When’s the last time for lack of a better word, “lapse”. you heard of this program? Maybe if it’s not too late to ask, Leeward Lodge might find a home I referred earlier to Grand Lodge of on Mighty Mo! Hawaii’s principal public relations I don’t know what became of our event: The Hawaii Family Support Center. After supporting and pub program. As an endnote, thanks to licizing this program for some three two brothers, we did host Thanks years, still very few brethren still giving Dinner for Support Center had any idea what it was, what it families where some eighty under did, or how we supported it, not privileged of our community had withstanding it was underwritten one Great Meal at Makiki Temple, by the State of Hawaii and Bro. Bob Austin cooking, WBro. Kapi’olani Hospital. It identified Jim Davis providing the food. families at risk, saving them from Unlikely though it seems, we even a slide into drugs and family abuse. received an application for the de That program was recognized na grees at the dinner. The Support tionwide as a Primo Center program was the best Ma program with its 99.7% success sonic public relations effort to come rate in preventing child abuse. down the pike in decades, it cost Many of our sister Grand Lodges Hawaii Masonry nothing to be in spent hundreds of thousands of volved, but it was distressing to dollars a year on programs to iden attend four graduation ceremonies tify and control problems AFTER of the kids and families from the kids got involved in the drug/abuse program with a Masonic attendance cycle. For a couple of years, less than ten at ALL four graduation maybe through mid 1999, we ac ceremonies, inclusive. And so our complished better results with our involvement, with its concomitant preventative program. And it cost public relations and our charitable us nothing, zero! Kapi’olani Hos persona, “ended”. Finis! pital termed our Grand Lodge and Hawaii Masons its: “Partners in As a result of our association with Prevention”. And we did not need that charity, we were invited to to spend huge sums of money on dedicate the Support Center Build treatment foundations and teacher ing in Kahala, one of the very few training centers. We supported it cornerstone and/or dedication cere by attending their graduations and monies this Grand Lodge has ever helping acquire donated goods and done. See the table. But again, services for its Celebrity Auction. Masons were conspicuous by their But after a great start in 1996 1999, absence. The bright side of that Grand Lodge of Hawaii ignored the ceremony was the participation of program, Masonic help became the Royal Order of Kamehameha I dismal to say the least, and it died . with us for the first time in 95 years. . . and with it, our largest and best As a result, we initiated, passed and public service and public relations raised five members of that Order, event. But thanks to the efforts of a including its Grand Master, into very, very few, some not even Hawaiian lodges. Again, that asso members of our Fraternity, and ciation passed from view. Masonic with contributions and assistance mentoring, education and interest, from perhaps twenty Grand Juris anyone? The abandonment of that dictions on the mainland, Freema Support Center program worked to sonry got high community marks the detriment of its kids and fami for raising over $185,000.00 for the lies, but more distressingly, to our selves! Another note: we did not avail our waii was at the forefront in adopt selves of a Masonic booth in Ala ing it, our CHIP lasted about four Moana Center, joining the Ameri years (during which term we even can Cancer Society’s Christmas displaced the Police Department’s program, this though we had tried program), ID’ing maybe ten thou unsuccessfully to get Masonry into sand youngsters. Ala Moana Center for years. That Then our apathy one public awareness program norm set in and would have netted untold Masonic the CHIP pro public exposure, opportunity to gram, like all bring our message to the public and others which garner new candidates for our Fra have gone that ternity. way before, has a bleak We could not get a manning level future to fulfill our obligation, so we UNLESS Hawaii “passed”. We seek those “photo Masons get on board and revitalize ops” for years, but turn them down same. We are not now even listed because we will not get involved. as one of twenty Masonic jurisdic We are too introspective and are tions running a CHIP program (see missing the last boat. The only Georgia’s website at ones suffering are ourselves. The www.gachip.org) , most likely be world goes on, with us or without cause it was not then, is not now, us. nor has it ever been, a Grand Lodge About six years ago, yet another of Hawaii program, being operated great opportunity came down the solely by one subordinate Lodge. road...CHIP or Child ID Program. Rejuvenation of same in Hawaii? Grand Lodge of Hawaii passed on At the present juncture, present it, but Pearl Harbor Lodge picked it mindset, doubtful. And by the up and successfully pursued it, with way, whatever happened to Grand Grand Lodge’s blessing but with Lodge of Hawaii’s involvement in out its support, financial or other and support of the Masonic Service wise. That program with our new Association, the National Masonic PR guy Bill Bigelow’s assistance Foundation for Children, the Na and contacts, got Pearl Harbor tional Anthem Project, the Veterans Lodge into all the Long’s Drug Hospital Visitation Program and Stores on Oahu including, all its the George Washington National weekly advertising, Ala Moana, Memorial, all supported by most ,if Pearlridge and Windward Mall not all, COGMINA members? Shopping Centers, HIC, and many Haven’t heard much about any of military facilities. The Child ID them locally in recent years. program is the rage in many mainland jurisdictions, used very On November 14, 1997, Grand successfully as a community ser Lodge Chaired King David vice and a membership tool. It is Kalakaua’s Birthday Celebration usually identified as “Masonic those earlier involved having CHIP program”. But although Ha dropped out leaving the program in limbo. The highlight that year was the return to Hawaii of King lasted a couple of years and folded David’s Masonic Sword from the for lack of interest. Waikiki Lodge House of the Temple in Washing is no more, consolidated with ton which led later to a superlative Lodge l’Progres. Schofield Lodge relationship with and cooperation struggles. Pearl Harbor cannot fill between Lodge l’Progres and Iolani its chairs even with recycled offi Palace. This remains the only pres cers. Leeward has no home. ently existent Masonic interaction Renovation or replacement of Ma with our community. If there’s kiki Temple has been in the something else out there, tell me “planning stage” for maybe thirty about it. The return of his Sword years, maybe more. The Ladies for his 161 st Birthday was a three room is still, politely, a “mess”. It week major media event. That is in limbo, not for lack of funding, Sword and now King Kalakaua’s but for lack of cooperation amongst Working Tools and Masonic Rega the interested parties so that project lia occupy their place of Honor, has progressed little if at all. I am with appropriate Masonic recogni unaware of conditions in Neighbor tion, at Iolani Palace, where Lodge Island Lodges. I suspect they have l’Progres, not Grand Lodge of Ha similar problems. waii, established finally, after al most 120 years, the Masonic rela In an effort to move Hawaii Ma tionship to sonry for the Royal “If you do not care who gets ward into Family, the New including the credit, you get a lot Millen Masonic accomplished.” nium, we Plaques on sent the his statue with the blessing of City Flags of USS ARIZONA and USS and County of Honolulu. See table BOWFIN, on the table, around the again. In other words, l’Progres country. They flew in every State, took “Carpe Diem” to heart, but returned to Hawaii to open the even at its recent Iolani Palace 1999 Grand Masters Conference, functions, there is little interest or the Millennium of Understanding, representation outside of the Lodge on USS Missouri. They were a itself. l’Progres took our ritual to wonderful public relations tool in a heart: “Ask and ye shall receive, number of the states when they seek and ye shall find, knock and it were flown. They have flown over shall be opened unto you!” Sound Maryland’s Fort McHenry and familiar? If you are interested in a from ARIZONA’s mainmast in history of Hawaii Freemasonry vis Phoenix, all with appropriate credit a vis Hawaiian Royalty, you might to Grand Lodge of Hawaii. The review the presentation I was privi videos of some public ceremonies leged to make to Grand Lodge of in Texas in 2005. Never been asked Vermont, Maine and South Caro to do it here. lina were particularly moving and uniting. And as planned, in 1999, We constituted Daylight Lodge. It under auspices of Grand Lodge of Lodge in par ticular. Brethren, we have a great Masonic His tory in this State. We are the only juris diction in the U.S., maybe the world, with Royalty exchanging the Scepter for the Hawaii, the Conference of Grand Trowel, thus to Masters and Secretaries opened on sit as members, sometimes Mas USS Missouri in February, 1999. ters, of our Lodges. We have the Hawaii Masons stayed away in only Palace in the country, its Cor droves and we couldn’t be bothered nerstone laid by royalty, with Ma even to present those Flags (on the sonic Working Tools we still use in table brethren) to the Conference. ceremonials. We do not take ad They will ultimately find their vantage of these assets. Don’t ask home on USS Missouri. me why it is so difficult to interest us in these and other historic Then, I note it only took 7 years events, although these are our life and a lot of “gaveling down” of this blood, our link to our Past and our speaker, to get all our Prince Hall Future. Brethren, the Lord helps Brethren recognized by this juris them that helps themselves. We diction.... form over substance need to help ourselves, a lot ! We again. While that was FINALLY need to get egos out of Hawaii Ma accomplished, I haven’t seen a lot sonry because they impede all pro of visitation or interaction between gress. It has been said by others Grand Lodge of Hawaii and Prince wiser than I that if you do not care Hall Grand Lodge of Hawaii, or who gets the credit, you get a lot California for that matter. I ask, accomplished. Ill. Bro. Ron Seales why not? So much to do. So little in one of his first addresses to the time. Craft after assuming the office of Sovereign Grand Commander iter And do we still do the Mason of ated that proposition. I also sug the Year program. If not, why not? gest to you, my Brethren: stop wor This gives well deserved credit to rying about who gets the credit. that Brother whose actions and Move this Grand Lodge and Ha conduct over the year contributed waii Masonry forward. Opportuni most to the advancement of Ma ties abound. Take advantage of sonry in general and the preserva them! Get the job done! Your tion and promotion of this Grand future depends on it! And finally Brethren, (don’t you await that word with baited breath) I said in 1998 that no one com “ plained about the activities (or more appropriately inactivity) of Move this this Grand Lodge. I noted then, unfortunately still applicable today, the words of Brother Will Rogers Grand Lodge about Calvin Coolidge’s tenure in the White House: “He didn’t do nothin’ but that’s what we wanted done”. This seems our hallmark. and Hawaii If nothing else, perhaps this oration may, just may, help move you to action. I hope so. Masonry And lastly, you may be wondering why the computer and movie screen. The explanation: I was chatting with MW and Illustrious forward. Brother Dave Bedwell, PGM of Michigan and past chair of COG MINA’s Masonic Renewal Com Opportunities mittee. He referred to a web site containing a brief video entitled: “Walk the Talk”. I saw the video, bought the small book of that title abound. and the video which went along with (on the table). I show it to you now and hope with all my heart that you take its words and Take advantage message to your hearts and minds. It is the only way you will save this jurisdiction from oblivion in the of them! next few years. Actions speak louder than words: “WALK THE TALK”!!! my Brothers. Get the job And my motto the past ten years: “Are We Having Fun Yet”??? Thank you for your attention! I sincerely hope I have not offended done! any of you. If so, please accept my apologies. Aloha and Mahalo. ” “. . . there is no universal institution, outside of organized churches, that has invested so much of its time and talent searching for the Light than the Masonic fraternity.”
apron to remind us of the never en- during argument for nobler deeds, MMM y message to you is a short higher thoughts and greater one: walk the Light of Masonry . It achievements. In other words, we may be short, but throughout the were reminded of the need to be ages, Masonic scholars have exca- illumined by the Great Light of Ma- vated its esoteric dimensions and sonry, the Holy Scripture in our have yet to exhaust the range of its worldly words and deeds. latitude and longitude. Without fear- ing any contradiction, I say that Again, we should recall the drama there is no universal institution, out- of Hiram Abiff. That drama es- side of organized churches, that pouses lessons that can be the has invested so much of its time subject of open ended expositions and talent searching for the Light in our lifetime. Let me, however, than the Masonic fraternity. To be just select one shred of its rich fibre sure, as we travel through life, as in relation to my message, walk the we complete our pilgrimage in this Light. The drama of Hiram Abiff tells planet, we shall endlessly be preoc- us how we lost the Light; it identifies cupied with the need to walk the to us the causes of darkness in our Light. For a moment, allow me life. This is all succinctly explained therefore to revisit with you the by a Masonic scholar, viz: This trag- world of Masonry. When we edy of Hiram Abiff... is not the re- knocked at the door of Masonry, we cord of any vulgar, brutal murder of were seized by one overwhelming an individual man. It is a parable of desire - the desire to be brought cosmic and universal loss; an alle- from darkness to Light. Thus, we gory of the breakdown of a divine were pointedly asked the question: scheme. We are dealing with no Being in a condition of darkness, calamity that occurred during the what do you most desire? To that erection of a building in an eastern question, our one word answer is city, but with a moral disaster to 'Light.' In a most unforgettable fash- universal humanity. Hiram is slain; ion, we were then shown the Light in other words, the faculty of by which Masons work — the Great enlightened wisdom has been cut Light, the Holy Scripture. And we off from us. It is not the death of the were presented with the lamb skin human body that is alluded to here. It is the death of the personality, of ticement of property and the safety the self-centered ego, before the of indifferentism. Dr. Margaret Spiritual Self can be born. This Mead, a famous anthropologist secret of spiritual birth is known to and author bewailed modern man's antiquity. Paul, the Apostle wrote: 'I switch of emphasis to pleasure, die daily ... Thou fool, that which power and property. She observed thou sowest is not made alive, ex- that in the old days, people part by cept it die.' (1Cor. 15:31, 36). bidding each other Good Be which is the short form of God be with In fine, Masonry teaches us that you. Today, she observed, we part man is a different creature; that he by advising each other to 'take it has a higher nature; that created in easy.' A minister was correct in the image of God, he has a divine saying the modern devil no longer aspect; that he has the capacity to says God is Dead for that is an develop this higher nature. Above indefensible proposition but in- all, that he can attain this objective, stead says God is not yet coming, but only with the help of the there is plenty of time and take it GAOTU. Our hope, therefore does easy. not lie in ourselves, however wise we are; it does not Masonry further lie in institutions, “Our hope lies above us; tells us that the however venerable struggle to walk they are. Our hope it lies in the letter G.” the Light is a long lies above us; it lies unending struggle in the letter G. Again, this explains and demands extreme endurance. why the first qualification of a ma- By no means is it an easy struggle, son is belief in God. And as a man for we are advised to fight life's of the cloth pointed out, belief pre- vices with virtue; we are asked to supposes we have to listen to God, engage evil in actual battles and I remember one story about Joan not to retreat in the barracks of life. of Arc, the patron saint of France. To walk is to move, to act; hence, Joan of Arc often said that it is God you cannot walk the Light by inac- who tells her what to do. Once she tion. was asked in an interview why she claims God only talks to her. She Inaction. Let me submit that this is said: 'Your question is wrong. God the one word that describes what talks to all of us but it is only I who has plagued Philippine Masonry listen.' Come to think how perti- since the last half of the 20th cen- nent the legend of Hiram Abiff is to tury. The question that has incon- our lives today. Is it not true that venienced the fraternity is why it men (masons not excluded) falter appears to have lost its luster. For in following the Light because they quite sadly, Masonry appears to have become indifferent to the de- have ceased to be a continuing mands for them to develop their source of heroes, after masons higher nature and so they succumb spearheaded the revolution of either to the seduction of pleasure, 1898 against Spain that gave us the allurement of power, the en- our political independence. Quite understandably, our people have whose empires are run by relent- developed an ennui on our claim to less greed? Where is the sover- greatness that has already been eignty of the people when govern- embalmed by time and of interest ment barters away their interest in only to historians of the old world. favor of foreign states and their Whether we like it or not, we have multinationals? A people that is to demonstrate that Masonry has poor, a people that is mired in pov- more than anthropological value. erty, a people that lives day to day And I respectfully submit that Ma- on a begging bowl will never be a sonry today carries the good po- free people. The strongest chain tential to produce leaders who can that manacles the hands of a peo- handhold our people to a new ren- ple, the biggest prison house in the aissance, a rebirth based on the world, is poverty. If I relate all Masonic principles of truths, jus- these, it is to lift the blinders in our tice, equality and charity. Unques- eyes that hides the ugly reality that tionably, our country is beset by a the Filipino today need to be freed variety of prob- --freed from home lems more seri- “Masonry today carries the grown oppressors ous than those and freed from the which con- good potential to produce assaults of foreign fronted it during leaders who can handhold our interest, especially the times of people to a new renaissance, a assaults directed at Rizal and Boni- his breadbasket. facio. Time con- rebirth based on the Masonic strains a more principles of truths, justice, In fine, if Masonry is authoritative equality and charity. “ losing its relevance in discussion of our country, it is not these problems that have reduced because its teachings are irrele- us to be a basket case in Asia. But vant for concededly, its teachings in simplistic terms, let us not de- are timeless. If Masonry is losing lude ourselves in the romanticism its appeal to our people, it is not that our people now live in com- because it has run out of battles to plete freedom. The truth that hurts fight for them, for these battles is that the so called sovereignty of have widened into wars. If Filipino our people is no more than a paper Masonry appears to be destined to sovereignty. It is a sovereignty writ- the dustbin of history, it is because, ten in the Constitution but not unlike the Rizals and the Boni- rooted in reality. For where is the facios, today's Masons have not sovereignty of the people when its matched their Masonic beliefs with elections of public officials are far- Masonic behaviour. The Holy cical? Where is the sovereignty of Scriptures tell us that faith without the people when they are ruled by action is dead. So it is with Ma- dynasties of politicians who are sonry, for Masonry in theory is fine worse than the medieval mon- but Masonry in practice is Masonry archs? Where is the sovereignty of in its finest. the people when they are con- trolled by vested business interest A pleasant evening to all. III n 1831, when the young French man Alexis de Touqueville toured the United States, he already noted a national characteristic for forming organizations. "Americans of all ages, all conditions, in all disposi tions," he tells us, "constantly form associations. If it is proposed to in culcate some truth or to foster some feeling by the encouragement of a great example, they form a society." Toqueville was fascinated by the American experi ment with democracy and suspected a close relation ship between the voluntary associations he observed and the system of democratic government. In "Democracy in America", he states: Thus, the most democratic country on the face of the year is that in which men have, in our time, carried to the highest perfection the act of pursuing in common the object to their common desires and have applied this new science to the greatest number of purposes. Is this the result of accident, or is there in reality any necessary connection between the principle of association and that of equality? An astute observer, Toqueville recognized that asso ciations played an important role in American soci ety of the 1830's. From volunteer fire companies to temperance organizations, from historical societies to college fraternities, Americans have continued to form associations to accomplish common goals and to share common experiences. Among thousands of organizations, none have been more responsive to changing needs and concerns than the large number of fraternal societies that date from the 18th century to the present offering members fellowship, mutual aid, self improvement, and shared values. Since it opened in 1975, the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum of our National Heritage has been collect ing artifacts and written materials dealing with the history of Freemasonry and other fraternal organiza tions. Although the museum's main among members. Regalia provides focus remains American history, a fantasy and drama; the lodge provides panel of museum directors and promi fellowship; and death and sickness nent historians who convened for a benefits offered a sense of security planning symposium in 1978 urged prior to Social Security, pension plans, the museum to concentrate its collec and medical and life insurance. tions and research on the subject of fraternal organizations in America. Freemasonry, the earliest of the frater They felt that the subject was impor nal organizations established in Amer tant and one that had been neglected ica was transported from England in by museums and scholars. the 1730's as a philosophical society associated with the liberal ideas of the The research and collecting that has Enlightenment, yet steeped in the an taken place over the past ten years has cient tradition of the stonemasons' confirmed Toqueville's opinion that guilds. Early lodges in America and "nothing...is more deserving, attention England met in taverns or private than the intellectual and moral asso homes. Good fellowship and strong ciations of America.... In the democ spirits often accompanied the philoso ratic countries the science of associa phical discussions of new ideas while tion is the mother of science; the Pro the rituals were designed to educate gress of all the rest depends upon the and improve moral virtues. The sym progress it has made." bols of Freemasonry were drawn from At the time of Toqueville's visit, fra a wide variety of 18th century sources ternal organizations were already a that included stonemasons' tools, clas 100 year old tradition in America. sical architecture, the beehive of in Beginning in the 1730's with the estab dustry, the anchor of hope, mourning lishment of lodges of Freemasons in symbols, and heraldry. Philadelphia and Boston, fraternal An account book of a Philadelphia organizations took root and prospered Lodge, dated June 24, 1731, is the on Americans soil. Many with trans earliest lived in record of an American planted from Europe, others developed Lodge, although earlier accounts of here, but all patterned themselves after the British Masonic items in America Freemasonry to include ritual, regalia, suggest that Americans were familiar and secret passwords. A variety of with Freemasonry before 1731. aims characterize these organizations American lodges were chartered by – co operative insurance, social or the Grand Lodge of England estab political change, patriotism, protection lished 1717, the Grand Lodge of Ire of labor interests, and personal virtue, land established 1729, or the Grand and public abstinence. Lodge of Scotland, 1736. From Masonic lodges to Grange halls, Freemasonry in America grew rapidly all fraternal organizations share basic and played an important role in the similarities. Rituals and degrees bor social and political history of the row exotic titles and dramatic scenar country. Meeting in public taverns, ios from ancient legends, historical 18th century Masonic lodges provided incidents, or mythology. Bonds of a vehicle for the popularization and secrecy held establish solidarity spread of new ideas that included the equality of man, the power of reason imagery, often combined patriotic over dogma, and the existence of natu symbols, can be found on almost ral laws. These radical ideas eventually every type of decorated object used in formed the basis for American argu America and can truly be considered a ments favoring political separation national style that went beyond the from Great Britain. exclusive use of the fraternity of Free masons. The most dramatic example is During the Revolutionary Period, Free probably the use of the all seeing Eye masonry served as a unifying influence. and pyramid on the Great Seal the Relations among the American colonies United States, but Federal style furni had often been characterized by jeal ture, clocks, anglo American ceram ousies, territorial disputes, and widely ics, Chinese Export porcelains, glass diverse ethnic, social and religious ware's, and textiles, as well as specific groups. By 1775, Masonic lodges es Lodge furnishings and regalia also tablished in each the 13 colonies served attest to the prominence of these sym as a common denominator to help bring bols in the 18th and 19th century the divergent groups within the colo America. nies into a single national entity. At least nine of the signers of the Declara In addition to remaining one of the tion of Independence and many of the most popular fraternal organizations in military leaders of the Revolution were America from the 18th century to the Freemasons. George Washington's Ma present, Freemasonry has also served sonic affiliation was an important in as a model for the many other organi gredient in his role as military and po zations that proliferated in the 19th litical leader of the new nation. century. Following the pattern set by Freemasonry, other American fraternal Masonic ties and patriotism were so groups developed a similar didactic closely entwined during this period that style using symbols to teach democ they virtually merge in popular usage. ratic principles and personal virtues in The ideas of equality, reasons, and a changing American society, much as brotherhood of man, inherent in Free Freemasonry taught its own moral masonry, had been translated into system. Because Freemasons were American independence and democ often involved in establishing new racy. fraternal orders, many incorporated In searching for a style that would rep Masonic symbols in their own rituals. resent the newly formed United States, Thus the square and compasses, bee American craftsmen, many of whom hive, hour glass, and clasped hands were members of the fraternity, quite appear among the symbols of many naturally turned to the well known sys organizations. tem of symbols that Freemasonry pro vided. While the earliest fraternal artifacts are almost exclusively Masonic, by the In America, the most widespread use of 19th century other groups joined Free these emblems as decoration dates from masonry with similar types of decora the last quarter of the 18th century and tion and artifacts. The 19th century continues through the 1830's. So many provides a chronology of fraternal of the individuals involved in the Revo organizations whose foundings paral lution were Freemasons. The Masonic lel important developments in Ameri can social and cultural history. All of these organization were mod eled on the lines of Odd Fellowship, Odd Fellowship originated in England offering mutual benefit in the event of as early as 1745. Similar to Freema sickness and death in addition to fra sonry, it has degrees and symbols and ternal rituals and social contract. teaches moral lessons in its ritual. Tho mas Wildey and other English Odd The 1830's and 1840's marked the first Fellows who emigrated to America of the 19th century waves of immi organized the Independent Order of grants from Europe, and fraternal or Odd Fellows beginning with a Lodge in ders developed in response to these Baltimore, Maryland, in 1819. The new Americans. In 1820's, fewer than main symbols of the order are the three 6,000 Germans and 54,000 Irish emi links representing Friendship, Love and grated to America. In each of the next Truth; clasped hands, and heart in hand. two decades, those figures jumped to 125,000 and 385,000 German immi The Odd Fellows differed from Free grants and 207,000 and 790,000 Irish masonry by offering a more specific immigrants.. The Ancient Order of beneficiary program in which members Hibernians in America, established in systematically contributed to a fund New York in 1836, was devoted to from which sick or distressed members, paying relief and death benefits, the their widow, and orphans could be paid. advancement of the Roman Catholic By the end of the 19th century, in part religion, and promotion of Irish na due to its insurance aspects, Odd Fel tional traditions. Similarly, the Order lowship equaled or even outstripped of the Sons of Hermann, established Freemasonry in membership. Many 1840, and the German Order of the men belonged to both organizations. Harugari in 1847 were both founded in The large membership of Odd Fellows response to the ethnic prejudice di in the mid 19th century is supported by rected against recent German immi the number of interesting decorative grants. arts pieces with the symbols of the or ganization that are found from this pe Fraternal organizations played a par riod. The three links, the heart in hand, ticularly important role among Ger and clasped hands of Odd Fellowship man Jewish immigrants. Traditional became almost as prevalent as the Jewish life had centered around the square and compasses. synagogue and the village. In Amer ica, these institutions were disrupted The 1830's marked a new period of by assimilation, religious reform, and growth for fraternal organizations in cultural differences among Sephardic America. The Ancient Order of Forest and German Jews. Jewish relief socie ers, based on the legends of Robin ties first operated under the auspices Hood, was established in America in of individual synagogues, but often 1832, followed in 1834 by the Im found their efforts fragmented. proved Order of Red Men, which drew its inspiration from American Indian In the 1840's secular fraternal orders legend. In 1835, the United Ancient developed: B'nai B'rith in 1843, the Order of Druids, which based its ritual Free Sons of Israel in 1846, and the of the Druid traditions and legends, was United Order of True Sisters in 1849. established in America from England. These organizations provided a way for Jews of various nationalities and the widows and orphans of members. sects to help each other while maintain It specifically opposed the immigra ing their Jewish identity. tion of large numbers of German and Irish Roman Catholics in the 1840's. Writing in 1878, Charles Wesolowsky, The organization's emblem incorpo a Freemason and a member of B'nai rated the Masonic square and com B'rith wrote that "Thanks to Providence passes with the arm of labor wielding B'B Lodge is now the supplement, and a hammer and the American flag. no matter where you are, the same work, the same sign, the same spirit, The Junior Order of United American you are at home and amongst brothers Mechanics, founded in 1853, became indeed." The rites, regalia, and mottoes a separate society sharing the same of these organizations, based on Free nativist concerns. masonry and Odd Fellowship, offered at American aura that might be denied Probably the best known of the nativ Jews elsewhere. ist fraternal organizations of this pe riod is the Order of the Star Spangled Wessolowsky offers an interesting ex Banner, better known as the "Know ample of how a German Jewish immi Nothings." Members would reply that grant in the 19th century viewed frater they "ken nothing" when asked about nal organizations in America. On his the new secret political group. Draw tombstone he wanted the inscription to ing from its support from the members include his Masonic achievement, "Past of other fraternal organizations with Grand High Priest of Georgia" because nativist sentiments such as the United it demonstrated "the extent to which an American Mechanics and the Brother immigrant Jew living in America could hood of the Union, the Know enter into brotherhood with his Gentile Nothings won surprising political vic neighbours and still retain his identity tories in elections following its found as a Jew and pride in his Jewish heri ing in 1852. By 1856, the group was tage." restructured as a non secret, national political organization throughout the At the same time that increasing num 1850's and only lost strength in the bers of immigrants were creating their 1860's when the Civil War overshad own fraternal orders to help adapt to owed concerns about immigration. their new American Identity, many native born Americans began to fear Nativism was not the only burning that these new arrivals would corrupt issue of the 1840's that found express American traditions and take jobs away ing in fraternal organizations. In 1842 from them. the Sons of Temperance organized in New York as a fraternal benefit soci The order of United American Mechan ety and same year the Independent ics, founded in Philadelphia in 1845, Order of Rechabites was brought to became the first of the nativist fraternal the United States from England as a organizations. Its objectives were to be secret fraternal and total abstinence patriotic, social and benevolent frater society. From these organizations a nal order composed of native white number of groups developed such as male citizens who would help native the independent Order of Good Tem born Americans find employment, pro plars and the Templars of Honor and tect the public school system, and aid Temperance. Organized in 1850, the United Order of True Sisters, founded Independent Order of Good Templars by Henrietta in 1846, was modeled offered no insurance benefits and was after the Independent Order of B'nai one of the first fraternal organizations B'rith and became the first women's to admit both men and women. fraternal and philanthropic organiza tion in the United States. The issue of women's rights was voiced at the First Women's Rights Even before the Civil War and the Convention have the Seneca Falls, Emancipation Proclamation, the status N.Y., in 1848. The emerging role of of free blacks came into question in women in America can be seen in the relation to American fraternal organi fraternal organizations of this period. zations. Mirroring the status of blacks Increasingly organizations like the in America society, most fraternal Odd Fellows felt they needed to ex organizations simply excluded black plain why women were not included. members. Prince Hall, a free black An Odd fellows Monitor and Guide clergyman serving a congregation in for 1878, for example, explains that Cambridge, Mass., was one of 15 "Lodges of Odd Fellows are formed, black men initiated into Freemasonry and in them men are banded together on March 6, 1775, in a British Army to do what is natural for women to do. lodge whose members were stationed The leading principles of our Order in Boston. Hall then formed a Masonic are but the innate principles of Lodge of black man, subsequently women's nature." receiving a charter from the Grand Lodge of England when he was unable In fact, the Odd Fellows became one to obtain one from the Provincial of the first men's fraternal organiza Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. Hall tions to establish a degree for women went on to fight in the American with the Daughters of Rebekah Revolution at the Battle of Bunker founded in 1851. Freemasonry fol Hill. Prince Hall Freemasonry pro lowed in 1857 with the Order of the ceeded to form its own Grand Lodges Eastern Star. and higher degrees and has remained If some organizations argued that an important part of the American women did not need fraternal organi black community. zations, others felt that they needed Similarly, Peter Ogden, a black sailor women. According to Rosswell Has initiated into Odd Fellowship in Eng sam's Readings and Recittions for land, founded the Grand United Order Good Templar Lodges published in of Odd Fellows when the American 1880, the independent Order of Good Independent Order of Odd Fellows Templars proudly proclaimed the rea would not grant a charter because the sons for the success by including that signers were of African descent. "the Order was fortunate in at once Ogden instead requested a charter calling to its aid the wonderful help of through his own lodge in Liverpool, a woman. No similar institution had England. ever taken the step before..." Jewish women, in particular, used Households of Ruth, a black women's organizations to play a more promi group based of the Biblical story of nent role in community affairs. The Ruth and Naomi, was started in 1856. Representing nearly every ethnic group, religion, and race, and both sexes, fraternal organizations played a critical role in the emergence of “Among thousands American pluralism from the late 1700's to the Civil War. Freemasonry helped popularize the Enlightenment of organizations, ideals of liberty, equality, and frater nity. Most fraternal organizations none have been taught the secular democratic virtues of friendship, unity, loyalty, charity and education. more responsive to The "Odd Fellows Text Book" in 1851 states that Odd Fellowship is "genuine republicanism" because "in the dispo changing needs and sition of its government and the be stowment of its bounties and honors, concerns than the the people, the members bear the rule and share equal and undisputed rights." large number of Fraternal organizations helped to as similate immigrants into America so ciety by reinforcing democratic values fraternal societies in their rituals and by practicing de mocratic rule in their organizational that date from the bylaws. They also offered stability through periods of social and political change – whether in the years of un 18th century to the certainty following the American Revolution, or the turmoil of the Civil War. present offering ——————— Barbara Franco is the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Historical and Mu- members fellowship, seum Commission, the official history agency of the Commonwealth. Franco is the first woman to head the PHMC since mutual aid, self its creation in 1946. improvement, and Extracted from: The Northern Lights , September 1985, Supreme Council, 33rd Degree Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite shared values.” of Freemasonry Northern Masonic Juris- diction United States of America, pp. 4-8.
Freemasonry in the Community and the Development of Modern Society RWBro. Tren Cole, Chair 2006 Masonic Spring Workshop
hat is our sense of community? W How does it relate to Freema institution of men that fostered their sonry? Has our sense of community prevalence, or did the philosophies changed? If so, why? When? Has inherent to Freemasonry influence our sense of Freemasonry changed? their actions or merely reinforce the Has it changed with society, or is truth of their actions? Freemasonry a beacon by which soci ety should change? On reflection, why are these questions most related in the past tense? Why A lot of questions! Questions which do so few now have or can boast of deserve consideration, or reconsidera any connection to Freemasonry? And tion at this juncture in our history. if there has become a disconnect, is a Why? Because, reconnection to We take great pride as Freemasons when one re Freemasonry in views the his in reciting famous persons who the making? tory of Freema were once part of our institution. sonry, one can Was it our institution of men that As part of the not help but fostered their prevalence, or did theme Freema- notice the num the philosophies inherent to Free- sonry in the ber of well masonry influence their actions. . .” Community and known leaders the Develop- who have been Masons, and who ment of Modern Society , here are have, in one way or another, influ some further points for consideration. enced the building of the foundations In some respects, the definition of of our present world — at the very community (American Heritage Dic- least, tionary) of sharing , participation the foundations of the Western world. and fellowship defines Freemasonry. Is it a mere coincidence that many of our past leaders were Freemasons? But has our definition of Did Freemasonry, by coincidence, “community” — and with it, our defi shape the minds, views and actions of nition of “Freemasonry” — those leaders? And if so, what was it changed? It may seem that as our about Freemasonry in particular that geographic definitions of influenced them? “community” broaden, growing from the viewpoint(s) of a village to the We take great pride as Freemasons in world, so must our related institutions reciting famous persons who were grow. Or, has Freemasonry always once part of our institution. Was it our incorporated a ‘world’ view? As certainly as our viewpoints may cient past, was the (informal) agree have broaden, so have our choices, or ment to disagree. Thus the fostering of the choices that we must make. “The good and at times great leadership ability to make these choices creates within our public as well as private the opportunity for the formation of avocations. And rather than an over whole new ‘communities of interest’, reliance on sets of ‘official rules,’ it bound together by choice rather than would seem that Freemasons may geography.” (Jen Clodius, 1997 Con- have associated within a informal sys ference on MUDs.) tem of shared social values; that is, within a community of behaviours This in essence, underlines Freema more easily defined as being not ac- sonry’s predominant patronage of de ceptable — in practice, men who “did mocracy and democratic ideals. As a the good act, not for [themselves] but community, and in shaping communi for the cause of good” (Masonic Gen- ties in the past, Freemasonry has to eral Charge) . have had certain ‘shared interests’ and ‘shared values.’ These are assertions As a community, and in shap- The greatest dis we explored at the tinction between ing communities in the past, Masonic Spring past and present is, Freemasonry has to have had Workshop. To help perhaps, the em certain ‘shared interests’ and us, we have invited phasis on “shared” ‘shared values.’ as our keynote interests and speaker, Mark Tab “shared” values… not necessarily bert — author of the book American ‘common’ interests and values. Freemasons, Three Centuries of Building Communities . It would seem that in the past, the most significantly shared While Mark Tabbert has devoted his “community” interest of Freemasons energies to exploring the Masonic was in other people, and frequently in connections of his American heritage, people different from themselves. the Workshop encouraged considera What was valued, then, was simply the tion of how our institution as a whole right to be heard. There can be no has influenced the growth of the West doubt that Freemasonry ern world… and may continue to do at times, on subjects of importance, so, by encouraged debate rather than avoid reconnecting our Masonic past with ing it — thus the continual broadening contributions that Masons can make in of viewpoints and fostering of great the definition of their community(ies) minds amongst Freemasons. Thus the in the future. ability of men, often with opposing allegiances, to share and value each “There can be no doubt that others company rather than avoiding Freemasonry . . . encouraged it. Thus the best interests of the debate rather than avoiding it ‘community’ were able to be served, — thus the continual broaden- rather than neglecting it. ing of viewpoints and foster- ing of great minds amongst What was valued, at least in our an Freemasons.” “The social image of an association is formed by the impressions it makes on the community through its programs and projects.”
Bro. Raymund Liongson trated in symbols” imposes social responsibility upon Freemasons. Mo rality is not defined and lived in a III t is well established that the sus social vacuum. Thoughtful tainability if not vibrancy of an “unveiling” of the allegories and in organization is greatly determined by terpretation of the symbols reveal that its visibility, relevance to, and consis Freemasonry is indeed a system that tency in society. The social image of enables us to transcend ourselves and an association is formed by the im reach out to others, especially to those pressions it makes on the community in need. This is the corpus and the through its programs and projects. ultimate translation of the tenets of How relevant are these programs to Freemasonry — Brotherly love, relief, the needs of the community? Are and truth. they comprehensive or a one time effort? Are they creative initiatives or Visibility a replication of trivial projects? Are Before I joined Masonry, I wondered they broad based or parochial? Sub how the oldest fraternity contributes stantial or just for looks? And how to the community. I remember asking does the organization make the com a dear friend who is mason and a Past munity aware of its accomplishments? Master, WB Jun Colmenares, this Does it project itself as a dynamic curious question: What contributions component of the community, or do masons make to the community? does it present itself as an entity sepa He proudly cited the noble work of rate from its neighborhood? the Shriners and the speech program of the Scottish Rite, among others. These are some of the critical ques tions that all organizations – including I’ve always been tremendously Freemasonry have to address if they touched by the services provided by a are to seriously reflect on their impact chain of hospitals for children sup to society and the community. ported by the Shriners, which is in the forefront of medical treatment and That Freemasonry is a “system of research in orthopaedic, burn and morality veiled in allegory and illus spinal cord injury care. I was also impressed with the speech pathology program of the Scottish Rites, my daughter having benefited from a similar speech program herself during her early grade school. But here is one thing. As a non mason at that time, I never knew that Shriners and members of the Scottish Rites bodies are freemasons! I must be the only ignorant person, I thought to myself upon learning. I later found out that a lot of people are not aware that these Our visibility not only introduces service and relief oriented fraternal Freemasonry to the community. With organizations have their roots in Ma our “squared” and “circumscribed” sonry and that Blue Lodge Masonry is lives, we effectively discard miscon a prerequisite. ceptions of people about our Craft, most of which were formed by fabri I was later told that freemasons do not cations, hoaxes, and prejudices from toot their horns when they give charity anti Masonic groups. It is, therefore, and render relief – that we do not pub imperative that we guard ourselves licly talk about our good works. Re and our actions from deeds that would sult? Many people are not well aware, only lend validity to any misconcep if at all, of the contributions masons tion of our fraternity. give to the community. Simply put, we are there but we are not seen. We Relevance are invisible. Most organizations, through its leaders and members, identify and implement Humility is a laudable virtue. After activities and projects to demonstrate all, the power of love and charity their commitment to their mission, cease when selfishness and personal their organizational dynamism, or agenda creep in. However, the reality their existence. This is a natural, if not of organizational survival and continu a human, propensity. ity dictates that the organization (i.e., Freemasonry) must be in the con But the reality of limited resources and sciousness of the community — that time compels organizations to priori the community recognizes the exis tize their efforts and undertake those tence and value of our fraternity, and that are achievable and relevant. that the community is able to tap us While there are more objective criteria Freemasons as among its resources. A in determining what is achievable, consequence of this is a natural part deciding what is relevant is influenced nership between us and the commu by a litany of subjective considera nity. Such collaboration is the fuse for tions. How do we define what is rele a positive public relations. Not only vant? Relevant to what and to whom? would we earn a legitimate claim for For community projects, who is the publicity; the community itself be community? What are its needs? comes the mouthpiece of its produc Who identifies such needs and how? tive partnership with Masonry. The family is the unit of the commu Consistency nity, and the youth are the hope of its The credibility of an organization is future. Masons, through their Lodges, established not by a singular effort. undertake programs and activities that Consistency is the key. Some excel promote family ties and togetherness. lent programs in the past are now be Among them are family nights, pic ing mourned for having sublimated to nics, recreational activities, and sea oblivion. (Read the Grand Oration of sonal celebrations – all of these often MWBro. Stuart M. Cowan on pages times around food, 23-32 of this issue.) music, games, and Given the rich and diverse Programs that are plain conversational deemed to be prac interactions. For the background of Masons, the tical, relevant, and youth, Masonic fraternity has the capacity effective do not youth groups such for creative, comprehen- deserve to be buried as the International sive, broad-based, and sub- and forgotten. It Order of DeMolay might be helpful to and the International stantial initiatives. look back and re Order of the Rainbow for Girls have vive – even perhaps exhume and res become potent leadership and citizen urrect – many of the excellent pro ship training grounds. We could only grams in the past. Of course it is im wish to expand their membership as portant to objectively evaluate them their goals and achievements are rele and see whether they remain to be vant to future direction and demands. relevant today. There has been much discussion about Freemasonry has the capacity to un the declining membership in the dertake more than replications of triv Lodges across the nation, if not around ial projects. Given the rich and di the globe. Could this decline in mem verse background of Masons, the fra bership be due to a perceived rele ternity has the capacity for creative, vance (or irrelevance) of Freemasonry comprehensive, broad based, and sub to the evolving time and generation? stantial initiatives. The secret to this If so, how do we respond to it? What capacity lies in what the Grandmaster changes need to be adopted, and what Dennis Ing invoked in his address — needs to be preserved – other than our the readiness and willingness to func tion “outside of the box.” timeless rituals? Or, has Masonry’s framework changed so much from centuries back that it has lost its luster III probably have raised more ques as a potent change agent – even as a tions and incited further reflection molder of revolutionaries – responsi than I have offered thoughts on Free ble in laying the foundation of free masonry and the community – a mod dom, liberty, justice, and equality not est attempt to wrestle with a critical only in the United States but in many issue that confronts us Masons in our countries of the world? Have we re social dynamics. And the questions tracted from such roles that we have may not be readily answerable, if at abdicated our image as builders of all. But then, too, this is what Ma society? sonry is about – an endless effort to know ourselves and understand the universe. Bros. Joshua Mar cus and Rev. Ron Williams shown with WBro. Orly Ragudos, Master and our Chaplain WBro. Rick Huston after their 1st degree confer ral.
Bro. David Lee Gordon (center) – with WBro. Bob Schultz, PM and WBro. Orly Ragu dos, Master – after his 1st degree con ferral.
Bro. Ron Tish, Bro. Danny Caguiat and WBro. Phil de Aquino receive their Spe cial Veterans Cer tificated from Worshipful Orly Ragudos, PM. 2nd Degree Conferral – Shown (from L R) Bro. George Eyster, WBro. Billy Biala, Bro. Domi nic Raigoza (candidate) Bro. Alex Escasa (Master pro tempore), Bro. Joshua Marcus (candidate), WBro. Sonny Flancia of Jacobo Zobel Lodge #202, Makati, Philip pines, WBro. Tony Ligaya, and Bro. Steve Chan.
First time visitors Bro. Jesse Giron Jr. of Leeward Lodge and Bro. Robert Lum of Oasis Lodge #41, Las Vegas, NV pose with Master Orly Ragudos.
WBro. Ed Abutin, PM (far right) pre sents the Masonic Holy Bible to Bros. Mike Soriano and Karl Miyamoto who were both raised to the 3rd degree at the recent Grand Lodge Fast Class. Bro. Gary MacDermid is shown with the Third Degree Conferral Team, attired in period costumes, and other Brethren, after being raised as Master Mason on April
Some of our Lodge's Widows in attendance at the 'A Tribute to Our Widows Night' held at the Pagoda Hotel on April 26, 2008. Behind them are several of our Past Masters, including MWBro. Ernest Yamane, PGM, WBro. Richard Huston, WBro. Robert Schultz, WBro. Wilson Camagan, WBro. Antonio Ligaya, MWBro. Oscar Jayme, PGM, and RWBro. Severino R. Malajito, PSGW. WBro. Bro. Adam Smoller (in neck tie) shown with the officers and mem bers of Hawaiian Lodge.
Some of our June birthday celebrants (from L R) Bro. Rick Fortuno, WBro. Ben Mala jito, PM, Bro. Manny Espiritu, Hon. Bro. Bert Alarcon, Bro. Karl Miyamoto and WBro. Rick Huston, PM.
Grand Lodge officers shown during the official visit of MW Dennis Ing, Grand master of Masons in Hawaii, to his mother Lodge. First time visitor WBro. Gerry Arthur of Matanuska Lodge #7 of Palmer, AK to gether with Bro. Alex Escasa, WBro. Wilson Camagan and Master Orly Ragudos.
Bro. Alex Escasa shares the famil iar shaka sign with former Ha waiian Lodge member Jim Des quitado during his recent visit to South West Lodge in San Diego, CA. First time visitor Bro. Gerard Villar of Mount Lebanon Lodge #54, Calgary, Al berta, Canada poses with Master Orly Ragudos.
Bro. Alex Escasa with Bro. Jerry Nimedez visiting South West Lodge in San Diego, CA. Dressed to bear the flag, MW Lee Skinner radiates an aura of the old colonial times.
(From L R) Bro. Alex Escasa, Bro. Nestor Muyot, Bro. Jorge Disuanco, Hon. Bro. Bert Alarcon, WBro. Orly Ragudos, Bro. Bernie Baldueza, and WBro. Harry Kaneakua taken at the Grand Lodge of Hawaii Annual Communication. MW Randy Chang presents the Past Grandmaster apron and jewel to the Jr. Past Grandmaster MW. Oscar Jayme.
WBros. Tony Ligaya, Rick Huston, and Bob Schultz at the Grand Lodge Golf Tourna ment.
Above, Illustrious Terence Darby presents a Grandmaster fez to MW Dennis Ing. Right, Bros. Ric Taylan, Alex Escasa and Doc Soriano pose for a break during the Grand Lodge Golf Tournament. Our Bro. Nuevo Lozano (third from left), who was recently reassigned to Italy, is shown during his visit with Sigonella Lodge No. 2. Others are, from left, Bros. Eric Orteza, Rick Sison, Terry Traweek (SW), WBro. Marianito Rosal (WM), WBro. Loreto Lagrisola, PM (Secy., and the first WM of the Lodge), Bros. Ryan Barnes, Tony Cosentini, Roque Parreno, Pete Dizon, and Jojo Bulan.
Below, Bro. Bert Alarcon and his wife Sister Emelina throw smiles as they enjoy the the Grand Lodge banquet at Hawaiian Hut. Right , Chinese lion dance performers entertain WBro. Wilson Camagan. MWBro. Robert Singer PGM, NY
Masons randomly selected; Phase II with Masons whose names would be III n mid 1988, the Masonic Renewal furnished by participating Grand Task Force, a group consisting of 21 Lodges. active Masonic leaders Grand Mas ters, Past Grand Masters, heads of The results of the non Mason survey concordant bodies held weekend long were presented to the Conference of meetings in St. Louis and Kansas City Grand Masters of North America at its to consider projects and programs that February, 1989 meeting in Crystal would benefit the Craft, improve lead City, VA. The Masonic survey was ership, and help stem the problem of completed in late 1989, and the results declining membership. were given to the Grand Masters at their February, 1990 meeting in Salt Early on, it was clear to all that what Lake City. was needed, as a benchmark for any (MSA has available, at low cost, future planning was a professionally videotapes of both presentations, sets conducted opinion research to ascer of 35mm slides, and the detailed re tain the views of non Masons and Ma sults in a new Masonic Digest, in addi sons alike. tion to this Short Talk Bulletin. Both Scottish Rite magazines and several The Barton Gillet Company of Balti Grand Lodge publications have also more MD, was retained to manage the published summaries of the results.) research program, with Mr. Dudley This Short Talk Bulletin will provide a Davis, who was experienced in per brief outline of the results of each sur forming similar consultative services vey, highlighting the key points, but for several Grand Lodges, as the over without detailed editorial comment. all project director. The field research was conducted by Opinion Research Phase I: survey of Non Masons Corporation of Princeton, NJ, a lead Research was conducted among a ran ing firm in this field. dom sample of 850 American males over 21 years of age and 150 females. For practical and financial reasons, it Telephone interviews lasting 14 to 16 was decided to conduct two separate minutes each were conducted with this phases of research: Phase I with non group, providing reliable data with a 95% confidence factor (a 5% margin from family. for error). This sample size is viewed • Among those interested in joining, as being representative of the attitudes the majority were under 40 and mar of all American males. ried. Location, income and educa • The survey represented an almost tion were not factors. They said that perfect correlation, demographi they would give up to 5 hours a cally, with available U.S. Census month in time (their wives said 3 data. hours!). • Age: 52% under 40; 26% 40 54; • Among those who were not mem 22% 55 or older. bers of any organization surveyed and who were asked to select from a • Income: 28% under $25,000; 44% list of possible reasons for joining, $2550,000; 20% over $50,000; 8% these were the principal responses: no response. ∗ Chance to meet new friends • Education: 33% high school gradu and to socialize ates; 57% with some college. ∗ Engage in community service and charitable work • Marital Status: The majority were married. ∗ Involvement of the family Specific questions about Freema • 84% were not currently members of sonry Elks, Grange, Kiwanis, K. of C., Lions, Shrine, Moose, Rotary, Ma • About 30% said they were familiar sons. Among those who had some with the Craft; 23% were not very current membership in an organiza familiar; 30% knew the name only; 11% had never heard of the group. tion, most were members of a local church or synagogue, and devoted • When asked which Masonic ideas up to 5 hours per month to that or were most similar to their own, 45% ganization. could not name a single one. • Among non members, 50% stated • A majority could not name either an they were not interested in joining attractive or an unattractive idea of any of the groups listed above. Masonry. About 10% thought the • Among those with any interest in Fraternity was too clannish, secre joining, 2% were definitely inter tive or ritualistic. Important: The ested in joining, while 22% might problem is not dissatisfaction or be interested. This represents an unacceptability but lack of knowl outside total of 16 million American edge and ignorance. men, but many of these would not be potential Masons due to religious Some significant conclusions from restrictions and other factors. Still, it the survey data was a large number. • Geographical location is not a factor in renewing the Fraternity. • When asked for reasons why they would not join, 61% cited lack of • Wives play an important role in the joining process. time too busy, their occupation was too demanding, too much time away • The available market of potential members is well defined and of Phase II: Survey of Mason more than sufficient size. • Research was conducted among a • Potential members have specific random sample of 1,000 Masons expectations for joining. from lists supplied by 21 Grand • The vast majority of Americans Lodges in the major U.S. geographi know little or nothing about Free cal areas. Telephone interviews last masonry. ing 14 18 minutes provided reliable data with a 95% confidence factor (a • Some who might join consider Free 5% margin for error). The sample masonry too secretive, but the great est number did not have enough size is viewed as being representa information to form an opinion. tive of the nearly 2.7 million Ameri can Freemasons. • Nearly all fraternal organizations are facing membership and related Membership Profile problems, and since Masonry is the • More than 50% of the membership largest, its problems are particularly is 61 or older; 26% is age 70 or apparent. older. This is significantly older • The emergence of television, the than the American male population changing role of the family and the in general as identified in Phase I research. impact of work and community on the life of the American family, all • Nearly 60% have been Masons for play a role in membership and activ 20+ years; only 8% have been mem ity decline. They may also be in bers for 5 years or less. conflict with current Masonic prac tices, e.g., time demands. • About 50% of the Craft is retired; the same percentage continues to • Those inclined to join have a gener work. ally defined profile: ∗ Under 40 45 years of age • Household income was comparable to the Phase I sample. The older the ∗ High school or better education Mason responding, the lower was ∗ $25,000+ income his income. • Membership in religious or neighborhood organizations Masonic Activity • A major conclusion is that a sub • Only about 30% is involved with stantial number of males available other Masonic organizations: Scot for membership have no knowledge tish Rite 20%; York Rite 10%; Shrine 17%. of the Fraternity. • The conclusion is inescapable that • The sample said 18% attended unless American Freemasonry be nearly every Blue Lodge meeting, comes more aware of the needs and and another 25% attended three or expectations of its potential mem four times a year. This would seem bers and acts to meet them, possibly to be in conflict with actual experi through the process of change, the ence, and may indicate a lack of membership decline of recent years pride in the member's not supporting will continue unabated. the Fraternity. If these numbers were correct, a typical lodge of 400 members would have 72 members • Some 72% of all Masons have no, out at nearly every meeting, and up or only minor, disappointments with to 172 out three or four times a year. Masonry. Response in single digit It is more likely that 10% is active, numbers indicated specific disap 90% inactive. pointments, such as unfriendly brothers. • There was some correlation with age here, with younger members • Major reasons for not attending attending a bit more frequently. lodge on a regular basis were all time related: too busy at work, too How do masons feel about their busy at home. Secondary reasons, in craft? the 40 60% range, included points • Masons, by a very sizeable majority such as: "little happens at meet (87%) reported either that they were ings,” "not much was accom "very satisfied" or "generally satis plished," "leadership was ineffec fied" while only 13% reported any tive." 48% said they could obtain all possible dissatisfaction. A majority the benefits of Freemasonry without said they were reluctant or opposed attending meetings. to change. • Those who Ironically, “. . . unless American Freemasonry were least even though becomes more aware of the needs and satisfied with Masons expectations of its potential members the Fraternity were satis and acts to meet them, possibly (small per fied with through the process of change, the centage) were today's membership decline of recent years in favor of Craft, they changes, such did not ap will continue unabated.” as making pear to associate "satisfaction" with meetings shorter, more interesting, the need to attend lodge. offering educational programs, and • It would appear that most Masons lodge sponsored activities. They are content to take their degrees, rejected reducing the ritual require identify themselves as a Mason, not ments and spending less time on attend lodge, but continue to pay formal business. dues. • The distance a Mason lived from his • When asked for important reasons lodge was not a factor in his activity for being a Mason, 94% said it nor was the time he devoted to other "gives meaning and perspective to organizations. life," 92% said it "provides moral, • Those most in favor of a more pub ethical development." This would lic organization were least likely to appear to be a mismatch with pro support advertising and other uses spective members' interests (social of public media an anomaly. opportunities, community service, etc.) This is not a right or wrong question, but points up how current Conclusions and Interpretations members might be presenting the • As with all surveys, one takes se Craft to prospects. lectively from the information generated depending on one's per sonal views and orientation. How tion. They maintain membership ever, some general conclusions because of pride. Dues are not a would seem to be clearly indi factor. cated, and are reflected in the • Masonry is among the most eld steady membership decline of re erly institutions in America today. cent years. • The concordant bodies suffer from • Based on lack of public knowl the same problems as the symbolic edge of the Fraternity, it appears Lodges and are equally at risk. that we are an organization largely out of touch with Mainstream • Left to its own devices, with the America. prospect of little change, the Craft could be one half its present size • Emphasis on being a "secret" or in 2000 and one half less again in ganization, coupled with an ever 2010. The financial consequences faster moving society, has hurt of this loss alone are difficult to membership acquisition. imagine. • Questions are raised about Ma • Certain fundamental changes need sonry's relevancy to the commu to be considered to bring the Craft nity. Are we too self centered, too in line with the needs of future inward turned for the [21st cen members, especially the younger tury]? man with his time constraints and • The Craft seems to be struggling different value system, as well as with the concept of change. the rapidly changing role of the family in American life. • It is the younger and more active ______ member who supports change to improve lodge attendance. MWBro. Robert Singer was a member of the Masonic Renewal task Force • By a significant degree, Masons which was formed to gather informa- are inactive in their organization. tion to help the Masonic Fraternity in • It appears that Masons do not need its vital/y needed Renewal Program. to attend lodge to achieve satisfac
“Certain fundamental changes need to be considered to bring the Craft in line with the needs of future members, especially the younger man with his time constraints and different value system, as well as the rapidly changing role of the family in American life.” TTT o debate the role of Freemasonry in our modern societies is a task not free of difficulties and clearance. It is above all, a major challenge and an issue that every mason should make his own. It’s although a cyclopean and seductive trend to talk about. Cyclopean, because the profane dimension of Freemasonry by RWBro. A. Gonçalves and its impact on civil society are prob which is the evil enemy of all human lems of major importance, with several feelings’’. implications, part of them to be cleared up. Seductive, because as men of rea In accordance with this enlightened son, free and well bred, masons can’t words, I do believe that Freemasonry avoid to take a stand on what really mat parallels in the coming 21st Century ters in human life: the pursuit of happi with the need to balance and conciliate ness. two challenges: A well known Bra “There is no Human institution the challenge of Tradition and the zilian mason writer that could survive without Rizzardo da challenge of Mod Camino , debating Tradition, without a common ernity. the symbolism of history, shared believes and th Both challenges the 8 Degree of convictions that keep it alive.” SAAR, comments are like the two in one of its last books that:‘’the moral twin bedrocks that deduction of the teachings of this degree hold up Solomon Temple, according is the study of the real foundations in with our beliefs, giving the Temple its what would stand the Building of Hu solidity, performing the connection man Society. This study should clarify between Heaven and Earth. They the rights of property and the obligation have, explicitly, different symbolic to work, in a way that the Brotherhood meaning, they are substantially di would be visible by their work among verse. The Temple falls down without men. The labourers should struggle al them. ways against ignorance, hypocrisy and Firstly, there is no Human institution ambition, looking for the proper balance that could survive without Tradition , between property, work, and capital, as without a common history, shared main sources of all prosperity. The Hu believes and convictions that keep it man Social Building is the main issue of alive. Our Tradition bind us to the this degree and that’s why the good la Sovereign Order of the Temple, to the bourers have the obligation to look for guilders and corporations of the Mid the means to build society with solid dle Ages, and is reflected on the An and permanent foundations. To this end, tient Charges, Landmarks, customs they should not tolerate indifference, and uses of the Craft, that goes back to the Fourteen Century, according to composed exclusively by men of hon some authors. To the Eighteen Cen our, adults and with good reputation; tury, according with others. These 10) The devotion to Motherland, the Landmarks have in common, the pres obedience to law and to the legiti ervation of a Brotherhood of Cheva mate authorities and dedication to liers, gathered by the pursuit of some labour; 11) A fair, exemplary and fundamental principles and ethic val healthy conduct in the profane world; ues of conduct: exemplary rectitude, 12) The support and brotherly protec tolerance, faith on the Creator, be tion to Masons. nevolence. These twelve rules are principles that It’s not the occasion to discuss what masons stand for, for ages. Not be are really the true Landmarks, if those cause they are artificial, dogmatic or that Anderson joins in its Constitution impositive values to self or those referred by authors like Le consciousness, but because they are cerff, Pound, Simons, A. Mackey or rules of an ethic and righteous con Grant. I just make a short mention to duct, aligned with the principles those referred in the Constitution of obeyed in any harmonious and bal the Grand Regular Lodge of Portugal anced human society. As rules of be as ‘’The Twelve Rules of the Regular haviour and moral standards, they Freemasonry’’ : 1) The believe of God transcend the diversity of human com as the Grand Architect of the Uni munities and should be followed as verse; 2) The strict observation of the laws of conduct to every Obedience, ‘’old duties’’ or the Landmarks of our wherever they are Ancient, Traditional Craft; 3) The believe of Freemasonry or Modern. as a collective of free and well bred men, that pledge themselves to apply I should conclude this point by stress an ideal of Peace; 4) The dedication of ing that Craft as one of the oldest the Craft to the moral elevation of Spiritual Obediences of our civilisa Mankind, through the moral improve tion strengths itself by preserving ment of their members; 5) The scrupu those moral standards that are truly lous execution of rites and the Ma their foundations through the ages. sonic symbolism; 6) The respect for Standards in whom the Craft reviews every opinion and the forbidden of any herself in their no dated formulation. political and religious discussion within Lodge; 7) The initiates and all The challenge, I believe, is to accept obligations shall be taken on full view univocally, the universality of these of the open Volume of the Sacred principles as common ground of our Law, which means that the revelation Orders, which don’t restrain the need from above is binding on the con to interpret them, according with the science of the particular individual problems and contingencies of our who is taking oath; 8) The Three Great time. Lights of Masonry: the Volume of the This is the first challenge, that I name Sacred Law, the Square and the Com the Tradition Pillar . passes shall always been exhibited when Lodges are at work; 9) The The second challenge is of the Moder membership of the Lodges shall be nity of Freemasonry as a Moral Order, a reference social group, that is a There is, I believe, a clear demand on moral and social elite. The creation of return of man to its social dimension, elite in modern societies is an enthusi that come from the Classic Civiliza ast subject, on modern sociology and tion, from Ancient Greece to Rome, political science. Contributions like that is concerned with the matters of those of Harold Lasswell, C.Wright the ‘’polis’’ as with its individuality. Mills and Karl Mannheim are funda As Aristotle’s told us two thousand mental to the clearance that and I and three hundred years ago, in Polity quote «democracy doesn’t imply that (Republic) , «man is naturally a politi there aren’t elites. Implies that there is cal being, because it was created to a specific method of elite formation. live in society. It is more than bees or This is with the principles of equality other species that live in aggregated and autonomy of all individual, funda- status. And it is so clearly that that mental characteristics of modern de- man there isn’t by nature or is a de mocracy». graded creature or a superior being; that one who can’t give nothing in Luis Nandin Carvalho, Grand Mas common to society, or don’t have any ter of the Grand Regular Lodge of need don’t make part of the City – Portugal(GLLP GLRP), had precised must be a brutish or a god – is not this sense in the occasion of the Win human». ter Solstice Session of our Grand Lodge and I quote: This return to his most self deepen “ We regular masons don’t live in personality is without refusal a central caverns or ghettos, out of society. matter of our time and Masonry, as We live within society, we are an institution, can not pass aside it. We intimate part of it. We have special live in a society in crisis. Alain Tour responsibilities that we assume as raine, the famous sociologist, argue privileges, because they are moral about it that is time to give back to and ethic obligations. Masonry is every individual the ability to combine not and cannot be passive. Must act in his personal life, the forces that are internally and externally, esoteric confronting at world level: the preser and exoterically, to preserve now vation of individual autonomy facing and in the future, through the crea- the global and uniformed discharac tion and preservation of social con- terization of life; the conflict between ditions that allow their members singularity and unity, between partici and community as a whole, to ad- pation and totalitarianism. dress the objective conditions to In this sense, masonry has a supreme human dignity, self-realisation, need to live for inside and again the achievement of individual happi- problems of social construction that ness. That’s why Freemasonry point out the way of progress in our should be a school of ‘’elite’’. Must societies and that as institution is be an elite that develops a social linked to: the Enlightenment, the and appreciated function, with re- American Revolution, the Charter of sponsibility and efficiency on the Human Rights, the United Nations education of a Man free from tomor- Charter, the UNICEF and so many. row’s submission. A Man not con- straint but master of his Future.” Recently, the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Chile speaking out in tivity could assume and perform. I the Meeting of the Grand Masters of believe that a positive contribution is Regular Masonry, in the United States, urgently needed if we want to shorter stress that masonry is not an organ of a the problems that we face nowadays. party, and has strictly forbidden any These new problems need new an political or proselyte discussion in swers and need Men spiritually well lodges; but we should stimulate ma awakened and prepared to face them. sons to fill important positions on the I don’t contest that has been a clear evolutionary and integrator process in vault, boundary between a school of actual societies. Grand Lodges should thought in Masonry – the Anglo-Saxon share some common concepts like: School – that refuses any organised opposition to any tyranny that denies participation in the matters of the polis or restricts, in any way, human equal because consider it something not in ity and individual freedom to a com cluded in the aims and mission of plete performance of democratic Freemasonry and so out of the action rights; a clear support to the right of of their fellow members. And another expression and to a fair existence; the school of thought – the Mediterranean respect to the sovereignty of nations; or Latin school – more awakened to recognition of democracy as system of the problems in societies, where are government and individual aspiration ostensive differences of wealth, where to cultural improvement of any soci social exclusion and ety. Democracy poverty reigns as and masonry are Democracy and masonry are main social flagel substantial and substantial and active systems lula. This school active systems of of social progress of Peoples stands for an en social progress of gaged activity of Peoples, because masons on civic associations, solidar both act as source of liberty of speech ity groups, environment pressure and conscience and as ferment to inte groups, or human rights non rior and external peace. government organisations. I believe that these words reveal par ticularly well what are the dimension I stand as Portuguese and Latin for of the problems and the trends that are this last sort of attitude and orientation facing an acting and not obsolete ma for the Craft in Southern countries, sonry, that with discretion that can let namely Portugal. I don’t think this down its values to civil society, may participation, this engagement, as go give an important contribution to the ing against our creeds, against the building of a more fair and perfect oaths we made for impartiality and no society. politics. More clearly I think that for Masonry to be respected, nowadays, That’s what I call the second challenge as an Obedience and an Order, but the Modernity Pillar. also as a front running institution, their members should surpass as refer Naturally, every Masonic Obedience ence of citizenship, as standards of has, on the light of its own experience, rectitude, as a leadership to be fol a bigger or lesser sensibility to what lowed. level on civic and communitarian ac Naturally, our American and British that the civic intervention political in Brethren that through ages concede us the genuine sense that goes back to the Light of our route, probably have a Aristotle’s, but also to Saint Thomas more closed, orthodox vision on this Aquinas could be a meeting point for point, of no involvement in society. a Masonry to the 21st Century . Vision I presume that is justify by the history of Protestantism on these Recently, United Nations Secretary societies and from the personalist doc General Kofi Anan, submit to the trines of Lutero and Calvin. Reality is, General Assembly a report containing that masonry live in those countries in the Agenda to the Third Millennium open light, without shame, just near Meeting , that will take place in Sep the political and State apparatus. This tember this year. In it he calls the at situation is much different from what tention of member states to the chal happens nowadays in Mediterranean lenges that nations and states will con masonry, where membership is seen as front in the near future, and conclude: something to be censured and masonry ‘’secrecy’’ a subversive topic to legal Let us never forget, Mr. and constitutional order. Freemasonry President, that our Organisa lives side a side the system in England tion was founded in the name and in United States. The honour and of "We, the Peoples" the integrity of State is not in question, by words I have chosen as the that. In Southern European societies, title of my Report. We are at in Latin America, in Asia this is not the service of the world's the question. peoples, and we must listen to them. They are telling us I argue favourably that National and that our past achievements Regular Masonry must find its own are not enough. They are tell way, departing from tradition to mod ing us we must do more, and ernity, making it in syntony with the do it better. problems of their time and society. I conclude my arguments by stressing What wise words!
History and Patriotism:
(L R: Bro. Pete Larson and WBro. Roy Ota and an unidentified brother from Pearl Harbor Lodge lead the Heroes of ’76 in a re cent July 4th Parade. Looking on are WBro. Tony Ligaya, and Bro. Joe Rosales.) Prof. MARIANO BIANCA Universita degli Studi di Siena Director of HIRAM Grande Oriente d'Italia
In a period in which science and tech nology, on one hand, and materialism FFF reemasonry is born within the and selfishness, on the other, are per Western Civilization and, starting from vading the whole world, Freemasonry the beginning (1717), it has given a has the main goal to mediate between strong ideal and concrete contribution scientific technological and material to the development of Western society outlook and the ethical, spiritual and and culture. initiatic point of view. That means Freemasonry first of all must hold the Indeed, Freemasonry has been for cen ideals and the values of Western civili turies the hardcore of such a civiliza zation and defend them against any tion, and its ideals are still the founda form of intolerance and integralism. tions of any society based on freedom, Freemasonry must stay by Western tolerance, dignity of man, and on indi civilization's side, but this does not vidual self realization. mean at all that Freemasonry does not have a critical and constructive point of Freemasonry is itself a school, an ini view. In such a direction, Freemasonry tiatic school, in which men improve must keep strong its independence and themselves in a cultural, ethical and its detachment from any kind of politi esoteric perspective and so are prepared cal or economic engagement. Freema to give their personal contribution for sonry must take into consideration the the good of mankind. essence of mankind and must take care of its well being but, as the Old Western civilization is not completely Charges say, must not be involved di accomplished yet and it needs the effort rectly in any form of political associa of every man who believes in the Ma tion. Its role is ideal, ethical and eso sonic values and ideals. So, Freema teric and only in these dimensions Free sonry today — more than before — has masonry can give its contribution with an important role to play and a goal to the personal effort that each Freemason reach for itself and for the whole man can give in his concrete every day life. kind. What does it mean by mediation be Sometimes we think of following the tween different dimensions of man faster pathway and in this sense we kind? It means that Freemasonry, from believe that it is necessary to be di one side, is not contrary in any sense to rectly involved in social affairs in or scientific and technological develop der to work for human well being. ment, neither to the improving of mate Masonic history has taught us that rial well being of each man; neverthe such a way, although it can reach less, from the other, Freemasonry fo some concrete results, in the end will cuses its attention to the profound es bring Freemasonry to lose its meaning sence of man: to its internal desires and and profane dynamics takes over the aspirations in the spiritual, cultural, internal life of the Masonic Institution, ethical and esoteric dimensions. and the Temple becomes empty of its profound esoteric tradition. For such a reason, each Masonic Insti tution must take into consideration, first On the contrary, if we keep on holding of all, the reinforcement of the ritual firmly, the Masonic Tradition of Free works inside the Masonic Temple, for it masonry — if inside the Lodges the is only with improved men that it can brethren are prepared to improve give its real contribution to mankind. themselves, if brethren change their Within the Western societies there is soul from a profane one into an ini today an overall increasing interest in tiatic one — will become stronger and the spiritual dimensions related to hu stronger and the brethren will be really manist ideals and values. Each man the best men in every part of the soci tends to reach material well being but at ety. Of course, such a way is not easy the same time intends to satisfy higher or fast, but is the only one that can needs which can offer him the meaning reach the fundamental goal to improve of its life and of every day life. For this, human beings who will have the each man is looking on the bottom but chance to work for the benefits of the at the same time his soul is directed to Institution and for the well being of all the top: just in the way indicated by mankind. Hermes Trismegistus, one of the fathers of the western esoterism. The first way is fast, easy and attrac tive, while the second one is slow, In such a context, Freemasonry, more difficult, hard an narrow. Which one than any other human association, can must we pursue for the benefit of give each man the chance to fulfill his Freemasonry and for the benefit of all spiritual needs working for his initiatic mankind? improvement. Nevertheless, such a role can be played only if Freemasonry is We are not Freemasons just to play or detached from any profane — political, waste our spare time, but to make our social or economical interest, and if it efforts change ourselves. This is our follows with firmness its real and tradi real goal, and when we are conscious tional pathway, indicated by the Ma that we have reached some spiritual sonic Tradition stated by the Grand goal in changing our attitude and soul, Lodge of England and pursued by each we can say that we are satisfied and real an regular Masonic Institution. ready to go further. Nevertheless, the richness we have reached during the hard esoteric work within the Masonic Temple does not belong only to us but For this, the vital force of the Masonic to the entire Institution. It is certain that Tradition becomes a lively power in we have added a small brick to the con order to add each time a brick to the struction of the Temple of Mankind. construction of the Temple of Man kind with our behaviour, our actions Furthermore, we must say that our Ma and our ethical responsibility. Indeed, sonic Tradition has two cornerstones: Freemasonry itself, the depositary of on one hand, it is made of rules, sym the esoteric Western traditions, is a bols and rituals that represent a concrete vital force for Mankind and each good manifestation of the ideals and values Freemason must be proud of it and of Freemasonry. Such rules, symbols hold it as the guide of his life. and rituals cannot be changed for they are the kernels of our Institution and the I believe that the Grand Lodge of Ro characters that differentiate it from any mania is following the pathway of other association of men. On the other Masonic Tradition and I am personally hand, such a Tradition is not a dead happy that the Masonic Light is kept stone but has a vital force that can be high for the Romanian people. I am lived intensely by any Freemason in honoured to be in fraternal relations different ways: in his life in the Temple, with many Romanian brethren and I inside his deep soul, in the mutual rela am honored to know personally the tions among brethren, and with a view Most Respectable Grand Master. to obtaining degrees of personal im provement shared by all brethren. For I personally send my greetings for the this, the vital force leads to the Broth 10th anniversary of the foundation of erly Love among Freemasons — a force the Grand Lodge of Romania, and I that all the ancient texts had stressed as wish the Grand Lodge of Romania and a foundation of Freemasonry. all the Romanian brethren to keep on with the Masonic Tradition and may Secondly, the vital force of the Masonic the Masonic light grow stronger in Tradition must be the guide of the Ma Romania in order to enrich the vital sonic behaviour for each Freemason in force of the Universal Freemasonry the human community. We cannot for the future of the Western civiliza claim that we follow the Masonic val tion and of the whole Mankind. I wish ues and ideals if we do not make alive the Romanian Brothers will go on in ourselves and in our behaviour, in working together with all brethren side and outside the Temple, the power throughout the world to build the Ma of the vital force of the Masonic Tradi sonic Temple of Mankind. tion. Following the narrow street of Masonic initiatic pathway indicated by The time has come and Mankind is the Masonic Tradition means to follow waiting to receive further results of the double way of being a good Mason our efforts — beyond any particular inside the Temple and in the life of the interest and with faith in a global res Institution and a just and wise man urrection of Mankind through the ide within the human collectivity so as to als, values and principles of Freema be hold as an example among the other sonry. human fellows. On Wives and Masters A mason who had just been installed as Master of his lodge and was duly attend ing all the functions he could was hav ing a hard time with his wife who said... "All those masters in office have to do is click their fingers and you would be there wouldn't you? I wish I was a mas ter!" After due thought, he said, "So do I Compiled by dear; we swap them for a new one every WBro. Bernardo "Billy" F. Biala, PM year!!" and WBro. Tony M. Ligaya, PM Degree Work in the Afterlife The Worst Age To Be Bing and Jim are both devoted brothers "Sixty is the worst age to be," said the and members of a Lodge. They made a 60 year old man. "You always feel like solemn promise that whoever goes first you have to pee, and most of the time will come back and tell the other about you just stand there and nothing comes life after death. One afternoon, Jim sud out." denly collapsed while playing golf and died of a heart attack. Bing was so dis "Ah, that's nothing," said the 70 year hearten but anticipated Jim's coming back old. "When you're seventy, you don't and telling him the "other side". have a bowel movement any more. You take laxatives, eat bran, sit on the toilet One Monday night, while alone in his all day, and still, nothing comes out! study room, Bing heard a faint voice call ing his name. "Actually, "said the 80 year old, "Eighty is the worst age of all. " "Jim, is that you,” he said excitedly. "Do you have trouble peeing, too?" "Yes, Bing, it’s me," Jim answered asked the 60 year old. "So how's it over there", Bing asked. "No, I pee every morning at 6:00. I pee "Oh marvelous", Jim said. " We have a non stop like a racehorse with no prob perfect Lodge where the rituals are recited lem at all. " flawlessly, the floor works are perfect, "So, do you have a problem with your attendance is 100 percent, our fellowship bowel movement?" outstanding all the way with delicious and exotic food coming from all over the "No, I always have one every morning world, and everyone's so happy and con at 6:30." tent.” Exasperated, the 60 year old said, "You "If that's the case", Bing remarked, "how pee every morning at 6:00 and poop come you look sad"? every morning at 6:30. So what's so bad about being 80?" "Well, we are having a second degree work this coming Wednesday", Jim re "Well, I don't wake up until 7:00!" plied, "and you are the Senior Deacon.” Bro. Raymund Liongson © July 2008
DOWN 1. Supreme Being 2. Unintentional listener ACROSS 4. Polygon; symbol of the Deity 3. Jehovah in poetry 5. To be allowed 6. Full ear of corn 6. Lofty 7. So mote it be 9. Place of darkness 8. Great grandfather of David 10. Conceal 12. Portable Temple 11. Pledge 13. Grade or step 14. July birthstone 16. Badge of a Mason 15. Prescribed pattern of observance 19. Column symbolizing strength 17. “His father” (Hebrew word) 20. Widow’s son 18. Promise 23. Brother (Latin) 21. Unspeakable 24. Parable 22. Confidence, trust 26. Templar Grandmaster 25. Ornaments 2008
Here, there, and everywhere. Colorful Easter eggs await the children during the 2008 spring egg hunt.
Left: A girl swings her bat for a chance to send the prizes a flying. Above: Beyond the traditional egg hunt, kids are taught other fun games with eggs. Below: Children anxiously wait for the egg hunting at the Rainbow Marina. Bros. Sal del Prado, Tom Arigo, Tony Ang, and Steven Chang cheering WBro. Billy Biala as he sings his heart out.
MWBro. Dennis Ing and WBro. Orly Ragudos ask the Easter Bunny (Bro. Nestor Muyot) for their Easter eggs, while Bros. Mark San Diego, Sal Mendigorin, and Alex Escasa wait for their turn. Outdoor activities have become a fun vehicle for families of brothers get to know one another.
Food — the centerpiece of most activities — awaits hungry outdoor fun goers! Bro. Bonifacio Misola joins the “crowd” of three ladies. Some of Hawaiian Lodge Past Masters catch up with some good time together. WBro. Orly Ragudo and WBro. Billy Biala with other brethren and ladies.
Ladies show off their best as they do the latest line dance steps. WBro. Wilson Camagan greets a lady with a lei.
WBro. Robert Schultz and WBro. Rick Huston pose for a flash as they share light conversation. Ballroom dancing is good for both the body and the mind. Sumptuous dinner awaits attendees. WBro. Wilson Camagan giving a last minute instructions to Bro. Jim Corley, Master Orly Ragudos and Bro. Roland Resurreccion at the Memorial Day Obser vance at Hassinger Columbarium.
Family members attentively listen as Master Orly Ragudos conducts the Memorial Day Observance ceremony. The brethren and ladies of Hawaiian Lodge gathered for some snacks before the start of the Memorial Day Observance ceremony.
Members of Hawaiian Lodge march into the Columbarium for the start of the cere mony. Lodge members and their families pose for a photo after the Memorial Day Observance at Hassinger Columbarium. Lodge Activities since March 23, 2008
2nd Degree – Bro. Ty Damon Heller passed Makiki Masonic March Temple 26 3rd Degree Stated Meeting Makiki Masonic April Temple 2 Names of Suspended Members (16) for NPD read to the Lodge Carved wooden representation of Lodge’s Seal delivered and presented to the Lodge (WBro. Robert A. Schultz, PM has for safe keeping) Bro. Manuel T. Villanueva returned Third Degree Proficiency in full and regular form Bro. Charles Comeau appointed Aloha Shriner Ambassador to Hawaiian Lodge
Grand Master’s Fast Class – Second & Third De Schofield Masonic April grees Temple 5 Bro. Karl Hiroyuki Miyamoto Bro. Michael Asuncion Soriano
1st Degree – following initiated: Makiki Masonic April Mr. Joshua Keith Marcus Temple 9 Mr. Ronald Ray Williams “Cable Tow”, 1 st Qtr/2008 Issue
3rd Degree – Bro. Gary Walter MacDermid raised Makiki Masonic April Temple 16 Bro. Bernard C. Baldueza returned Third Degree Proficiency in the optional short form April Grand Lodge Annual Communication and Election Scottish Rite 18 19 of Officers – Cathedral MWBro. Dennis Sau Art Ing elected and installed as Grand Master April “A Tribute to Our Widows” Night Pagoda Hotel 26
April 1st Degree – Makiki Masonic 30 Mr. Lee David Gordon initiated Temple
May Spring Class and Reunion Scottish Rite 3 Cathedral May 3rd Degree Stated Meeting Makiki Masonic 7 Official Visitation of Grand Lodge Inspector for Temple HL WBro. Donovan W. Young May Grand Master’s Fast Class – Second & Third De Schofield 10 grees Masonic Temple Bro. Rodolfo A. Trias Filipino Fiesta Parade MWBro. Dennis Ing led the Grand Lodge’s Participation. The following brethren rode on Waikiki parade float: WBros. Antonio M. Ligaya and Orlando S. Ragudos, and Bro. Alexander A. Escasa May Aloha Shriners’ “Cold Sands” Ceremony Scottish Rite 17 Cathedral May 2nd Degree – Bro. George Senseny Eyster V passed Makiki Masonic 21 Temple May Hassinger Columbarium Clean up Makiki 24 Cemetery May Memorial Day Observance Hassinger 26 Columbarium May 3rd Degree – Bro. Adam Michael Smoller raised Makiki Masonic 28 Temple June 3rd Degree Stated Meeting Makiki Masonic 4 Official Visitation of the MW Dennis Sau Art Ing, Temple Grand Master of Masons in Hawaii Special Veteran Certificates Presented: WBro. Teofilo E. deAquino, PM – 35 years Bro. Ronald E. Tish – 35 years Bro. Rodante S. Caguiat – 25 years
N E C R O L O G Y + + +
Brother Erik K. Vannatta Born: February 18, 1910 Raised: March 23, 1960 Died: May 5, 2006
Brother Roy E. Dye Born: December 28, 1905 Raised: July 21, 1943 Died: March 15, 2008
“Almighty Father unto Thy Hands We Commend the Soul of Our Beloved Brothers”
“Mors Janua Vitae.” “Non Omnis Moriar.” 2008 LODGE COMMITTEES Auditing Committee Bro. Bonifacio Misola – Chair Bro. Ernesto Alegre WBro. Richard Huston, PM Awards WBro. Orlando Ragudos – Chair Bro. Alexander Escasa Bro. Bernard Baldueza Cable Tow WBro. Serafin Colmenares, PM – Chair WBro. Antonio Ligaya, PM Bro. Alexander Escasa WBro. Dale Palileo Bro. Raymund Liongson Charity Committee WBro.Orlando Ragudos – Chair Bro. Alexander Escasa Bro. Bernard Baldueza Delinquent Dues WBro.Orlando Ragudos – Chair WBro. Antonio Ligaya, PM Bro. Alberto Alarcon Masonic Temple Assn Bro. Gregory Pentecost – Chair Bro. John Aylett New Temple Assn RWBro. Dennis Ing, DGM – Chair Bro. Henry Wong Bro. John Aylett Past Master Assn WBro. Robert Schultz, PM – Chair All Past Masters Scholarship MW Ernest Yamane, PGM – Chair WBro. Kwanlin Wong, PM WBro. William Dresser, PM WBro. Wilson Camagan, PM WBro. Antonio Ligaya, PM WBro. John Carollo Sunshine Bro. Bernard Baldueza Bro. Ricarte Taylan Bro. James Corley Youth Groups RWBro. Dennis Ing, DGM – Chair Bro. Alexander Escasa Officer’s Coach WBro. Wilson Camagan, PM RWBro. Dennis Ing, DGM Candidate’s Coach WBro. Richard Huston, PM
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