The 178th Stated Meeting of Far East Lodge No. 1, F&AM, was held at the Masonic Temple at No. 3 Yamate-cho, Yokohama, Japan on the 2nd day of February, 1972. A Lodge of Master Masons was opened in due and ancient form at 19:36 hours with Worshipful Master Bro. Vanvig in the East, Brother Otani in the West and W Bro. Nishiyama in the South
The Wor. Master announced that this being our Stated Meeting for the month of February the first order of business would be the reading of the minutes of our last Stated Meeting and any subsequent Meetings.
The minutes of the last Stated Meeting No. 177 and Special Meeting No. 426 were read by Bro. Riffle (acting Sec.) and approved as read.
The next order of business was the report of the several committees.
HOUSE COMMITTEE: Bro. Riffle reported on formation of new house committee, Wor. Bro. Bettencourt as Chairman, Bro. Gus Swanson W M Lodge No. 640, Bro. Jim Haynal OES, Bro. Riffle of Far East No. 1, as registar. W Bro. Vanvig reported on draft of letter to Zaidan-Hojin. Proposed by W Bro. Bettencourt, to be reviewed before release.
CHARITY: Neg.
DeMOLAY: Neg.
PUBLICATIONS: Bro. Riffle reported that GL Quarterly to be distrubuted as soon as received to include a note on dues and L.M. to $12.00 and $175.00 respectively and hoped to start publishing an alphabetical list of Brethren in each issue.
ENTERTAINMENT: MW Bro. Peck suggested having a ball and banquet, concurred in generally by Bro. DeYoung, purpose to raise money in aid of Lodge No. 640 and Far East Lodge No. 1.
Bro. Alvarez reported phoning Bro. McMahab concerning dues and and Life membership.
SICK AND VISITATION: W Bro. VanVig reported that Bro. Bennett was sick and at home but seemed to be improving and that he would visit him latter.
JOB'S DAUGHTERS: Bro. Riffle reported on exemplification held on 29 Jan, in the Masonic Temple, Yokohama, with visiting Supreme Warden, Mrs. McCawlley and other activities.
Balloting was held on the following named petitioner and he was elected to receive the degrees of Masonry in this Lodge.
Denis Louis Philippe
The fol1owing new petitions for the degrees of Freemasonry read.
Rafael Gonzales
Bro. Riffle, MW Bro. Peck and Wor. Bro. Vanvig to meet and check INFORMATION concerning certain Lodge in Cuba.
The Secretary read the bills for the month of January and it was moved by Bro. Alvarez, seconded by MW Bro. Robertson, that the bills be paid. Approved & Carried.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
The Wor. Master announced that Far East Lodge No. 1 would hold its installation of Officers on 19 February, 1972. MW Bro. Robertson stated that he felt the Junior and Senior Wardens were qualified. MW Bro. Peck suggested that the Secretary send letter to G.L. requesting dispensation, but the Wor. Master decided and announced that Bro. Riffle was nominated Pro-temp, Bro. Bruce Riffle SW elect as Senior Warden.
NEW BUSINESS:
The Acting Secretary read Grand Lodge's Secretary's letter requesting courtesy degree work done for and by as follows:
Robert Bruce Young — Grand Lodge of South Carolina
Ronald Eugene Shinner — Grand Lodge of Maryland
Wor. Bro. Vanvig read letter dated 12 November, 1971, which he had misplaced, concerning request for Demit by MW Bro. Nielsen, also his best wishes to all Brethren of Far East Lodge No. 1.
MW Bro. Peck suggested a letter to Grand Lodge referring to above "MISPLACED" letter and ask for corection to Far East Lodge No. 1 by 1 Demit for MW Bro. Nielsen.
Letter from the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Japan was read regarding its Annual Communication to be held on March l7 and 18, Banquet to be Saturday the 18th at 18:30 hours, dinner in the Garden room at Sanno Hotel at 19:30 hours. Reservations should be made for dinner to the Grand Secretary.
Wor. Bro. Vanvig remarked that the Harmoney Fund needs a "Little-assist" and that Bro. Ted. DeYoung was doing a fine job for the Lodge meals. Also that the Special meeting on the 9th of February would be a 1st degree for Mr. Philippe and asked MW Bro. Robertson to have the Junior Warden observed by the Grand Inspector.
There being no further business to come before this Lodge of Master Masons, the Worshiful Master announced that the Lodge would proceed to close. Peace and harmony prevailing, the lodge was closed in due and ancient form at 21:40 hours with Worshipful Master Bro. Vanvig in the East, Bro. Otani in the West and Bro. Nishiyama in the South.
(13 Brethren present)