Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 (F&AM)

Institution of Amity Lodge U.D.

Fortis Quo Fidelius !!!

The desirability of establishing a new Lodge in the jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Independent Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI) was, in a way, novel since the new Grand Lodge, established just recently in 2006 by seven (7) Blue Lodges and later joined by another Lodge formerly of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines (GLP), was yet beginning to chart its own destiny.

Exactly one (1) year after however, the idea of organizing to form a new lodge was brought up by WB Nicolas RZ Bolanos, Past Master of La Naval Lodge No. 7, with Bro. Erwin B. Bellen, also of the same lodge, during a casual talk one October afternoon at the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) office in Fort Bonifacio where both brethren work. The idea to establish a new lodge, as enunciated by WB Bolanos, was to be anchored on two (2) relevant arguments: primarily, that such lodge will be formed so that the membership of the newly established Grand Lodge will numerically grow not only in Cavite area but also outside of it; and, that such lodge will be established to benefit the brethren who are not Cavite residents, but whose mother lodges are located in the provinces.

The topic was likewise taken up in a series of discussions with VW Aldo G. Olaguer, DGS of Bagong Ilaw Lodge No. 6 and WB Francisco A. Carranza, PM of La Naval Lodge No. 7, who both liked the initiative. Subsequently, the first organizational meeting was set on December 14, 2007 at the NAMRIA quarters of WB Bolanos in Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Aside from WB Bolanos, twelve Master Masons from different member lodges of the IGLPI, namely, VW Aldo G. Olaguer, Bro. Erwin B. Bellen, Bro. Gerry T. Tuplano, Bro. Antonio Erwin O. Opulencia, Bro. Froilan B. Balucio, Bro. Jay T. Ranola, Bro. Mark Lester A. Limpin, Bro. Frederick R. Masangkay, Bro. Angelito G. Esteban, Bro. Melanio A. Turingan, Bro. Jose Mari A. Duarte, and VW Rae M. Jarder came to the meeting and discussed the following salient points:

1. The proposed name of the lodge
2. Place to hold lodge meetings
3. Dues and Degree Fees
4. Interim Officers
5. Petition for Dispensation
6. Other Matters

With the blossoming prospect of finally establishing a new lodge, a number of brethren endeavored to see their aspiration come into fruition. Subsequent meetings were held in the succeeding months at the CPO’s Clubhouse, Bonifacio Naval Station, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City to iron out some issues such as financial and logistical requirements. Eventually, with the untiring labor of the brethren, financial contributions began to trickle in, with RW Joseph A. Capuyan, SGW together with other unnamed brethren contributed a very substantial amount to jumpstart the plan.

In Omnia Paratus !!!

Finally, it is worth mentioning that with the encouragement given by MWB Jaime V. Bantolo PGM, in whose time at the Oriental Chair the idea of establishing a new lodge was pursued, and with the enthusiastic approval by MW Nicolas G. Ricafrente, Grand Master of Masons in the jurisdiction, and the other Grand Line Officers who have advanced, guided, and illumined the way, it was agreed that September 19, 2008 (Friday), would become the great date of the Taguig-Manila brethren with destiny as they bear witness and become part of the institution of the new lodge, henceforth known as AMITY LODGE UD, F & A M.

Fiat Lux !!!

“Masonry is a Fraternity of good men and true.
A brotherhood among men of various nationalities, creeds and faiths,
colors under the Fatherhood of God.
All dedicated to justice, liberty and democracy.
Let us have more Masonry
among Masons and more men in Masonry.”

-Osias-


ANG MALAYANG PANGKALAHATANG LOHIYA NG MGA WALANG SIGWAL AT TANGGAP NA MGA MASON NG KAPULUANG PILIPINAS (IGLPI)

The Most Worshipful Independent Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI) headed by its Grand Master MW Emmanuel Magdiwang Nicolas G. Ricafrente conducted the institution ceremony of a lodge under dispensation.

On or about 1:00 P.M., 19th day of September 2008 (Friday) at Pintong Bato Masonic Center, Bacoor, Cavite, Philippines fifty three (53) charter members of Amity Lodge supported by more than one hundred (100) brethren and guests including Master Masons in other jurisdiction assembled as the Grand Master assumed the grand oriental chair and with the blessing of the Great Architect of the Universe proceeded in the institution of Amity Lodge.

The ceremony was followed by a brief discourse of the history of the Warrant of Constitution and Dispensation, followed by the words of guidance from the Grand Master, and then the reading of the Dispensation and the list of the names of chartered members.

The brethren of Amity Lodge submitted themselves to charges and support of the regulations, the officers received their jewels and repair to their respective places and stations.

The Master of Ceremony made the proclamation and the VR Grand Chaplain pronounced the benediction.

Thereafter the Worshipful Master receives the gavel from the Grand Master and proceeds to open a Lodge of Master Masons and conducted its first official business transactions.

Tu Fui, Ego Eris !!!

Congratulations and more power to the Charter Members of Amity Lodge UD, most especially to the three lights, VW Rae M. Jarder Worshipful Master, Bro. Gerry T. Tuplano Senior Warden and Bro. Mark Lester A. Limpin Junior Warden.