The 195th 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 October, 1973.
A Lodge of Master Masons was opened in due and ancient form at 19:30 hours with Bro. Alvarez (acting WM) in the East, Bro Hodges (acting SW) in the West and Bro. Campbell (acting JW) in the South.
The WM recognized the distinguished Brethren present as listed in the Tiler's register of this date, and then announced that this being our Stated Meeting for the Month of October, 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: the Treasurer presented his report and it was approved subject to audit.
The next order was the report of the several committees:
HOUSE: Bro. Hodges gave a comprehensive report of the activities of the House Commitee, to include a raise for the caretaker, parking space and building rental agreements effected, and W Bro. Swanson's progress concerning the property.
CHARITY: NEG.
DeMOLAY: NEG.
PUBLICATIONS: Bro. Hodges NEG. Bro. Alvarez reported 25th Anniversary booklet proofreading in progress, should be ready soon.
COACHING: NEG.
AUDITING: NEG.
SICK & VISITATION: Bro. Zaleweki reported NEG.
LAPSATION: W Bro. Williams reported a few Brethren responding to dues notices sent out.
JOB'S DAUGHTERS: Bro. Alvarez reported because of membership problems, the Bethel may have to be discontinued.
EDUCATION: NEG.
At the request of the WM, Bro. Dunning gave an excellent Ballot Box Lecture to the Brethren and particularly Bro. Glenn.
SECRET BALLOTING on the petitioners to receive the Degrees in this Lodge, and they were elected:
Mr. WATSON, Richard S.
Mr. CLARK, Leonard Bradley
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
The Secretary read the bills for the month of September, Bro. Hodges moved and Bro. Dunning seconded that the bills be paid. Carried.
Bro. Hodges moved, Bro. Bennett seconded, that Check #57 for Grand Lodge be held until end of year. Carried.
W Bro. Williams moved, Bro. Hodges seconded, that W Bro. Bruce A. Riffle's name be submitted to the Grand Lodge for the Certificate of Merit Award for his outstanding achievement as writer/publisher of our FTs for over two years. Carried.
Bro. Alvarez reminded the Brethren that the 24th of this month would be Past Masters' Night.
NEW BUSINESS:
Bro. Alvarez announced the following schedule for October:
| 10 Oct. | First Degree |
| 17 Oct. | Open |
| 24 Oct. | Past Masters' Night |
| 31 Oct. | Open |
Also, 5 December 1973, Stated Meeting and Elections, and Installation of new officers on 12 January, 1974.
Bro. Alvarez suggested a fellowship dinner be held on the 17th, and after discussion it was generally approved by the Brethren.
As required, the WM then read Arts. 100, 100A, and 100B of the Grand Lodge Constitution and Bye-Laws.
W Bro. Williams moved, Bro. Hodges seconded, that a Past Master's Jewel, Apron and Case be purchased and presented to W Bro. Bruce A. Riffle. Carried.
At the sound of the gavel, the WM requested the Brethren to be upstanding for a moment of silent prayer for our late Brother, George W. Gregory, member of Lodge Star in the East, No. 640. Also that Masonic Services would be held at the Bluff Cemetery on 4 October 1973.
Bro. Alvarez the requested the following named Brother to place himself West of the Altar for the purpose of being examined in the Third Degree.
Bro. MAHNKE, Stephen Richard
Bro. Alvarez conducted the examination and upon completion pronounced Bro. Mahnke proficient, then called the Brethren briefly free from restraint for the purpose of congratulating Bro. Mahnke.
At the sound of the gavel in the East the WM announced that here being no further business to come before this Lodge Master Masons, that the Lodge would proceed to close.
Peace and harmony prevailing, the Lodge was closed in due and ancient form at 22:20 hours, with Bro. Alvarez (acting WM) in the East, Bro Hodges (acting SW) in the West and Bro. Campbell (acting JW) in the South.
(There were 13 Brethren present)