The 200th Stated Meeting of Far East Lodge No. 1, F&AM, at the Masonic Temple, No. 3 Bluff, Yamate-cho, Yokohama, Japan on the 6th day of March 1974.
A Lodge of Master Masons was opened in due and ancient form at 19:00 hrs. with Bro. Alvarez, WM, in the East, Bro. Hodges, SW, in the West, and Bro. LaSalle, JW, in the 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, the Treasurer's report was given by Bro. Watson, and Bro. Hodges moved and Bro. LaSalle seconded that it be approved as presented subject to the usual audit. Motion Carried.
The next order of business was the report of the several committees:
HOUSE: Bro. Hodges reported that a meeting had been scheduled for the 7th of March at Bro. Reifenstein's house to further discuss the property situation.
CHARITY: NEG.
PUBLICATIONS: Bro Hodges reported that the next issue of the FT'S was at the printers and should be finished soon.
COACHING: Bro Dunning reported the names of the working. Bro. Lambert should be ready by the 20th, Bros. Clark and Copeland prepared to give proficiency in 3rd Degree proficiency tonight and Bro. McCumsey would he ready soon.
EXAM & RECEPTION: Bro. Havens reported the names of the several distinguished visitors during the month as listed in the Tiler's register.
SICK & VISITATION: Bro. Hodges reported visiting Bro. Woosencraft in the hospital at Yokosuka.
LIBRARY: Bro. Zalewski reported that W Bro. Alvarez had completed work on the library and had stocked it with $150.00 worth of books. The WM then appointed Bro. Zalewski and Bro. Havens as librarians, and ask that they set up a system for book rental. Bro. Hodges suggested that W Bro. Alvarez be given a round of applause for the outstanding job done, and with MW Bro. Robertson leading, a standing ovation was given W Bro. Alvarez.
The Secretary then read the bills for the month of February and Bro. Hodges moved and Bro. Ong seconded that the bills be paid. Motion Carried
BALLOTTING: The following named petitioner was balloted upon to receive the Degrees of Masonry in the Lodge and he was elected.
Mr PATTERSON Richard Lawrence
The following named petitioner to become a dual member of Far East Lodge No. 1, was also balloted upon and he was elected.
Bro. REIFENSTEIN, Louis Earl
PETITIONS TO BE READ: NONE
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE
NEW BUSINESS: MW Bro. Robertson reported that Bro. Andersen had stated that he was no longer able to serve as Tiler and had submited his verbal resignation. He then requested the gavel from W. Bro. Alvarez for the purpose of installing Bro. William J. LaSalle into the South, with Bro. Hodges, SW, in the West and Bro. (acting JW) in the South, W Bro. Williams acted as installing Marshal, and upon return of the gavel W Bro. Alvarez obligated Bro. REIFENSTEIN, Louis Earl as a dual member of Far East Lodge No. 1.
W Bro. Alvarez then made the following appointments:
All accepted.
W Bro. Alvarez reminded all the Brethren of the Grand Lodge Communication to be held on the 15th and 16th of March, also the fellowship dinner for MW Bro. Peck on the 4th of April, and read a letter of invitation to a testimonial dinner to be held at the Sanno Hotel on the 6th of April for MW Bro. Peck.
Also read resolution to change Art. 105a of the Grand Lodge Constitution and By-Laws and that at our next Stated Meeting we would conduct business and have a Lodge of Instruction, and that on the 13th of March would be a First Degree for Mr. Patterson and on the 20th we would have a Second Degree for Bro. Lambert. He further announced that Lodge Star in the East No. 640 SC would be having a Third Degree on the 12th of March, and invited all, also read a letter of invitation to cornerstone laying ceremonies to be held by Kunitachi Masonic Association on the 9th of March.
The WM then requested the following named Brethren to place themselves West of the Altar for the purpose of listening to their proficiencies in the Third Degree:
Bro Leonard Bradley Clark
Bro. Frank Rufus Copeland, Jr.
Bro. Watson conducted the examination after which the WM pronounced the above named Brethren proficient in the Third Degree, and presented both with the proficiency certificate.
MW Bro. Robertson then read the By-Laws concerning submitting application and revealing transactions of the Lodge, he also read aloud an article on what can be told to a potential Mason.
Bro. Ong gave a report on his investigation of the Kubo Cottage in Hayama, and offered to set up a date for any Brethren wishing to visit and see for themselves.
W Bro. Alvarez informed the Brethren that the Past Master's Jewel and Apron with case had arrived for W Bro. Riffle and would be sent to him soon.
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 with with Bro. Alvarez, WM, in the East, Bro. Hodges, SW, in the West, and Bro. LaSalle, JW, in the the South.
(There were 16 Brethren present)