Brethren,

August is a month of great expectations. As the month was named after the Roman Emperor Augustus, it signified magnificent achievements and inspirations. Celebrating our 100th Conferral of the Sublime Degree of Master Mason upon Brother Michael V. Jacildo on August 28th would imprint a worthy page in the archives of our Lodge.

August 07 - let us congratulate to Brother Carlos Mora on his successful admittance to the Fraternity upon his conferral of the Entered Apprentice Mason. Scheduling this conferral was put on a tight time span due to Brother Mora’s work as a Navy personnel but with the help of Eufre Abad, PM we were able to gather enough Brethren to conclude a successful degree.
 
August 10 - Silver Gate Three Stars held their Hawaiian Night. The RMX Dancers which I belong performed a Dance exhibition, an East Coast Swing number, me sometimes being tagged as the dancing Worshipful Master. Fellowship there was good and we enjoyed the food and a full night of dancing.

August 11 -  I attended the Claude H. Morisson Lodge picnic which was held at their Lodge premises. They had a great turn out and good food. A karaoke system was set up and Brothers took turns in belting out their favorite songs to the delight of the crowd

August 14 - Our Stated Meeting was productive in the sense that we read two names of candidates: Ben Cueto and Brian Brigham. Additionally, our Lodge voted Brother George Melious of Landmark Lodge #383, Grand Lodge of Florida, to affiliate with our Lodge. We are glad that he chose us and with all our hearts, we welcome you, Brother George. Brother Michael V. Jacildo easily passed his proficiency in the lecture of the Fellowcraft degree and his written exam was read which will be part of the Lodge’s records.

August 18 - Eufre Abad, PM, Brothers George Mora, Leo Martinez, Simeon Alonzo, Daniel Macaraeg, Ador Bustamante and yours truly attended the Teodoro R. Yanco International Demolay Group dinner/ dance at the Torrance Hilton. Yours truly again together with the RMX Dance Club did another Dance exhibition. It was such a great event that we met a lot of Brothers who are supportive of the Demolays. During the night Eufre Abad, PM received from the group a surprise plaque of appreciation for his lengthy service with the US Navy.

August 19 - I attended the Normal Heights Picnic held at the Vacation Isle on the Mission Bay Park. Thick succulent steaks, Italian sausages, hamburgers, fruits, etc. were deliciously prepared and were enjoyed by those present. Part of the excitement was the giving away of so many free raffle prizes to the delight of the attendees. For your information, the 494th Masonic District Masters: (Danilo Salcedo of Silver Gate Three Stars, Ernie Astudillo of Crossroads and Crispin Santa Maria of Normal Heights and yours truly) Ron Rash, our Inspector and John McQuown, PM hold a regular meeting in the planning of the Mason of the Year Award night on August 31.

August 21- I declared a dark night for our Lodge to give way to a full rehearsal for the upcoming 100th conferral of the Master Mason Degree. I was really pleased that all the appointed participants were there except Bro. Simeon Alonzo who was with his wife ready to give birth to their second child. It was an enjoyable evening wherein we learned all the ropes and hone our skills in doing it. Pizza was served during our break which our JW Jim Desquitado dutifully accomplished. Bill Byous, PM was handy in our rehearsal under the watchful eyes of our Inspector, Ron Rash, PM.

August 28 - Our Big Night. First, let us congratulate Brother Oscar Velasco who made a cake walk of his Fellowcraft degree proficiency. Then the event we all been waiting for, the celebration of our 100th Conferral of the Sublime Degree of Master Mason upon Brother Michael V. Jacildo. Our  Inspector, Ron Rash as well as former Inspector John McQuown and Norman Rentle were present, Al Bahr Potentate, the Illustrious Urbano ‘Ben’ Billena, sitting Masters: Crispin Santa Maria, WM and Ernie Astudillo, WM, several Past Masters as well as our members and guests which totaled 58 were present to this  milestone. Twenty out of the 100 Brethren raised at our Lodge were present. I made a program which included the names of the one hundred Brethren and the Masters during their raising, the congratulatory message from our Grand Master Melvyn B. Stein and the performers for the night. I ordered mini trowels and put a sticky back denoting the event which we gave away as souvenirs. Our Lodge donated the Bible which was used during Brother Jacildo’s  raising and I gave a crystal Square and Compass with a lighted pedestal as a present. All the performers were in their tuxedos which made an impressive appearance and a group picture was taken for posterity’s sake. The performers made a commendable degree conferral and received kudos from our guests. The Lodge spent about $500 for the food, soda and utensils and Brother Jacildo donated a Litson (roasted pig) and fruits to the delightful satisfaction of the palate of the attendees.

August 31, let us all congratulate Eufre ‘Tony’ Abad on being our Mason of the Year . WBro. Tony has made a very significant contribution in his concern for the furthering the goals and aspirations of our Lodge and this led me to chose him to take the honor. He is always there to help should the need arise for solutions to Lodge’s activities problems.This event was the most attendees, (499),  in its five year of existence. There were 25 Brothers who have been honored by their Lodges which participated  ications out of the 29 San Diego Lodges. I had the honor to escort First Lady Betty Stein to the head table. Food (Prime Rib entree) was great and newly raised Brother Bernardo Bernardo from Artesia- Sunrise Lodge provided the entertainment. Brother Bernie Gapuz subbed for Brother Reginald Oca who could not make it because of family matters to do the invocation and benediction. Our 100th Master Mason Michael Jacildo was there with his kid. Our Lodge had the most reservations (41) of which there were 13 Brothers from our Lodge. WBro. Abad had his parents and siblings and friends in attendance and some coming all the way from Los Angeles. The Grand Master presented the Trophies to the awardees.

Most Lodges declared August as their dark month. Our Lodge could not afford to do it because we got so much work to do. Our Officers and Members stood their grounds and were able to accomplish great achievements. To this I appreciate all those who made the concerted efforts for the best interest of our Lodge and this just signifies that we have a strong, growing and harmonious Lodge. Thank you all, my Brothers.

I need your support in promoting our Fund Raising Jam Session on September 22, 2007 which will be held at 13242 Pomerado Rd, Poway, CA 92064, from 6:30 p.m. till
11:00 p.m. I will be needing Brothers to help me in carrying this out such as in preparing and serving the food, selling soda and water, collecting cover charges, cleaning the facility after the event, etc. This will be one of our major push in generating much needed revenue for our Lodge. Tickets cost $15.00 each and there will be hors d’ oeuvres to be served.  Bring your friends and even if your do not dance good, I am sure you will enjoy the fellowship among Brothers  some dance exhibitions.

Schedule of Events for September

04, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.- Third Degree for Bro. Oscar Velasco

11, Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. - Stated Meeting

12, Wednesday, 6:00 p.m.- Masonic Information Night at Scottish Rite Center

18, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.- Second Degree for Bro Chris Pineza

22, Saturday 6:30 p.m. till 11: pm Fund Raising Jam Session

25, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.- Degree Night

29, Saturday, - Mira Mesa Street Fair

28, 29, 30, Fri. Sat, Sun – 158th Annual Communication