Alexandra Lodge No. 1188 EC

15/06/2026

Awesome night Second Degree for Bro N Wood 6th June 2026 regular meeting. Bro DJarabelo word perfect ceremony - awarded "You're the Best Cup" as teh absolute star of the show. Picture of Lodges 3 Entered Apprentices attending (Bro T Harty absent ) with the WM centre and the Lodges 4 Fellow crafts. Also an action shot not very oten taken of the clean up operations where the young guys were getting stuck in.

14/06/2026

"Wherever there is strife and hatred among the Brethren, there is no Masonry; for Masonry is Peace, and Brotherly Love, and Concord (Harmony)."
• Bro. Albert Pike (M&D 6:20–21)

Let Brotherly Love prevails Brethren!

The words of remind every Mason that the true strength of the Craft is not found in ritual alone, but in the spirit that binds Brother to Brother.
“Wherever there is strife and hatred among the Brethren, there is no Masonry; for Masonry is Peace, and Brotherly Love, and Concord (Harmony).”

Freemasonry teaches that no Lodge can prosper where envy, resentment, division, or personal ambition are allowed to overshadow the sacred ties of Brotherhood. The working tools may shape the stone, but Brotherly Love shapes the heart of the Mason.

Peace within the Lodge is not weakness; it is discipline. Harmony is not the absence of differences; it is the triumph of mutual respect over discord. A true Mason learns to govern his passions, extend patience to his Brethren, and preserve unity even amid disagreement.

When Brotherly Love prevails:
• The Lodge becomes a sanctuary of light and fellowship.
• Differences become opportunities for understanding.
• Correction is given with kindness, not pride.
• Leadership is exercised with humility and service.
• The world sees Masonry not merely spoken, but lived.

May every Brother remember that the Cement of Brotherly Love is what unites us into one sacred band of friends and Brothers.

Let Brotherly Love prevail, Brethren — that Harmony may reign within our Lodges, and the Light of Masonry continue to shine brightly before the world.

13/06/2026

In times of Peace, Do not forget Danger

In times of Prosperity, Do not forget Ruin

In times of Order, Do not forget Chaos

That triad of admonitions expresses a timeless discipline of vigilance—one that aligns closely with the moral and philosophical framework of Freemasonry. It calls not for fear, but for measured awareness, reminding the individual that stability is never permanent, and that wisdom lies in preparation as much as in enjoyment.

A Masonic Exposition
In times of Peace, the heart is inclined toward rest and ease. Yet the prudent man does not surrender entirely to comfort. He remembers that peace is often preserved not by chance, but by foresight, discipline, and readiness. Thus, the Mason remains watchful—guarding not only his outer circumstances, but also his inner dispositions, lest complacency weaken his moral defenses.

In times of Prosperity, when fortune smiles and abundance is present, there arises a subtle danger: the illusion of permanence. Wealth, success, and honor may give the appearance of stability, yet history teaches that all temporal things are subject to change. The Mason, therefore, cultivates humility and gratitude, knowing that true riches lie not in possessions, but in character. By remembering ruin, he tempers pride and prepares for adversity with fortitude.

In times of Order, when harmony prevails and systems function as intended, one might assume that chaos has been vanquished. But order is not self-sustaining—it must be continually upheld. The Mason understands that disorder often begins in small neglects, in forgotten duties, and in unguarded thoughts. Thus, he labors constantly to maintain balance, both within himself and in the society he serves.

Moral Application
This teaching reflects the Masonic virtue of circumspection—the careful governance of one’s thoughts, actions, and expectations. It is a call to remain grounded in reality, neither intoxicated by success nor disarmed by tranquility.

To live by this principle is to embody quiet strength:
• To be calm, yet prepared
• To be grateful, yet humble
• To be orderly, yet vigilant
Such a man is not easily shaken, for he has already considered the turning of the wheel.

12/06/2026

Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth
The Three Great Principles of Freemasonry
The enduring strength of Freemasonry rests upon three sacred pillars: Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. These are not merely beautiful words recited within the Lodge; they are moral obligations intended to guide a Mason throughout his life. They shape his conduct, refine his character, and direct his relationship with God, his fellow men, and himself.

Brotherly Love
Brotherly Love teaches us to regard all mankind as one great family under the Fatherhood of the Great Architect of the Universe. Within the Lodge, distinctions of wealth, rank, nationality, religion, and social status are laid aside. The rich and the poor meet upon the level, united not by worldly position, but by mutual respect and shared humanity.

This principle calls upon every Mason to practice tolerance, kindness, patience, and understanding. It reminds us that true greatness is not measured by power or possessions, but by the ability to extend compassion and goodwill toward others.

In a divided world often marked by hatred, pride, and prejudice, Brotherly Love becomes a light of reconciliation. It encourages men who might otherwise remain strangers—or even adversaries—to dwell together in peace and friendship.

Through it, Masonry builds bridges where society erects walls.

A Mason therefore strives to:
Speak kindly and act justly,
Respect the dignity of every person,
Forgive faults and extend understanding,
Promote harmony among brethren and within society.

Brotherly Love is the cement that binds the Fraternity together.

Relief
Relief is the practical expression of Brotherly Love. It is charity in action, born not merely from obligation, but from sincere compassion for human suffering.

Freemasonry teaches that every man has a duty to aid those in distress whenever it lies within his power to do so. Yet for a Mason, this duty carries a deeper significance because the bonds of the Craft unite brethren through an indissoluble chain of affection and concern.
Relief extends beyond financial assistance. It includes:

Offering comfort to the sorrowful,
Giving hope to the discouraged,
Listening to the troubled,
Supporting widows and orphans,
Providing strength to those burdened by adversity.

True relief seeks not only to ease physical hardship, but also to restore peace to the troubled mind and dignity to the afflicted soul.

A Mason learns that charity without sincerity is hollow. Relief must therefore flow from a willing heart, free from pride or desire for recognition. The quiet hand that lifts another from despair reflects the true spirit of the Craft.

In practicing Relief, a Mason becomes a living instrument of mercy and humanity.

Truth
Truth is the crown and foundation of all Masonic virtue. Without Truth, Brotherly Love becomes mere sentiment, and Relief becomes empty display. Truth gives meaning and integrity to both.

Freemasonry teaches that to be “good and true” is among the first and highest duties of a Mason. Truth requires honesty in speech, uprightness in conduct, and faithfulness in obligations. It demands sincerity of heart and purity of intention.

The pursuit of Truth is also a lifelong journey. A Mason is encouraged to:
Seek wisdom,
Examine his own faults,
Live honorably,
Reject hypocrisy and deceit,
Stand firmly for what is right, even when difficult.

Truth is described as a divine attribute because it aligns man closer to moral and spiritual perfection. It illuminates the conscience and guides the Mason in regulating his life according to justice and virtue.

Where Truth prevails:
Trust flourishes,
Brotherhood strengthens,
Character is refined,
Society benefits.

Thus, the Mason is called not merely to speak truth, but to live truth.

Conclusion
Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth form the moral triangle upon which Freemasonry stands.

Together they teach a Mason:
To love humanity,
To serve others,
To live honorably.

These principles transform Masonry from a mere institution into a way of life. They remind every Mason that the true temple he builds is not made of stone, but within his own heart and character.

When faithfully practiced, these virtues elevate not only the individual Mason, but also his family, his community, and the world around him.

11/06/2026

Here is what Freemasonry actually teaches:

1. God is God. In God we put our trust. We do not replace Him, compete with Him, or pretend to stand beside Him.

2. No man inside the Lodge is worshipped — not the Master, not the officers, not the oldest member in the room.

3. Every Mason, whatever his faith, enters the Lodge with his belief in God intact. We do not touch that. We respect it.

4. The Lodge is not a church, a mosque, or a temple. But it is a place where men of faith come together in brotherhood.

5. Our titles are historical. They carry tradition and respect, not religion.
Freemasonry teaches morality, brotherhood, charity, truth, and reverence for God — never the worship of man.

Freemasonry has often been misunderstood because many people see its symbols, ceremonies, and titles without understanding their true purpose. Yet at its core, the Craft teaches reverence for God, moral discipline, and respect for humanity.

Freemasonry does not ask a man to abandon his faith. Rather, it reminds him to live his faith more sincerely.

When a man enters the Lodge, he does not leave God at the door. He enters with his belief in the Supreme Being intact, and that belief is honored — never replaced. The Mason kneels in prayer not to worship men, titles, or institutions, but in humble acknowledgment that all wisdom and strength ultimately come from God.

The Worshipful Master is not “worshipped.” In ancient usage, the word “Worshipful” simply means honorable or respected because of office and duty. It is the same historical use found in civic titles such as “Your Worship” for judges or magistrates. It is tradition, not divinity.

The Lodge itself is not a religion. It has no plan of salvation, no sacraments, and no claim to replace churches, mosques, or temples. Instead, it is a fraternity where men of different faiths meet upon the level of brotherhood, united by moral principles and a shared belief in God.

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Freemasonry teaches a man to become better: —to practice charity without pride, —to seek truth without prejudice, —to lead with humility, —and to treat every human being with dignity and compassion.

Its symbols are lessons. Its rituals are moral teachings. Its purpose is the building of character.

The true Mason is not known merely by signs or titles, but by his conduct — by the kindness of his heart, the honesty of his dealings, and the sincerity of his faith.

10/06/2026

“Any man can be a Mason, but not every man can be a Mason.” contains a profound lesson about the nature of Freemasonry.
What It Means
At first glance, the phrase appears contradictory. In reality, it distinguishes between eligibility and worthiness.
Any man may submit a petition to join a Lodge. Freemasonry does not require wealth, social status, political influence, or academic achievement. A laborer and a king stand on equal ground at the Lodge door.
However, not every man possesses the qualities necessary to become a true Mason.
The phrase emphasizes that while many men may be eligible to seek admission into Freemasonry, not every man possesses the character, integrity, and commitment required to live according to its principles.
It suggests that a Mason should strive to embody:
• Moral uprightness
• Honesty and integrity
• Brotherly love
• Self-discipline
The Qualifications of a Mason
Freemasonry seeks men who:
• Believe in a Supreme Being.
• Possess good moral character.
• Are willing to improve themselves.
• Respect the beliefs and opinions of others.
• Value honor above personal gain.
• Are prepared to serve rather than be served.
A man may desire the title of Mason, but if he lacks integrity, honesty, humility, or a sincere desire for self-improvement, he is unlikely to benefit from the Craft or contribute to it.
Beyond Membership
The deeper meaning is that becoming a Mason is not merely receiving degrees, wearing an apron, or attending meetings.
A true Mason strives daily to:
• Square his actions by virtue.
• Circumscribe his desires and passions.
• Practice Brotherly Love.
• Extend Relief to those in need.
• Walk in Truth.
Many men may be initiated into the fraternity, but the lifelong work of becoming a genuine Mason requires dedication, discipline, and character.
A Masonic Reflection
The image reminds us that Freemasonry is not an exclusive society because of wealth, race, or social standing. Rather, it is selective in the sense that it seeks men who are willing to undertake the difficult labor of building their own moral and spiritual temple.
The question is not merely:
“Can a man become a Mason?”
The more important question is:
“Is he willing to live as one?”
For the title of Mason is conferred in a moment, but the character of a Mason is built over a lifetime.
• Respect for God and fellow men
• A sincere desire for self-improvement
In other words, becoming a Mason is not simply a matter of joining an organization; it is a lifelong commitment to personal growth and virtuous living.
A man may wear the apron, learn the rituals, and attend the meetings, but the true test of Masonry lies in his conduct.
The statement reminds us that Freemasonry seeks not merely members, but men who are willing to transform rough stones into living examples of virtue, honor, and service.
"The privilege of entering the Lodge is open to many; the challenge of becoming a true Mason is accepted by few."

09/06/2026

FREEMASON FRIDAY!!!!
Who is the most influential Freemason in history?
What lesson from his life should modern Masons be applying today?

08/06/2026

Members of the UGLE Membership and Communications Team recently attained their Solomon Academy Diplomas! 🎉

Complete yours today to make a daily advancement in Masonic Knowledge 🎓

🔗 Link here: https://solomon.ugle.org.uk/


— with Solomon.

07/06/2026

The Plumb is an ancient and deceptively simple tool: a lead weight suspended by a cord. Yet, for centuries, it has served as the ultimate symbol of uprightness. In the hands of a builder, it is the only way to ensure that a wall is perfectly vertical, standing true to the laws of gravity.

In a philosophical or "speculative" sense, this tool is closely tied to the role of a Junior Warden, an officer tasked with oversight, balance, and the preservation of character.

The Vertical Standard
While most tools measure the relationship between two objects, the Plumb measures an individual object against an absolute: the center of the earth. For a leader, this represents integrity.

Rectitude of Conduct
The Plumb reminds us to walk uprightly. It is easy to lean toward personal bias or be swayed by the pressures of the moment. The "soul" of the Junior Warden is one that remains perpendicular to the ground, regardless of the storms blowing around them.

The Pillar of Beauty
This office is often associated with the concept of "Beauty." In this context, beauty isn't about decoration; it is the elegance of a life lived in alignment with one’s values. A wall that is plumb is inherently beautiful because it is structurally sound and true.

The Role of the Overseer
The Junior Warden acts as a guardian of the group’s harmony. If we imagine a community as a grand building, the Junior Warden ensures that the individual "stones" the people are not leaning in a way that might endanger the rest of the structure.

Balance Between Labor and Refreshment
One of the primary responsibilities of this role is to supervise the transition from Labor to social time. The Plumb serves as a reminder that even in moments of relaxation, one’s moral standards should not "tilt" or falter.

Impartiality
A plumb line does not care if a wall is made of common brick or expensive marble; it judges both by the same vertical standard. Similarly, the Junior Warden represents a commitment to treating everyone with a consistent, unwavering level of fairness.

The Grounded Leader
Ultimately, the Plumb represents a unique kind of strength. It is not the strength of a hammer that breaks things, nor the strength of a crane that lifts them. It is the strength of stability.

By embodying the Plumb, a leader provides a steady point of reference for everyone else. They prove that by staying grounded in truth and standing tall in their convictions, they can help keep the entire "building" of their community from ever losing its balance.

• MHI
The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Philippines


The symbolism of the Plumb reaches far beyond the working tools of operative builders. In the moral architecture of Freemasonry, it becomes one of the purest emblems of integrity, discipline, and spiritual balance. Associated with the office of the Junior Warden, it teaches that true leadership is not measured by authority alone, but by the ability to remain upright in character amid the shifting pressures of life.

The Plumb and Moral Uprightness A plumb line always points toward the center of the earth, guided by an unchanging natural law. Unlike human opinion, which can bend according to convenience, emotion, or ambition, the Plumb never compromises. It teaches the Mason that there exists an eternal standard of truth and righteousness to which every action must be aligned.

For the Junior Warden, this is especially significant. His station symbolizes vigilance over conduct and harmony within the Lodge. He is expected to stand as a living example of rectitude—not merely in public ceremonies, but in the quiet moments where character is truly tested.

The lesson is simple yet profound: A Mason must stand upright even when the world around him leans toward disorder.
Integrity in Times of Pressure A wall that is even slightly out of plumb may appear acceptable at first, but over time its weakness becomes visible. Cracks emerge, balance is lost, and eventually the entire structure may fail.

So too with human conduct.

Small compromises in honesty, fairness, or self-discipline may seem harmless in the beginning, yet they gradually weaken the moral foundation of a man. The Plumb warns against these subtle deviations. It reminds the Mason that integrity is not built through grand declarations, but through daily consistency in thought, speech, and action.

The Junior Warden, therefore, becomes a guardian against moral imbalance. His symbolic duty is not only to oversee refreshment and harmony, but also to ensure that the passions and desires of men do not overshadow wisdom and virtue.

Beauty Through Alignment The office of the Junior Warden is traditionally linked with Beauty, one of the three great pillars supporting the Lodge. In Masonry, beauty is not superficial ornamentation. It is harmony born from order, proportion, and truth.

A structure that is plumb possesses beauty because it is stable. A life that is morally upright possesses beauty because it is honorable.

This teaches an important Masonic truth: Beauty is the outward reflection of inward balance.

The most admirable leaders are often not the loudest or most powerful, but those whose lives demonstrate quiet consistency, humility, and steadiness of principle.

Impartiality and Justice The Plumb judges all materials equally. Whether the stone is rough or polished, plain or costly, the standard remains unchanged. This symbolizes the impartial justice that every Mason should strive to practice.

The Junior Warden is therefore reminded to treat all Brethren with fairness and equality, without favoritism or prejudice. Wealth, rank, and status hold no weight before the Plumb of moral truth.
This reflects one of the noblest teachings of the Craft: That all men stand upon the same level of human dignity and are measured by the same moral standard.
Balance Between Labor and Refreshment One of the Junior Warden’s most recognized duties is to supervise the Craft during the transition from labor to refreshment.

Symbolically, this teaches moderation and self-control.
The Plumb reminds the Mason that uprightness must be maintained not only during solemn moments, but also during times of leisure and enjoyment. Character is not something worn only within the walls of the Lodge; it must remain constant in every aspect of life.
A man who is upright only when observed is not truly plumb.

The Grounded Leader The strength represented by the Plumb is not aggressive force, but stability. It is the calm strength of a man firmly anchored in truth, unaffected by temporary passions or external pressures.
Such a leader becomes a point of reference for others. In moments of confusion, conflict, or uncertainty, people naturally look toward those whose principles remain steady.

This is the deeper lesson of the Junior Warden’s tool: To lead is first to stand upright oneself.
By living according to the Plumb, a Mason helps preserve the harmony, balance, and moral stability of the entire structure around him—whether that structure is a Lodge, a family, or society itself.

— Inspired by the teachings of the Craft and the symbolism of the Junior Warden’s
Plumb.

07/06/2026