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Lodge History

History of Pilar Lodge No.3

“Never shall I fail my Brethren . . .” Cavite Province is rich in culture and history. Imus, Cavite is the site where the first successful Philippine revolution was waged. It is in Alapan, Imus where the flag of the Philippine Republic was first hoisted to proclaim the country’s independence. The site of this historical marker is highlighted by a 90-foot tall flagpole atop three large rocks and on the center rock is a statue of a woman boldly holding the Philippine Flag. Pilar Lodge No. 3, previously known as Logia Pilar No. 203 under the Jurisdiction of Gran Oriente Espanol and Pilar Lodge No. 15, under the Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines, has a very rich heritage. Its history can be closely linked with the history of the Philippine Revolution, as its founding fathers played a very important role in the birth of the Philippine Republic. It started as an organization of Masons called the “Triangulo” (UD) perhaps the equilateral symbol of Masonry or by the three founding pillars of the organization. They were Rev. Fr. Severo Buenaventura, a Filipino Catholic priest, whose symbolic name in masonry is “Kwitib” then a member of Bathala Lodge No. 157 in Ermita, Manila. Cayetano Topacio, a member of Parwaw Lodge No. 224 in Concepcion, Tarlac and Juan Castaneda, symbolic name “Langam”, a member of Nilad Lodge No. 144 in Manila. The Gran Oriente Espanol chartered it as a lodge on June 5, 1894 as Logia Pilar No. 203, after the patron saint of the town, Nuestra Senora del Pilar. The solemn ceremonies of the lodge constitution was attended by no less than the first Grand Master of the Gran Consejo Regional Ambrosio Flores. On the night of January 1, 1895, Emilio Aguinaldo was secretly initiated at Logia Pilar No. 203 at the residence of Cayetano Topacio by Juan Castaneda as Master of the lodge. Initiated as charter members together with Emilio Aguinaldo were Baldomero Aguinaldo, Pantaleon Garcia, Jose Elises, Mariano Tagle, Luis Virata, Estanislao Villanueva, Doroteo Paredes, Sixto Sapinoso, Ignacio Bella, Benedicto Ilano, and other members of the lodge. Due to the persecutions of the civil guards and friars, meetings at those times were held secretly in different places until June 1895 when it was temporarily held at the residence of Ignacio Bella. The active involvement of Rev. Fr. Severo Buenaventura in Freemasonry did not escape the eyes of the Archbishop of Manila, Bishop Nozaleda. He ordered the Spanish priest in Imus, Fr. Jose Maria Learte to discipline Fr. Buenaventura. This moved prompted him to escape. His escape was orchestrated by his nephew, Javier Agromente with the helped of Faustino Villareal and Grand Master Ambrosio Flores who secured his passport. Fr. Buenaventura arrived in Hong Kong on August 2, 1895, where he met by Juan Castaneda and they both stayed at the residence of Ildefonso Laurel. Brother Jose Maria Basa advised them to proceed to Japan together with brother masons, Jose A. Ramos, symbolic name “Socorro”, Isabelo Artacho and Bonifacio Arevalo, Grand Treasurer of Gran Consejo Regional. Bro. Socorro was initiated at Corinthian in London and called the grandfather of the revolution. He was the leader of the Anti-Friar Manifesto of 1888. Bro. Faustino Villareal was later executed in January 11, 1897 for revolutionary activities. Fr. Buenaventura returned to Hong Kong and continued his Masonic activities under the name of Macario Alcantara. He held the position of junior warden in Vanguardia Lodge when Mariano Marti Burgos was the Master of the Lodge. He also became a member of “Comite Central Filipino” in Hong Kong. Bro. Castaneda was arrested immediately upon his return in Manila. After a mock trial by the Spanish authorities, he was imprisoned, tortured, and sent to exile in 1896 as reported by “Commission de Informes Historicos” of Logia Modestia No. 199. The arrests of some members led the group of Emilio Aguinaldo, his cousin Baldomero, Canuto Encarnacion, Benedicto Ilano and Silvestre Legaspi to joen the Katipunan. On August 31, 1896, the revolution in Cavite ignited with Aguinaldo’s successfully-led uprising in Kawit. By dawn of September 1, 1896, the first real offensive of revolution took place in Imus. Led by Emilio Aguinaldo together with members of Logia Pilar No. 203 and some Kawit volunteers spearheaded the attack on the Recollect Hacienda house in Imus. After the capture of Imus from the Spaniards, Emilio Aguinaldo appointed Jose Tagle as the Municipal President of Imus. The Magdalo Revolutionary Government was organized with its headquarters in Imus. Members of Logia Pilar No. 203 took active part in the newly organized government with Baldomero Aguinaldo as President, Cayetano Topacio as Secretary of Finance, Sixto Topacio as Secretary of Justice, and Emilio Aguinaldo as Flag-Lieutenant General. After several successful battles against the Spaniards, the revolutionary government was formed on March 22, 1897 after the Tejeros Convention in San Francisco de Malabon in Cavite which lead to the election of Bro. General Emilio Aguinaldo as President. He was elected in absentia taking his oath of office on the night of March 23, 1897. The revolutionary government lasted to October 1897 and replaced by the Biak-na-Bato Republic on November 1, 1897. After several successful sorties with the enemy, independence was declared on June 12, 1898. During these revolutionary activities, the lodge was in the dark, no meetings were held until December 1898 as most of its members were busy in setting up the new Republic. The members of the Lodge were just starting the restoration activities when the Philippine-American war broke out on February 1899. Again members of the lodge donned their uniform to arms against the Americans. Bro. General Baldomero Aguinaldo was appointed Secretary of War and Gen. Pantaleon Garcia was to lead a brigade stationed in forth zone of North Manila against the invading Americans. Several sorties ensued and finally peace prevails. Bro. Gen. Pantaleon Garcia reorganized the lodge in 1907 at his residence in “Daang Haligue (now Gen. G. Bautista Street), Imus. Unfortunately, his residence was struck by fire destroying everything including important document of the lodge. The present site of Pilar Lodge No. 3, measuring about 1,170 square meters was donated by the family of Bro. Federico Alcantara. After the Philippine-American war, some members of the lodge involved themselves in government and other activities. Several members were appointed municipal presidents, now known as municipal mayors. Their activity in governance made Imus what it is today. Not only did Masons take active part in governance but likewise in education. Several members of the lodge established the Imus Central Academy, now known as Imus Institute, where their classes were held in the lodge temple, until their transfer to their own premises at Nuevo Avenue. World War II broke out on December 6, 1941 and the lodge was again in the dark. The elected officers were not installed. Several members again took arms against the invaders. The occupying Japanese forces used the lodge as their local outpost and headquarters, where several citizens, later known as the Thirteen Martyrs of Imus were tortured and executed. On May 1945, three months after liberation, the lodge was again organized in the house of Candido Sayoc, the treasurer of the lodge. The first post liberation stated meeting was held on June 1945. On December 19, 1912, the Grand Lodge of the Philippines was established by the Americans, but it was not until February 12, 1917 that the lodge affiliated and was granted a charter under the name of Pilar Lodge No. 15. Several members of the lodge served in various positions in the district and grand lodge levels not only from the present jurisdiction but also from other Masonic Grand Jurisdictions worldwide. The lodge took active parts not only in Masonic affairs but was also involved in civic and community activities such as scholarship for deserving youth of Imus, legal assistance, health and medical missions in cooperation with the government of Imus. A traditional gift giving to indigent families of some barangays in Imus. The Lodge was also instrumental in organizing two appendant bodies, both domiciled at Pilar Masonic Temple, the Imus Assembly No. 10 of the International Order of Rainbow for Girls chartered in November 1983 and the Imus Bodies of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of the Philippines chartered in March 17, 1987. Some distinguished members of the lodge held various positions in the Grand Lodge as well as in the district level and other grand jurisdictions. MW Rosendo C. Herrera, 66^th Grand Master of GLP, Brothers Romeo Argota, Olimpio Castaneda, Regalado Manimtim, Manuel L. Carranza, Jr. and Cesar De Leon Go as District Deputy Grand Masters, Brothers Albert C. Poblete and Renato Guerra as Junior Grand Lecturers, Brother Cesar De Leon Go as Grand Orator and Grand Marshal, Brother Telesforo Sapinoso as Grand Bible Bearer, Brothers Eduardo Espejo, Abelardo Camahalan, Camilo Tabulinar, Abelardo Camahalan as Regional Grand Lecturer, Fernando Hernandez and Leonardo Mendoza as District Grand Lecturers, and several brethren served as Grand Lodge Inspectors. Brother Rolando Castaneda, a member and past master of Pilar Lodge No. 15 served as District Deputy Grand Master in Toronto District No. 4, Grand Lodge of A. F. & A. M. of Canada in the Province of Ontario. During the stated meeting of the lodge on September 2, 2006, under the stewardship of Worshipful Master Zafiro V. Benedicto, the lodge made a very important decision after holding marathon meetings, dialogues and discussions among the members. A lodge resolution was unanimously approved declaring its independence from the Grand Lodge of the Philippines and join or form a new Grand Lodge. However, on that faithful day of September 7, 2006, GLP GM Yu issued Edict No. 232 declaring selected (29) members of Pilar Lodge No. 15 as “Clandestine Masons”. Those braved members of the lodge who stood for truth and justice were: Zafiro V. Benedicto, Cesar De Leon Go, Manuel L. Carranza, Jr., Renato Camarse, Albert C. Poblete, Mario Ramirez, Antonio Castaneda, Camilo Tabulinar, Venancio I. Cuvin, Mario Leopoldo, Domingo De Leon, Fernando Hernandez, Augusto Fernandez, Abelardo Camahalan, Bernando Bondoc, Philbert Laplap, Gorgonio Torres, Felimon Hernandez, Manolo Contreras, Joselito Quintana, Jaime Bartolome, Abraham Escandor, Reynaldo Abad, Dexter Magno, Loreto Roa, Angelito Lam, Ponciano Mabaga, Esheraldo Cantada, George Lopez. Other members of the lodge who did not pledge their allegiance with the Grand Lodge of the Philippines were also declared “Clandestine Masons” by GM Yu. On September 10, 2006, Pilar Lodge No. 15 surrendered its old charter and joined in the Declaration of Independence and Constitution of the newly constituted Grand Lodge “The Most Worshipful Independent Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippine Islands” at Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite. Under this new Grand Lodge, some members of the lodge are serving under interim capacities. They are Manuel L. Carranza, Jr. as Senior Grand Warden, Cesar De Leon Go as Regional Grand Inspector, Albert C. Poblete as Grand Lecturer, Renato Camarse as Junior Grand Standard Bearer, Venancio I. Cuvin as District Grand Lecturer, Mario Ramirez and Mario Leopoldo as District Grand Inspectors. Again never shall I fail my Brethren . . . . Roll of Past Masters(Logia Pilar No. 203 under the Jurisdiction of the Gran Oriente Espanol)Chartered June 5, 1894 Rev. Fr. Severo Buenaventura+ 1895 Manuel Paredes+ 1912Juan Castaneda+ 1895 Epifanio Paredes+ 1913Pantaleon Garcia+ 1907-1911 Manuel Paredes+ 1914-1917 (Pilar Lodge No. 15 under the Jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Philippines)Chartered February 12, 1917 Candido Sayoc+ 1918-1919 Donato Virata+ 1920Zosimo Topacio+ 1921 & 1927 Manuel Paredes+ 1922Faustino Maniago+ 1924 – 1926 Lorenzo Paredes+ 1928Meliton Darvin+ 1929-1930 Marciano Sayoc+ 1931-1932Manuel De Leon+ 1933 Tiburcio Gayot+ 1934Pastor Sapinoso+ 1935 Alfredo Saqui+ 1936Hipolito Garma+ 1937 Mariano Remulla+ 1939Mauro Mendez+ 1940 Fortunato Ejercito+ 1941-1945Pablo Tungol+ 1946-1947 Teofilo Ragondong+ 1948Julian Medina, Sr.+ 1949 Pedro Macabagdal+ 1950-1951Andres Garcia+ 1952 Dominador Levardo+ 1953-1954Candido Monzon+ 1955-1956 Jose Topacio, Sr.+ 1957Anastacio Ladao+ 1958 Miguel Del Rosario+ 1959Honorio Malonzo 1960 Eugenio Villanueva, Sr.+ 1961-1962Mamerto Nave 1963 Romeo Argota 1964-1967Luis Campana 1968 Eduardo Espejo 1969Regalado Camarse+ 1970 Telesforo Sapinoso+ 1971Antonio Vernitz+ 1972 Manuel Medina 1973Angel De Leon+ 1974 Aquilino Cabayan+ 1975Eriberto Fernandez+ 1976 Roman Castaneda 1977Rolando Castaneda 1978 Olimpio Castaneda+ 1979Felix Ladores+ 1980 Renato Sayoc 1981Leonardo Mendoza 1981 Manuel Villanueva+ 1982Regalado Manimtim 1983 Felipe Manongdo+ 1984Antonio Castaneda 1985 Teodoro Espiritu+ 1986Abelardo Camahalan 1987 German Castaneda+ 1988Augusto Fernandez 1989 Ignacio Zaragosa 1990Renato G. Camarse 1991 Cesar De Leon Go 1992Alberto C. Poblete 1993 Carlito Sauler 1994Alexander Floro 1995 Mario M. Ramirez 1996Camilo T. Tabulinar 1997 Donald Macomb 1998Fernando Hernandez 1999 Alfredo Obrero, Jr. 2000Venancio I. Cuvin 2001 Allan Chambers 2002Niel A. Uy 2003 Mario C. Leopoldo 2004Domingo De Leon 2005 Zafiro V. Benedicto 2006 (Pilar Lodge No. 3 under the Jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of free and Accepted Masons of the Philippine Islands)Chartered September 10, 2006 Zafiro V. Benedicto 2006 Philbert R. Laplap 2007 Contributed by: Bro. Venancio I. Cuvin, PM

What is Free MAsonry / What Freemasonry Does

What Is Freemasonry

Freemasonry is the largest and oldest secular fraternal order in the world, crossing all religious boundaries to bring men together of all countries, sects, and opinion in peace and harmony. It is a universal brotherhood, dedicated to serving the divine by service to family, country, and mankind.

Freemasonry is a philosophical organization emphasizing the study of moral symbols to build character. This education is, in part, the foundation of a more profound understanding of mankind and his existence. Living today in a "throw away society", Freemasonry teaches about the value of people and the meaning of relativism over personal individualism. The real nature of Freemasonry is a spiritual force behind each member, improving themselves morally by associating with other like minded men. Also, Freemasonry acts as a social organization, promoting the interaction between like minded men within the lodge to build bonds between them. By fostering this brotherhood relationships are made, such that even meeting outside of the comforts of the lodge, the bonds remain and genuine affection prevails. Wherever traveling, masons meet and greet other masons as brothers as a result of these bonds.

Freemasonry opens men's eyes to the knowledge that the road to happiness is found in the journey to the perfection of the spirit, intellect & soul, to strive to his fullest potential. Differing from religious institutions, Freemasonry sees all men as equal, not drawing division to beliefs. Fellow Freemasons are regarded as brothers because of the rituals of Freemasonry, which have remained virtually unchanged for many hundred years. By accepting men of all faiths, together in Freemasonry, they learn and teach the truths of morality, justice, patriotism and brotherly love. all expressed through reverence to the divine Great Architect of the Universe.

What Freemasonry Does

Freemasonry builds and advances the character of men to make them better. Building on principals of moral integrity, Freemasons hold brotherly love as paramount to the benefit of mankind. Whether through haritable acts, or by direct involvement, Freemasonry is dedicated to the prosperity of mankind. On the individual level, Freemasonry builds on moral philosophy, through allegorical symbols to impart rich and complex meanings about the divine. What that means is through masonic education, individuals are given their own personal building blocks to build their personal moral character, and then charged with finding what the purpose and meaning of those tools are. Throughout the masons life, these lessons get revisited, building on the many varied meanings behind them. Seldom can a mason say they have learned all of the meanings taught to them through the degrees. It does not act to impart religion to their members, instead building on the tenants and virtues taught by all religions, with the drive to put these ideas into personal practice. Serving to promote brotherly love masons are now involved in all levels of charity and benevolence, uplifting the needs of all mankind.

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Jurisprudence

IGLPI Constitution

http://iglpiconstitution.blogspot.com/

IGLPI Resource page

http://iglpilibrary.blogspot.com/

Links

IGLPI

http://iglpi.blogspot.com/

Cavite Lodge No.2

http://cavite2lodgeiglpi.blogspot.com/

Bagong Buhay Lodge No.4

http://bagongbuhaylodgeno4.blogspot.com/

Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Lodge No.5

http://www.geocities.com/aguinaldo_lodge31/

Bagong Ilaw Lodge No.6

http://bl6iglpi.blogspot.com/

La Naval Lodge No.7

http://lanaval7iglpi.blogspot.com/

Mendez Nunez Lodge No.7

http://mn8iglpi.blogspot.com/

Katipunan ng mga Mason

http://katipunan-mason.blogspot.com/

Filipino Mason,Independent and free

http://filipinomasons.blogspot.com/

Letter, Figure and Character

http://rmolano.blogspot.com/

This is who we are..

Freemasons are men who voluntarily seek admission to a lodge, accepted because they were tested and found to be of good character, who believe in the divine, and uphold high moral, personal, and ethical standards. They participate and desire to participate with like minded men in learning what Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth mean, practicing in these tenants within and without lodge, in their various communities. There are no secrets in Freemasonry, except for the most initiaic of rituals in the quest for light, and even those are not secret in their activity, but rather in their deeper meanings. The lessons learned in Freemasonry are openly shared with wives, friends, coworkers and anyone who seeks their meaning on what the great fraternity is about. But, Freemasons are not boastful nor indolent in it's virtues and do not squander their opportunities to impart wisdom whenever possible. Practical duties of charity are planned for and carried out, personally and within a lodge. And lastly, but most importantly, the bonds of fidelity and brotherly love are practiced within the lodge and without towards all brothers and non brothers alike, but with special consideration to brother master masons, where ever they may be.

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