"sharing Aloha with the World"

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1 HAWAIIAN LODGE Free and Accepted Masons 1227 Makiki Street Honolulu, Hawaii hawaiianlodgefreemasons.org 2012 "sharing Aloha with the World" Submitted by Raymund Llanes Liongson worshipful Master (808) Submitted to the Masonic Information Center 8120 Fenton Street, Suite 203 Silver spring, MD 20910_4785 Tel: (301) Fax: (301)

HAWAIIAN LODGE, FREE & ACCEPTED MASONS "Sharing Aloha with the World" "'''''''''' HawaLLan Lodge, F&AM in Honolulu, Hawaii has strived to deepen the understanding and foster the realization of the

2 HAWAIIAN LODGE, FREE & ACCEPTED MASONS "Sharing Aloha with the World" "'''''''''' HawaLLan Lodge, F&AM in Honolulu, Hawaii has strived to deepen the understanding and foster the realization of the basic tenets and cardinal virtues of Freemasonry, promote Masonic public awareness, celebrate historic milestones of the Lodge, and support the vision of the Hawaii Grand Lodge. It conscientiously carried out the customary degree work, stated meetings, and perennial activities. But it also creatively explored out of the box new ideas and initiatives, decisively introducing new programs and projects, inspiring interlodge collaboration, and reaching out to the community. Where Freemasonry was not known or misconstrued, it has become a friend and a partner. IN1:RODUCTION The idea of participating in the Mark Twain Masonic Awareness Award has not dawned on us until the beginning of the second quarter of this year when a past Master in another Lodge in our jurisdiction urged that I enter our Lodge for the "competition". Noticing the high-level Masonic public awareness in our agenda, he thought it would be good for us to share our programs and activities with the brethren across the country. The anemic knowledge and understanding, if not misconception, of some sectors in the community about Freemasonry has challenged us to show _ rather than argue - what Freemasonry truly is. Topped with the Masonic aspiration of becoming "better men", we reflected on the Craft and came out with programs and activities that have served as venues for us to live the Masonic principles and ideals. This led us to explore out of the box and undertake new initiatives. It would not be possible to capture and describe the one-year string of events and activities of Hawaiian Lodge in four pages. These unde reek i.nqe are presented in the "Implementation" section of this report, under sub_categories based on the set objectives. To get a better picture of these endeavors, read the monthly Lodge newsletter, The Square and Compass, and/or visit its website, http,//hawaiianlodgefreemasons.org. These resources describe the activities, their rationale, implementation, and in many cases, provide evaluative comments and photographs. 2

3 Planning Taking note of observations, suggestions, feedback, and possibilities, the incoming Master came out with a program proposal for the year Packaged under the theme "Sharing Aloha with the World", the proposed program and budget were presented to the Lodge Trustees for comments and feedback. Taking into account the resources of the Lodge, revisions were made. The revised program and budget proposals were presented to the brethren at the February 2012 stated meeting where they were discussed, approved and adopted. Committees were formed, chairs were assigned, and volunteers were called upon. The theme was translated into four objectives that guided the program agenda for the year. These objectives were, 1. Deepen understanding and foster the realization of the principal tenets and cardinal virtues of Freemasonry among the Brethren; 2. Promote a positive image and awareness of Freemasonry in the community; 3. Celebrate historic milestones of the Lodge and the Makiki Masonic Temple - 160'" Anniversary and 75" Anniversary, respectively; and 4. Contribute to the fulfillment of the Hawaii Grand Lodge Five (5) Paddles of Progress A budget of $l23,425.00was approved for this year's program. This is $ more than the approved budget of last year. Hawaiian Lodge is fortunate to have been bestowed fairly generous resources by its predecessors that is well-managed by its five-member Trustees. It is ideal to involve all the brothers in most of the events and activities. Realistically, however, this is not realizable. we have a significant number of members in the military service and many of them get assigned or deployed outside the island. Work demands, family commitments, and natural aging also place limitations on some members. Also, we have few "senior" members and others whom they have influence upon -- who are resistant to new ideas and initiatives, committing themselves more to traditional. programs and routines. Nonetheless, the overall support from general membership is very encouraging and inspiring. The various activities of Hawaiian Lodge have benefited its members and officers, their families, other brothers in the jurisdiction, and the community, and they have promoted a positive image of Freemasonry. 3

4 Implementation Upon adoption of the programs and formation of committees, we moved on to implement the projects - one at a time, month after month. Unless necessary, committees were allowed free hand in running the projects and activities. This encouraged the generation of energy and ideas, and the fostering of leadership particularly on the part of the committee chairs. Some endeavors were unexpected responses to certain needs and situations (such as assisting in school needs and projects, movement of a brother's home furniture, memorial services, etc.) and we have exerted our best to fulfill them. Events Were scheduled across the year and were made part of the month-to-month trestleboard. Communication with members took various forms. Events and projects were announced in the stated and special meetings, monthly newsletter, s, text messages, phone calls, and by word of mouth. Thanks to technology, members can communicate back in various modalities. Much of the involvement of brethren was direct participation in the activities described in the newsletter and website. It was customary for many brothers not on the island Or not able to attend to send their encouraging words via Or text. Depending on the event, a variable number of people outside the Lodge were involved, either joining us as volunteers in community projects or as guests in our formal functions. Programs, Events, Projects & Ac:l:.:iv.:ities (Grouped according to the stated objectives) Deepening the understanding and fostering the realil"tion of the tenets and virtues of Freemasonry among the Brethren Sweethearts' Ball & widows' Night, February 11, 2012, waikiki Ballroom, Hale Koa Hotel, Waikiki, HI. A hundred and sixty-five Hawaiian Lodge Masons and guests attended this pre-valentine party. This event particularly honors the Ladies of the Lodge. Masonic Education, "History of Freemasonry & Lodges in Hawaii", February 29, 2012, Community Church of Honolulu, Honolulu, HI. Thirty seven members of Hawaiian Lodge, Ko-olau and Le Progres Lodges attended this Masonic Education session. Columbarium Repainting, March 17, 2012, Hassinger Memorial Masonic Columbarium, Makiki Cemetery, Pensacola St., Honolulu, HI. Brethren of Hawaiian Lodge gave the century-old Masonic columbarium a facelift by cleaning and repainting it. 4

5 Officers' Seminar, hhawaii Masonic Code and Lodge Management", March 24, 2012, Honolulu, HI. Officers of Hawaiian Lodge gathered for a one-day seminar on the Hawaii Masonic Code (HMC), focusing on Sections of the Code that directly pertain to lodge management and operation. "Sister" Relationship. Hawaiian Lodge passed at its April 2012 stated meeting a motion making LuzViMinda Lodge # 311 of the Grand Lodge of Washington in Tri Cities, WA. its "sister" Lodge. Memorial Day, May 28, 2012, Hassinger Memorial Masonic Columbarium. Twenty-six brethren and friends gathered on Memorial Day to pay their respect for the departed brethren. Summer Picnic, July 15, 2012, Waimanalo Shriners' Beach Club, Waimanalo, HI. Over a hundred brethren and members of their families gathered and shared fellowship over sumptuous food and the cool Waimanalo Beach waters. Golden veterans Award. Nine Hawaiian Lodge members were recognized for their over-half-a-century membership in the Craft and received the 50-Year Golden Veterans Award. Memorial Service for Bro. Charles Guzman, September 28, 2012, Hassinger Memorial Masonic Columbarium, Honolulu, HI. A Masonic funeral service was held for a brother who died from a fatal fall in his apartment. Scattering of Cremated Remains of Bro. Charles Guzman, September 30, 2012, waimanalo Shriners' Beach Club, Waimanalo, HI. Brothers and family members swam 200 yards from shore to scatter the brother's cremated remains. Military Degree, October 24, 2012, Honolulu Masonic Temple, Honolulu, HI. An interlodge first-degree work was put together to honor the brethren in uniform. International Night, November 14, 2012, Honolulu Masonic Temple, Honolulu, HI. A first-degree conferral officiated by nonofficers clad in national Or heritage costumes, the International Night celebrates the "uni.ver-s alf t.yof Masonry" and reminds the brethren that "in every country and in every clime are Masons to be found." Thanksgiving Dinner, November 21, 201, Honolulu Masonic Temple, Honolulu, HI. Ushering the holidays, over 70 Hawaiian Lodge brethren and family members gathered for the traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Christmas Party, scheduled for December 15, 2012, Waikiki Ballroom, Hale Koa Hotel, Waikiki, HI. (Forthcoming) 5

6 Foot-to-Foot: Furniture Movement: Assisted the family of a brother who was on military training in South Carolina to move his furniture from his Kaneohe residence to a Kalihi storage facility. Cleaning a Brother's Apartment. Brothers volunteered 40-man hours to clean the apartment of Bro. Guzman who, for several years, was living on his own before his death. Interlodge visitations and project collaborations. Interlodge visitations, collaborative and joint conferral degrees, and participation in the events of one another's lodge was heightened with the open and affable atmosphere at Hawaiian Lodge. Degree Work. Hawaiian Lodge, the largest Lodge in the Hawaii jurisdiction, raised five Master Masons this year, plus one courtesy degree performed on the island of Kauai on behalf of Kauai Lodge. Promoting M~sonic public awareness Great Aloha Run, February 30, 2012, Nimitz Hwy-Puuhale St, Honolulu, HI. Over a hundred Freemasons and family members got up early and volunteered to hand water to about 30,000 runners and walkers in the popular annual Great Aloha Run. Dr. Seuss Read Aloud Program, March 16, 2012, Puuhale Elementary School, Honolulu, HI. Commemorating the 108th birthday of Dr. Seuss, whose real name was Theodor Seuss Geisel, an American writer, poet and cartoonist, each Hawaiian Lodge volunteer read up to two books before big-eyed and excited children. Adopt_A_School Program (Clean Up Drive), May 18, 2012, Aiea Elementary School, Aiea, HI. Hawaiian Lodge brethren VOlunteered to help the school cut and pull weeds, prepare the outdoor stage, put together a green house, and dig holes on the ground for a ceremonial tree planting by early graders. Keiki ID Program (CHIP), May 5, 2012, Kapiolani Park, Waikiki, HI. A string of parents and children lined up for Masonic Child IDs, and about a hundred cards were issued that day. Sixteen Freemasons showed up to carry out the operation during this Filipino Fiesta event attended by thousands of people. 6

7 4" of July Parade, July 4, 2012, Kailua, HI. Euphorically greeting parade spectators "Happy 4th!" and "Happy Birthday, America!" members of Hawaiian Lodge walked along Kainalu Drive in Kailua in celebration of the 236th anniversary of America's Independence. College/University Scholarships, (10 awardees of the 79 applicants), awarded July 11, 2012, Hawaii Masonic Temple, Honolulu, HI. Maintaining its commitment to the education of the youth, Hawaiian Lodge awarded ten scholarships to deserving students attending higher education across the nation. Layman's Night, July 25, 2012, Hawaii Masonic Temple, Honolulu, HI. Sixty-seven guests and brethren attended this informative event and talked about the Blue Lodge and other Masonic bodies. Adopt-A-School Program (Clean Up Drive2), July 28, 2012, Aiea Elementary School, Aiea, HI. Twenty-three Masons and Demolay members joined hands and gave this public school a fresh and welcoming look the weekend before the fall classes began. School Kits for Keiki Project, (launched July 11, 2012; turned over August 3, 2012), Aiea Elementary School, Aiea, HI. Supported by kind and big-hearted brethren, this new initiative yielded boxes of school supplies for low-income students at Aiea Elementary School. Make a Difference Day, August 25, 2012, puuhale Elementary School, Honolulu, HI. Joining the school staff and other community volunteers, the brother volunteers trimmed the shrubbery and grass in this Kalihi public school. A unique and creative undertaking was the painting of hopscotch figures on the walkway by the preschool and kindergarten building of the school. Trunk Treat, October 26, 2012, Puuhale Elementary School, Honolulu, HI. For the first time, the Lodge participated in this pre-halloween event, passing out candies to children and speaking to parents. Hawaiian Lodge members were also asked to serve in the 3-man panel of judges in the costume contest. Food Drive (in collaboration with the Hawaii Foodbank), launched November 7; ongoing until December 5, 2012). Partnering with Hawaii Foodbank, Hawaiian Lodge, F & A M is holding its first holiday food drive. Non-perishable food and checks (payable to Hawaii Foodbank) are being COllected. 7

8 Lodge Website: The Square and Compass, official monthly newsletter of Hawaiian Lodge, F & A M (January-December, 20912). For an online copy, check out Celebrating historic milestones ofthe Lodge Past Masters' Night, September 19, 2012, Honolulu Masonic Temple, Honolulu, HI. This was an elegant third-degree conferral performed by Past Masters of the Lodge. Past Masters' Banquet and 160' Anniversary of Hawaiian Lodge, September 22, 2012, Waikiki Ballroom, Hale Koa Hotel, Waikiki, HI. This combined event honored those who have served the Oriental Chair and celebrated the 160'" anniversary of the Lodge. The planned celebration of the 75 th anniversary of the newly renovated Honolulu Masonic Temple was deferred to the Honolulu Masonic Temple Association since there are five other bodies that share equal ownership of the Temple (Honolulu Lodge, Pearl Harbor Lodge, Lodge Le Progres, York Rite, and Order of the Eastern Star). Supporting the vision of the Hawaii Grand Lodge The above programs, projects, and events of Hawaiian Lodge have supported the Hawaii Grand Lodge Long-Range Plan as articulated in the "Five Paddles of Progress." In particular, we contributed to the following goals of the Grand Lodge: Paddle No.2: Promote education and training in Masonry, administrative and management techniques, and technological advances Paddle No.3: Develop and implement programs and activities that are of interest to a member's entire family. Paddle No.4: Promote community involvement in its own activities as well as in its constituent lodges, particularly in philanthropic ventures. Paddle No.5: Foster cooperation, communication and unity among its constituent lodges and concordant bodies in order to promote their common purposes and objectives. (Emphasis added.) 8

Evaluation/Reflections The multifarious activities of Hawaiian Lodge have benefited different sectors including the Lodge members, families, other brothers in the jurisdiction, and the commun i t.y.

9 Evaluation/Reflections The multifarious activities of Hawaiian Lodge have benefited different sectors including the Lodge members, families, other brothers in the jurisdiction, and the commun i t.y. The Lodge accomplished most of the proposed projects and activities for this year. But more than that, it has created opportunities to bring members together and enjoy the pleasure of doing things together - either for fun or work. It also helped promote a positive image of ~reemasonry in the community. We have learned much from this year's endeavors; we confirmed that vision, creativity, collaboration, decisiveness, hard work, and consistency are key to accomplishing our objectives. We learned that it is important to shatter the walls of insularity, reconstruct myopic views, and reconnect with the community if we are to stay relevant. It is important to continue our partnership with the public school system and support youth programs. We need to continue and broaden Masonic education (as expressed in a post-seminar evaluation we had) and make it even more interesting and lively. We may have to explore the magic of today's media - the Internet, social media, software applications, the arts, etc. - and employ it to our and the fraternity's advantage. This year's activities have positively affected Masonic identity. It is no longer uncommon for schools to call or us and ask us to be part of their projects and events. Where Freemasonry was once not known or misconstrued - as in the case of one school we work with ("Aren't Freemasons bad people?" "Isn't Freemasonry a cult of darkness?") - it has become a partner and a friend! people in the community, seeing what we do outside the lodge room, became interested about Freemasonry and began asking curious questions about the fraternity. AS to the Lodge members, more brothers - especially the younger breed _ are beginning to appreciate the creative initiatives we have undertaken. They do raise questions on endeavors never tried before, and they ask: "Why not?" "When do we start?" Brethren from other Lodges also became encouraged and inspired with the work we do. For instance, one Lodge was inspired to produce its newsletter after seeing our monthly publication. It is hoped that the incoming leadership will continue the programs and projects of the Lodge. It is also hoped that Hawaiian Lodge, through its work, has shared Aloha with the world! 9

MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND LODGE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII GRAND LODGE OF HAWAII SUMMER 2012

MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND LODGE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII FROM THE GRAND EAST MW Antonio M. Ligaya GRAND LODGE OF HAWAII SUMMER 2012 Aloha Brethren! As I said during my inaugural remarks, I am humbled and excited