Lodge Jose Rizal's July 2013 Meeting

From left: Bro Senior Deacon Micvi Fidel, RW Bro Fidel Pamplona, Bro Justin Bayliff, VW Bro Graham Andrews & RW Bro Manny Maniago [Photo by W Bro Romy Nieto - www.nieto.com.au]

Approaching fifty, including the Brethren, their wives, family and friends, not forgetting the little ones and tiny tots, were in attendance at the Castle Hill Masonic Centre on Saturday night - the 13th of July. Most to witness, others to take part in and all to enjoy; not only the Raising Ceremony of Bro Justin Baylifff but also to take part in the birthday celebrations of Bro Micvi Fidel [Age undisclosed].

With RW Bro Fidel Pamplona "In The Chair”, W Bro Romy Nieto as IPM, RW Bro Emmanuel Maniago as acting Senior Warden and VW Bro Rudy Romerosa as acting Secretary, the Lodge Tyled at six o’clock sharp.

Among the twenty eight in the Lodge room, were no fewer than three Entered Apprentice Freemasons and two Fellow Crafts and after all visitors were admitted, 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 acting Director of Ceremonies, RW Bro Rey Porras and the Deacons taking up their respective positions, the distinguished visitor was admitted and made extremely welcome by the Worshipful Master in The Chair.

Before the work of the evening commenced, RW Bro Pamplona offered his sincere condolences to W Bro Romy Nieto and Family in the passing of Sis Ellen’s dear mother - Monica Sanqui Nunez.

The Worshipful Master in the Chair then asked all Entered Apprentices to retire and opened the Lodge in the Second Degree. At RW Bro Pamplona’s request, the Senior Deacon, Bro Micvi Fidel presented Bro Justin Bayliff to the Obligation Table where he was subjected to the Preliminary Examination. Bro Bayliff, obviously well tutored by his mentor, RW Bro Emmanuel Maniago, had no problem with the examination and after all Fellow Crafts were retired, including W Bro Fred Sese, the now Worshipful Master of Lodge Baulkham Hill, the Lodge was raised to the Third Degree.

The Lodge Room being suitably prepared, an alarm was sounded and after the Director of Ceremonies, the Deacons and Lodge Chaplain had taken up their respective positions, Bro Bayliff was re admitted "On The Square” and in due course, raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason. The work of the evening was of the particularly high standard, of which Lodge Jose Rizal is renowned but particular mention must be made of the Traditional History narrated by W Bro Romy Nieto and the extended signs so well explained by Bro Robert Urqueza. Meanwhile, the ladies outside, were obviously enjoying the night and having a great time judging by the music, laughter and squeals of delight issuing forth.

The ceremony over and a photo opportunity taken, the Lodge was returned to the First Degree and all Masons were re admitted. RW Bro Pamplona then gave welcome to the visiting District Inspector who, in rising to the response, and apologising for his absence at the last meeting, asked for the assistance of the Director of Ceremonies and went down onto the floor and greeted the Entered Apprentices in turn, crossing the floor, he also congratulated the newly Raised Brother Bro Bayliff, and greeted the Fellow Craft in attendance.

On returning to the dais, VW Bro Andrews, spoke of his recent contact and conversation with the Most Worshipful Grand Master, who is in Brisbane, at the moment, for the Queensland Grand Installation and will soon journey to New Zealand for their Grand Installation, thus continuing the very strong Australasian bond of Freemasonry. Continuing on, VW Bro Andrews spoke of the recent Grand Lodge Communication and of VW Bro Robert Moore’s successful application for the role of RGC at the "soon to be” Region Two. He also spoke of the Grand Master’s desire to visit District Thirty Two and urged all Lodges in the District to give the Grand Master timely notice of any function they wished him to attend.

VW Bro Andrews then retired and before closing the Lodge RW Bro Pamplona asked for any announcements ---

The Worshipful Master of Lodge Hornsby rose and invited all to Lodge Hornsby’s next meeting which will be the investiture of Officers for the ensuing year.

RW Bro Bill Driver spoke of the huge financial success of the sausage sizzles held at the various Bunning’s outlets and called for volunteers for the forthcoming Castle Hill roster where it is 'guesstimated' that over six hundred and fifty sausage sandwiches will be sold on the day, returning more than two thousand dollars. Well done RW Bro Driver.

There being no further business, the "Master in The Chair” closed the Lodge and after a photo opportunity was taken of all the Brethren who had taken part in the night’s ceremony, all retired to the Festive Board to join the ladies, family and friends and, after Grace was recited by the Lodge Chaplain, Bro Julio Roson, all enjoyed a beautiful meal and delicious sweets prepared and presented by the ladies of Lodge Jose Rizal.

After RW Bro Pamplona had proposed The Loyal Toast, he proposed a toast to The Most Worshipful Grand Master, which was responded to by the visiting District Inspector. Bro Troy Quimpo then proposed a toast to the newly Raised Brother and in his response, Bro Bayliff, in thanking Lodge Jose Rizal, especially RW Bro Maniago, for all the support and encouragement in his Masonic journey thus far, said that he would soon be moving to Canada and would join a Lodge over there but would always have happy memories of Australia and be so proud to call Lodge Jose Rizal his Mother Lodge.

In the absence of Bro SW Manny Placido, RW Bro Rey Porras proposed a toast to the ladies and visitors, which was responded to by W Bro Ian Harrison, from Lodge Alpha. W Bro Harrison has applied for affiliation papers and soon to be an affiliate member of Lodge Jose Rizal.

The Director of Ceremonies then announced that it will be Bro Micvi Fidel’s birthday and all joined in singing a happy and hearty "Happy Birthday” song. In response, Bro Micvi asked all to continue the evening and participate in his birthday celebrations and in doing so invited all to sample some special birthday food he had placed on the tables.

The raffle was then drawn and Bro Mario Baylon Jnr proposed the Junior Wardens Toast and whilst some went home, others stayed and joined in the birthday festivities and extended South well into the night or should one say "early morning”. Such was Lodge Jose Rizal’s July meeting, another night of both admiration and inspiration and totally enjoyed by all in attendance and all looking forward to ----

"Our Next Happy Meeting at Lodge Jose’ Rizal No 1045”

Which will be held at the Castle Hill Masonic Centre,on the fourteenth of September, where a warm welcome will be extended to all.

Article by RW Bro Bruce Quirk, as appeared originally on the District 32 website.

Lodge Jose Rizal's May 2013 Meeting

Though Lodge Jose Rizal’s May meeting was a dress rehearsal of the Third Degree, Filipino Constitution [Grand Lodge of the Philippines - GLP] for two big meetings yet to come, Lodge Turumurra on Saturday the twenty fifth of May tyling at five thirty and the Egyptian Room at Petersham on Saturday the first of June; all in attendance benefited greatly by their attendance as all learned much more about the Third Degree than book or word of mouth could ever tell and; the Tribute to Mother at the Festive Board on the eve of Mother’s day touched ever one’s heart, a most enjoyable, educational and unforgettable evening.

With approaching thirty in the Lodge Room and W Bro Manuel Santos in the chair, the Lodge tyled at six o’clock and the minutes, correspondence and general business was quickly dealt with by the Lodge Secretary, RW Bro Fidel Pamplona. The accounts and monies outstanding as well as financial statements were then presented and dealt with by the Lodge Treasurer RW Bro Emmanuel Maniago before all visitors were admitted and cordially welcomed by the Worshipful Master.

The Lodge was then taken from Labour to Refreshment and after a short comfort break, the Lodge Room was prepared for the coming rehearsal. After some instruction as to the response to be given by all, in regards to the knocks by the Master in the Chair W Bro Romy Nieto, and Bro Rommel Cruz as candidate, the ceremony commenced. The officers obviously enjoyed their respective roles and needed little or no guidance as the rehearsal unfolded, a ceremony, on similar lines, but far divorced from the ceremony practiced in Australia.

Section one completed and no time to rehearse the second section, the Lodge was bought back from Refreshment to Labour and all final business dealt with including Inquiries and announcements before the Worshipful Master closed the Lodge and all retired to the South to join family and friends.

Grace was said by the Lodge Chaplin Bro Julio Roson and the Loyal toast proposed before all enjoyed a beautiful meal prepared and presented by the Ladies of Lodge Jose Rizal which was so delicious that many went back for more. The Director of Ceremonies, W Bro Kris Albano then took the floor and invited many couples to the front to speak of their marriage and relationship and on completion and a photo opportunity taken, were given a long stemmed red rose.

Such is the Peace Love and Harmony of Lodge Jose Rizal, a Lodge of honour and pride for the members to belong to, a Lodge of experience and example for those who visit,

May it long Flourish-Grow and Prosper.

‘To Our Next Happy Meeting at Lodge Jose Rizal No 1045’

Which meets at the Castle Hill Masonic Centre, usually on the Second Saturday [odd months] but the next meeting will be held on the Third Saturday in June the fifteenth.

RW Bro Bruce Quirk's article as appeared on District 32 website

LJR's March Meeting:12 March

by RWBro Bruce Quirk [originally appeared at District 32 website.]

Lodge Jose’ Rizal was again strongly supported by both members and visitors alike for the March meeting, one Brother visiting from ‘Alice Springs Lodge’ - No 156 -S.A. Const. No fewer than seventy Brethren, Wives and Family were in attendance to witness, take part in and enjoy the Ceremony and Festive Welcome of the now Brother Troy Quimpo and Brother Roderick Buenavista when they were made Masons and became Members of Lodge Jose’ Rizal No 1045.

The Lodge Tyled at Six o’clock sharp with VW Bro Rey Porras as DC and W Bro Emmanuel Maniago playing a dual role as both Secretary and Immediate Past Master and Bro Julio Roson as Senior Deacon. After the business of the Lodge and Correspondence dealt with, all visitors were admitted and made comfortable around six fifteen. An alarm was then sounded and upon inquiry it was ascertained that the DGIW for District 32, VW Bro Paul Larbalestier was in attendance and seeking admission. With consent by the Worshipful Master W Bro Pamplona, and the Brethren standing to order, VW Bro Larbalestier entered the well filled Lodge Room which included two Fellow Crafts and three Entered Apprentices, and was well received by the Worshipful Master.

The work of the evening which was to make Mr Troy Quimpo and Mr Rodrick Buenavista masons then commenced, with Bro Mario Baylon Jnr as Junior Deacon, assisted by Bro Julio Roson as acting Senior Deacon and a most impressive first degree ceremony followed. Particular mention must be made of the delivery, full of authority and command, of the Final Charge by W Bro Ted Balgos, who some in the Lodge Room had had the pleasure of seeing and hearing him install the now W Bro Victor Edilloran in an unforgetable Installation Ceremony at Lodge Celebration of Fairfield the previous week, W Bro Edilloran also in the Lodge Room.

The ceremony over, the Worshipful Master called for any apologies, and many were heard from brethren who had travelled to Raymond Terrace with Lodge Alpha for their annual return visit to Lodge Hunter. Announcements were then called for and W Bro John Morton rose and invited all to Lodge Resurgo’s forth coming Re Installation ceremony scheduled for the Twenty Third of this month where W Bro Merv McGrath will be Re Installed for another term, RW Bro Bob Handley PJGW representing The Most Worshipful Grand Master. VW Bro Bill Driver then rose and invited all to his Re Installation into the Chair of Lodge Burnside, planned for the sixth of April, Hopefully, RW Bro Rex Pollard representing the Most Worshipful Grand Master.

The Worshipful Master then welcomed VW Bro Larbalestier who, in acknowledging his welcome, went down on the floor and congratulated the two newly made brothers, on returning to the dais, he asked the Director of Ceremonies, VW Bro Rey Porras to present Bro Larry Pamplona and Bro Daniel Placido and duly presented them with their Master Mason’s certificates. The DGIW then went on to speak of the Grand Lodge Communication held on the previous Saturday and of how RW Bro Derek Robson became Grand Master Elect by a wide margin, he also spoke of the heart warming presentation of the ‘Lord Carrington Medal of Honour’, presented to RW Bro Ken Mole, a presentation that touched the hearts of all at the Communication where all present responded with a standing ovation which lasted some minutes.

During the course of the evening, the Ladies of Lodge Jose’ Rizal and their friends, whilst not interrupting the meeting in anyway, could clearly be heard having a great time singing and dancing and obviously enjoying themselves while they waited for their men folk, such is the harmony of Lodge Jose’ Rizal, a Lodge which is always a pleasure to attend or visit.

VW Bro Larbalestier then retired and in closing business, the Secretary read out two more applications for initiation which shows the strength of this young and vibrant Lodge. The Worshipful Master then closed the Lodge and all retired to the South to enjoy harmony and beautiful food prepared by the Ladies.

The two newly made Brothers chose to respond to the toast to the Newly Initiated Brethren proposed by Bro Mario Baylon Jnr and immediately after their response, the Worshipful Master presented them with their Jose’ Rizal lapel badges. There were two responses to the visitors toast proposed by W Bro Emmanuel Maniago, responding on behalf of the visitors of District 32 VW Bro Bill Driver rose and thanked Lodge Jose’ Rizal for an unforgetable evening and wished the two Newly Made Masons well in their future Masonic Careers. W Bro Robin Hyde, from Alice Springs Lodge No 156 South Australian Constitution, dressed in his very smart white jacket, who was visiting with his partner Karin Douglas, rose and responded on behalf of the remaining visitors and claimed he could not believe how friendly every one was, surely this was ‘Freemasonry in it’s fullest splendor’.

The hour getting late, the Junior Warden's toast was given, but this was by no means the end of the evening for some, as Karin Douglas seized the opportunity to take up the microphone and in clear and powerful voice sang many favourite songs and many joined in laughter and song making the evening even more enjoyable.

Such is the ‘Peace Love and Harmony’ of this young and vibrant Lodge Lodge Jose’ Rizal may it long continue and be an example for other Lodges to follow ---

To Our Next Happy Meeting at Lodge Jose’ Rizal No 1045’.

3rd Meeting & Initiation: From a visitor's point

by RW Bro Bruce Quirk

Approaching ninety Brethren, their ladies, friends and ‘little helpers’ [three sons of W Bro Russell Dobson], were in attendance at the Castle Hill Masonic Centre for Lodge Jose Rizal’s third Regular meeting held on the eighth of May. This was a very special meeting as the two candidates were the sons of members [Lewis*] of this new and vibrant Lodge, Lodge Jose Rizal.

The Lodge tyled at six o’clock and the private business was soon dealt with and then the many visitors, some forming impressive fraternals were admitted. A successful ballot was then conducted for the admission of the two candidates, Mr Larry Pamplona and Mr Daniel Vincent Placido.

The Worshipful Master, W Bro Manny Maniago, then asked W Bro Fidel Pamplona to take ‘The Chair’ and thus gave him the privilege, which is every fathers' dream, to initiate his own son.

An alarm was sounded and the two candidates were admitted in due and ancient form under the care and direction of the Junior Deacon, Bro Manuel Placido, Mr Daniel Placido’s father. The ceremony that followed can only be described as ‘as good as it could possibly be’ and was a totally heart warming experience for all in the Lodge Room to be audience to, the Mode of Preparation and the Working Tools, delivered by Master Masons were explained with such expression and meaning it left all in the Lodge Room thinking ‘Just how good was that’. The candidates were then retired to restore themselves to their personal comfort and, after signing the register, were positioned in the North East corner where VW Bro Manny Maniago recited that lengthy charge, full of meaning, ‘The Final Charge’ which explains to the candidates what is expected of them now they are Masons and the duties contained there in, recited in a way that only VW Bro Maniago can.

The ceremony over and a full photo opportunity taken, W Bro Maniago resumed ‘The chair’ and finalized the meeting before all retired to the South [Festive Board#] to take part in what can only be described as an enormous banquet with an abundance of food catered for all tastes and the sweets were something the ‘Master Chefs’ could only dream about, that fruit salad ‘WOW’.

In response to the toast to ‘The Newly Initiated Brothers’, proposed by Bro Manny Placido, both candidates rose and responded in turn which bought cheers of recognition and acknowledgement from all in the room. The DGIW [District Grand Inspector of Workings] for District 35 VW Bro Bill McBey then gave each candidate a lapel badge in a ‘good will’ gesture and was gratefully received by each.

As the hour approached ten o’clock the Worshipful Master W Bro Manny Maniago rose and said ‘We begin early so we can finish early’ and with that the Junior Warden proposed the Junior Wardens Toast.

‘To our Next Happy Meeting at Jose Rizal.’


[As adapted from RW Bro Quirk's original article that appeared in the Masonic Regions website.]


 This is history in the making for Lodge Jose Rizal 1045, as this were the first two candidates & initiates of the Lodge. What makes it more special is that both Bro Larry Pamplona & Bro Daniel Placido are both Lewis; sons of the current Senior Warden, W Bro Fidel Pamplona & Sis Pen Pamplona and current Junior Deacon, Bro Manny Placido and Sis Do Placido. respectively.
 
[* "Lewis is traditional English for a man who is the son, grandson, or direct male descendant of a Freemason. The term comes from the device traditionally used by operative masons, consisting of two wedge-shaped side pieces fit together by a straight centerpiece, to raise heavy blocks of stone into place; symbolizing the utility and strength of family heritage in building Masonic character."]
 
Both young men were highly recommended, & applied for the degree 'on their own freewill & accord' & talented in their own rights; the stuff that future & new generations of Freemasons are in this Lodge - young, vibrant & talented.
 
Another pillar of this Lodge are the ladies. Our brethren can't thank them enough for their support & help in making sure that the Festive Board & other social activities of the Lodge are graced by their presence. The atmosphere is akin to a family event, wherein everyone [even the children] are having a good time!
 
Another 'secret' is the extended & very informal South [which, "according to Masonic tradition, medieval European stonemasons would meet, eat, and shelter outside working hours in a Lodge on the southern side of a building site, where the sun warms the stones during the day. The social Festive Board #(or Social Board) part of the meeting is thus sometimes called the South. Early Lodges often met in a tavern or any other convenient fixed place with a private room." In fact, The Grand Lodge of England was founded in a tavern or pub called 'Goose & Gridiron'!].
 
Hence, an early toast of the Junior Warden so that brethren & other guests who wants to go home can do so after the formalities of the South. The brethren & ladies stayed till about 12:00 midnight having fellowship, dancing, and general clean up while polishing off the remainder of the drinks & food!