July 2013 Meeting & Raising

Approaching fifty, including the Brethren, their wives, family and friends, not forgetting the little ones and tiny tots, were in attendance at the Castle Hill Masonic Centre on Saturday night the thirteenth of July. Most to witness, others to take part in and all to enjoy, not only the Raising Ceremony of Bro Justin Baylifff but also to take part in the birthday celebrations of Bro Micvi Fidel [Age undisclosed].

With RW Bro Fidel Pamplona "In The Chair”, W Bro Romy Nieto as IPM, RW Bro Emmanuel Maniago as acting Senior Warden and VW Bro Rudy Romerosa as acting Secretary, the Lodge Tyled at six o’clock sharp.

Among the twenty eight in the Lodge Room, were no fewer than three Entered Apprentice Freemasons and two Fellow Crafts and after all visitors were admitted, an alarm was sounded and upon inquiry it was found the District Grand Inspector of Workings for District Thirty Two, VW Bro Graham Andrews, was in attendance and seeking admission. With the acting Director of Ceremonies, RW Bro Rey Porras and the Deacons taking up their respective positions, the distinguished visitor was admitted and made extremely welcome by the Worshipful Master in the Chair.

Before the work of the evening commenced, RW Bro Pamplona offered his sincere condolences to W Bro Romy Nieto and family in the passing of Sis Ellen’s dear mother - Monica Sanqui Nunez.

The Worshipful Master in the Chair then asked all Entered Apprentices to retire and opened the Lodge in the Second Degree. At RW Bro Pamplona’s request, the Senior Deacon, Bro Micvi Fidel presented Bro Justin Bayliff to the Obligation Table where he was subjected to the Preliminary Examination. Bro Bayliff, obviously well tutored by his mentor, RW Bro Emmanuel Maniago, had no problem with the examination and after all Fellow Crafts were retired, including W Bro Fred Sese, the now Worshipful Master of Lodge Baulkham Hill, the Lodge was raised to the Third Degree.

The Lodge Room being suitably prepared, an alarm was sounded and after the Director of Ceremonies, the Deacons and Lodge Chaplain had taken up their respective positions, Bro Bayliff was re admitted "On The Square” and in due course, raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason.

The work of the evening was of the particularly high standard, of which Lodge Jose Rizal is renowned but particular mention must be made of the Traditional History narrated by W Bro Romy Nieto and the extended signs so well explained by Bro Robert Urqueza.

Meanwhile, the ladies outside, were obviously enjoying the night and having a great time judging by the music, laughter and squeals of delight issuing forth.

The ceremony over and a photo opportunity taken, the Lodge was returned to the First Degree and all Masons were re admitted. RW Bro Pamplona then gave welcome to the visiting District Inspector who, in rising to the response, and apologising for his absence at the last meeting, asked for the assistance of the Director of Ceremonies and went down onto the floor and greeted the Entered Apprentices in turn, crossing the floor, he also congratulated the Newly Raised Brother Bro Bayliff, and greeted the Fellow Craft in attendance.

On returning to the dais, VW Bro Andrews, spoke of his recent contact and conversation with the Most Worshipful Grand Master, who is in Brisbane, at the moment, for the Queensland Grand Installation and will soon journey to New Zealand for their Grand Installation, thus continuing the very strong Australasian bond of Freemasonry.

Continuing on, VW Bro Andrews spoke of the recent Grand Lodge Communication and of VW Bro Robert Moore’s successful application for the role of RGC at the "soon to be” Region Two. He also spoke of the Grand Master’s desire to visit District Thirty Two and urged all Lodges in the District to give the Grand Master timely notice of any function they wished him to attend.

VW Bro Andrews then retired and before closing the Lodge RW Bro Pamplona asked for any announcements:

The Worshipful Master of Lodge Hornsby, W Bro Nes Bangcoror rose and invited all to Lodge Hornsby’s next meeting which will be the investiture of officers for the ensuing year.

RW Bro Bill Driver spoke of the huge financial success of the sausage sizzles held at the various Bunning’s outlets and called for volunteers for the forth coming Castle Hill roster; where it is guesstimated that over six hundred and fifty sausage sandwiches will be sold on the day, returning more than two thousand dollars. Well done RW Bro Driver.

There being no further business, the "Master in The Chair” closed the Lodge and after a photo opportunity was taken of all the Brethren who had taken part in the night’s ceremony, all retired to the Festive Board to join the ladies, family and friends and, after Grace was recited by the Lodge Chaplain, Bro Julio Roson, all enjoyed a beautiful meal and delicious sweets prepared and presented by the ladies of Lodge Jose Rizal.

After RW Bro Pamplona had proposed The Loyal Toast, he proposed a toast to The Most Worshipful Grand Master, which was responded to by the visiting District Inspector.

Bro Troy Quimpo then proposed a toast to the newly Raised Brother and in his response, Bro Bayliff, in thanking Lodge Jose Rizal, especially RW Bro Maniago, for all the support and encouragement in his Masonic journey thus far, said that he would soon be moving to Canada and would join a Lodge over there but would always have happy memories of Australia and be so proud to call Lodge Jose Rizal his Mother Lodge.

In the absence of Bro Manny Placido, RW Bro Rey Porras proposed a toast to our ladies and visitors, which was responded to by W Bro Ian Harrison, from Lodge Alpha. W Bro Harrison has applied for affiliation papers and soon to be an affiliate member of Lodge Jose Rizal.

The Director of Ceremonies then announced that it will be Bro Micvi Fidel’s birthday and all joined in singing a happy and hearty "Happy Birthday”. In response, Bro Micvi asked all to continue the evening and participate in his birthday celebrations and in doing so invited all to sample some special 'birthday food' [Filipino delicacies] he had placed on the tables.

The raffle was then drawn and Bro Mario Baylon Jnr proposed the Junior Warden's Toast and whilst some went home, others stayed and joined in the birthday festivities well into the night or should one say "Early Morning”.

Such was Lodge Jose Rizal’s July meeting, another night of both admiration and inspiration and totally enjoyed by all in attendance and all looking forward to ----

"Our Next Happy Meeting at Lodge Jose’ Rizal No 1045”

Which will be held at the Castle Hill Masonic Centre,on the fourteenth of September, where a warm welcome will be extended to all.

By RW Bro Bruce Quirk [via District website]

Installation of Bro Fred Sese 3 May 2013

Our Bro Alfredo "Fred' Belen Sese will be Installed as Wor Master of Lodge Baulkham Hills 956, this Friday - 3 May 2013 at Castle Hill Masonic Centre. Tyling at 6:30pm for members, visitors at 6:45pm & Grand Lodge at 7:30pm.

South is by tickets only [RSVP by 19 Apt]at 425 per person. Ladies invited.

Bro Fred said that "I would like to thank our Jose Rizal Brethren for their well wishes for my coming installation tomorrow (3rd of May) at Lodge Baulkham Hills, Castle Hill Masonic Centre.

"Also thanking, in advance, the LJR Brethren participating, Brother Ed Banting for dispensing a vocal rendition of "You Will Raise Me Up" and Brother Micvi Fidel on his trusty saxophone. This musical interlude will be in open Lodge. At the installation banquet, where it is free and easy, Brothers Manuel and Daniel Placido will entertain us with their music."

New Set of Officers 2012-2013

Worshipful Master - W Bro Manuel 'Manny' Santos

Immediate Past Master - VW Bro Rodolfo 'Rudy' Romerosa, PDGDC

Senior Warden - Bro Manuel 'Manny' Placido

Junior Warden - Bro Mario 'Mar' Baylon, Jnr

Chaplain - Bro Julio Roson

Treasurer - RW Bro Emmanuel 'Manny' Maniago, PSGW

Secretary - RW Bro Fidencio 'Fidel' Pamplona, PSGW

Director of Ceremonies - W Bro Khris Albano, GS

Senior Deacon - Bro Micvi 'Mick' Fidel

Junior Deacon - Bro Paolo Beringuel

Director of Music - W Bro Herminigildo 'Hermie' Mateo

Organist - Bro Edward 'Ed' Banting

Membership Officer[s] - W Bro Vicente 'Vince" Flores

masoniCare [Caring] Officer [s] - W Bro Remigio 'Romy' Nieto

Inner Guard - Bro Roderick 'Eric' Buenavista

Stewards - Bro Troy Quimpo, Bro Larry Pamplona, Bro Richard Eusebio & Bro Roberto Urqueza

Tyler - TBA

Lodge Mentor/Education Officer - RW Bro Rey Porras, PSGW

Regional Grand Counsellor - RW Bro William 'Bill' McBey [Jennie]

District Grand Inspector of Workings - VW Bro Graham Andrews [Elaine]

LJR's December Initiation Meeting & Christmas Party

Approaching sixty, including the Brethren, their wives, family friends, little ones and tinytots were in attendance at the Castle Hill Masonic Centre on Saturday night the eighth of December; most to witness, others to take part in the Initiation ceremony of the now Brother Isagani Soria and all to thoroughly enjoy the Christmas Festivities put on as only Lodge Jose’ Rizal can do. With W Bro Manuel Santos ‘In The Chair’ most of the officers in their new positions for the very first time and W Bro Vince Flores as acting Senior Deacon, the Lodge tyled just a little after five o’clock with all ‘Brethren In’ including Bro Andres Bonifacio from Lodge No 199 G.L.P. and another Brother from the Western Australian Constitution along with five Fellow Crafts. The general business was quickly dispatched by the Lodge Secretary RW Bro Emmanuel Maniago who in turn and in the absence of the Lodge Treasurer, RW Bro Fidel Pamplona, presented the accounts and money matters for adoption. The Worshipful Master then admitted all visitors and duly invested Bro Mario Baylon Jnr as Junior Warden before vacating the chair in favour of W Bro Romy Nieto to do the Work of the evening. An alarm was then sounded and upon inquiry it was ascertained that Mr Isagani Soria was at the door of the Lodge, properly prepared and humbly soliciting to be admitted into ancient Freemasonry. After due inquiry, and consent by ‘The Master in The Chair’, Mr Soria was admitted into the Lodge Room and, under the care and direction of the Junior Deacon Bro Paolo Beringuel, a copy book First Degree ceremony followed which was a credit to all who took part, particularly as most were in their new positions for the very first time and with a special mention of W Bro Jack Sta Maria’s delivery of the Final Charge, done with such clarity and authority, a fitting end to a most enjoyable ceremony. After the usual presentations were made and a specially made Jose Rizal tie was presented to the candidate; W Bro Romy Nieto asked the Worshipful Master and Brother Soria’s sponsors; W Bro Jack Sta Maria and W Bro Tony Saputil to be the first to congratulate the newly Initiated Brother and after a photo opportunity the newly made Brother took his seat in the North East Corner of the Lodge Room. W Bro Manuel Santos then re occupied the chair and in thanking W Bro Nieto, called for any announcements --- W Bro Jack Sta Maria rose and spoke of the horrendous typhoon that had devastated the Philippines and said it was our patriotic duty to support the people of their homeland in their hour of need. He then spoke of the charity golf tournament being put on by Lodge Beauty of Cabra Vale to raise monies to be sent back home. In support of the announcement, the Senior Warden said, one does not have to be a good player on the night just a deep and full pocket. RW Bro Rey Porras then rose and complimented all who took part in the night’s ceremony particularly those in their new positions. There being no further business and after welcoming the visitors, the Worshipful Master closed the Lodge and all retired to the festive board to join with family and friends and after Grace was said by the Lodge Chaplain, Bro Julio Roson, to thoroughly enjoy‘ The Sprit of Christmas’. The Worshipful Master then proposed the Loyal Toast before Bro Tony Saputil proposed the toast to the newly made Brother who, in response, thanked his sponsors and all present for his acceptance into the Craft. After a little urging, Mrs Zeny Soria rose in support of the response. As the Christmas celebrations continued, many late arrivals who were attending other Masonic functions in surrounding areas came along, among these were RW Bro Antoine Georges and his good wife Margarita, RW Bro Fidel Pamplona, and many other well known identities within the Craft adding even more lustre to the evening. In the absence of Bro Eric Buenavista, the Director of Ceremonies proposed the toast to the visitors and the Ladies which was responded to by Bro Ted Robiso from Lodge Woronora; before the raffle was drawn. Throughout the evening all were entertained by music played on the piano and singing by both the little ones and the Ladies making it a beautiful evening which was enjoyed by all. The hour getting late Bro Mario Baylon Jnr proposed the Junior Wardens Toast and whilst some chose to go to their respective homes, others stayed on to further enjoy the evening and all looking forward to --- ‘Our Next Happy Meeting at Lodge Jose Rizal No 1045’ Which will be a Third Degree Ceremony on the second Saturday in January [the twelfth] where a warm welcome and a great night is always assured and don’t forget, bring our Ladies, family and friends. By RW Bro Bruce Quirk as published in District 32 website

Lodge Jose Rizal July [2012] Initiation Meeting

At a conservative 'guesstimate' approaching one hundred and twenty, including the Brethren, their wives/partners, family and friends, not forgetting the little ones, were in attendance at the Castle Hill Masonic Centre on Saturday evening the fourteenth of July to both witness, take part in and thoroughly enjoy not only a faultless first degree ceremony where Mr Justine Bayliff became Brother Justine Bayliff, but also to witness an unforgettable explanation of the First Degree Tracing Board narrated for the very first time, by Bro Eric Buenavista.

The Lodge tyled with VW Bro Rudy Romerosa in the chair at six o’clock sharp and the general business and accounts were quickly dealt with by the Lodge Secretary, RW Bro Emmanuel 'Manny' Maniago [SGW] and Lodge Treasurer RW Bro Fidel Pamplona [JGW] before all visitors were admitted.

Among the many visitors were two fraternals, the first, a twelve strong contingent from Lodge Horizons, all distinguished by their bright green striped Lodge ties, led by the Worshipful Master & LJR member, W Bro Kristan Regalado. The other, a strong delegation from Lodge Alpha led into the Lodge Room by the Director of Ceremonies of Lodge Alpha, W Bro John Morton, and headed by the Worshipful Master, W Bro Sherwin Lim.

When the Inner Guard, Bro Myles Eusebio announced that all Masons seeking admission had been admitted, there were no fewer than fifteen Entered Apprentices and five Fellow Crafts in the Lodge Room, a most colourful sight seldom seen in Lodges nowadays.

An alarm was then heard and upon inquiry, is was ascertained that the District Grand Inspector of Workings for District Thirty Two, VW Bro Paul Larbalestier, accompanied by VW Bro Ken McClure, the District Grand Inspector of Workings for District Thirty Three were in attendance and seeking admission. With consent by the Worshipful Master, the Director of Ceremonies and Deacons taking up their respective positions, and the Brethren standing to order, the distinguished visitors entered the Lodge Room and were warmly received by the Worshipful Master.

With dispensation received from the Regional Grand Counsellor RW Bro Bill McBey, a successful ballot was then conducted for the admission into Freemasonry of Mr Justine Andrew Bayliff, sponsored by RW Bro Maniago and RW Bro Fidel Pamplona. The Director of Ceremonies and Lodge Secretary retired and shortly after their return, an alarm was sounded and upon inquiry it was found that Mr Justine Bayliff was at the door of the Lodge properly prepared and humbly soliciting to be admitted into the mysteries and privileges of Ancient Freemasonry. Mr Justine Bayliff, a tall man approaching seven feet in height, towered over the Junior Deacon Bro Macvi Fidel and a faultless First Degree ceremony followed which was an inspiration to watch and an absolute joy to listen to.

Whist the now, Brother Justine Andrew Bayliff was restoring himself to his personal comfort, in a time preserving action, the Lodge Secretary read out and dealt with the incoming and out going correspondence, such is the fore thought, planning of time management of this go ahead and thriving Lodge, Lodge Jose Rizal, argueably the most progressive Lodge in the Fraternity.

On his return to the Lodge Room and after the Final Charge had been delivered, all the Entered Apprentices took their seats in a horse shoe pattern in the centre of the Lodge Room as to receive a full view of the Tracing Board and thus receive the full benefit of the explanation which was faultlessly narrated [for the first time] by Bro Eric Buenavista who, on completion was acknowledged by thunderous acclamation of recognition and approval by all in the Lodge Room.

After a photo opportunity was taken, the Entered Apprentices resumed their seats and the Worshipful Master made the usual presentations to the newly Initiated Brother. VW Bro Romerosa then gave welcome to the visiting District Inspector who, after officially introducing his associate DGIW VW Bro Ken McClure, with the assistance of the Director of Ceremonies, VW Bro Larbelestier went down onto the floor of the lodge and after warmly congratulating the candidate, and presented him with a lapel badge. On his return to the dais VW Bro Larbalestier made several announcements including the planned District Dinner to be held at the Castle Hill R.S.L. Club on the twenty second of September. VW Bro Larbalestier and VW Bro McClure then retired after which the Worshipful Master announced that, in obtaining special dispensation from Grand Lodge, Lodge Jose Rizal will be conducting a Third Degree Ceremony under the Philippine constitution at their September meeting, he then called for any announcements.

Brother Honesto Bangcoro [also LJR affiliated member] rose and invited all to his Installation Ceremony to be held at the Turramurra Masonic Centre on Saturday the twenty eighth of July tyling at five thirty, the Installing Master W Bro Dexter Taylor.

VW Bro Bill Driver rose and announced that he was selling masoniCare ribbons for two dollars each.

In rising, RW Bro Fidel Pamplona announced the Installation Ceremony of Lodge Beauty of Cabra Vale would be held at the Cabra Vale Diggers Club on the tenth of August, himself representing The Most Worshipful Grand Master. To be installed is Bro Tony Saputil, a subscribing member of LJR.

Bro Fred Sese rose and announced Lodge Axium will be holding their Re Installation ceremony on Saturday the twenty first of July, the most Worshipful Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master and Assistant Grand Master being in attendance bookings essential, dining fee is fifty dollars.

The District Grand Inspector of Workings Designate for District thirty three, VW Bro Graham Andrews, then rose and told all that the DGIW Jewel change over ceremony will be held on the fifth of September at Lodge Burnsides regular meeting, tyling at six o’clock, the dress, lounge suit.

There being no further business the Worshipful Master then closed the lodge and all retired to the festive board to enjoy a sumptious meal prepared by "The Ladies of Lodge Jose Rizal”.

After the Lodge Chaplain, W Bro Jacinto Sta Maria had said Grace, the Worshipful Master proposed the Loyal Toast after which he continued on to propose the toast to The Most Worshipful Grand Master and in response and in rising VW Bro Larbalestier said on a somewhat sad note that this would be his last response in his role of DGIW at Lodge Jose Rizal and thanked all, especially the ladies for the hospitality and kindness extended to him during his term of office which at times was a little difficult.

RW Bro Pamplona then proposed the toast to the Newly Initiated Brother and in welcoming his work mate and associate to the Craft, presented him with the book ‘Real Men Wear Aprons’.

In response, the now Brother Bayliff thanked all for his reception and fulfillment of a life time dream. W Bro Kris Albano then proposed the toast to the Ladies and visitors and called first on Sis Ria San Juan [wife of Lodge Alpha IPM, W Bro Carlo San Juan] to respond who was immediately photographed, to be placed on ‘Facebook’. The Worshipful Master of Lodge Alpha then responded on behalf of the Brethren and thanked Lodge Jose Rizal for an unforgettable evening.

The Junior Warden, Bro Manuel Placido then proposed the Junior Warden's Toast and all said their goodbyes and ventured out into the cool winter’s night all well pleased they had come to and enjoyed the magic experience of Lodge Jose Rizal which is always an inspiration to all that attend and all looking forward to ---

‘Our Next Happy Meeting at Lodge Jose Rizal No 1045’

Which meets bi-monthly at the Castle Hill Masonic Centre on the second Saturday evening of the month tyling at six o’clock, the dress is lounge suit [winter], their next meeting to be held in September and will be a Third Degree Ceremony conducted under the Philippine Constitution, an evening and experience not to be missed.

By RW Bro Bruce Quirk as published in DISTRICT 32 website.

Secretary's Report on LJR's Recent Activities

A. Fraternal Visits: LJR members and their Ladies were well represented in the Installation of WBro Roland Martinez. at Lodge Woronora. Fraternal Delegation was headed by SW Bro Manny Santos last 15 June 2012. The MWGM, DGM, AGM and Grand Wardens were in attendance.

Also, LJR members and their Ladies had the fraternal delegation and fully supported the Re Installation of RW Bro Rey Porras as WM of Lodge Sydney St George last 2 June 2012.

Some of LJR members led by the SW Bro Manny Santos, attended the District Lodge of Instruction last 25 June at Castle Hill Masonic Centre. Well done, brethren. This is the right place to hone and practise our ceremony in our Lodge. Remember that rehearsal, practise and executions/perambulations are the most important part and learning process in Freemasonry.

Any brother wishing to join-in fraternal visitation to other Lodges within or without the District or to visit a specific Lodge whom you want to see or interested, please contact the Secretary so he can organise a group fraternal. Any member can also visit any Lodges at your own accord.

B. Sausage sizzle: As per schedule in the District Diary. Please contact VWBro. Bill Driver or Bro SW Manny Santos [or check your email] for roster. We need more volunteers to support this activities The proceeds of this activities is going to the District Masonic Welfare Fund.

C. District 32 Charity Dinner: The 2012 District 32 Charity Dinner will be on Saturday, 22nd September 2012 at the Sovereign Room, Castle Hill RSL Club, 77 Castle Street, Castle Hill. Two Course Meal plus Live Pianist Performing all Night. Also, this night will the Presentation of Cheques by the Worshipful Masters of the District to their nominated Local Charities. Cost of the ticket is $50.00 per person. Please contact the DGIW, VWBro Paul Larbalestier or LJR Secretary.

D. Lodge Jose Rizal Post in the Community: Some members of LJR led by WBro Vince Flores attended the flag raising ceremony on Philippine Independence Day at the Multi Purpose Cultural Centre in Schofield last 12 June. Other LJR members also celebrated the Birthday Anniversary of our National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal at 'Lodge Romerosa' last 24 June.

“CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL WHO ATTENDED ON THIS PARTICULAR OCCASIONS”.

RWBro Manny Maniago SGW
Lodge Secretary

May [2012] Initiation Meeting

Numbers approaching sixty, including the Brethren, their Ladies, family and ‘little ones’ were in attendance at the Castle Hill Masonic Centre on Saturday evening, the twelfth of May, the day before Mother’s Day, to both witness, take part in and enjoy the first degree ceremony where Mr. Rommel Cruz became Bro Rommel Cruz, a member of Lodge Jose Rizal and Brother among Masons. With VW Bro Rudy Romerosa in the chair the Lodge tyled a little after six o’clock with thirty two Brethren in the Lodge Room. Of those in the room and in the North East Corner were no fewer than five Entered Apprentice Freemasons, Bro Oscar Eugenio, Bro Oscar Gadista, Bro Bruce Gehrig, Bro Rajeev Kalra and Bro Gerry Musa. In the South East Corner were two Fellow Crafts, Bro John Pawliw and Bro Gil Macaraeg, all who were all duly recognized by the Worshipful Master as the evening progressed. After all visitors were admitted and made comfortable, an alarm was sounded and upon inquiry it was found the District Grand Inspector of Working for District 32, VW Bro Paul Larbalestier was in attendance and seeking admission, with the Brethren standing to order and electronic fan fare, VW Bro Larbalestier entered the Lodge Room and was warmly greeted by the Worshipful Master. With Dispensation approved by the Regional Grand Counsellor RW Bro Bill McBey, a successful ballot was then conducted for the admission into Freemasonry of Mr Rommel Cruz after which the Secretary RW Bro Emmanuel Maniago and Director of Ceremonies RW Bro Rey Porras retired to prepare the candidate. Upon their return, an alarm was sounded and on investigation, it was found that Mr Rommel Cruz was at the door of the Lodge, properly prepared, humbly soliciting and wishing to be admitted into ancient Freemasonry. With consent by the Worshipful Master and under the care and direction of the Senior Deacon Bro Mario Baylon Jnr and the Junior Deacon Bro Micvi Fidel, Mr Cruz was received into the Lodge Room and the age old ceremony of Initiation commenced. One could only watch in respect and admiration as the ceremony unfolded as the officers of the Lodge went about their respective duties with particular mention and recognition of Bro Paolo Beringuel’s explanation of the Mode of Preparation and Bro Israel de Guzman delivery of the final charge, both faultlessly done and for the very first time delivering a Charge. W Bro Pritan Singh again took all in the Lodge Rooms breath away with his explanation of the first degree working tools, delivered with such meaning and expression as only W Bro Pritam Singh can do. The ceremony over and the now Brother Rommel Cruz seated in the North East Corner with the five other Entered Apprentices, the Worshipful Master presented Bro Troy Quimpo with his Master Mason’s Certificate. On returning to the dais, VW Bro. Romerosa gave welcome to the visiting District Inspector who, in response to the welcome went down onto the floor and congratulated the newly initiated Brother - Bro Cruz. VW Bro Larbalestier then went on to speak of the District meeting scheduled for the twenty forth of this month, also of the district web site which should be up and running early next week and closed his address in calling for three volunteers to man the Bunnings Barbeque this coming weekend. The visiting District Inspector then retired and after apologies were heard and inquiries read out, the Worshipful Master closed the Lodge and all retired to the festive board to join their wives, family and friends and to enjoy a beautiful meal prepared by the ‘Ladies of Lodge Jose Rizal’. After Grace was said and the Loyal Toast proposed, the Worshipful Master proposed the toast to The Most Worshipful Grand Master and in response, VW Bro Larbalestier rose and spoke on many topics including the proposes changes in the Regions and Districts, a proposal some are not in agreement with and closed in wishing all Mothers in attendance a ‘Happy Mothers Day’. W Bro Khris Albano then proposed a lengthy toast to the newly initiated Brother and in doing so and in welcoming the now Brother Rommel Cruz into the extended family of Brotherhood, explained to him that whilst Freemasonry does not make a bad man good, it does make a good man better. In response, Bro Cruz rose and in thanking W Bro Albano for his words of encouragement, thanked the Brethren for his acceptance and in closing gave recognition to the love and support of his good wife Jeanie. The Senior Warden, Bro Manuel Santos then proposed the toast to ‘Our Visitors’ and ‘The Ladies’ and touched everyone’s heart in giving recognition to the hard work and sacrifice involved in the duties of being a Mother and of the undying and unconditional love they have for their children, in completing the toast, Bro Santos recited a poem that drew a small tear from the eyes of some, and touched everyone’s heart called ‘The Mothers that Always. The Worshipful Master then showed his appreciation to the visiting Brethren with the honours: ‘We hold you in our Hearts’ ‘We embrace you as a Brother ’ ‘We honour your Friendship’ As Mother’s Day was the following day, the Junior Warden called for several couples to come onto the dance floor and do a Mother’s Day Waltz and as one would expect from Lodge Jose Rizal, the event turned into a riot of fun and frivolity which added much colour to the night which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The first response to the visitors toast was from the Senior Warden of Lodge Woronora 414, Bro Roland Martinez [also LJR member] who invited all to the Ninety First Installation of Lodge Woronora where he will be Installed as Master. W Bro Dexter Taylor, the Worshipful Master of Lodge Wahroonga was the second response and he also invited all to Lodge Wahroonga’s Installation and in introducing the Worshipful Master Elect, informed all that he and his good wife had just become Grand Parents for the third time, an announcement that drew thunderous cheers and acclamation. With the hour getting late Bro Manuel Placido proposed the Junior Warden's toast which marked the end of a full week of Freemasonry for some as there had been four Installations during the week of which most had attended a least one, and all departed into the chilly Autumn night, well pleased as always that they had come and shared the evening with Lodge Jose Rizal and all looking forward to -- ‘Our Next Happy Meeting at Lodge Jose’ Rizal No 1045’ Which will be on the fourteenth of July where the First Tracing Board will be explained. By RW Bro Bruce Quirk as published in DISTRICT 32 website.