Photo shows, from left to right: Bro Senior Deacon Micvi Fidel, VW Bro Rudy Romerosa, Bro Kim Hour Siv, Bro Jomar Crisostomo, Wor Master WBro Manny Santos and Bro Junior Deacon Paolo Beriguel.
Article & photo by RW Bro Bruce Quirk as appeared on District 32 web page.
Approaching eighty, including the Brethren their wives, family, friends and little ones were in attendance at the Castle Hill Masonic Centre on Saturday night the thirteenth of September. The Brethren, not only to see Mr Jomar Crisostomo and Mr Kim Hour Siv become Bro Jomar Crisostomo and Bro Kim Hour Siv, Brothers among Masons, but also to both see and hear the explanation of the First Degree Tracing Board delivered with such expression and meaning as only Bro Roderick Buenavista can do.
With W Bro Manuel Santos "In the Chair”, RW Bro Emmanuel Maniago as Senior Warden, W Bro Romy Nieto sitting in the Treasurer's chair and around twenty eight Brethren in the Lodge Room, the Lodge tyled at six o’clock sharp and the minutes, correspondence and general business was quickly presented and dealt with by the Lodge Secretary RW Bro Fidel Pamplona.
Visitors were then admitted, including strong representation from Lodge Woronga and Lodge Hornsby, thus swelling the numbers, which included eight Entered Apprentices and seven Fellow Crafts, to approaching fifty. An alarm was sounded and upon inquiry, it was found the District Grand Inspector of Workings for District Thirty Two VW Bro Graham Andrews was in attendance and seeking admission. With the Director of Ceremonies VW Bro Kris Albano and the Deacons taking up their respective positions, Fan Fare electronically operated by WBro Hermie Mateo, and the Brethren standing to order, the distinguished visitor entered the Lodge Room and was made most welcome by the Worshipful Master.
The election of Officers for the ensuing year of Lodge Jose Rizal was then conducted, Bro Manuel Placido accepting the role of Worshipful Master Elect, before a successful ballot was conducted for the admission into Freemasonry of Mr Jomar Crisostomo and Mr Kim Hour Sim, Mr Crisostomo a senior member of the Order of DeMolay.
VW Bro Rudy Romerosa then took the chair before an alarm was sounded; and upon inquiry it was ascertained Mr Crisostomo and Mr Siv were at the door of the Lodge, properly prepared and humbly soliciting to be admitted to the secrets and mysteries of Ancient Freemasonry. With consent by VW Bro Romerosa, the director of Ceremonies, The Lodge Chaplain and the Deacons taking up their respective positions, the candidates were admitted into the Lodge Room and in due course, Mr Crisostomo and Mr Siv became Bro Crisostomo and Bro Siv, Brothers among Masons.
The work of the evening was of a very high standard with particular mention of the final charge delivered with such meaning and expression by Bro Roberto Urqueza and with seats positioned in the centre of the floor for the eight Entered Apprentices to get a better view, the First Degree Tracing Board was explained by Bro Roderick Buenavista, which drew loud acclamation from all in the Lodge Room on completion.
The work of the evening completed, VW Bro Romerosa gave welcome to the visiting District Inspector who, with the assistance of the Director of Ceremonies, went down onto the floor to congratulate the candidates. On returning to the dais VW Bro Andrews made the Brethren aware of several forth coming events within the District, including The Hills Installation on the eighteenth of this month, The District Thirty Two Lodge of Instruction meeting on the twenty third and Lodge Resurgo working a first degree on the twenty fifth, dining at seven o’clock, prior to the meeting and of the District Thirty Two meeting commencing at six thirty on the twenty sixth. Continuing on, VW Bro Andrews thanked Lodge Jose Rizal for their continued support of the Sausage Sizzles and in particular, of the support given to the recent District Thirty Two Picnic.
The distinguished visitor then retired and before closing the Lodge, RW Bro Fidel Pamplona read out inquiries. VW Bro Romerosa then closed the Lodge and all retired to the festive board and after Grace was said by the Lodge Chaplain, Bro Julio Roson, all sat down to a beautiful meal prepared and presented as only the ladies of Lodge Jose’ Rizal can do. The Worshipful Master proposed the Loyal Toast, followed by the Toast to The Most Worshipful Grand Master and in response to the toast, VW Bro Andrews thanked the ladies of Lodge Jose Rizal for their unequalled hospitality and support of the Craft.
WBro Rolly Manarang then proposed a toast to the newly initiated Brethren and in response to the toast, the now Brother Siv said it had been his lifelong dream to become a Mason and this evening the dream had been fulfilled. Brother Crisostomo then responded and spoke of his experience in the Order of DeMolay and how Freemasonry will be his continuation of its teachings. Sis Janice Siv then rose in support of the toast and told of how Freemasonry made "Good Men, Better Men” and thanked all for their hospitality and friendship extended to her.
Bro Roderick Buenavista then proposed a toast to the visitors and to the ladies, the beautiful and ever so meaningful Lodge Jose Rizal honours were demonstrated by the Director of Ceremonies, VW Bro Kris Albano which are --
"We hold you in our hearts—We embrace you as a friend—We honour your friendship”
Bro Clive Mostoles from Lodge Woronora No 414 was then called to respond to the toast and in doing so, thanked Lodge Jose’ Rizal for an evening which would be the envy and inspiration of any Lodge. The response on behalf of the ladies was responded to by Sis Hazel Urqueza who spoke of her fond ties with Freemasonry and her love and connection with Lodge Jose’ Rizal which drew loud acclamation from all in the Festive Board.
The hour getting late, Bro Mario Baylon Jnr proposed the Junior Warden’s Toast and, whilst some departed into the warm spring evening, others stayed on for a catch up chat, party and song and all looking forward to --- "Our Next Happy Meeting at Lodge Jose Rizal No 1045”.
Such was the September meeting of Lodge Jose Rizal, a Lodge renowned for its work of excellence in the Lodge Room but far better known throughout the Fraternity for its "Peace, Love and Harmony” to all that attend, may it long continue to prosper and grow and continue to be both an inspiration and example for other Lodges to follow.
"So Mote It Be”
No comments:
Post a Comment