MacArthur Installation 2010

After rescheduling several times due to major illness and other minor catastrophes, MacArthur Lodge No. 183 finally held its installation of officers earlier this month on Saturday, March 6th. Somewhat unexpectedly, Most Worshipful Brother Robert E. Ring was obligated as Master of lodge during this event. Brother Ring was elected at a last-minute meeting in order to replace the then Master-elect, Bro. Larry Drape, who could not be installed due to a serious medical condition. Bro. Ring will undoubtedly bring a plethora of Masonic experience to the job since he has previously served as Master of MacArthur Lodge in 1996 and 1999.

Most Worshipful Brother Jaime Y. Gonzales served as the installing officer, making the trip from the Philippines for the occasion. Bro. Gonzales served as the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines for the 2007-2008 year. This is the second time that Bro. Gonzales has installed the officers of MacArthur Lodge. As a result of his visits and frequent correspondences, he has developed a deep friendship with many of the MacArthur members.

As is somewhat peculiar to brethren from other constitutions, many ladies were in attendance for most of the installation ceremony. The Grand Lodge of the Philippines considers the installation to be an open or "untyled" event, so it is common to see many non-masons in attendance, including wives and significant others. In addition to friends and family, many fellow masons brought fraternal greetings from their mother lodges to the newly installed master, including brethren from the Korean lodges Han Yang No. 1048 and Harry S. Truman.

Following the ceremony, guests gathered for a steak dinner. During the banquet, Most Worshipful Brother Gonzales gave an insightful speech on the the enduring spirit of Freemasonry amid rapidly changing times. After dinner, drinks were served and everyone left content and satisfied, which was not a bad way to start off the Masonic year.