The 191st 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 7th day of March, 1973.
A Lodge of Master Masons was opened in due and ancient form at 19:00 hours, with Worshipful Master Bro. Riffle in the East, Bro. Alvarez, Senior Warden, in the West, and Bro. Chun, Junior Warden, in the South.
The WM recognized the distinguished Brethren present as listed in the Tiler's register of this date.
He then announced that this being our Stated Meeting for the month of March, the first order of business would be the reading of the minutes of our last Stated Meeting and all subsequent Special Meetings:
The Secretary read the minutes and they were approved as corrected.
Next was the Treasurer's Report and it was presented by Bro. Hodges and approved as presented.
The Worshipful Master gave a brief report on Masonic funeral services held earlier this date for Brother Francis Lane.
The next order of business was the Report of the several committees.
HOUSE: W Bro. Riffle reported that the checking account had been transfered over to the new signators, that funds were short, and that the four bodies would be sponsoring a bazaar in the near future.
DeMOLAY: W Bro. Nishiyama reported negative, however W Bro. Riffle reported that several Brethren of Far East Lodge and Yokosuka Lodge were trying to re-activate the DeMoley Chapter. MW Bro. Peck mentioned that Bro. Fujino was also working on it.
PUBLICATIONS: W Bro. Riffle spoke on the necessity of continuing publication of the FT's, Bro Hodges volunteered to chair the Publications Committee.
COACHING: Bro. Alvarez reported Bro. Holley ready for Second Degree proficiency. Bro. Fix ready for proficiency in First. W Bro. Riffle announced that Bro. Holley would be raised on 28 March and next week would be a first degree for Mr. Charles and Mr. Campbell.
AUDITING: NEG.
SICK & VISITATION: Bro. Tayama reported Bro. Bennett not feeling well.
JOB'S DAUGHTERS: Bro. Alvarez reported Yokota was having problems starting Bethel #2. He encouraged all to come to the local Bethel meeting on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month, and the next meeting would be an initiation.
LAPSATION: W Bro. Williams reported three Brethren had requested to be restored:
Balloting on the following petitioner was held and he was elected to receive the degrees of Masonry in Far East Lodge No. 1.
Mr. CAMPBELL, David Miles, II
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: W Bro. Riffle reported that he and Bro. Alvarez were working on preparing the 25th Anniversary publication.
He also appointed Bro. Tayama to take care of making name tags.
NEW BUSINESS: The Secretary read the bills for the month of February, and they were approved as presented. The WM then read a communication from the Grand Lodge reminding the Brethren of the Grand Lodge Annual Communication on 16-17 March, and other items pertaining to banquet, Hotel reseverations, etc. He also read a communication from Sinim Lodge, inviting all to attend a special meeting on 17 March at which Bro. Leper would be honored.
Wor. Bro. Riffle suspended labors in this Lodge of Master Masons and declared labors in a Lodge of Entered Apprentice Masons opened, for the purpose of hearing the proficiency in this degree of;
Bro. FIX, Arvin Morris.
W Bro. Williams conducted the examination and upon completion, the Wor. Master declared Bro. Fix proficient and called the Brethren briefly free from restraint for the purpose of congratulating Bro. Fix. After which the Wor. Master declared labor in this Lodge of Entered Apprentice Masons closed, and labor in a lodge of Master Masons resumed.
He then announced that next week would be a First Degree for the following candidates:
There being no further business to come before this Lodge of Master Masons, the WM announced that the Lodge would proceed to close.
Peace and harmony prevailing the Lodge was closed in due and ancient form at 21:35 hours. With Worshipful Master Brother Riffle in the East, Bro. Alvarez, Senior Warden, in the West, and Bro. Chun, Junior Warden, in the South.
(There were 16 Brethren present)