Butuan Lodge No. 299

The Name

            The place "Butuan" (also pronounced P'u-tuan) was one of the early beneficiaries of the Southeast Asian trade. By 1000 AD it was already a thriving port that maintained steady commerce with Canton, China. Archeological finds show that it was already a boat-building center during those ancient times which is suggested by the excavation of an ancient plank boat discovered in Butuan City. Further excavations also reveal that other industries already existed in the area during those times.
 

The Lodge

            The dream of organizing another lodge in Butuan City was conceived in 1960. After three decades and two years in the trestle board the dream became a reality.

            Call it a coincidence, but indeed after a 32-year gestation period, it was a   group of 32 brethren of good standing whose unwavering determination to spread the beauty of our fraternity who made a strong move to organize a new lodge. VW Ronald T. Ang, DDGM of District 31, recommended the establishment
of the new lodge. Grand Master Agustin V. Mateo issued the dispensation for the organization of the lodge on August 14, 1992, and appointed the following as Dispensation Officers:

            Worshipful Master - Vicente M. Maginsay, PM
            Senior Warden  - Ruben P. Tan
            Junior Warden - Agelio L. Bringas
 

            The lodge was instituted and the officers were installed on September 12, 1992 by Junior Grand Warden Pablo Ko, Jr., who was the Grand Master's representative as the latter was attending to another Masonic commitment.

            After the institution and the installation, a fraternal fellowship was held at the residence of Bro. Chaplain Cesario T. Alegado, where sisters and children and guests from the Grand Lodge and other lodges of the district joined and shared with the brethren of Butuan Lodge their moments of jubilation.

            With eagerness evident on their faces, the members of the lodge attended in full force the annual communication held in Davao City in April 1993 and witnessed the granting of a permanent charter to their lodge and the assignment to it of number 299.

            Immediately upon their return, arduous preparations for the constitution and election of its first three officers were scheduled. The following were elected:
 

                                                                                                              Worshipful Master - Ruben P. Tan
                                                                                                              Senior Warden- Agelio L. Bringas
                                                                                                              Junior Warden- Oliverio O. Benaje
 

            Thus, on that beautiful summer day of May 22, 1993, Butuan Lodge No. 299 was constituted and the elected and appointed officers were installed in elaborate ceremonies at the Narra Restaurant, Butuan City. Grand Master Rizal D. Aportadera, assisted by VW Benjamin S. Geli, Senior Grand Lecturer and VW Ludivico M. Sabang, Sr., DDGM of Masonic District No. 31, presided over the ceremonies. Brethren from different districts and lodges, sisters and children and guests graced the joyous occasion.
 

Location: Doongan, Butuan City