FROM THE EAST
Dear Brethren,
In a short space of time, we begin a new season. Winter’s darkness begins to loosen its grip, and new beginnings are seen all around as spring approaches. Spring is the time for rebirth and healing and as in the state of nature, we as brethren of CVML are no less susceptible. As cited by one of our past master in one of our after meeting bull sessions, differences like weeds, should be nipped in the bud before it can grow wildly, peace and harmony being vital as we travel together in our Masonic growth.
Winter is coming to a close and the past three months have seen successful events the lodge has undertaken. Our Post Valentines fundraiser spearheaded by our fundraising committee chair JW Voltaire Taguiba with full support of our SW Paul Kiley and all the Brethren who have pledged and followed through with their commitment was a success. Proceeds from this event will greatly support our charity works. Reflecting on our Masonic principles, the symbolism of the cable-tow resonates deeply. It serves not only as a boundary preceding our solemn obligations but also as a reminder of our duty to Freemasonry—a duty that must be undertaken responsibly, considering our individual capacities and commitments. As a great society of friends and brothers, We at CVML#427 are living proof to this tenet as we have time and again come together in unity for a cause, and in this instance to the relief of a distressed worthy brother. In the past 7 weeks, we have in our individual or group capacity reached out to assist our brother Lauro Adriano and his family in their most difficult time. Hats off to CVML#427, we have expressed our duty of relief to a brother in an astoundingly swift and generous manner.
On March 9 the day following our stated meeting will be the Masonic Memorial and Eastern Star Service for our late inspector Worshipful Richard Michael Geyer. I encourage your attendance as this is our opportunity to say our final goodbye and to honor our departed friend and brother. The memorial will be at 1 in the afternoon to be held at Ontario Masonic Lodge #301 at 1025 North Vine Avenue, Ontario, CA. I have tasked Brother Ferdie Sicam to procure a flower wreath for the lodge to bring to the event.
For the Brethren’s information, it was announced by Worshipful Ned Reber, Master and Officer’s Coach of Upland-Mt. Baldy Lodge #419, that he has been appointed as the Inspector of the 806th Masonic District. He has expressed that he will be attending our March stated meeting as part of his official visit. Lodge Officers, together with our Officer’s Coach had rehearsed the reception of a Grand Lodge officer on March 5, 2024 to be ready for his visit. Lodge attendance in our stated meetings have steadily increased through the years and this month’s meeting is like no other. Let us therefore in unity be present and show our support to our new inspector.
The Masonic Youth Orders are one of the most important parts of our fraternal family; they represent the future of our organization and graduate to become leaders not only of Freemasonry but of our wider communities. Every order benefit when Masons give back.
What Masons give back to the youth orders, these impressive young people give back to us in energy and inspiration. This March, being our Youth Orders month, Masons are encouraged to show our youth that we live by the values we instill in them. In our quest as Masons to engage with the Masonic Youth Orders in our area, CVML #427 will continue to donate a portion of our concluded and future fundraising proceeds, to be facilitated by our Community Outreach Committee.
Lastly, April 6, 2024 starting at 4 in the afternoon has been set as our 1st degree conferral for Mr. Xyborg Laita and Mr. Erwin Ras. Practice dates will be scheduled by our Senior Warden.
See you all at the lodge,
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Anthony Wesley Baguiwet, WM
FROM THE WEST
Greetings Brethren,
As we enter the final month of the first quarter of the year, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on those we’ve lost, including our Inspector WB Richard Geyer and Entered Apprentice Bro. Lauro
Adriano, both of whom have passed through the Celestial Lodge. I bid themfarewell with the following words:
“Farewell to our brothers, for each has their reasons to go, neither any of us would not know, nor could say so. But because our lives have crossed a path, we seek, reminisce, and do the math. We ask the question, what could it be? Was it the lessons or laughter that most impacted me? Regardless how short or long the moments were spent, you will always be remembered for what it was meant. We will both miss you!”…..PHLK
This month, I encourage our Master Masons to engage in ritual work, whether it’s learning a new role, refreshing old skills, or participating for the first time. Even if your name isn’t on the schedule, attending practices is invaluable. We’ve had brethren step up in roles like Tyler and Steward, and even deliver The Charge, but we always need more volunteers. To our FellowCrafts and Entered Apprentices, continue honing your proficiencies, and don’t hesitate to seek guidance from your assigned mentor. If you don’t have one, feel free to reach out to me.
The 2024 Committee list will be available at this month’s meeting.
Very Respectfully,
Paul Henry L. Kiley
CVML# 427, SW
FROM THE SOUTH
RELIEF
Masons are best known for their charity work — a recognition that we all take pride in, and a legacy that we want to keep.
Our daily conduct is guided by our three main principles: Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. For this issue, I would like to focus on Relief—due mainly to the recent loss of two brothers of whom this virtue has been demonstrated. 
Chino Valley Lodge #427 has lost two great gentlemen this month, Bro. Larry Adriano (EAM) and WB Rick Geyer (Inspector). We celebrate their lives and honor their memory.
We saw the delight, joy and relief on Bro. Rick’s face when several Brethren visited him at the hospital when he broke his hip. He knew he could count on us to bring him relief — by helping or by simply being present in times of need.
Relief comes in many packages. It can be in the form of material or financial support, offering one’s service, time and effort, or it can be as simple as a reassuring word or presence. All of these can mean so much to the brother who may be in a bind, crisis, hardship or difficulty. Any form of relief is a blessing—more so from brothers who understand and practice this principle.
It was the same with Bro. Larry. Not only did we pay him a regular visit but also finished the insulation and painting of his house. It was one of his unfinished projects before he become critically ill. He and his family were so grateful of the completed task.
Not only during difficult period can relief be practiced. It can also be in our everyday life. Showing kindness is one way. A sincere smile is another. It can brighten someone who may be having a really bad day. A simple text to say hello can be appreciated. Offering to share a ride home to and from the lodge, or visiting another Lodge is also another form of relief.
Our response to the call of our WM Wesley Baguiwet to do the online “passing of the hat” for Bro. Larry’s wreath and food donations during his viewing was immediate and overwhelming. The generosity we showed gave a big relief to the family.
Chino Valley Masonic Lodge #427 has done it again and will continue to offer relief to our brethren and to others.
A report on the post-Valentine fundraising event last Feb. 24 will be presented during this month’s meeting. I would like to thank everyone who helped make the event a huge success. The Shifting Crew Band extended their gratitude for the opportunity given them to share their God-given talents. They said that CVML #427 will be a priority whenever we need them.
Thank you to the food committee for the overflowing food! Headed by our energetic Chaplain Bro. Horace Daway and our always ready SD Bro. Robert Ofo-ob assisted by FC Rj Peñaverde. Thank you too to our EA Warren Lee Abad, EA Renato Macam for being there early to assist, to manong Bro. Ronald Singson who made sure the kitchen is always ready, to the Hall president Bro. Stan Briones for always checking the Lodge, to the Atengs for making the stage come alive, To our WM Wesley Baguiwet through his leadership-the brethren of CVML427 always support, and to all Brothers who gave food and cash donations and took time to sell the tickets.
Finally, thanks to all who came and made the event a smashing hit!
Fraternally,
Bro. Voltaire Laurence Taguiba CVML#427 JUNIOR WARDEN
The Petitioner
2 b 1 ASK 1. What does this mean? This is one of the guiding practices of Masonry that if anyone would like to join the Craft, he has to seek information on his own by asking from a Mason or any of the Masonic Lodges or the Grand Lodge. Masonry does not recruit its members neither does it persuade anyone to join Masonry. A person having interest to join Masonry must do it on his own freewill and accord. He must also be prepared for the ordeal in his heart. Masonry is not a reformatory organization thus, he must be endowed with the necessary moral qualifications uninfluenced by any person. It is open to all good men who want to become better men. Masonry is not an organization where we seek any material gain or material rewards. In fact it’s the opposite, but we gain everything in Masonry morally and spiritually. As Masonry does not recruit nor persuade members, it is by our Acts that Masonry is Judged. Indeed, Masonry’s way of promoting itself lies in the acts of its members, its civic and community activities and charity works. Another indispensable qualification is his belief in the Supreme Being because no atheist can never be made a Mason. There is no specific religion, race or creed that is required to join Masonry. A person knocking at our doors must be endorsed/sponsored by a Brother in good standing. Sponsors play a great role in enlightening the petitioner in his Masonic journey to become a better man, his proficiencies and advancement, his participation in Lodge activities and his lifetime commitment to the Lodge. Being a sponsor also is a lifetime commitment.
The pursuit of Masonic enlightenment is a lifelong journey. It requires efforts, dedication and commitment often times it requires sacrifice and involves the family, and it is a continuous process that truly never ends as there is always more to learn. Pursuing enlightenment is hard but a rewarding journey that can lead to personal growth, greater understanding and deeper appreciation of the world around but ultimately the rewards are well worth it.
One seeking membership has to learn how to go forward to serve a worthy brother or relieve a brother in distress. This will make him to become imbued with the zealous attachment that is absolutely essential to the formation of a True Masonic Character. This is what binds the Craft and what defines us as Masons.
For our Lodge, the diverse membership and those of our petitioners is a living testament to the spirit of Brotherhood that binds us together, transcending borders and cultures. It is very heartening that our petitioners immersed themselves with their family as well in our Lodge activities. With one step upon the doors of Masonry, we hope and pray that our petitioners will become someday the pillars of our Lodge.
The previous month saw the departure of our Inspector Rick Geyer and one of our Brother Lauro Adriano to the Celestial Lodge above. May they rest in eternal peace with the GAOTU.
Reminding the Brethren with unpaid Annual Dues. Please make your payments either to the Grand Lodge through imember 2.0 or you can pay directly to the Secretary. Our Annual Dues is at $220.00.
Bro Eric Calixto PM
