MAY 20TH: A SIGNIFICANT DATE FOR CUBAN FREEMASONRY.

Commemorating and appreciating the historical significance of May 20th is a duty that every Cuban who loves their country's history must uphold. Despite decades of Marxist historiography in post-1959 Cuba portraying the Republic established on May 20th, 1902, in a negative light, using terms like "pseudo-republic" and "neocolony," voices within socialist Cuba have started to reclaim the importance of this date, marking the emergence of Cuba as a Republic on the global scene.

For Cuban Freemasonry, May 20th marked a milestone, the realization of a long-cherished dream. With its core principles centered on building a fairer, more democratic society, and a history of opposing despotic rule, Masonry inherently sees the Republic as the optimal environment for its growth and development. It's no surprise, then, that the fraternity welcomed the birth of the Cuban Republic with optimism and enthusiasm. It's no surprise, given that Masonic lodges were the breeding ground for the earliest independence conspiracies, and that many of Cuba's most influential independence figures were Freemasons. The list of notable Masons who shaped Cuba's history is long and distinguished, including Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, Máximo Gómez, José Martí, Ignacio Agramonte, Antonio Maceo, and Francisco Vicente Aguilera, among many others. Given this legacy, it's little wonder that the 1943 Congress of Cuban Historians declared that "Freemasonry was the institution that made the greatest contribution to Cuba's independence.”

The New Republic of Cuba and Freemasonry.

With the birth of the Republic enshrined in the 1901 Constitution, Freemasonry experienced a surge of effervescence[2], and despite being characterized by the esotericism of its rituals, as an institution it gained the means to become one of the entities with the greatest social impact. The Grand Lodge of the Island of Cuba experienced a significant surge in membership, with thousands of new members joining, many of whom were veterans of the Mambí Army, bringing honor and prestige to the fraternity. In a time of great uncertainty and economic hardship following the war, Masonry's emphasis on brotherhood, charity, and the universal principles of equality and freedom of conscience resonated with many, offering a sense of hope and community.

With many Freemasons enjoying a strong reputation across the country, they were often seen as role models and leaders in civic and patriotic endeavors. Consequently, it was rare to find any initiative or event promoting social advancement, anywhere in the country, that didn't involve Freemasons.

Among historians of Cuban Freemasonry, it's widely acknowledged that the establishment of the Republic on May 20, 1902, ushered in the golden age of our Masonic fraternity, a period of unparalleled growth and splendor.[3] Freemasonry quickly became an integral part of the new society, and its growth was remarkable. In 1899, following the end of Spanish colonial rule, Cuba had only about 800 Freemasons in a handful of lodges. However, just a decade later, the fraternity had expanded to 3,000 members in 67 lodges. By 1924, Freemasonry in Cuba had grown exponentially, with 14,000 members in 154 lodges.[4] Although Freemasons made up a relatively small proportion of Cuba's population, their impact on society was disproportionately large. Masons held positions of great influence and prestige, often rising to the highest echelons of politics and earning widespread recognition and respect from the public. Don Tomás Estrada Palma, our first President, proudly declared his Masonic affiliation, and he was not the only Mason to occupy the presidency. Many Freemasons achieved prominence in various fields, including politics, where they served as senators, representatives, governors, mayors, and judges. Others distinguished themselves as entrepreneurs, journalists, educators, intellectuals, artisans, and workers, consistently earning the respect and admiration of the public for their integrity and character.

During this period, elitism within Freemasonry focused more on the moral and civic qualities of the individual, rather than economic status, race, or affiliation with a particular sector of society. One prominent example is Juan Gualberto Gómez [5], a renowned patriot and Freemason who rose from humble beginnings as the son of slaves. As a trusted associate of José Martí, Gómez played a crucial role in the February 24, 1895, uprising. Who had the honor of being one of the architects of the Republic born on May 20, as he was elected to the Constituent Assembly of 1901. Following the establishment of the Republic, Gómez went on to serve in the House of Representatives and the Senate. Martín Morúa Delgado, a prominent Freemason and descendant of African slaves, was elected to the Constituent Assembly and went on to hold high-ranking positions, including President of the Senate. Notably, he became the first person of his race to lead a Secretariat, the equivalent of a Ministry in Cuba, marking a significant milestone in the country's history.

The influence of Freemasonry was evident even in the design and adoption of the national symbols of the Republic established on May 20, 1902. The nation's most iconic symbols - the coat of arms, flag, and national anthem - owe their creation to the work of Freemasons. Notably, the coat of arms and flag were designed by Miguel Teurbe Tolón, a Freemason, at the behest of Narciso López, another prominent Mason. A similar case is the national anthem, whose author, Freemason Pedro "Perucho" Figueredo, was one of the most prominent figures in the Ten Years' War. The three national symbols, consecrated in the long struggle for independence and nourished by the blood of the Mambí heroes of the Fatherland.

Freemasonry played a significant role in promoting social welfare during this time, with a strong focus on charitable work. Masons were instrumental in establishing healthcare institutions, such as the first emergency hospital in Santiago de Cuba. They also founded asylums for the poor and vulnerable, including the Llansó Asylum in Havana, which still stands today as a testament to the fraternity's commitment to helping those in need. The asylum was named after Enrique Llansó, the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge at the time. Freemasonry provided numerous scholarships to children and young people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, demonstrating its commitment to education. The fraternity played a significant role in shaping Cuba's education system, advocating for secular education and establishing esteemed institutions such as the Escuela Moderna and Escuela del Hogar in Santiago de Cuba, as well as the José Martí National Masonic University, which was housed in the National Masonic Temple in Havana.

We would be remiss not to mention that May 20th was formally designated as a national holiday during the presidency of Estrada Palma, joining October 10th and February 24th as one of the country's three major celebrations. These dates have long been marked by patriotic reverence and festive celebrations, honoring the heroes who shaped the nation. Given the significance of May 20th as the birthdate of the Republic of Cuba, it is fitting that this day be recognized as a national commemoration, celebrated not only by Freemasons but by Cubans across the nation.

Bibliografía:

Cairo Ballester, Ana. 20 de Mayo ¿Fecha Gloriosa? Editorial Ciencias Sociales, La Habana, 2002.

Horrero Estuch, Leopoldo. Martín Morua Delgado, Vida y Mensaje. Editorial Sánchez, La Habana, 1957.

López Civeira, Francisca. Cuba seis décadas de historia entre 1899 y 1959. Editorial Félix Varela, La Habana, 2009.

Márquez Sterling, Carlos. Don Tomás, Biografía de una época, Editorial Lex, La Habana, 1952.

Ponte Domínguez, Francisco J. La Masonería en la Independencia de Cuba. Modas Magazine, La Habana, 1954.

Sánchez Gálvez, Samuel. Legados perdurables de la masonería en Cienfuegos. Ediciones Mecenas, Cienfuegos, Cuba, 2010.

Torres Cuevas, Eduardo. Historia de la Masonería Cubana, Seis Ensayos, Imagen Contemporánea, La Habana, 2005.

[1] Pese a la imposición de la Enmienda Platt el nacimiento de la República de Cuba fue el resultado de largos y duros años de lucha por la Independencia, y al deseo de la mayoría de los cubanos de entonces de ser libres. Ya pocos después en la propia etapa republicana no socialista nuestro pueblo logro su total reconocimiento como Estado soberano, independiente.

[2] Aún antes, desde los inicios de la Ocupación Militar Norteamericana, cuando grandes funcionarios de la masonería cubana, como el Gran Maestro de la Gran Logia de Cuba y el Soberano Comendador del Grado 33, se vieron beneficiados por el Gobernador Militar al ser investidos en altos cargos gubernamentales; a lo que hay que agregar la presencia de masones en las filas interventoras, comenzando por sus propios comandos superiores tal los casos de John Brooke y Leonard Wood, lo que propició el entendimiento de éstos con sus semejantes cubanos.

[3] Aunque algunos historiadores limitan esta etapa de esplendor de la Masonería cubana hasta el 1933 con la caída de Machado, el autor prefiere extenderla hasta el 1958, haciéndola coincidir con la primera etapa republicana no socialista

[4] Eduardo Torres Cuevas en Historia de la masonería cubana, pp. 229

[5] Hoy el Museo Juan Gualberto Gómez en La Habana guarda el mallete que este patriota utilizaba en sus sesiones fraternales.

*******

Collaboration/Research by:

V∴H∴ Julio De Agüero Sanchez: Pasado Venerable Maestro de la Respetable y Meritoria Logia Armonía, Santiago de Cuba, Gran Logia de Cuba de AL y AM.
Q∴H∴ Jorge J. Romero: California Hispanic & Latin American Research Lodge.
Translated from Spanish to English by META AI.