The Name
The lodge was named after the beautiful province of Misamis Oriental, rich not only in natural resources but in human resource as well. “Misamis” is believed to come from the Subano word “Kuyamis,” a local variety of sweet coconut, or possibly from the Spanish word “Misa” (mass). Misamis Oriental was created in 1929 when the old province of Misamis was divided into two.
The Beginning
In February 2000, during the monthly Fellowship meeting of Cagayan de Oro Lodge No. 298, WB Danilo P. Lagbas, PM of Don Antonio T. Cosin Memorial Lodge No. 308, requested the brethren to assist him in putting up a new lodge covering the municipalities of Balingasag and Medina in the eastern part of Misamis Oriental.
The Dispensation
Cagayan de Oro Lodge No. 298, Carmen Valley Lodge No. 250, and Don Antonio T. Cosin Memorial Lodge No. 308 passed Resolutions of Recommendation. With 69 brethren signing, the petition was sent to the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Philippines on March 29, 2000. A Dispensation was granted by MW Franklin J. Demonteverde. Misamis Oriental Lodge was formally instituted on June 3, 2000 by MW Oscar V. Bunyi at the Maguindanao Masonic Temple in Cagayan de Oro City.
First Initiates
On July 11, 2000, Misamis Oriental Lodge, U.D. had its first Initiation of Candidates — Michael John Paul Benito K. Labao and Kenneth Mark B. Tan. Brother Labao was the first to be raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on September 19, 2000.
The Charter
In 2001, during the Annual Communication (ANCOM), Misamis Oriental Lodge was granted a charter and assigned number 335. On June 9, 2001, the lodge was formally constituted and installed in the presence of Grand Master Napoleon S. Soriano.