Some members of the Fraternity who were remnants of a group of gallant patriots, of those who escaped unscathed with their lives; who surmounted great obstacles and sacrifices and risked their fortunes and their own lives and those of their loved ones; those who were survivors of a despotic government and its cruel officials, the bigots, tyrants and extortionist, who lorded over the lives, properties and the souls of the poor and enslaved people of these fair islands; those who, like the proverbial bees, active and industrious, fearless and decided champions of liberty, gathered together to build up the honey-comb with which to sweeten the arid existence of the suffering humanity in these valleys. And they founded a Masonic lodge so that its benevolent and radiant light could reach and brighten the nebulous and superstitious minds of men and be emancipated, freed from the mire of ignorance, fallacy and fanaticism in which they were sank. These brethren were the “First Filipino Masons in Cavite” during and after the Spanish domination, they having been initiated in the Espana en Filipinas Lodge and in other lodges abroad, in 1894 and 1895, under the jurisdiction of the Gran Oriente Nacional de Espana: The Founding Members of Bagong Buhay Lodge – HPS1946
Bagong Buhay Lodge is a century old lodge in Cavite . It was organized in 1906 and constituted as Logia Bagong Buhay No. 291 under the Gran Oriente Espanol on August 11, 1907. It affiliated with the Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands on February 13, 1917 and became Bagong Buhay Lodge No 17.
On September 10, 2006, Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 17 together with seven (7) century old and very old lodges in Cavite declared their independence with the Grand Lodge of the Philippines (GLP) and formed a regularly, legally and duly constituted Independent Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI), in a fitting ceremonies held at the historic WB Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine, Kawit, Cavite, where the first Philippine National Flag was hoisted and the first Philippine National Anthem “Marcha Nacional Filipina” was played by San Francisco de Malabon marching band during the declaration of independence on June 12, 1898.
Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 17 was re-chartered and renumbered to Lodge No. 4 in the jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Independent Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI).
The Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 F. & A. M. has been true to its chosen name (New Life), a life of enlightenment and usefulness to communities and places wherever its members had migrated, lived and stayed for business, for work or for permanent residence. It has honorably and faithfully discharged its duties to the Fraternity; it has maintained its prestige and good name by strict adherence to the ancient landmarks of the Institution and the continued progress it has made from the time of its organization.
The lodge multiplied later and became a beacon-light within the sphere of its radiation. Members from Bagong Buhay Lodge, like crusaders or missionaries of the Golden Gospel, like harbingers of “ Liberty , Equality and Fraternity”, have been founders, co-founders or charter members of other lodges which bring glory to the Mother Lodge.
New members come, old members dropped their working tools. Others simply fade away. But Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 will stand like a beacon light, diffusing its rays to light up the part of that grand ideal of establishing a Universal League of Mankind under the Fatherhood of God.
“Despite the long, rough and rugged journey, the Lodge moves on, and brethren march forward.”
On August 11, 2008, another feather will be added to Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 when she celebrates its 101st Foundation Anniversary. The officers and members together with the brethren from other Member Lodges, widows and orphans, sisters, daughters and sons from appendant bodies, distinguished guests and friends of Masons in unpretentious but memorable event will celebrate her birthday.
(August 11, 2008 is Monday, the brethren of BBL4 decided to celebrate the anniversary on August 9, 2008 Saturday to ensure the attendance of the brethren, families and friends of Masons).
Please see attachment. Thank you.
IGLPI - R.I.C.
Bagong Buhay Lodge Masonic Center
Cavite City, Philippines
