Lodge History of Jacques DeMolay Memorial Lodge No 305

History of Jacques DeMolay Memorial Lodge No 305 *

"Sometime in the summer of 1991, a group of young Masons from various Blue Lodges in Manila and the provinces gathered to put together the fruit of their dreams. Being mostly Senior DeMolays, they envisioned a Masonic Lodge bearing that indelible name that has become part of their years of youth. A name that reflects the glories of martyrdom and heroism.

Named after Jacques DeMolay (1244 - 1314 AD), the last Grand Master of the Order of the Knights Templar, the symbol and personification of all DeMolays.True to ancient Masonic tradition, as in the early part of the 18th century,this great and important undertaking has its noble beginnings in; of all places, a pub house. There amidst the clink of striking beer mugs the foundations of this vision took its first steps to reality.

First Lights: On October 8, 1992, dispensation was granted by the incumbent Grand Master, MW Agustin V. Mateo. MW Mateo would later become one of the new Lodge's Charter Members. This dispensation was given expiry on the 31st of March 1993 before the Annual Communication as required by the Masonic Constitution.

The Lodge members appointed WB Evaristo Leviste, PM (Worshipful Master); WB Francisco Lovero, PM (Senior Warden) and Bro. Albert Tan (Junior Warden) to its first set of Lights. They were assisted by WB Macario Ramos and Bro. Jose Tan Erandio as Secretary and Treasurer, respectively.

On the 28th of December 1992, the Lodge was instituted by MW Agustin V.Mateo, assisted by prominent members from the Grand Lodge of the Philippines. MW Rosendo Herrera, PGM assisted by VW Alberto Reyes installed the first set of officers.

On the 22 of January 1993, the Lodge conferred the 1st Degree of Masonry upon Bro. Fernando Rahon, the first regular member. On the 22nd of April 1993, during the Annual Communication in Davao City, the Committee on Charters declared valid and official the membership of Lodge No. 305.

A few months later, on the 17th of June 1993, MW Rizal Aportadera, constituted Lodge No. 305, from then on to be known as Jacques DeMolay Memorial Lodge No. 305 of Free andAccepted Masons, Republic of the Philippines. That same evening, Junior Grand Lecturer VW Paul Lasam assisted by Junior Grand Deacon Fernando Mariano installed the first set of officers:

Worshipful Master - WB EvaristoLeviste
Senior Warden - WB Francisco Lovero
Junior Warden - Bro. AlbertTan
Secretary - WB Macario Ramos, Sr.
Treasurer - Bro. Jose Tan Erandio.

In duetime, Jacques DeMolay Memorial Lodge No. 305 became noted for its noble endeavors such as the Christmas Joy Through The Eyes of a Child. This affair with family members aims to share gifts and spread happiness to orphans during the yuletide season.

Jacques DeMolay Memorial Lodge No. 305 meets every 4th Friday of every month at the Scottish Rite Temple, Manila."

* This brief history is according to VW Sonny Leviste, PM as told to Bro.Raymond Saa. Some excerpts were lifted from the book "Philippine Lodges" by MW Reynold S. Fajardo and VW Geminiano V. Galarosa.

Via email by Bro. Joji Bulawin, PMJDML 305
http://www.jacquesdemolay305.org