The Cabletow

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Part of The Cabletow

Title: The Cabletow
Issue Date: Vol. XXXVIII (No.3) September 1962
Year: 1962
Language: English
Rights
extracted text: On Se/itiinbir l~>, 1SHS, the Mulnlns I met ill Iiiani/iniil Session in Harasnain Miilolos, Rvlacan. It adopted the C tinn uf the First Fhilippim in nelamml th OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE GRAND LODGE OF 1HS PHILIrViN: SINCE 1923. September Vo). XXXVIII No. 3 September 19G2 Published Monthly by the Grand Lodge of the Philippines, Inc. at 1440 San Marcelino, Manila, starting with May 1962 issue. Re entered as Second Class Mail Matter at the Manila Post Office on June 16, 1962. Subscription Rate — P2.00 a year WILLIAM H. QUASHA Editor-in-Chief Board of Editors: RAYMOND E. W1LMARTH, JOSE T. ESPINOSA, JOSE T. ENRIQUEZ EMILIO ASISTORES, FEDERICO PIEDAD, VENANC1O TRINIDAD FELIPE LAGON MACARIO C. NAVIA Managing Editor FLORENCIO A. R. ILAGAN Circulation Manager THE GRAND LODGE OF FREE & ACCEPTED MASONS OF THE PHILIPPINES GRAND LODGE OFFICERS 1962 1963 In ckls issue . . . William H. Quasha (80) ......... Grand Master Pedro M. Gimenez (51) .. Deputy Grand Master Charles S. Musebrook (82) Senior Grand .Warden Serafin L. Teves (91) Howard R. Hick (1) . Esteban Munarriz (14) . . Junior Grand Warden ........... Grand Treasurer ......... Grand Secretary Marciano C. Evangelista (35) . . Grand Chaplain Manuel M. Crudo (4) ................ Grind Orator Edward Drozynski (44) ......... Grand Marshal Jose M E. Leon, Jr. (57) Grand Standard Rearer Emilio Asistores (7) .... Grand Sword Bearer Mateo D. Cipriano (14) .... Grand Bible Bearer Homogenes P Oliveros (82) Sen. Grand Lecturer Manuel IC. Torres (12) Junior Grand Lecturer Ricardo Rubin (64) .... Senior Grand Deacon Escolastico Cuevas (51) ... Junior Grand Deacon Elmer I). Rastorfer (142) . Senior Grand Steward Augusto P. Santos ....... Junior Grand Steward Virgil F. Murray (1) ......... Grand Pursuivant Angel Montes (27) ................. Grand Organist Macario M. Ofilada (12) ............. Grand Tyler DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS Pedro M. Gimenez (51) Francisco Q. Keyes (60) Rufino S. Roque, Sr. (133) Alberto Suguitan (71) Teofilo Guadiz (56) ....... Doroteu M. Joson (53) Pacifico C. Mai tn (77) Purisiino Ramos (34) Arnaudo D. Yhgan (122) Fortunato Ejercilo (15) Cirilo Constantino (25) . . Distinct District Gregorio B. Defeo (37) Pedro E. Dy I.iacco (33) Pantaleon A. Pelayo (50) Fidel Ramon Ponce de Leon Aniceto Belisario (130) Joseph Lim-So (50) (91) . District District District Jose L. Araneta (45) James T. Taylor Richard Rose (142) R.iIh-i W Seely (151) Grand Master’s Message ........................ 59 Editorial—The Secret of Masonry................... G1 Work and Agree ........... 61 By II7? Raymond E. IVilmarth The Beatitudes—to a Layman ........................ 65 By VWB Macario Navia Tributes to MWB Edwin E. Elser ........................ 66 Masonry and the Revolution .................... 70 By MWB Emilio P. Virata, PGM Masonic Music ............... 73 By WB Eugene Stransky Masonic Etiquette and Decorum ........................ 79 By VWB Hermogenes Oliveros The Order of Eastern Star................................. 83 Official Section ............. RR ^rand 'fflaiter’i Wleiiafe Arrangements for our Special Golden Jubilee Com munication are sufficiently well advanced to enable me to advise the brethren of certain details so that they can make appropriate plans. The communication will take place on December 19-20, 1962. We will have morning, afternoon and probably eve ning sessions. The communication will be opened at the Grand Lodge at 8:30 A.M. on December 19th. It will not be necessary for the brethren to be at the opening, as this will merely be a formality. The brethren will be asked instead to register commencing at 8:00 A.M. at the Philamlife Audi torium at the corner of Isaac Peral and Florida Streets, Manila. All business of the communication will be held at this modern, air-conditioned auditorium which has 800 seats. This building has other facilities which will be entirely ade quate for our purpose. In order to facilitate registration, it is requested that each Lodge advise the Grand Lodge of the names of the bre thren who will attend the communication. It would also be most helpful to us if advise could be received as to the names of those brethren who will be accompanied by their wives. A registration fee will be charged to cover the cost of lunch and dinner which will be served by a 'caterer at the Philamlife Building on both days. It will also cover the cost of a sou venir. As soon as final arrangements for catering are com pleted, we will advise all Lodges of the amount of registration fee. The overall Chairman of the communication is M. W. Bro. Cenon S. Cervantes, P.G.M. The various Sub-committee Chairmen are: M. W. Bro. Antonio Gonzalez, Program; V. W. Bro Hermogenes P. Oliveros, Accommodations (including hotel reservations) V. W. Bro. Manuel K. Torres, Reception; and Wor. Bro. Dominador R. Escosa, Registration. In order 59 to enable each of these to perform his duties to the satisfaction of the brethren, it is requested that the Grand Lodge be noti fied well in advance as to the time-and place of arrival of the brethren in Manila, what kind of reservations are required, if any, and whether any special requirements, such as sight seeing and the like, are required. Invitations have been issued to Grand Masters of all Grand Lodges with whom we have fraternal relations. Thus far, the Grand Masters of California and Japan have indi cated that they will attend. The Grand Masters of Massa chusetts and Indiana will send representatives. Sizeable de legations are expected from our overseas Lodges. It is anti cipated that our Guest Speakers will include President Diosdado Macapagal and Mr. William E. Stevenson, the American Ambassador to the Philippines. The first order of business will be the reception of those dignitaries who are entitled to Grand Honors. This will commence at 9:30 A. M. on December 19th, and it is impera tive that all Masons be seated prior to that time. The Grand Lodge will have a team of brethren who will handle the registration of delegates, which we believe can be accomplished in approximately one hour’s time if we have ad vance notice as to the names of the brethren who will attend. The ladies of the Order of Eastern Star will look after the wives of visiting brethren. No effort is being spared to make this communication a success, but in the final analysis success or failure will depend upon the attendance of the brethren, for if they do not come, they will miss the elaborate program which is being prepared for their benefit. I urge every brother who can possibly make this trip to do so. We want this communication to be a platform from which our Grand Lodge can go forward to greater and greater achievement. WILLIAM H. QUASHA Grand Master 60 THE CABLE TOW Editorial. . . THE SECRETS OF MASONRY One of the things about Freemasonry that intrigues non Masons is the secrets of the Order. Because of these secrets, hostile critics denounce it as a secret society, ascribing evil designs to it. These critics ignore the fact that churches have pri vate conclaves, businesses have trade secrets, and that every important association or corporation has closed sessions, not open to the public. They also disregard the fact that the Mahave numerous public functions in and out of their Lodge halls, halls. Further, they fail to consider that many of the world’s greatest and most honored men were Masons and that the Fra ternity flourishes in all enlightened countries. Only where the authorities cannot stand freedom of thought and expression and the independent quest for Truth is our Order suppressed. It is, therefore, unreasonble for anyone to resent the fact that Masonic Lodge meetings are for Masons, any more than they would criticize other associations or clubs for being exclusive. But what are the secrets of Masonry? They are the modes of recognition. All else about the Order, its teach ings, tenets, principles and history can be found in every en cyclopedia, in hundreds of books authored by members of the Order; and its rules and regulations, edicts, activities, mem bership, officers and even its finances are printed in numerous organs or publications of Grand Lodges and of individual Lodges. All these are available for perusal by any interested person. The privacy of Masonic initiations is related to the adop tion of secret signs and passwords, a brief discussion of which will here be presented. Freemasonry has come down to us from antiquity almost untouched by changes in time, tradition and customs. Most 61 of what it is today have been transmitted from the past includ ing its symbolisms and secrets venerated by the years. The fraternities of old were associations of craftsmen called guilds that were largely protective in nature. There were guilds for various trades such as those of tailors, shoe makers, metal workers and carpenters, who enjoyed privileges given by kings to practice their trades under laws peculiar to them. For the perpetuation of their associations, all of them had provisions for the introduction into their guilds of youths who were instructed by Masters and who had to go through periods of preparation as Apprentices. By the nature of their work, however, Masons were dif ferent from members of other guilds. Shoemakers, for ins tance, •worked in the place where they resided, and they had work brought to them. They knew each other well and, be cause of this intimacy, they needed no safeguards against im postors or invaders from other places. On the other hand, Masons had to go to their'work. Their activities were not confined to the locality where they lived. Many times they had to travel to erect buildings in distant lands. Large edifices usually required Masons exceeding in number those who were available locally, and workers had to be secured from other places. Because it was a highly specialized craft, cau tion was necessary to prevent the admission of Masons who were not qualified for employment — impostors without the necessary skill in the art or who had not passed through the apprenticeship as prescribed by the rules of the Fraternity. Writing was almost wholly unknown and Masons then did not have, as we do now, the convenience of carrying letters of introduction or written certifications of proficiency when travelling to engage in their profession. Hence the necessity for adopting modes of recognition, and for this purpose they adopted secret signs and passwords. Thus, the cumbersome and tedious process of examining prospective workers for proofs of their skill were obviated, and in this way, too, legi timate Masons were enabled to recognize easily each other and accord hospitality and necessary assistance to one another. The secrecy of present day initiations and conferral of 62 THE CABLE TOW September, 1962 Editorial . . . Cont. THE SECRETS OF MASONRY degrees also has a historical background. In ancient times the craft was divided into classes or degrees. While initiations do not differ much in all the degrees, a marked advance in skill was re quired to attain a higher one be cause of the differences in the res pective wages earned. Consequent ly, the sign and password of Master Masons were different from those of Fellowcrafts; and Apprentices had their own. For this reason, the ceremonies of initiating and advancing members were protect ed from prying eyes even of Ma sons whose degrees did not enti tle them to witness the particular proceedings. All these have been preserved with relatively minor mutations from the hands of time, making the Order one of truly great antiquity. Even its transition from Opera tive to Speculative Masonry did not produce significant changes; and so to this day Masons keep most of the traditional practices of their predecessors — symbolisms, sec recy and all — even though they no longer work on stones but "build temples in the hearts of men” because they are not only time-honored but also time-tested in the work of converting Rough Ashlars into Perfect ones. SIGN OF CORRECT LUBRICATION Makers and Marketers of Mobil Automotive Products Mobil Industrial Oils and Greases Mobil Oil Philippines Inc. MANILA • CEBU • ILOILO • DAVAO 63 Work And Agree By B. RAYMOND E. WILMARTH In our daily lives each of us must make many decisions every day. Although we are seldom conscious of the thought processes involved in arriving at our decisions under ordinary circumstances, when we are faced with a momentous deci sion, we proceed carefully and ex amine, to the best of our ability, all of the reasons why we should decide one way, and all the reasons why we should not. After com paring the “whys” and “why nots" we finally decide "to do” or "not to do” the thing under consideraHavc you noticed some people are never doing anything and others are always doing something? Usually those who are doing nothing are spending all their time searching for reasons why they should not do something. They are thinking negatively. They are always looking for reasons why something won’t work. Generally, they find what they are looking for — failure. On the other hand, those who arc always doing something are cons tantly searching for reasons why something will work. If they are confronted with obstacles which im pede their progress, they renew their energies and attack more vigorous ly. They think positively. They do not know the meaning of de feat. Generally, they find what they are looking for — success. fid Our individual approach to liv ing depends greatly upon whether we are positive or negative thinkers. The success of a lodge depends greatly upon whether it has a ma jority of positive or a majority of negative thinkers. Where there is a majority of negative thinkers, the Lodge will always find reasons why it should do nothing and its inac tivity will continue accordingly. But where there is a majority of positive thinkers, the Lodge will overcome obstacles and solve prob lems which may appear insurmount able to others. Let each of us examine our con science and reflect upon our past activity in the Lodge. Have we engaged in destructive criticism, or have we made constructive sugges tions? Do we tend to look for reasons why someone else's idea will not work, or are we eager to sup port a brother’s recommendations by positive thinking and personal labor? Masonry is founded on the con cept of “who best can work and best agree.” WORK and AGREE should be the key words for success in any Lodge. Positive thinking will insure ag reement and constructive sugges tions coupled with enthusiastic labor will erect the Temple. Every Mason is a builder! Be a Builder! Be a Mason! September, 1962 THE CABLE TOW The BEATITUDES...........to a Layman (Matt. V : 3-10) Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Fortunate are they who are lowly. in spirit, , empty of vainglory, .who eschew acclaim, merited though it may be, content that virtue is its own reward, for they are fit dwell ers in the realm of Eternal Good. Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Fortunate are they whose hearts are heavily burdened, who turn to God as a child to his father, for they shall be consoled. Fortunate are they who are gentle and friendly, for they are wejcome every where in the world. Fortunate are they who are consumed by a passion for justice with so much to mend and set right, for in their desire to serve they will be satisfied. Fortunate are those whose sympathies are deep toward those in error, misfortune or suffering, for they will not be helpless in their hour of need. Fortunate are they whose hearts are incorruptible, whose vision no evil thinking distorts, for their eyes can perceive God’s will. Fortunate are they who bring harmony where there is discord, who promote among their fellows goodwill and un derstanding, for they shall be ranked worthy sons of God. Fortunate are they who suffer perse cutions because they are resolute for that which is right — for them an abode of everlasting peace ,apd happiness. - M. C. Navia 65 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 Masons in the Constitutional Convention From time to time inquiries are made by curious Brother Masons as to how many of the members of the constitutional convention which framed the Philippine Constitu tion were members of the Craft. We are indebted to Wor. Bro. Eduardo L. Claudio, P.M., Batan gas, Lodge No. 35, for the following list which should answer that ques tion. There were 400 delegates to that convention from all over the country and 41 of them, accord ing to Bro. Claudio, were Masons. Name Masonic Lodge Prov. Represented 1. Bro. Gaudencio E. Abordo ............... Palawan No. 99 ........................ Palawan Z. ” Marcelo Adduru ....................... Gonzaga No. 66 ....................... Cagayan 3. ” Manuel T. Albero ..................... Marble No. 58 ........................... Romblon 1. " Jose Alejandrino ....................... Gran Oriente Espanol ........... Pampanga 5. ” Jose Altavas ............................... Makawiwili No. 55 ......................... Capiz 6. ” Eugenio Baltao ........................ Malolos No. 46 ................... Nueva Ecija 7. ” Antonino Barrion ...................... Batangas No. 35 ..................... Batangas 1. ” Felix B. Bautista ..................... Pampanga No. 48 ................. Pampanga 9. ” Conrado Benitez ........................ Bagumbayan No. 4 .................. Laguna 10. ” Julio Borbon ............................... Abra No. 86 ................................... Abra 11. ” Nicolas Buendia ....................... Malolos No. 46 ......................... Bulacan 12. ” Leon Cabarroguis .................... vValana No. 13 .............. Nueva Vizcaya 13. ” Rafael S. Castillo ...................... Sarangani No. 50 ......................... Davao 14. ” Castor P. Cruz ................. Silangan No. 19 ............................... Rizal 15. ” Domingo T. Dikit ...................... Bagumbayan No. 4 .......................... Rizal 16. ” Manuel C. Fernandez ................. Maguindanao No. 40 .. Oriental Misamis 17. ” Vicente J. Francisco ................. Sinukuan No. 16 ............................. Cavite 18. ” Pedro Guevarra ......................... Pinagsabitan No. 26 ................. Laguna 19. " Jose Gutierrez David .............. Pampanga No. 48 .................. Pampanga 20. ” Felipe E. Jose ............................ Baguio No. 67 ............................. Baguio 21. ” Alejo Labrador ......................... Pinatubo No. 52 ....................... Zambales 22. ” Jose P. Laurel .......................... Batangas No. 35 ....................... Batangas 23. ” Cipriano Liboro ......................... Tamaraw No. 65 ....................... Mindoro 21. ” Saturnino Moldero .................... Xcrli Me Tangere No. 42 .. Mt. Province 25. ” Luis Morales ............................... Isagani No. 96 ............................... Tarlac 26. ” Ricardo Nepomuceno ............... Luz Oceanica No. 85 ........... Marinduque 27'. ” Luciano Ortiz ............................. Sinukuan No. 16 ........................... Samar 28. ” Camilo Osias .............................. Bagumbayan No. 4 .............. La Union 29. ” Rafael Palma ............................. Sinukuan No. 16 ........................... Manila 30. ” Menandang Piang ..................... Noli Me Tangere No. 42 ........ Cotabato 31. ” Demetrio Quirino ...................... Mjsgat No. 68 .................. Nueva Vizcaya 32. ” Manuel A. Roxas ..................... Makawiwili No. 55 ....................... Capiz 33. ” Florentino Saguin .................... Mount Apo No. 45 ............... Zamboanga 31. ” Teodorico Sandiko ................... Gran Oriente Espanol ............. Bulacan 35. ’’ Exequiel M. Santos ................ Cabanatuan No. 53 .......... Nueva Ecija 36. ” Juse G. Sanvictores .................. Bagumbayan No. 4 .............. Bukidnon 37. ” Eusebio V. Sison ...................... Pangasinan No. 56 ............... Panga->inan 38. ” Enrique Sobrepena .................. Bagumbayan No. 4 .............. La Union 39. ” Hermenegildo Villanueva .... Mount Kaladias No. 91 .... Or. Negros 40. ” Antonio Villarama ................... Ibarra No. 31 ........................... Bulacan 41. ” Jose Zurbito ............................... Sinukuan No. 16 ....................... Masbate 69 Masonry and the Revolution By MWB EMILIO P. VIRATA, PGM Wor. Bio. Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, the Grand Old Man of the Revolution, has time and again publicly declared that our Eman cipatory Movement in 1896 was masonically inspired, masonically generalled, and masonically carried out io a successful termination. One ol the provinces which contributed richly in blood and fortunes to the movement was Cavite. For her valuable contribution the province became known as the cradle of Phil ippine freedom. She earned .die reputation because — It was in Cavite where the moving episode of our struggle for independence took place; It was in Cavite where the Rev olution of 1896 was fiercely 1 ought; It was in Cavite where the Phil ippine independence was pro claimed in June 12, 1898. after success in the fields of battle had been attained; It was in Cavite where the Re public we now enjoy was con ceived by the patriots who fought and died for the Fatherland: It was in Cavite where many Revolutionary generals who be longed to the Craft were born; It was in Cavite where Masonic heroism and martyrdom were re corded in the hearts of men and written in books of history; and It was in Cavite where Ill. Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, Liberator of his country and President of the First Philippine Republic, saw the light of day. Masonry was born in the Philip pines more than a century ago, at Kawit, Cavite. In the place of its birth the Fraternity lived in seuecy, grew fast and spread out far and wide. Its influence inspired the Revolution which liberated our country from foreign domination and delivered our countrymen from slavery. The Republic which we now enjoy we owe to Masonry and the Revolution. Masonry's ac complishments in the Philippines are. indeed, a source of real pride and genuine satisfaction to Masons. Andres Bonifacio, the founder ol the Kalipunan which plotted the the overthrow of the despotic Span ish government, was a Freemason. So was Wor. Bro. I.adislao Diwa, ol Cavite, one of his two co-founders. Most of the Kalipuneros were also Masons or persons of Masonic: leanings. So Bonifacio’s Cry ol Balintawak was wildly welcomed and actively supported by his bro ther Masons anti countrymen who immediately joined the liberation movement. Militarily dressed in rayadillo with buri hats tipped up in front to complete the uniform, holos or spears in hands, barefooted and hungry, the soldiers of Democ racy fought valiantly the enemies 70 er Freedom, won the light and set our country free. The Revolution of 1896 covered two periods. The first period be gan from the Cry of Balintawak on August 16, 1896, and finished with the Pact of Biak na Bato on De cember 1 1, 1897. The second pe riod commenced at the battle of Alapan, Imus, Cavite province, on May 28, 1898, and ended with the inauguration of the First Philippine Republic at Malolos, Bulacan, on January 23, 1899. Il was provoked by the failure of Spain to comply with her commitments in the treaty. Like the first, the second period of the Revolution terminated with victory for the Revolutionary forces and defeat for the Spanish Army. Shortly after the end of the Revol ution, however, the Philippines be came involved again in another warfare. Aguinaldo on February 5, 1899, declared war against Amer ica due to some serious misunder standings between the two coun tties. Fhe Philippine-Amcricaii war lasted for more than two years. It came to a close when Gen Emilio Aguinaldo was treacherously cap tured by Gen. Frederick Funston at Palauan, Isabela, on March 22, 1901. Some historians opine that the end came when the last Filipino general surrendered to the enemv in 1902. He was Gen. Miguel Mahar of Batangas.. Once more the Phil ippines fell under a foreign power. For almost fifty years since then, we had been persistently pleading for our independence by adopting Congressional resolutions and send ing political missions to the United States. At long last our plea was heeded and justice triumphed. So on July 1, 1916, America returned to us the independence which the Revolution had won in the fields of battle and relinquished her sov ereignty over the Philippine terri tory. The independent Philippines joined again the concert of free na tions. In the second period of the Rev olution either Aguinaldo helped the Americans fight the Spaniars, or rice versa, that is, the /Xmericans helped Aguinaldo fight the Span iards. The fact was both fought a common enemy. The alliance was formed under America’s promise to recognize Philippine independ ence after victory. Failing in her promise the former allies became bitter enemies. In the Revolution as well as in the war against z\mcrica the Filipino Masons fought bravely to uphold the cause of free dom. Aside from freedom there are other Masonic ideals and virtues which we must uphold if we are to be proud of our hallowed ground, our heroes, our martyrs, our pa triots, our race. We must bear in mind that those divine gifts are not sweet music only to the ears — they are strong injunctions lor worthy achievements. The uplift — moral, social and political — of our coun trymen should be our constant en deavor, their deliverance from evil <>ur deep concern, their happines our ultimate goal. Permit me to quote from some Masonic scholars on the definition <>l a TRUE MASON. Quote: ' A mte Mason is humble and obedient. Righteous deeds need not be known, nor compenMASONRY ANI) THE REVOLUTION 71 baled. Obedience is a virtue that exalts any man. We must be honest. In practicing honesty we must ever remember that it is our own conscience that we must satisfy and not the curious eye. Our honesty should not choose the time, place, or occasion. It must be practiced at all times, whether alone or in company. A true Mason must be just, for injustice disturbs the peace of minds and breeds communism, the antithesis of democracy which we all abhor. When men arc treated justly they are happy and indus trious. They become an asset and a credit to the community. Never take advantage of anybody. Don’t prey on your fellowmen's weakness or ignorance to benefit yourself. Be always on the level. “A true Mason must be toler ant. He must respect the reli gious and political beliefs of others. That way he contributes to their happiness. Among us we can not expect unanimous opinion on all questions. In a fra ternity that is composed of free and intelligent members discus sions are bound to arise. Ours is a democratic and not a totali tarian organization. We must not hold any grudge against any one or speak ill of a brother in his absence. We must be frank and sincere. "A true Mason must be char itable. But in practicing charity he should avoid indolence. Only the indigents should merit that virtue. If his charity is intended for publicity it becomes nil. And he who acts thus is nothing but a common miser. ‘‘A true Mason must sacrifice all for a good and just cause. A little thus spent is a life worth living for. He must attain selfmastery too. He must be able to control himself whether in victory or in defeat. He must be ready and willing to apologize for his own faults." With so much rich Masonic, her itage and so many glorious Masonic traditions to draw inspiration from, we Masons, can not fail the land that gave us birth in the hour ol her need. Today, we are engaged in a struggle, not bloody, yet dead ly. I refer to our struggle for eco nomic emancipation. We mus free ourselves economically if wc are to have a country and a home we can call our own. Resistance to economic slavery has now become extremely difficult because of out indifference and negligence in the past. The situation is further ag gravated by the fact that rampant graft and corruption have crept into the inner chambers of the govern ment participated in by the high and the low. The evil is being en couraged by weakneed and venal public officials who received orders from vested interests and moneyed individuals mostly of foreign brand. Their conduct is all the more con demnable because with their illgotten money they indulge in os tentatious living that is completly devoid of honesty, morality or de cency. Those so-called servants of the people and their ilk promote criminality and misery, damage Filipino Pride and dignity, and cause loss of national honor and respect. In their hands the citizen ry will always suffer and the nation 72 THE CABLE TOW September, 1962 exposal to criticism beyond repair. They need be eliminated now and forever. Masonry must assist in fostering our country's economy in every way. If in the past deliverance from ty ranny and oppression of nations and peoples had been accomplished by leaders schooled in Freemasonry - like Bolivar in South America, Washington in North America, San Martin in Cuba, and Rizal, Bonifacio and Aguinaldo in the Philippines — there seems to be no reason why economic ills and trangulation may not be cural with Masonic leachings, tenets and prin ciples. Let us, therefore, play our part. Let us stretch forth a help ing hand to remedy a national di saster that is both tragic and ciuel. The task is great and requires much sacrifice. That it is and does, should not discourage us from performing an important duty. We must give our all for country and home. Economic emancipation is the password. Let us be alert and act accordingly. Let us be Masons now, or never. AAA MASONIC MUSIC (Second and last installment) By WB. EUGENE STRANSKY, MD Another composition of Bro. Mo zart in the same year was "Maurer Freude” (Mason’s Delight) to hon or Bro. Ignaz Morn, the most prominent Brother at that time in Vienna whose postion would be characterized now by the term (hand Master, and celebrate the union of the smaller Lodges in Vienna to a few larger lodges. Another remarkable composition is "Fine Kleine Freimurer Kainate” (Little Cantata for Freemasons) for a small orchestra with a male choir. One of the greatest Masonic com positions of Bro. Mozart is "Maurerische Trauci inusik” (Masonic Funeral Music) composed in No vember 1785 on the death of two prominent members ol the Fratertv, Count Eszterhazy and Prince Mecklenburg Strelitz. It is an or chestral work with singers. It is very imposing and by far better than anything performed in our fu nerals. I succeeded several years ago to convince the M. W. Grand Master at that time, M. W Bro. Ma cario M. Ofilada, to order the re cord from America. I wonder, how ever, if it has been played already so far. I may add here that there is likewise a composition for clos ing the Lodge by Bro. Mozart. Flic greatest achievement of out genial Brother is the opera "Die Zaubcrilote" (The Magic Flute). Flic text was written by Bro. Ema73 nucl Sdiikaneber (1751-1812) Much has been written about this opera. It is hard to describe it without having the text and the music.. It may be sufficient, however, to state that by hearing or belter still see ing the action, any Brother will immediately feel that Masonic prin ciples, Masonic Rituals and Maso nic ideology have been glorified. The hero had to pass through sev eral hardships before he reached his goal. The fight between darkness and light is so characterized that one has to see it. It deals with our own ideals, while a laymen and a non Mason will not observe anything. The opera was composed in Sep tember 1791, a few weeks before the death of our young Brother of uremia although he had still the chance to conduct his opera per sonally. Al that time, after* the death of Emperor Joseph in 1790, Masonry had been persecuted and suppressed in Austria, and there is a general belief that the opera had been composed in order to encour age the persecuted Brethren and to show them that Masonic ideals can not be suppressed for good and that finally our tenets will prevail. Goethe, the great German poet (1749-1832) and Brother who was simultaneously the director of the National Theater in Weimar, recog nized the Masonic character of the opera immediately and performed it as such in 1794, although with some changes in the text in order to emphasize better the Masonic character of the opera. My sugges tion is that every Brother avail him self of any chance to see and hear the immortal work of Bro. Mozart in order to be able to appreciate as well the Masonic symbolism contained in the scenario and text, as the immortal music of our Maso nic genius. Non-Masons cannot understand the scenario while the Brethren enjoy it. Because of this the Magic Flute was and is per formed even in countries where Ma sonry is prohibited. However, re cords of the opera are not sufficient as we cannot see the scenario and the decorations which are definitely neccesary for the understanding ol the Masonic background of the opera. The second half of the eighteenth century was the acme of Masonry and musical activity. The rich aris tocrats, all the emperors and kings had their own orchestras; no wonder that in Masonry music in the form of choirs and instrumental music has been a part of the Ritual. The eighteenth century is characterized by the start of professional perform ers and commercialization of music by concert agencies, etc. which is going on until our times. Music changed its public. The middle class in the large industrial cities became the mainstay of mu sic. However, as the different reli gious cults never changed their at titude to utilize music for their Ri tual, even the Fraternity continued to use music, although in a lesser degree. One of the most famous songs in the nineteenth century, of "Die Ulir” (The Watch) by Karl Loewe (17961869), likewise a member of our Fraternity, was performed for the first time in the Lodge to the Three Circles in Stettin in 1829. That Ri chard Wagner (1817-1887) (although not a Mason as he could not join our Graft on account of the hostility 74 THE CABLE TOW September, 1962 of the king of Bavaria against the Craft, his protector) was always in close contact with Brethren, and Ma sonic ideas and terminologies in his last opera "Persival” is obvious. Jan Sibelius, who died a few years ago, the national composer of Fin land, had been the Great Organist of the Grand Lodge of Finland and author of different Masonic compo sitions, such as songs for tenor with piano accompaniment, three qualours for male voices, a funeral march, etc. One of his compositions' ‘‘Onward Ye Peoples” was perform ed publicly in New York in 1938 with 500 members of the choir of New York. The compositions arc all recorded and in the possession of the Grand Lodge of New York, hence easily available. There arc many Brethren among the more modern composers besides Sibelius. For instance, the well known Ita lian opera composer Puccini has been likewise a member of the Craft like many of the modern American composers. However, as they did not compose any Masonic music, they may be considered just as mem bers of the Craft, but not as Mason ic: composers. Frans Liszt joined likewise the Craft among other fa mous composers. In such a relatively short survey as this, many details have to be missed. However, 1 hope to have succeeded in informing our Breth ren that Masonic music exists and that music has been formerly a part of the Ritual. I am convinced that if we would be able to utilize Ma sonic music again as a part of our ritual, especially the candidates re ceiving the degrees of an Appientice. Fellowcralt and Master Mason. they would be more impressed and would remember the ceremonies for life. Even seasoned members of the Craft would be deeply impress ed by the music of Bro. Mozart and the eternal ideas of Masonry would be more deeply implanted in their minds and hearts. For this purpose, it is sufficient to have the records oi compositions with the texts of the songs, even if they are translated from German or other foreingn languages. I shall never forget the effect of the two-hundrcd-ycar celebration of the birth of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 1956, when I was asked to discuss the Masonic music of Brother Mozart. There were re cords played and the relative texts printed and distributed among the listeners. Therefore, my plea in connection with this shori report is for us to be aware of our great treasure of Masonic music which we must utilize in our ceremonies so far as possible. A A A VICTOR HUGO When the disasters of the FrancoGarman war were falling thickly and the iron band was closing around Palis, Victor Hugo was not there. But lie came to share his peoples sufferings. On the way he had seen the Bavarians, seen villa ges burned with petroleum, and he came to. imprison himself in Paris. A touching ovation was given him by the people who never forgot his voluntary sacrifice. It was one <>■ the secrets of his power over the French people. - Selected MASONRY AND MUSIC 75 HUMAN NATURE AT BEST (Even in the brutal sport of box ing where the object is to batter the opponent to helplessness if possible, hitting when the other fellow is down is regarded as a despicable ‘‘foul.” Something of that feeling moved Old John when he reacted as he did in the following story clipped from the Readers Digest). After a two hour run our t'ogs had treed an opposum in a cot ton wood, and Old John, our Negro guide, climbed after it, his stick and flashlight ready. He soon spotted the animal, but to our amazement turned ofl - his light and climbed back down. "Why didn’t you knock the ’possum down, John? Don’t you feel well?” “No sub, feelings is right good tonight. But that possum there is short one leg which he done chewed off to get out of a trap. It ain’t according to God’s own law to bleed any such stout heart a-singin’ with freedom.” — Michael N. Pearshall And here is another also from the Reader’s Digest: While I was driving alone to see the doctor, our old Cadillac blew a tire. I was on crutches at the time, and as I eased the spare out of the trunk a car pull ed up and a man jumped and took over. I learned that he was on his way to work and remarked, “You don’t have time to help " 1 don't have time NOT to help you," he said, "why, 1 wouldn’t be able to do a job all day thinking about passing you up.” — C. R. Williamson And here is a heart warming story from Fulton Ouster’s ‘‘Mod ern Parables." It is a true story. Lady with Roses When Bill Brede was a small boy, he sold newspapers at the southeast corner of Lexington Avenue and Forty-second Street. A newsboy had to fight to keep his corner, be able to lick any tough guy who wanted to take over. By the time Bill was ten years old, he was on the way to becoming a cynic; already he had taken enough hard knocks for a lifetime. First, Mother died and then Father, leaving seven orphans: five brothers and sisters had to be placed in institutions. Rel atives took Bill, but they were poor too, so he had to earn his keep standing on the curbstone, come heat wave or blizzard, yell ing headlines to a hostile world, and he had to sell three papers to make one cent profit. One late spring afternoon, a trolley car came to a halt at the corner and Bill sold newspapers to several passengers through the open window. Just as the car was pulling away, a fat, red-faced man standing on the rear plat76 form yelled: “Two papers, son," and Bill tossed his papers safely to the customer. But the fat man began to guffaw as he held out a nickel teasingly in his fingers while the street car slowly ga thered speed. With his heavy bundle under one arm, Bill ran after the car, calling, "Throw me the money!” "Jump on board and I’ll give you a nickel," yelled the man cupping one hand and shaking the nickel with the other. Even with his heavy load, Bill tried to hop on, but he missed and fell, sprawling on the cobble stones in a swirl of horsess’ hoofs, cabs, buggies, and delivery wa gons. As he scrambled to his feet, he suddenly heard above the din of traffic a woman’s voice. Halted beside him was a shiny black horse and carriage; the coachman with gleaming top hat and braided uniform had reined in a prancing pair of bays. Seated in the open victoria anti leaning toward him was a beauti ful lady, roses in her arms, tears in her eyes, and unladylike lan guage in her mouth: ’ That blankety-blankety goodfor nothing skunk! I saw the whole thing. Listen, kid, you stand on that corner and wait for us. We’ll be back. Mike” —she whirled to the coachman — "get going ami paste the L'lankety-blank-blank out of that blankety-blankety blankets guy." Wiping away tears with dirty hands, Bill waited on the corner. His soul was filled with awe, for he had recognized the lady with the roses and sulphuric language. She was the Ethel Merman ol her day. Broadway’s bright par ticular star — the madcap, lov able, buoyant May Irwin, then playing in a show called, .-Is in a Looking Glass. Ten minutes later the fine horse and carriage bearing May Irwin and Mike, her coachman, came back. The actress beckon ed the boy to get into the vic toria and sit beside her. "Now, Mike,” she said, "go on and tell him what you did." “I hung one on him,” said Mike fiercely, “ I blackened both his eyes and hit him in the solar plexus. And I brought you some thing back." Into Bill Brede’s grimy palm Mike laid a five-ccnt piece. "Now, kid," said May Irwin, “there is something else I want to tell you. Don’t ever let guys like that make you hate the hu man race. 1'here are lot of dirty devils in this world — but most people are just like you and me. And we are all right! Ain’t we. kid?" On top of the nickel she placed a rose and a one-dollar bill. Not until years later did it occur to Bill Brede that there liand’t been enough time for Mike, the coachman, to have per formed those feats of valor in punishing the wicked. He could never even have overtaken the streetcar. So he had simply driven around the block and straight into the heart of a friend less boy. And that imaginative HUMAN NATURE AT BEST deception was a pail of a deep kindness. Bill knew rough going. He had little formal education, Yet he rose to be an editor, win ning distinction in the hard pro fession of journalism. Today he and all those brothers and sisters are together again. “I think God kept us out of trouble,” Bill said. “And the hard knocks were good for us. I’m grateful for them and for May Irwin with her roses, her tears, and her swear words that kept me from growing up to hate the world and myself.” lie offer these stories as a re freshing change from the sordid news we get daily these days u’hicli lead many to wonder if the old virtues are dying. Lawlessness and dishonesty are not the normal or der of things even in this sinful world of ours. That is why they fi gure so prominently in the news. For every illegal act we hear or read about there are many worthy ones of which the world learns little or nothing at all. We hope these shies will help to reaffirm our faith in the innate goodness of human nature. - I’.d. AAA 4 Real Estate etmfiiete ORGANIZATION To Serve Your NEEDS. T. Kalaw & Associates (Realtors) * APPRAISALS * COUNSELLING* BROKERAGE * PROPERTY MANAGEMENT & * SUBDIVISION OPERATIONS 628 Remedios, Malate, Manila Tel. 5-34-42 78 THE CABLE TOW September, 1962 Masonic Etiquette and Decorum By VWB. HERMOGENES P. OLIVEROS Senior Grand Lecturer Third of Four Installments The preparation room is the place in lhe Temple where every possible precaution, courtesy anti and kindness are shown to lhe can didates. It is in this place where all degrees begin. Here, a candi date receives his first impression of lhe Craft. If he finds the prepa ration room in a mess, or full ol smoke, or a place where members joke freely with each other, the candidate might form an eroneous impression of Freemasonry, a bad picture of the organization which may remain with him for years. Preparing the Candidates in ri tualistic garb should be done with lac.t; lhe brethren who perform this preparation must manifest consid eration and humility so that the candidates would realize that en trance into Masonry is not a mere formality but a serious and mean ingful experience, with a far-reachtng effect on their lives. When they are led through the Inner Door, they should not be stifled by tobacco smoke nor be surprised by a hum of conversation. T he officers should be ready at their stations, prepared and alert to perform their parts; all present should observe the necessary decorum. The Inner-Door The Inner-Door of the Prepara tion Room leading into the lodge loom should never be opened or used except for the purpose of ad mitting or returning the candidates. Any door leading into the Prepa ration Room should be kept locked during lhe Preparation of the Can didate. Nobody should be allowed in the room except the Master and lhe Stewards. Passing Hetieeen the Altar and the East Nothing is mentioned in our Monitor with regard to forbidding Master Masons from passing bet ween the Altar and the East when lhe lodge is open. Oltenlimes, many newly raised Master Masons, not of their own fault, find them selves embarrassed when thev at tempt to cross that space. Many brethren assigned to instruct the newly raised brethren overlook this important part ol the instruction. When a brother Mason inadver tently makes that mistake the Worshipful Master should imme diately rise and politely call his attention to it. The Worshipful Master should explain to the newly raised Master Masons that it has become a matter of courtesy, based upon ancient usage, that a Mason is not allowed to pass between the Altar and the station of the Wor shipful Master when the lodge is open. T he space therein has been 79 deemed a sacred ground, not to be Hodden upon. There should be i.o obstruction between the East and the Three Great Lights, since the Three Great Lights are the particular responsibility of the Worshipful Master. Therefore, no Lrother should ever bar the view of the Worshipuf Master from the Three Great Ligths. From these the Worshipful Master gets his inspira tion to rule and govern wisely his Lodge. The fact that during the degree work the candidate would pass or would be placed in that particular space does not militate against this interpretation but rather supports it, because the ground or space between the Altar and the East is considered sacred; hence, this concept lends dignity, impressiveness and solemnity to <<ur ceremonies. The Master's Hat During lodge meetings, only the Master wears a hat, but he must at once uncover his head when the Grand Master or his Deputy enters the lodge; he so remains hatless un til he is directed to continue gov erning his lodge. To wear a hat is an old cuslom, but there is no law, either written or unwritten, which requires the Worshipful Master to wear a hat when he is in the East. However, owing to heat or to lack of venti lation in the lodge room, tire Mas ter may remove his hat if he feels uncomfortable to continue wearing a hat. This is an exception to the rule. Neither is there anything in the rule, whether written or unwrit ten, which prescribes the kind of hat a Master should wear; but the principles governing this matter is determined by sound judgment and by good taste. A Master should never wear a hat of such odd style which might attract attention or which would tend to derogate the dignity of the Oriental Chair. The hat is an emblem of the Master’s authority, a mark by which the importance of his office is dis tinguished, a visible and conspi cuous badge of his position as pre siding officer and as the titular head of the lodge. The hat should always be removed when the name of the Supreme Deity is mentioned and when lhe prayers are recited. Removing the hat is a sign of res pect and reverence to the Supreme Grand Artchiiect of ihc Universe. The hat should also be removed when the Worshipful Master is giving the obligations. In funeral services, the Master does not wear a hat. He should, however, wear 1 is hat in funeral processions. Dress There is a philosophy as regards lhe kind of dress a Mason should wear in lodge meetings. The gov erning principle is good taste. The correct practice is to wear such at tire which would show respect and lend dignity io the institution. The propriety of wearing a for mal dress depends entirely upon the occasion and the circumstances; such is a matter for the lodge to decide. As a mark of respect to the Fraternity, the Brethren should at tend lodge meetings in business Prayer Edict Number 43 is self-explan atory. It needs no elaboration, except that the Master holds his THE CABLE TOW September, 1962 hat with his Icll hand and place his right hand over his left breast, lhe Deacons take the rods in their left hands, hold the rotis in vertical position, and place their right hands over their left breasts, as in giving the sign of fidelity. The District Deputy Grand Master Whenever the District Deputy (hand Master visits any lodge in his district, whether officially or unof ficially, he represents the Grand Master. On official visits he should he received with (hand Honors. On other visits, the Master should only call up the lodge as the Dis trict Deputy Grand Master enters and have him conducted to the East. The gavel should be pre sented to him in the usual manner. Like the official visitations of lhe Grand Master, nobody should sit in the East during his reception excep t the Master. As a matter of courtesy, the DDGM may invite the (.rand Officers, the Past Grand Officers, Inspector of the Lodge, ; nd Past Masters who TWO SIGNALS At the entrance to the harbor of lhe Isle of Man there are two lights which guide the mariner into the harbor. One would think the two signals would confuse lhe pilot But the fact is that he has to keep them in line, and so long as lie keeps the two lights in line, his vessel is safe. And it is just as we keep our eye on the two signals— the love of God and the love of man— that we keep the channel, and are safe from the rocks on either hand. - Dr. IE. I.. IVatkinson HERE AND THERE A delightful Chinese “lauriat” was held by Shriners sonjourning in Manila and nearby places Satur day evening, September 1 at the Foochow House on Claro M. Recto Avenue. It was a benefit dinner for lhe Masonic Hospital for Crip pled Children under the auspicies of Bamboo Oasis, sponsored by Chinese nobles. It was managed by Noble Tom Loft who conceived of the idea of the Shriners doing some thing tangible this year for the Hospital. To the credit of Noble Tom Loft and lhe Chinese Nobles who cooperated with him, the af fair was a towering success. l he Life Membership roll of the Hospital received a big boost when seven Shriners and Sister Marie Reid, friendly and personable wife of Noble George Reid, subscribed lor new Life Memberships. A life member pays 1*500, and so the Hos pital became richer by 1*4,000. In addition the "up-turned fez” yield ed 1*350.50 which also went to the Hospital coffers. Those who sub scribed for Life Memberships, either in person or for their Lodges were, aside from Sister Reid, Nobles Howard Spuler, E. Bundenthal, (Leonard Wood Lodge), Jose L. Araneta, Yao Muntek (Mencius Lodge), Stephen Lewis (Manila Lodge), Erank Finsko (Lincoln Lodge) and Vicente I.. Co Chien. The dinner was topped by a pro gram of Chinese music and folk dances. A modern Chinese orches tra under the baton of conductor MASONIC ETIQUETTE AND DECORUM 81 Vicente Lao played classical Chinese music and a medley of popular Filipino airs. The music and the dances were contributed by the Sy Tiok Musical Association through its President. Mr. Cheng Yu I.eong. 7'lie Grand Lodge held a Lodge of Sorrow in memory of the late M. W. Edwin E. Elser, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines, who died on July 17, 1962 in Altadena, California. The ceremonies were held at Plaiidel Masonic Temple, Manila, in the evening of September 18 by a team of Past Grand Masters headed by the present Grand Master, MW William H. Quasha. In spite of lhe inclement weather the service was attended by many prominent Masons in Manila. The ceremony was the first to be performed by Past Grand Masters in this jurisdic tion and was most solemn and im pressive. Elsewhere in this issue are the eulogies delivered by MW Bros. Conrado Benitez and Fran cisco A. Delgado. Mrs. Raymunda C. Ofilada rendered appropriate songs and Prof. Lucio Pineda a vio lin solo. Mrs. Andrea Ofilada Veneracion was the pianist. It is possible that a group of Brother Masons in Saipan may form a lodge in that island 125 miles north of Guam. It seems that sev eral Masons in lhe island who are wont to visit Guam to attend lodge meetings find transportation a for midable problem. Saipan has be come the headquarters of the Trust Territories which include the Mar shall islands, the Caroline islands and the Palau group. It is said that these territories count some 75 Masons who seldom find oppor tunities now for visiting Guam. In one ol the pages of this issue MW Vicente Orosa, PGM, is mak ing an appeal for memberships in lhe Capitol Masonic Association, Inc. of which lie is the President. The primary purpose of the asso ciation is to erect and maintain a Masonic Temple in this capital city of the Philippines. This is a wor thy undertaking and we hope Bro ther Masons who are in a position to subscribe for shares of the cor poration will do so and advance the frontiers of Freemasonry further in this country. DI)GM Janies I.. Taylor of Guam sent in another newsy letter and indicated that the two lodges in his district (20) are continuing efforts to pui into effect Grand Master Quasha’s program of community service for all lodges in their res pective localities. Editor's Note: We shall be glad to publish news of general inter est to the Fraternity from our Lodges. Because of our limited space reports should be brief. We reserve the privilege of selecting news-worthy items which will ap pear in this column. 82 THE CABLE TOW September, 1962 THE ORDER OF EASTERN STAR (The article in the July issue on WOMEN MASONS OF RECORD inevitably led our attention to the ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR, /n the early 1950’s several chapters of this Order were organized in the country following the successful ef forts of prominent Masonic Brethren, among whom were MWB Michael Goldenberg and MWB Antonio Gon zalez Sr., to obtain a charter for “Rosario Villaruel Chapter.” For the first time Filipinos were admitted into the Order and the Chapter be came the second in the Philippines, there being in existence here already for many decades the “Mayon Chap ter No. 1.” We feel that the event is one of the most significant develop ments in Philippine Masonry in re cent years, the other two being the establishment of a Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite and the introduc tion of York Rite in this jurisdiction. We consider these events significant because the fresh interest they evoked in Masonry had a decidedly strength ening effect upon the local Fraternity. IVe are indebted to MWBro. An tonio Gonzalez, Sr., P.G.M., for the history of the Eastern Star taken from Mackey’s Encyclopedia of Free masonry. Due to limitations of space, the article had to be abridged by us considerably but without sacri fice of essential facts of the history. — Editor.) Degrees for women under the title of the "Masonry of Adoption,” were as long ago as 1765 in vogue on the continent of Europe. These were administered under the patronage of the ruling Masonic body and espe cially flourished in the palmy days of the Empire in France, the Empress Josephine being at the head of the Order and many women of the high est standing were active members. The Term "Adoption,” so it is said, was given to the organization because the Freemasons formally adopted the ladies to whom the mys teries of the several degrees were im parted. Albert Pike, who took great in terest in this "Masonry of Adoption” and made a translation of the ritual into English with some elaboration dictated by his profound knowledge of symbolism and philosophy, says in the preface to his ritual of the Ma sonry of Adoption, "Our mothers, sisters, wives and daughters cannot, it is true, be admitted to share with us the grand mysteries of Freemason ry, but there is no reason why there should not be also a Masonry for tliem, which may not merely enable them to make themselves known to Masons, and so obtain assistance and protection; but by means of which acting in concert through the tie of association and mutual obligation, they may cooperate in the great labors of Masonry by assisting in and, in some respects, directing their charities, and toiling in the cause of human progress. The object of ‘la Masonnerie des Dames’ is, therefore, very inadequately expressed, when it is said to be for the improvement and purification of the sentiments.” l he Order of lhe Eastern Star has become just such an organization, strong enough to -take-art active and powerful cooperative concern in the beneficent la Dors of Masons for the care of the indigent and afflicted. While entirely different arid distinct from the Masonry of Adoption, being indeed of American and not French development, all the expectations so ably expressed by' Brother Pike have in no other fraternal association been so admirably fulfilled as in the Order of the Eastern Star. Some mysteries involve the origin of the Order. In this respect the Order of the Eastern Star is closely akin to the various branches of the Masonic brotherhood. To unravel the truth -from the entanglement of myth is, with many of these knotty problems, a troublesome and perhaps a never wholly satisfactory task. First of all let us take the testi mony of Brother Rob Morris, than whom no one person has, it is con ceded, given more freely of his serv ice in the early development of the Order. During the latter part of 1881 Brother Rob Morris gave an account of the origination of the Eastern Star, which is in part as follows: “In the winter of 1850 I was a resident of Jackson, Mississippi. For some time previous I had contem plated, as hinted above, the prepara tion of a Ritual of Adoptive Mason ry, the degrees then in vogue appear ing to me poorly conceived, weakly wrought out, unimpressive arid par ticularly defective in point of motive. “About the first of February, 1850, I was laid up for two weeks with a sharp attack of rheumatism, and it was this period which I gave to the work in hand. “From the Holy Writings I culled four biographical sketches to corres pond with my first four points, viz., Jephthah’s Daughter (named 'Adah’ for want of a better), Ruth, Esther, and Martha. These were illustra tions of four great congeries of wo manly virtues, and their selection has proved higlily popular. The fifth point introduced me to the early his tory of -the Christian Church, where, amidst a noble army of martyrs, 1 found many whose lives and death ■overflowed the cup of martyrdom with a glory not surpassed by any of those named in Holy Writ. This gave me Electa, the "Elect Lady", friend of St. John, the Christian woman whose venerable years were crowned with the utmost splendor of the crucifixion. "The theory of the whole subject is succinctly stated in my ‘Rosary of the Eastern Star,’ published in 1865: To take-from the ancient writings five prominent female characters, illustrating as many Ma sonic virtues, and to adopt them into the fold of Masonry. It is a fitting comment upon these state ments that in all the changes that the Easiern Star has experienced at so many for thirty-four years, no change in the. names, histories or essential lessons has been proposed. “So my ritual was complete, and after touching and retouching the manuscript, as professional authors love to do, I invited a neighboring Mason and his wife to join with my own, and to them, in my own parlor, communicated the' Degrees. They were the first recipients — the first THE CABLE TOW September, 1962 of twice fifty thousand who have seen the signs, heard the words, ex changed the toudi, and joined in the music of the Eastern Star. When 1 take a retrospect of that evening — but thirty-four years Ago — and consider the abounding four hundred Eastern Star Chapters ' at work to day, iriy heart swells with gratitude to God, who guided my hand during that period of convalescence to pre pare a work, of all the work of my life the most successful. "Not that my work met no oppo sition. Quite the reverse. It was not long Until editors, reporters, writers, newspaper critics and my own priv ate correspondents, began to see, the evil of it. Letters were written me, some signed, some anonymous warn ing me that I was periling my own Masonic connections in lhe advoca cy of this scheme. In New York City the opponents of the Eastern Star even started a rival project to break it down. They employed a literary person, a poet of eminence, a gentleman of social merit, to pre pare rituals under an ingenious form, and much time and money were spent in the effort to popu larize it, but it survived only a short year and is already forgotten. “But the Eastern Star glittered steadily in the ascendant. In 1855 I arranged the system of ‘Constella tions of the Eastern Star,’ and estab lished more than one hundred of these bodies. I base wondered that the system did not succeed. It must be because the times were not ripe for it. The opposition to ‘Ladies Masonry’ was too bitter. The ad vocates of the plan were not suffi ciently influential. At any rate it fell through. "Four years later I prepared an easier plan, styled ‘Families of the Eastern Star’, intended in its sim plicity and the readiness bv which it could be worked, to avoid the com plexity of the Constellations This ran well enough until the war broke out, when all Masonic systems fell together with a crash. “This ended my work in systema tizing the Eastern Star, and I should never have done more with it, save confer it in an informal manner as at first, but for Brother Robert Macoy of New York, who in 1868, when I had publicly announced my inten tions of confining my labors during the remainder of my life to Holy Land investigations, proposed the plan of Eastern Star Chapters now in vogue. He had my full consent and endoresment, and thus became the instigator of a third and more successful system.” In another statement under date of 1881, Brother Morris further in forms us: “Some writers have fallen into the error of placing the intro duction of the Eastern Star as far back as 1775, and this they gather from my work, ‘Lights and Shadows of Freemasonry,’ published in 1852. AVhat I intended to say in that book was 'that the French officers intro duced Adopted Masonry into the Colonies in 1775, but nothing like the degree called the Eastern Star, which is strictly my own origination.” The statement of Brother Morris was deserving of the utmost consi deration and confidence. His devo tion to Masonic service was long and honorable, freely acknowledged by his brethren with promotions to places of the highest prominancc within their gifts. We can thus ap 85 proach his assertions confident of their accuracy so far as the intent of Brother Morris is concerned. Candor, nevertheless, compels the conclusions that our excellent brother did not in his various and valuable contributions to the history of the Eastern Star, and the related bodies, always clearly define his positions, and the studious reader is therefore somewhat in doubt whether on all occasions the meaning is unmistak able. For example, the foregoing references are in themselves very dear that Brother Morris was the originator of the Eastern Star. It is substantially shown in detail how the several items of consequence were actually put into practice by him. Brother Willis D. Engle, the first R.W. Grand Secretary' of the Gen eral Chapter of the Ordert.says on page 12 of his History that “The fact is that Brother Morris received the Eastern Star degree at.the hands of Giles M. Hillyer, of Vicksburg, Mississippi, about 1849.” Puzzling as is the mixture of statements, there is the one possible explanation that in speaking of the Order, Brother Morris had two quite different things in mind and that he may have inadvertently caused some to understand him to be speaking of the one when he referred to the other, or to both, as the case might be. We know that he had received Adoptive degrees and we are well aware that he had prepared more than one arrangement of Eastern Star degrees or of allied ceremonies. It is more likely that in speaking of the one his thoughts should dwell upon the other; the one, Adoptive Masonry, being as we might say the subject in general; the other, the Eastern Star, being the particular topic. He could very properly think of the degrees as an old idea, the Masonry of Adoption, and he could also consider it as being of novelty in the form of the Eastern Star; in the one case thinking of it as given him, and in the second instance thinking of it as it left his hands. In any event, the well-known sin cerity and high repute of Brother Morris absolve him from any stigma of wilful misrepresentation. Certainly it is due his memory that the various conflicting asser tions be given a sympathetic study and as friendly and harmonious a construction as is made at all possi ble by their terms. AAA THE CURSE OF IDLENESS The bees parried to Barbados and the Western Island ceased to lay up honey after the first year. They found the weather so fine and the materials for honey so abundant that they became exceed ingly profligate, ate up their cap ital, worked no more, but amused themselves by flying about the sugar-houses and stinging the ne groes. In these days we have some people like those bees. Because they are not compelled to w'ork, they are not only idle but vicious. — Selected. 86 THE CABLE TOW September, 1962 MASONIC TIDBITS The 33rd and last degree of die Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite alludes to the number of years Christ was on earth. • * * Pope Pius IX when a young man received the degrees of Freemasonry in Montevideo in 1816. In 1858 in Buenos Aires, the Roman Catholic Bishop issued a bull declaring the marriage contract between a Mason and his wife dis solved if the husband refused to renounce Masonry, thereby freeing the wife to marry another man. Church officials and prominent Catholic laymen protested to the Pope but no action was taken by His Holiness. Frederick the Great of Germany took under his patronage all of Freemasonrv in Germany and issued the Grand Constitution of 1762. lie also improved the Rite of Per fection of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. Pope Benedict XIV mitigated the rigors of the edict of Clement III, his immediate predecessor, against lhe Craft because he was a Free mason. The word "Freemason” was once supposed to originate from the French “Frere Macons.” But the equivalent of the word in German is "Frei Maurer" and in Italian "I.ibero Muratore." "Frei” and “Libero” mean “free,” and so that explanation of French derivation is not acceptable. “Freemason" was also supposed to have come from the fact that the craftsmen worked on stone com posed of sand or grit which because of its softness is easily cut and is called “free stone.” They were thus distinguished from the "rough stone masons," who worked on rough stone or stone which had not been polished by the hand regard less of its geological character. But "rough stone masons” really meant a Mason who was not thoroughly educated in the art or ignorant of the principles and geometrical secrets possessed by the higher Fraternity. The distinction beween the two kinds of masons is that the former is one of superior skill and station than the latter. It is believed, therefore, that “Freema son" referred to the Masons of su perior abilities who, being accepted into the Fraternity, had become free of the Gild or corporation. Masons not possessed of skill were not permitted to work as FrceinaThe total of wages paid to work men at the building of the Temple, according to Masonic traditions, was equal to $672,000,000. The 47th problem of Euclid is the finding of the length of the base, height or hypothenuse (the longest side) of a right angled tri angle when the other two are known. The formula for this is that the square of the hypothenuse is equal to the sums of the squares of the two other sides. This for mula was very useful to the ancient builders. (Continued on page 89) 87 OFF I C l A L SE C Tl ON For ihc information and guid ance of Brethren who are interested in following the activities of the Committee on Education and Pub lic Service under the Chairmanship of WB Domingo C. Bascara, we are publishing herewith pertinent por tions of the minutes of the meeting of lhe Committee held on August 29, 1962. Present: M. W. Bro. William H. Quasha M. W. Bro. Esteban Munarriz M. W. Bro. Luther B. Bewley Wor. Bro. Macario Navia Wor. Bro. Venancio Trinidad Wor. Bro. Raymond E. Wrlmarth Wor. Bro. Domingo C. Bascara, Chairman Wor. Bro. Dominador R-. Escosa, Executive Secretary Absent: M. W. Bro. Conrado Benitez M. W. Bro. Werner P. Schetelig Wor. Bro. Sinforoso G. Padilla Wor. Bro. Federico Piedad Bro. Joseph T. Howard Wor. Bro. Escosa brought to the attention of the Committee some <|ueslions taken up with him verb ally by some Masters of Lodges in connection with the Circular No. 3, among which are lhe following: (1) That some Lodges whose finan ces are so poor that they cannot even pay their indebtedness to the Cirand Lodge find it extremely dif ficult to finance projects related to Education and Public Service. (2) That it is felt to be against Maso nic practices to publicize charitable work. After some deliberation, Wor. Bro. Escosa was advised to inform lhe Lodges concerned that if a Lodge has a good program, experience has shown that such good program has a good chance of raising money; and with respect to publicity, the desire of the Lodge not to publicize to the general pub lic its charitable work will be res pected, but there should be no ob jection in publicizing it among brother Masons. Moreover, there are activities which require no mo nel but only personal services. Lod ges without money should render such services. There are also acti vities which require donations in kind, such as reading materials for use in the public schools. Wor. Bro. Trinidad also mentioned services related to the implementation of the Constitutional mandate on Edu cation which do not require funds. The Committee then discussed steps that should be taken to en courage actions on the Education and Public Service activities by Lodges. After some discussion, the following was improved: That Wor. Bro. Escosa, having been designated Executive Secret ary, should devote most of his time to the promotion of Education and Public Service activities by Lodges, and towards that end He is request ed to arrange the following: J. Monthly meetings of Masters of Lodges in Greater Manila with lhe M. AV. Grand Master, and of all Masters in the various Masonic 88 THE CABLE TOW September, 1962 ■Distiicts with their respective Dis trict Deputy Grand Masters, for the purpose of finding ways and means to enable Lodges to initiate Education and Public Service Pro jects. Whenever the Grand Master or the District Deputy Grand Mas ter is not available for such meet ings, he may call on any member of the Committee on Education and Public Service to take the place of the Grand Master or the District Deputy Grand Master. 2. That Wor. Bro. Escosa, ar range, whenever possible, for the Chairman or members of the Commitee to speak to Lodges duting their stated meetings on Education and Public Senice. Other matters taken up is the letter of the M. AV. Grand Master 10 the Grand Masters of the differ ent Grand Lodges in the United States requesting for text-books for use in the public schools, five of which have already replied fa vorably. AAA MASONIC TIDBITS . . . Continued from, page 87 “Other crafts may have symbol ized the instruments of their trade, but the Freemasons, above all others, had special reason to invest them with spiritual meaning, for it was a holy vocation to which they had devoted themselves. By the erection of a house to God’s service, the Master Mason not only perpe tuated his own name but contri buted to the glory of the greatest of all Beings by spreading the knowledge of Christianity and by inciting to the practice of Christian virtue and piety.” (Findel, quoted in Mackey’s History of Freemasonry) COMPLETE FACILITIES AND EFFICIENT SERVICE— II1 ' 1 ' Tel. 2-69-93 Trade and Commerce Building, Manila 89 MASONS OF THE PHILIPPINES! YOUR HELP IS NEEDED IN ERECTING A TEMPLE IN THE HEART OF THE CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES! Subscribe now to shares of the capital stock of the CAPITOL MASONIC TEMPLE ASS., INC. Authorized capital P135,000.00 divided into 2,700 shares at P50.00 par value. Support lhe move to put up a worthy scat of Masonic activity and prestige in the Capital City of the Philippines. Our 4,611 square metes of lot at the corner of Malaya Avenue and Road 1 is contiguous to the new Quezon City Civic Center where all government offices will be transferred soon. Your investment (not do nation) will bring you good returns in days to come, and at the same time you are helping a very worthy Masonic cause. Fill out the form below and send it with your check or M.O. to P.O. Box 53, Quezon City. Due acknowledgment and official receipt will be sent to you by return mail. Address all communications* "to the Secretary. VICENTE OROSA, P.G.M. Presiden t The Secretary, C.M.T.A. Inc. P. O. Box 53, Quezon City Date------------------------, 1962 Please enter my subscription for----------------------shares of the capital stock of the Capitol Masonic Temple Association, Inc. or a total of P-------------. Enclosed is M.O./Check for P-------------as payment in full/part 25% of my subscription. (Signature) (Name in print letters) Address-.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I am a member of---------------------------- Lodge No. located in---------------------------- . (Town or City, Province) 90 Cail 11. Claudy on - THE SECRECY OF MASONRY Men are men the world over. That which is hidden is sought; that which is forbidden is desired; that which is secret is studied: that which is rare is held, valuable. We hunt for gold, not common rock: we scale the high mountain and disdain the lower; one by one, the scientists dig out of the great unknown the secrets of nature, only to pass to another when this one is lound. Masonry, keeping her leachings for those who seek them: Masonrs. making it difficult to become of her elect: Masonry, holding herself apart and unostentatious from the world, makes men desire her. What a man desires, that will he have. When he finds that there are is one and onh one road by which he may win from Masonry those teachings she guards well, that road will he take. He will be a good man and true, and pav the price of studv. application, patient waiting, and don the bonds of fraternity to prove himself fit. And, once he is fit, he becomes the ma terial Masonry wants and she gives him of herself with both hands' ACTIVE PARTS MEAN ADDED Your profits increase with the effi ciency of your operations — with the aid of Caltex Organized Lubrication. This service is a cost-reducing tool, not an expense item. Gives you important savings on maintenance costs, eliminates unnecessary pur chases of parts. Check with your Caltex Lubrication Engineer He will prepare a Caltex Lubrication Program to provide you with the right lubrication for each piece of equipment. For big cost-saving benefits of Caltex Organized Lubrication, write or call your nearest Caltex office. 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