Freemasonny History in Negros Oriental

 Masonry, also known as Freemasonry, is a fraternal organization that traces its origins to the local fraternities of stonemasons, which were prevalent in Europe during the Middle Ages. The organization became more widespread in the 18th and 19th centuries, with the establishment of lodges in various parts of the world.

In Negros Oriental, the first Masonic lodge was established in Dumaguete City in 1890. This was the Oriental Negros Lodge No. 33, which was under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Spain. The lodge was founded by a group of Spanish and Filipino Masons who were residing in the area at that time.

In 1895, the Grand Lodge of the Philippines was established, and the Oriental Negros Lodge No. 33 became part of this new organization.

Mt. Kaladias Lodge No. 91 is a Masonic lodge located in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, Philippines. The lodge is a part of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines, the governing body of Freemasonry in the country.

The history of Mt. Kaladias Lodge No. 91 can be traced back to its founding in 1920s. The lodge was established by a group of Master Masons who wanted to bring the teachings and principles of Freemasonry to the community of Dumaguete City. The lodge was named after Mt. Kaladias, a prominent mountain in the area.

Over the years, Mt. Kaladias Lodge No. 91 has played an important role in the local community, supporting various charitable initiatives and promoting the values of brotherhood, charity, and truth. The lodge has also been involved in the development of young men through the Order of DeMolay, a Masonic youth organization for young men aged 12 to 21.

Throughout its history, Mt. Kaladias Lodge No. 91 has faced many challenges, including political unrest and social upheaval. However, the lodge has remained steadfast in its commitment to promoting the principles of Freemasonry and serving the community of Dumaguete City.

On November 6, 1923, Grand Master Frederic H. Stevens signed a dispensation authorizing various Master Masons from different lodges to open a lodge, to be called Mount Kaladias, in the town of Dumaguete, Negros Oriental.

The founders of the new lodge were: Gregorio B. Almazan of Isarog Lodge No. 33; Espiridion Villegas, Severo Eugenio Lo, Jose Pineda, and Ricardo Luna of Iloilo Lodge No. 11; Vicente Q. Colina, Ramon Catalla, Pedro Malajacan, Daniel Sindiong and Marcos M. Morelos of Maktan Lodge No. 30; Mariano Caraza of Acacia Lodge No. 78; Clyde V. Powers of St. John's Lodge No. 9; Herminigildo Villanueva of Nilad Lodge No. 12; and Santiago Ramos of Makabugwas Lodge No. 47.

Among the founders were chosen the first officers of the lodge, namely: G.B. Almazan, Wor. Master; C.V. Powers, Senior Warden; Espiridion Villegas, Junior Warden; Herminigildo Villanueva Jr., Treasurer, and Vicente Q. Colina, Secretary.

In January 1924, the Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands granted a charter to the lodge under the name and number Mount Kaladias Lodge No. 91. The following April, Past Grand Master Frederic H. Stevens, who was then in Cebu on a visit, promised to personally constitute the lodge. He, however, encountered difficulties in securing transportation. Fortunately, Bro. Severo Lo arrived in Cebu on his good ship Hoiching and placed his vessel at the disposition of Stevens and his party. He kept the ship at the dock for twelve hours just to ensure that Stevens could make the trip. On arrival at Dumaguete, Stevens and his party were met by Bro. Gregorio Almazan, Bro. Clyde Powers and a committee of Masons from the province. At noon of April 11, a luncheon was given in honor of the visiting party and in the afternoon, at five o'clock, the constitution of Mount Kaladias Lodge took place in the garden of the Provincial Building. The officiating officers were, as follows: Stevens, as Grand Master; RW Valeriano Segura, as Deputy Grand Master; Eulalio Tanedo, as Senior Warden; and RW Ricardo Ponce, as Junior Grand Warden. The installed lodge officers were: WB Gregorio Almazan, Worshipful Master; Bro. C. V. Powers, Senior Warden; Bro. Daniel Sindiong, Junior Warden; Bro. Pedro Cecilia, Treasurer; and Bro. Candelario A. Gonzales, Secretary.

In the evening a dance ball was held and at 10:30 the party left on the SS Albay en route to Cebu.

Many prominent citizens in the locality have graced the roles of this lodge. One member of this lodge, Emilio Javier, run for Vice-President of the Philippines in the national elections held in 1941 but he and his running mate, Juan Sumulong of Bagumbayan Lodge, were defeated by Manuel L. Quezon  and Sergio Osmeña.

Today, Masonry remains an active organization in Negros Oriental, with several lodges operating in the area. The organization is known for its commitment to charitable works and community service, as well as its promotion of fellowship and brotherhood among its members.