An inaugural address

Title

Creator

Rasul, Jainal D.

Language

English

Year

1966

Rights

In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted

Fulltext

From Sulu. . By Bro. JAINAL D. RASUL Worshipful Master Bud Daho Lodge 102 (Delivered at the public installation, for the first time, held at Notre Dame Gymnasium of Jolo in the presence of the Guest Speaker, Bro. Tan Tac, SecGen. Philippine Chinese Chamber of Commerce, MWB, Juan Alano (PGM), several Roman Catholic priests. Lay leaders and VWB Jose Araneta, supervisor of the Sulu Bodies of which Bro. Jainal D. Rasul is also the venerable master of its Lodge of Perfection) Distinguished guests, Brethren of the mystic ties, Ladies and Gentlemen: I would like to begin my address by invoking the blessings of God and by thanking my brethren for reposing upon my humble shoulder a delicate responsibility inherent in the position of the Oriental Chair. I also would like to take this opportunity, in behalf of the Sulu Masonic Society, to extend our gratitude to the Reverend Fathers, the Notre Dame College administration and to all ougucsts tonight for sparing their valued time in gracing our public installation. Because of mv age and my barely three years experience in this most ancient institution. I must confess that I am apt to be hasty in my ideas that may revolutionize the interpretations of some of our ancient landmarks. Hence it becomes necessary for me to appeal to all past masters and experienced members of the craft to regularly attend our lodge meetings and to afford us the needed cooperation and guidance. Right: IV fl Rasitl delivering his address. From the point of view of organization, any fraternity cannot hope to accomplish something by spending nothing. Social and religious activities are not the concern of magicians who can create something out of nothing., We must venture to communicate our ideas, our activities, our philosophy and our accomplishments to our brethren and to our neighbors. Wr must not bide our actions from the world in which we live. Too much reference have been made to the secrets of our order yet few are spoken of its principles, aims and objectives. We must continue to learn and search for that which was lost, so that we can transmit correct philosophy to others, so that we Turn Is next page April 1966 cannot mislead strangers to believe that Masons are ignorant or hiding themselves from this world under the cloak of secrecy. We must not allow others to formulate or project misconceived ideas and images of ourselves and of the institution which "c represent. Brethren, the responsibilities are ours. In the face of tyranny, the history of the world shows that Freemasons have always been at the vanguard in the struggle for liberty. The American revolution, as you know was led by Freemasons like Washington, Marquis de Lafayette. Jefferson and others. Bolivia, Italy and Cuba were likewise led by Freemasons in the struggle for freedom like Sitnon Bolivar. Giuseppe Garibaldi and Jose Marte respectively. The Philippine revolution which is of recent times was led by Freemasons like Aguinaldo, Rizal. Del Pilar, Andres Bonifacio, Mabim, Quezon, Loper*Jaena and others. The examples of these eminent Masons withersoever dispersed, should serve as a shining example for us in protecting the image of our universal fraternity. Let me invite you to go to the past for a while where Freemasonrv is rooted in mysticism or mystery. It has been said that Freemasonry was embraced by the ancient Egyptian mystics known for its secrecy which, history reveals, included the mummification of the dead body in this dogma of secrecy, a technique, not up to now. rediscovered by modern physicians. The ancient Egyptians refused to reveal this science of preserving the dead body. The ancient Greeks followed Masonry like, Phythagoras, Aristotle and Socrates whose philosophy of life, were it not for Plato, would have been, like Masonic “Secrecy,” shrouded in «a shadow of uncertainty. Indeed not all the past is right nor was it the greatest! Julius Caesar thought that he was living in a modern world, yet we know, he was of the ancient. The feudal lords thought that they were living in a modern world, yet we know that they were of the medieval age. We too believe that we are living in a modern world, indeed in a space era, yet who knows that the future generations and the generations yet unborn may look at us as still of the ancient. So that, my brethren, let us not solely rely on the past save as a basis to move us to the future. For the past is not always right. There are some past practices that need reexamination, to conform to the present age or time. Let us move forward and activate Masonry. Let us not convert all principles as secrets save those modes of recognition, those which are strictly ritualistic, kept within the repository of a faithful breast. Considerable discussion has developed regarding Freemasonry. Several essays and writings of eminent masonic au’horities serve to confuse the minds of the initiate. Freemasonry, to mv mind, means no more than consideration for your neighbors, respecting his beliefs, his ideas, his shortcomings. his problems and affording him corresponding reliefs or remedies or solutions, if within your power to do so. But this consideration, human as it is. must grow or improve. There was a time that no Muslim, Jew or Budhist could be made a Mason in due and ancient form. Now, it is possible. Freemasonry now holds that every other man has the same right to his opinion or faith that we have to ours. All Masons whether Roman Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, Budhists or Jews, pray and work Turn to pago 11 6 The Cabletow Newly-Installed Officers of Bontok Lodge .Vo. l.'tO. In. the photo. Irani left to right: Uro. Ernesto Mendoza, Treasurer; Uro. Guillermo T. flcrsamin, Senior Warden; C.F.I. Judge Hon. Cristobal Alejandro, guest speaker; WB. Celerino T. Ruiz, Master Elect; VU’/J. Marcelino P. Dysangco, JGL installing officer; Bro. Rnfino Chungalao, Junior Warden and WIL Victorino N. Ringor, Secretary Second row standing, same order, Bro. Rafael de Leon; WB. Santiago Balagot, PM (70) ; t!7?. Severo G. Pimentel, WIL Eliseo C. Belen, PM (77) master of ceremonies WB. Dcmas C. Trinidad PM, IV/?. Honcsto C. Belen PM; Bro. Aurelio Macabeo, Tyler and Bro. II. IL Dawag, Senior Warden; Rio Chico Lodge, U I). Third rotv same order standing, Bro. J. K. Gomez, Bro. V. M. Pangilinan, Bro. Sancho 4. Gacrlail (Rev.) chaplain, Bro. G. de Vera; Senior Deacon, Bro. V. T. Ugan; orator, Bro. A. Avelcs, and Bro. 1. V. Bandonil; Senior Steward. Last row standing, Bro. C. I). Herrera, Bro. P. R. Falcon, Bro. Capt. L. Rafanan, Bro. zl. B. Salvador, Han. Board Member Bro. Gaspar Ponchtnlan, Bro. S. S. Saguid and Bro. IL Calaou. The installation was held publicly in the Provincial Capitol Session Hall of Bontoc. A A YOUR CABLETOW AFTER FOUR MONTHS This is a report on what the Board of Trustees has done with your Cabletow since, January this year when it started its new life as an autonomous body. You will please remember that The Cabletow, Inc., publishes The Cabletow magazine in the interest of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines, Inc. On this thesis and inspiration, The Cabietow, Inc. stands or falls. BUDGET CONSCIOUSNESS. As in the past, we, operate on a close-shave budget. Under the circumstances, we count the centavos and see that every gram of its copper is wisely spent. Hence, we have only one employee paid the minimum wage. The rest of us do Turn to next p»8® April 1966

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