The 199th Stated Meeting of Far East Lodge No. 1, F&AM, held at the Masonic Temple, No. 3 Bluff, Yamate-Cho, Yokohama, Japan on the 6th day of February 1974.
A Lodge of Master Masons was opened in due and ancient form at 19:30 hours with Bro. Hodges (acting WM) in the East, W Bro. Robertson (acting SW) in the West and Bro. Dunning (acting JW) in the South.
The WM recognized the distinguished Brethren and first time visitors as listed in the Tiler's register of this date.
He then 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 all subsequent Special Meetings.
The Secretary read the minutes and they were approved as corrected.
The Treasurer then gave his report and MW Bro. Peck moved and Bro. Dunning seconded that the Treasurer's Report be accepted as presented by Bro. Watson subject to the usual audit. MOTION CARRIED
The next order of business was the report of the several committees:
HOUSE: Bro. Hodges reported progress being made with people in Hong Kong and Bro. Swanson of 640 was working on details to accomplish the project. Also that YMCA rental had not developed, however M&S Co. had rented the Temple for Yen 2,000.00, and thanked everyone for the assistance in moving furniture.
ENTERTAINMENT: NEG, Bro. Hodges reported Bro. Campbell ill.
PUBLICATIONS: Bro. Hodges suggested need for other means of producing FT's. Bro. Ong moved to purchase new memoograph machine for $160.00. MW Bro. Peck seconded the motion. After discussion the motion did not carry. Bro. Havens then moved and Bro. Hunt seconded that we proceed with printing the FT's in the usual manner, and to get the next issue out as soon as posible. Motion carried.
EXAMINATION & RECEPTION: Bro. Havens reported NEG.
COACHING: Bro. Dunning reported Bro. Copeland should he ready soon and Bro. Hodges reported Bros. Holley and Watson ready tonight for Third Degree proficiency.
SICK & VISITATION: Bro. Watson NEG, Bro. Hodges reported Bro. Campbell ill and MW Bro. Robertson reported MW Bro. Quick ill.
LAPSATION: W Bro. Williams reported 2 Brethren restored in Jan.
MEMBERSHIP: MW Bro. Robertson reported NEG. Bro. Hodges reminded the Brethren that since the yen had gone to 300 now was a good time to purchase.
LIBRARY: Bro. Zaleweki reported $150.00 worth of Masonic books were on order, should be in soon. Bro. Hodges reported Wor. Bro. Alvarez had been working on book case.
MASONIC EDUCATION: MW Bro. Peck remarked that he would be presenting some books to Far East Lodge No. 1 library and hoped they would be well used. He then spoke on the subject of "Brethren should be doers", the need to continue timely publication of the FT's as a direct line of communication, the need for more PR work by the Lodge in letting be known the good work we have done and are doing. He also reminded the Brethren of the need to seek out hidden talent and develop it. He then related his plans for a trip thru South America, the US and then back to Japan before returning to his home in Hawaii.
Bro. Dunning reported on the progress of the girls Basketball Team being sponsored by Far East Lodge No. 1, and that the jackets would be finished soon. He also called upon the Brethren to support their team.
Bro. Havens volunteered to frame the placard present to the Lodge by the girls.
PETITIONS READ: The Secretary read the petition for degrees for the below named:
Mr. PATTERSON, Richard Lawrence
He then read the petition for dual membership of the below named Brother:
Bro. REIFENSTEIN, Louis Earl
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE
NEW BUSINESS: Bro. Hodges announced that next week would be a Third Degree for Bro. Copeland. He then read a communication concerning the Grand Lodge communication on 15—16 March and other activities connected with it. MW Bro. Peck reminded the Brethren of the scheduled visit to Yokosuka Lodge No. 20 to perform the Third Degree on the 25th of Feb, 1974.
The WM then requested the following named Brethren to stand West of the Altar for the purpose of listening to their examination in the Third Degree:
Bro. HOLLEY, Clifford Carroll, Jr.
Bro. WATSON Richard S.
Bro. Hodges conducted the examination after which he pronounced both proficient, then called the Brethren briefly free from restraint for the purpose of congratulations.
At the Sound of the gavel in the East, Bro. Hodges reguested all present to be upstanding for a moment of silent prayer for our late Brother FERNANDEZ, deceased member of Lodge Star in The East No. 640.
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 this Lodge was closed in due and ancient form at 22:10 hours. With Bro. Hodges (acting WM) in the East, MW Bro. Robertson (acting SW) in the West and Bro. Dunning (act JW) in the South.
(There were 15 brethren present)