Tributes To MWB Edwin E. Elser: past Grand Master

Title

Language

English

Source

The Cabletow Volume XXXVIII (No. 3) September 1962

Year

1962

Rights

In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted

Fulltext

Tributes To MWB Edwin E. Elser Past Grand Master E. E. ELSER - EXEMPLAR OF OF AMERICAN LEGACY TO PHILIPPINE NATION - BUILDING By MWB. CONRADO BENITEZ Past Grand Master On this solemn occasion when we ate gathered to pay tribute to the memory of Bro. E. E. Elser, it is proper and fitting that we should relate his life to the great movement stirring the world during his. -time. I refer to the unique experiment in international relations undertaken with the joint cooperation of the American and Filipino peoples. Already a Freemason since 1897, and coming to Manila in 1902, the historic year when the Organic Act of the U.S. Congress extended to Filipinos the same basic human rights that were embodied in our Malolos Constitution of 1898, — Bro. Elser was well prepared to icxemplify the vital and essential role of civic-minded private citizen -in a Democratic Society. This role played most creditably— to the great honor of his mother country. — America. In this brief eulogy' I can mention only a few of Bro. Elser’s pioneer ing achievements known to me per sonally. They are in my estimation truly symbolic of America’s legacy to Philippine democratic nation building. Being Worshipful Master of Corrcgidor — Southern Cross Lodge No. 3 in 1914, and M. W. Grand Master of the Philippines in 1921, Bro. Elser was one of the far sight cd leaders of Freemasonry in tnose days who worked for and achieved the historic Unification of Masonry in the Philippines — thereby bind ing closely American and Filipino Freemasons, and ushering in an era of unprecedented goodwill and understanding between the two peoples. When confronted by the challenge of the Brotherhood of Man — the basic tenet of both Freemasonry and Christianity, as well as of the other great religions of mankind, — American and Fili pino masons were not found want ing. Their achievement has ever been a source of inspiration in the Free World. In the realm of voluntary civic participation in Community affairsso essential in a Democratic Society — the pioneering example of Bro: Elser paved the way for Key Amer ican institutions which helped and are still helping to strengthen Free Enterprise in this country. One of these is the Rotary Club of Manila, of which he was one of the organ izers and past president. In the realm of philantrophy, Bro. Elser practiced the Masonic virtue of charity and followed Christ’s injunction that “ it is more blessed to give than to receive,” by THE CABLE TOW September, 1962 being one of die organizers of the Masonic Hospital for Crippled Chil dren — a worthy project seiving still to perpetuate the memory and the vision of its founders. In this connection, mention may be made also of Bro. Elser’s interest in the Philippinc-American Guardian As sociation. In the field of business, Bro. El ser was one of a small group of pioneers who in 1904 founded a financial institution — the first of its kind in the Philippines — in tended to encourage thrift and saving as the way to ownership of a home; and as the only sound source of capital formation in a System of Free Enterprise. The Manila Building & Loan /Association stands today as a monument to Bro. Elser and his associates. An evidence of how Bro. Elser contri buted to Philippine Nation-build ing through his constructive busi ness policy was the reaction of the President of the Philippine Wo men’s University to the news that he had passed away. To perpetuate his memory she recommended the creation of scholarships to be known as “E. E. Elser Scholarships” ex plaining to the Trustees the valua ble advise and assistance extended by the then President of that fitiancal institution during the early life of the University. Thus, illustrious Bro. E. E. Elser, — Past grand Master of the Philip pines, and Active Grand Inspector General of the Supreme Council of the Thirty-Third Degree Scottish Rite of Freemasonry of the Repub lic of the Philippines — by exem plifying the ideals of America as a Masonic, Civic, and business lead er, contributed greatly to the growth of Democracy as a world movement headed by the United States. Let us the living perpetuate his memory by deeds worthy of his example. (Eulogy delivered by Sovereign Grand Commander Conrado Beni tez, 33°, Supreme Council of the Thirty-Third and last Degree, Scottish Rite Freemasonry, Repub lic of the Philippines, September 18, 1962. Plaridel Temple). EDWIN E. ELSER, THE BIG-HEARTED By MWB FRANCISCO A. DEI.GADO Past Grand Master Having had the privilege of be ing a life long friend and treated by him as almost a true blood brother. I consider it a great privilege ;<> be able to dedicate a few words of praise to the great Mason and Gentleman. Edwin E. Elser. While he started his masonry in the United States, it was in the dif ferent Rites, Lodges and Orders in the Philippines, as his masonic biography shows, that he showed his rare talent for leadership in the masonic world and elsewhere, hav ing been a presiding officer of everyone of them. When in the twenties dissension produced confusion and animosity 67 among the masons here, ii look the patience, affability and ability of Brother Elser to pave the way for ihc unification of all of them. His tory will regard him as one of the truly main pillars of the unification of Masonry in the Philippines. His charity and friendship knew no bounds. He proferred a helping hand to everyone in need. His memory will live forever in the hearts of h is brother Masons and friends everywhere. In the words of the poet, for him "There is no death! the stars go down To rise upon some other shore, They shine for ever more.” And bright in Heaven's jeweled crown. Edwin E. Elser will shine ever more in the hearts of his fellow Masons and his innumerable friends. AAA LOVE SOLVES HARD PROBLEMS They were building a great bridge across a river and the structure was carried from both sides to meet in the middle. But when the central span was swung into place they found that it did not lit; it fell short by two inches and no ingen uity could bridge that little spate. In dismay they telegraphed the de signer of the bridge, and in great impatience awaited his reply. When the reply tame it was enigmatical, for it merely said, "Wait till tomor row noon.” Next day at noon the mystified beholders found that the sun’s rays had expanded the metal so that, section to section, it precisely matched, and there was no crack at all — the bridge was one. — Amos R. Wells So docs the warmth of love bring together and bind strongly those who otherwise would be separated and apart and, incidentally, make pos sible the solution of many a hard problem in life. NEW YORK HARDWARE 348 Daamarinas Manila Dealer in — Mills Supplies Steel Plates Steel Cable Hardwares, etc. Plumbing supplies Paints Building materials Brother Delfin Dy Tel. 3-41-26 68 THE CABLE TOW September, 19G2

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