The Athlete This Spanish-American mestizo from Donsol, Sorsogon attended public elementary school and graduated from the American Central High School in 1921. Very athletic, he was a star basketball player, swimmer and rower; as such, he received many an athletic award. Later, he enrolled at the Ateneo de Manila, the Far Eastern University, and the Underwood Business College. . He was, too, a boy scout of America. On account of his dedication, he rose to the position of Assistant Scout Master. Later, he became a Reserve Officer of the US Navy, and therefore a member of the US Army and Navy Club. As soon as he was honorably discharged, he joined the Luzon Stevedoring Company in Manila – on November of 1922, to be exact – where he proved his leadership mettle. His efficiency catapulted him to take charge of Stevedoring Operations at the Manila Harbor. Three years after he was raised in Cosmos Lodge No.8 in 1934 he became the Worshipful Master of his lodge. He was re-elected to the same position in 1947. Having worked with different nationalities, he stated: …Masonry in the Philippines is an outstanding example that we can have peace in the world. In this jurisdiction, we have Masons of many nations, colors and creeds, each understanding the others’ problems, respecting their opinions and working together for the unification and happiness of all mankind. On December 7, 1935, he became a Scottish Rite Mason in the Philippine Bodies. As such, he occupied the leadership in practically all the Bodies. In the Grand Lodge, he was: · Grand Tyler from 1937 to 1940. · Grand Sword Bearer from 1941 through the Second World War to 1946. · Grand Lodge Inspector from 1938 to his election as Deputy Grand Master. In addition, he was an affiliate member of Paul Revere Lodge No. 462, under the Grand Lodge of California, as well as honorary member of High-Twelve Lodge No. 82 and Kasilawan Lodge No. 77. Through the Masonic fraternity, Albert staunchly believed, we can gain lasting friendship. Thus, he said: Masonry causes true friendship to exist among those who might otherwise have remained at a perpetual distance. It is not possible for any of us to form these friendships which lead to brotherly love by staying away from our lodges. I know at times that many of us are very tired at the end of a day’s work and that exhaustion dominates us, keeping us at home. But on many occasions I have heard many brethren say although they were tired before going, the atmosphere, smiles and association with their brethren were so great a lift to them that it was better than a good night’s rest. He was also a Past Royal Patron of the Far East Court No.1, Order of the Amaranth, and an Associate Patron of Mayon Chapter No.1, OES, when he was elected Grand Master. He had other affiliations than Masonic. He was a member of the Army Transportation Association and of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He was a typically vivacious American. But, perhaps owing to his Spanish blood, he was equally sentimental. This sentimentality was made more acute due to his association with his Filipino brethren. Seeing the destruction wrought by the Second World War for instance, he said. This country (the Philippines), its peoples, and our institution have suffered greatly during the last Global War. But Masonry, notwithstanding, has not only survived; but is bigger not only in membership, but also in the true love of our venerable institution, which is deeply inculcated in the hearts of our Brethren. With this true love deeply inculcated in his Masonic heart Albert Brazee, Jr. served the Fraternity.