7th PUBLIC INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS

"By our acts shall Masonry be judged".

Those words from Past Grand Master Bro. Danilo D. Angeles which Model Lodge adopted as its motto was the core message of Bro. Shubert L. Ciencia's inaugural address on his installation as the 7th master of the Lodge.

"We will be judged by our peers and not by ourselves if we were able to live up to our name which is a heavy responsibility on our part as it almost leaves no room for mistake," he said.

He also apologized for not tendering the traditional post-installation dinner and fellowship since the money that would be spent on such will be donated for the continuing construction of the Lodge's Masonic temple, and that he hopes that simple installation rites will become a tradition for Model Lodge in order to encourage willing and capable members to serve as Masters without being burdened by the cost of a lavish banquet which have made access to the Oriental Chair exclusive only for those who can afford it.

The occasion was graced by Bro. Sigfredo R. Serrano, a Past Master of Makiling Lodge No. 72 and an Undersecretary for Policy and Planning of the Department of Agriculture, who in his address as the Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker urged the brethren to go back to the spiritual anchor of Masonry in order not to lose sight of its noble intentions in making good men better.

He also encouraged the brethren to extend charity and goodwill beyond the confines of Masonry by becoming more involved in social concerns that affects every Filipino and ultimately determines the future of the nation.

Also installed as officers of the Lodge were Bro. Nathaniel N. Elegado as Senior Warden, Bro. Jojit DL Floro as Junior Warden, Bro. Virgilio G. Santos with Bro. Angelito E. Dela Cruz as Assitant Secretary and Bro. Fitzgerald A. Hierco as Assistant Treasurer, Bro. Arnel M. Landingin as Auditor, Bro. James P. Mata as Chaplain, Bro. Allan H. Rios as Marshall, Bro. Rafael S. Perez as Senior Deacon and Bro. Reynald F. Martin as Junior Deacon, Bro. Dean Barry Lao as Almoner, Bro. Ruben S. Talampas as Orator, Bro. Carlo R. Valmonte as Senior Steward and Bro. Wilfredo G. Pagay as Junior Steward, Bro. Elpidio F. Dizon as Organist, and Bro. Aquilino M. Valino, Jr. as Tyler.

The simple but solemn installation ceremony was presided by Bro. Manolo M. Mercado --- a Past Master of the Lodge and an incumbent District Grand Lecturer --- as the Installing Officer with Bro. Arnel M. Landingin as the Master of Ceremony and Bro. Sergio R. Francisco, also a Past Master of the Lodge, as his assistant.

The Past Master's apron and jewel was presented by Bro. Monico G. Delgado --- the Chairperson Emeritus of the Lodge's Council of Past Masters --- and Bro. Sergio to Bro. Aquilino M. Valino, Jr. who in his farewell speech as the outgoing Master said that although his Masonic career may be over, his Masonic journey is just starting and will continue forever.

Model Lodge's 7th public installation of officers was marked by historical "firsts": [1] it was the first time in a long stretch of time in the District that a post-installation dinner and fellowship was omitted, [2] it was the first to be conducted by an installing team who came from the Lodge's own ranks, [3] and the first to be well-attended by the wives of the brethren and the Honored Ladies of Model Court No. 55 of the Order of the Amaranth.

Photos: Juan Gabriel L. Ciencia