TODAY, we are celebrating another resurrection. A resurrection of another kind. A resurrection of an edifice that refuses to die. This edifice refuses to remain as ashes of yesterday.

Today, we are witnesses of a resurrection that embodies our ideals, our hope, and our aspirations.

Today, we are witnesses of a dream come true.

Now for a bit of history.

In 1914, German nationals engaged the expertise of Worshipful Brother A.J. Gobler-Gumbert to build an edifice where German nationals can be together. So was born a club house for Gerrmans to meet and fellowship.

The building was patterned after the affluent clubs at that time. There was nothing ornate or imposing. It was a plain two-storey Spanish adobe structure similar to the house of Rizal in Calamba.

The property was leased to the International YMCA when the United States was at war with Germany. The YMCA was the center of activities for US sailors and soldiers in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, the Plaridel Temple Association, composed exclusively of Master Masons, formed a corporation to provide a home for Lodges and visiting brethren. The Plaridel Temple Association envisioned a place where Brethren could be together for recreation and social purposes.

The Plaridel Temple Association (P.T.A.) bought the YMCA property and on December 24, 1919, the papers were signed and rights to the property transferred to the P.T.A.

In 1937, the Temple was ceded to the Grand Lodge of the Philippines Islands.

The ancient structure was remodelled in 1938 under the leadership of MW Jose Abad Santos. The spacious Masonic landmark became the rendezvous of the Brethren and sports lovers. Definitely the Plaridel Masonic Temple was a sight to behold, what with few buildings existing along San Marcelino St. at that time.

During the Second World War, the Plaridel Masonic Temple became the entertainment place of Japanese officers and soldiers. It became the place where Filipino civilians were brought, tortured, and killed.

In 1945, nothing was left of the beautiful edifice except the concrete wall. The battle for liberation razed the Temple to the ground.

In 1948, The New Age Magazine, official organ of the Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction, USA, published the picture of the reconstructed Temple.

In 1960, the facade of the Temple was changed with the construction of store spaces at the front of the building.

On August 12, 2000, the old Plaridel Masonic Temple became a memory when it was once again razed to the ground. Precious artifacts, books, and records were reduced to ashes.

Past Grand Master Enrique L. Locsin, Chairman, Committee on the Reconstruction of the old Plaridel Masonic Temple, informed the Brethren at the ground breaking ceremony thus:

"As we recall, the Plaridel Masonic Temple was razed by fire last August 12, 2000, and being an ancestral edifice with very rich heritage from our Masonic past, it behoves us, the living, to raise it back to its former splendour. Another compelling reason for us to join hands is that the original Temple was declared a Historical Landmark by the National Commission, as embodied in their Resolution No. 2s-1994 dated May 03, 1994, hence its invaluable significance in Philippine history is immeasurable."

Past Grand Master Locsin continued his speech expressing his sincerest gratitude thus:

"I would also like to express my sincerest gratitude to the following brethren for their professional services free of charge and other obligations. They are some of the reputable architects, engineers and contractors in the industry.

Bro. Benjamin So Si Hok, Building Architect; VW Romeo R. Velasco, Electrical Engineer; WB Sergio J. Regala, Jr., Mechanical Engineer; VW Joselito Santos, Sanitary Engineer; and VW Homobono C. Pique, Structural and Consulting Engineer."

I am very fortunate to be given an active role in helping the Committee in the reconstruction and rebuilding of this historical landmark.

The zerubabel in us has rebuilt the Plaridel Masonic building, named after the "Father of Filipino Masonry."

May this edifice be a testimony of our commitment to our Grand Architect of the Universe.

Thank you and God bless us all!