Half-century of masonic labors [editorial]

Title

Language

English

Source

The Cabletow XXXIII (7) January 1958

Year

1958

Rights

In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted

Fulltext

gJiloriab HALF-CENTURY OF MASONIC LABORS On November 7, last, the only Subordinate Lodge chartered under a foreign constitution and working here completed a period of fifty years of continuous Masonic labors. This is the Ixxlge Perla del Oriente No. 1034, under the Grand Lodge of Scotland. The period from November 7, 1907, when Lodge Perla del Oriente No. 1034 was chartered, to November 7. 1957, was no easy, not to say, discouraging span of years. The period is characterized by trials and tribulations. The following attendant events complicated the situa tion, namely: (1) during the early part of the era under review. Filipino Masons were still under the influence of the Continental System of Freemasonry; (2) the American Rite has just been re cently introduced; (3) the Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands which was in the process of organization aimed at absorbing Filipino Masons who were then owing allegiance to the Grande Oriente Espanol; and (4) the grant of independence to the Philippines. Other intertwined developments which took place were (1) as late as of 1947, Lodge Perla del Oriente No. 1034 was extended an invitation by the Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands, the purpose of which “is to appeal to you in the most fraternal manner to assist us to make our Jurisdiction of the Philippine Constitution, the Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands, which is the sovereign und only Ma sonic Grand Lodge entitled to exclusive jurisdiction over the Philip pines. the only one from which all regular Lodges here should obtain their authority or charter to work*, x x x . We would be glad to have you within our folds, and hope that you will not hesitate to accept this invitation.” (2) Further, in 1950, Lodge Perla del Oriente No. 1031 was affected by the question of dual membership. Under the constitution of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Philip pines then, dual membership was not permitted in Lodges holding concurrent jurisdiction. Consequently, Lodge Perla del Oriente Nb. 1031, under the circumstance, could not take in new affiliates from Lodges working in Manila where it is also domiciled and from Lodges working in the Province of Cavite, os such Izwiges enjoy concurrent jurisdietion. With the set-up, it meant a natural death to Lodge Perla del Oriente No. 1034. How be it, the brethren of Lodge Perla del Oriente did not lose hope and the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Scotland with serenity and patience entertained the situation with reliance that the “mistake” may be resolved to the satisfaction of afl Craftsmen. And it came to pass, the provision on dual membership of the Constitution of the Most Worahipful Grand Lodge of the Philippine, now amended, allows Craftsmen to become dual members of Lodges exercising concurrent jurisdiction. To this set-up, Lodge Perla del Oriente No. 1034 is now on less a beneficiary. It can now be said and future Masonic students and historians will confirm that no problem no matter how difficult it may be— let it be conjectured that even life is involved—can not be resolved by Masons to the satisfaction of all parties involved. This monu mental step taken by the Grand Lodge of the Philippines indeed, shows to the whole world what Freemasonry stands for. We join Brothers, admirers and friends in extending warm con gratulations to the officera and members of Perla del Oriente Lodge No. 1034 on completing a half-century of Masonic labora; also to the Most Worahipful Grand Lodge of Scotland goes our utmost apprecia tion and respect for the parent-tike manner it has treated the instant case for which the amity existing between her and the Most Wor ahipful Grand Lodge of the Philippines has become more enduring. MABUHAY! — Jose E. Racela, Editor. Note: The history of Lodge Perla del Oriente No. 1034 is published elsewhere in this issue. GRAND MASTER’S MESSAGE . (Continued from inside front cover) the outside world can see of the individual member. Let us be the exampioi in the community. We shook] therefore have and observe similar resolutions. VICEFTE OHOSA Grand Master 244 THE CABLBTOW

pages

235-236

Media