Holiday Message From the East

Brethren,

            Holiday Season is just around the corner and everyone is busy shopping for decorations, gifts and groceries to prepare for its celebration. Because of this hectic moment, we sometimes forget to give thanks to the Supreme Architect of the Universe – the source of all good things. Please be reminded that “No man should ever enter upon any great or important undertaking without first invoking the blessing of God.” Therefore, join me in giving thanks to the Great Architect of the Universe with these words:

“Almighty and ever living God, ruler of Heaven and earth, the beginning and the end of all things, we offer Thee our deepest thanks for the fatherly care with which Thou has watched over us during this past year, for many times Thou hast protected us from all evil and for the numberless blessings which Thou hast showered upon us. May blessing and guidance of the Supreme Architect of the Universe continue to pour upon us and beseech Thee to grant us the wisdom, perseverance and patience to maintain, in their fullest splendor, those truly Masonic ornaments – Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. Amen.”

To our military from all over the world:

            Thousands of our military personnel – Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines – are dispersed around the globe in keeping our nation safe and secure. Our worst day in our country is so much better than their best days in places they are now situated. Extremes of cold and heat, and uncomfortable conditions, to say at least, plague our military personnel in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait. Many of our military personnel are our brothers and wives and children of the members of our Fraternal order and therefore, necessitate their inclusion in our prayers:

            “Supreme Grand Master, we lift our men and women in uniform before your Throne of Grace, asking for grace to help them in time of need. Stretch forth your mighty arm to strengthen and protect them and reach out their hearts to bring comfort, endurance, steadfast, wisdom and discretion in meeting danger with courage and all occasions with discipline and loyalty that may truly serve the cause of justice and peace; to the honor of Thy Holy name. Amen.”

To All of you - my brethren and your family:

            As the world celebrates the Holiday Season – sharing love and affection and welcoming year 2008 - I would like to greet each and everyone a “Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year!”

By Worshipful Master Fil C. Garcia

From the East

Brethren,

            The month of November was filled with mixed emotion - sadness and gladness - to the officers and members of Black Mountain Lodge No. 845. Sadness - Because of the untimely passing away of the mother of our Past Master, Worshipful Rudy Alquero, who had to go back to the Philippines to attend her funeral. On behalf of the officers and members of our Lodge, I would like to express our deepest sympathy along with our prayers to the family of Worshipful Rudy Alquero. May the Great Architect of the Universe bless the soul of his beloved mother and grant peace to the minds and tranquility to the hearts of those who are left behind. Gladness - Because the installation of Black Mountain Lodge Officers was a success and a fun-filled ceremony. A testimony of our acclimatization during difficult times and challenging situation, and our resilience during tough times proved that we are better men. Brotherly love, indeed, is instilled in our hearts to bring out harmony among us.

           I would like to congratulate the following elected and appointed officers of Black Mountain Lodge:

Senior Warden -           Jim L. Desquitado

Junior Warden -           Bernardo N. Gapuz

Treasurer -                   Colin McInnes

Secretary -                   Howard “Tony” McGill, P.M.

Chaplain -                    Mervin Lansangan

Senior Deacon -           Simeon Alonzo

Junior Deacon -            Reginald Oca

Marshal -                     Christopher Gunn

Senior Steward -          George Melious

Junior Steward -           Tristan Poblete

Organist -                     Christopher Pineza

Tiler -                           A. Erwin Bautista

            My sincere thanks to the following Installing Officers for without their support and guidance, the installation will not be a very successful and memorable ceremony:

Installing Master –        William “Bill” Byous, P.M.

Master of Ceremony – Romeo “Romy” Quinto P.M.

Installing Chaplain –      Gerald Winstanley, P.M.

Installing Host -            Eufre “Tony” Abad, P.M.

Event Coordinator -      Eddie Isaac, P.M.

Installing Organist –      Gil Deleon

Flag Presentation -        Knights Templar Commandery No. 25

A special thanks to the 494^th Masonic District Inspector, Worshipful Ron Rush and his Lady in joining us during the installation. To Worshipful Gene Goldman who took over during the closing of the Lodge - Thank you very much.

Congratulations is also in order to Worshipful Romy Quinto who is the new Officer’s Coach of Black Mountain Lodge No. 845 and our sincere gratitude to  Worshipful Bill Byous for his devotion to duties and his great contributions to the Lodge during his tenure of office. Worshipful Bill Byous served as the Officer’s Coach for many years and deserved a break.

            To our brethren from other Lodges – As the saying goes, “No man is an island.” For the officers and members of Black Mountain Lodge No. 845, it meant no Lodge can continue its existence without the assistance and support of other Lodges. Words alone are not enough to express our gratitude to your never ending support and contributions to our Lodge.

To our better halves, relatives and friends – For their continuous and tireless support to us in our Masonic journey, for their patience and understanding when we are on the road and for their contributions to our Lodges. To all these, I salute you and sincerely thank you.

By Worshipful Master Fil C. Garcia

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