The 189th Stated Meeting of Far East Lodge No.1, F&AM, was held at the Masonic Temple No. 3, Bluff, Yamate-Cho, Yokohama, Japan on the 3rd day of January, 1973.
A Lodge of Master Masons was opened in due and ancient form at 19:30 hours, with WM elect Bro. Riffle (acting WM) in the East, W Bro. Nishiyama (acting SW) in the West and Bro. Otani JW in the South.
The WM recognized the Distinguished Brethren present as listed in the Tiler's register of this date.
He then read an extract of Masonic History on Most Worshipful Bro. Harry S. Truman, 33rd president of The United States of America. The Secretary read a letter informing the Lodge that Bro. Julian F. Shortess LM #95, had passed away on 5 December, 1972.
The WM asked that the Brethren be upstanding for a moment of silent prayer in memory of MW Bro. Truman and Bro. Shortess.
The next order of business was the reading of the minutes. The Special Meeting minutes of November were read first and approved and then the minutes for December were read and approved as corrected.
The Treasurer Bro. Alvarez then gave his report and it was approved as read, including the re-investment of Telephone Bonds.
The next order of business was the report of the several committees:
AUDIT COMMITTEE: Bro. Chun reported that he and W Bro. Nishiyama and Bro. Tayama had audited the Secretary's and Treasurer's records and found them correct.
CHARITY: NEG
DEMOLAY: NEG
COACHING: NEG
SICK AND VISITATION: NEG
JOB'S DAUGHTERS: Bro. Alvarez reports Chapter looking for candidates and that the Supreme Guardian Mrs. Stump will be visiting soon.
NEW PETITIONS TO BE READ: NONE
PETITIONS TO BE BALLOTED: NONE
COMMUNICATIONS READ: The Secretary read a letter of thanks from W Bro. Paul L. Newman, Chairman Charity Committee, Grand Lodge of Japan, for the ¥9,000 contribution to Wheelchair Fund sponsored by Japan Times. Also letter announcing G.L. comrnunication to be held 16-17 March, 1973.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Bro. DeYoung requested information on number of guests expected to attend Installation Banquet. It was estimated at about 65. MW Bro. Robertson moved and Bro. Chun seconded, that the Banquet be on a no host basis as far as refreshments (liquor) are concerned. Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS: Bro. Riffle gave a report on the House Committee and read minutes of their last meeting. MW Bro. Peck moved and Bro. Chun seconded that FE Lodge No. 1 increase its quarterly payments by 20,000.00 Yen per quarter, provided the other two bodies do likewise.
MASONIC EDUCATION: MW Bro. Peck informed the Brethren of the Grand Lodge system of Masonic Education and invited all to attend and support our Grand Lodge at its communication on 16-l7 March, 1973. He also spoke on Life Membership, the necessity for new blood in our fraternity, the need for accuracy in the minutes and other items of Masonic interest. Also suggested a task list be prepared for new caretaker.
LIFE MEMBERSHIP: Wor. Bro. Williams reported New Life Member # 145 Bro. Denis L. Philippe.
There being no further business to come before this Lodge of Master Masons, the Worshipful Master announced that the Lodge would proceed to close. Peace and harmony prevailing, the Lodge was closed in due and ancien form at 22:10 hours with WM elect Bro. Riffle (acting WM) in the East, W Bro. Nishiyama (acting SW) in the West and Bro. Otani JW in the South.
(There were 15 Brethren present)