Who We Are
On September 2, 1994, a petition for dispensation to establish a new Masonic lodge in Cagayan de Oro City, to be known as Makahambus Lodge, was submitted to Most Worshipful Grand Master Pablo C. Ko, Jr. The petition was signed by thirty-four Master Masons and carried the favorable recommendation of Macajalar Lodge.
Among the leading petitioners were Brothers Peter U. Lim Lo Suy, Agapito S. Suan, Jr., James C. Go, Andres Alfredo S. Mendoza, McDuffie A. Tan, Benito A. Barcelona, Henry T. Ching Tiu, Briccio A. Bullecer, Vicente S. Cayme, Albino L. Ching, Robert S. Dy, Nixon D. Gabud, Michael U. Lu, and Jimmy C. Ting.
On December 9, 1994, Most Worshipful Ko granted the dispensation and appointed Brother Henry T. Ching Tiu as the first Worshipful Master. Shortly thereafter, on December 20, 1994, Makahambus Lodge was formally instituted and its Dispensation Officers duly installed.
During the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge held in April 1995, the Committee on Charters recommended the granting of a charter to the lodge after finding that it had successfully initiated twelve candidates, passed nine Fellow Crafts, and raised six brethren to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. In recognition of its accomplishments and regularity, the Grand Lodge approved the recommendation and officially granted the lodge a charter, assigning it the number 315.
Makahambus Lodge First Worshipful Master
WM Henry T. Ching Tiu (2nd from the left)
On May 20, 1995, Makahambus Lodge No. 315 was formally constituted by a distinguished team composed of Most Worshipful Grand Master Danilo D. Angeles, Right Worshipful Jose Percival L. Adiong, Right Worshipful Enrique L. Locsin, together with several other Masonic dignitaries. Following the constitution of the lodge, Very Worshipful Ernesto A. Malapaya installed the lodge officers, assisted by Very Worshipful Dennis T. Gabionza, who served as Master of Ceremonies.
Since its constitution, Makahambus Lodge No. 315 has continued to labor faithfully and steadfastly as a regular and vibrant lodge under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines. As of the year 2001, the lodge had grown to a membership of fifty-two brethren and maintained a sound financial standing, reflecting the dedication, unity, and zeal of its members in upholding the principles of Freemasonry.
Today, with more than a hundred regular and lifetime members, Makahambus Lodge No. 315 proudly stands in Cagayan de Oro City as a beacon of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth, committed to the moral and spiritual upliftment of its members and the community it serves.
