What is the significance of the Philippines in the context of Freemasonry and General Douglas MacArthur?
The Philippines holds a notable place in the history of Freemasonry, particularly through the figure of General Douglas MacArthur. He became a Freemason while serving as a military advisor to the Commonwealth government of the Philippines. On January 17, 1936, he was made a 'Mason at sight' by M.W. Samuel Hawthorne, marking a significant moment for both MacArthur and Philippine Freemasonry. This ceremony was attended by over six hundred Master Masons and was a golden moment for Freemasonry in the Philippines, as it welcomed a prominent American General into the Craft, honoring his father, General Arthur MacArthur, who was also a Freemason.
Moreover, the establishment of Freemasonry in the Philippines was initially challenged by the Spanish government, which prohibited it. However, after the defeat of Spain and the subsequent American control, Freemasonry began to flourish, particularly among those who fought for Philippine independence. MacArthur's role in the Philippines during World War II further solidified his connection to the nation and its Masonic heritage, as he led efforts to liberate the country from Japanese occupation.