The 206th Stated Meeting of Far East Lodge No. 1, F&AM was held at the Masonic Temple, No. 3 Bluff, Yamate-Cho, Yokohama on the 4th day of September, 1974.
A Lodge of Master Masons was opened in due and ancient form at 19:35 hours with Bro. Hodges (acting WM) in the East, Bro. Dunning (acting SW) in the West and Bro. Clark (acting JW) 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 September, 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 read.
Next was the Treasurer's Report given by Bro. Alaback, moved by W Bro. Williams, seconded by Bro. Clark, that the report be approved subject to the usual audit. CARRIED
The next order of business was the report of the several committees:
HOUSE: Bro. Hodges reported that he had informed the House Committee of the rejection by Far East Lodge No. 1 concerning the proposal submitted by Mr. Hara to purchase the Temple and property. Also that the committee members representing Far East Lodge No. 1, as instructed by the Brethren, had consulted Bro. Masajiri, who is an Attorney by profession, presented him with a brief summary of our situation and provided him with those documents which were available at this time. Bro. Masajiri remarked that he doubted that the problem would ever come to court (being Masonic in nature), that he would study the documents and consult with others and give us an opinion as soon as possible. Until then we probably should adopt a wait and see attitude. Bro. Hodges also reported that contract work on the roof and electrical work to the Temple would start soon at a cost of just over 1,000,000 Yen, and in order to reduce expenses, the House Committee would terminate the services of the caretaker and rent the house to Bro. Bartleson for 40,000 Yen per month, Bro. Bartleson to pay own utilities, keep the grounds and manage the parking rental. He also reported that he had assumed Chairmanship of the House Committee and had appointed Bro. Poll as Secretary.
ENTERTAINMENT: Bro. Webb reported that a Sayonara Party had been given in honor of W Bro. Chico Alvarez and his wife at the Seaside Club. MW Bro. Floyd J. Robertson presented to W Bro. Alvarez the Past Master's Jewel and Apron w/case, and Bro. Philippe had presented Bro. Alvarez and his wife with gifts from the Brethren of Far East Lodge No. 1. Both W Bro. Alvarez and Mrs. Alvarez responded with appropriate remarks and a good time was had by all. Bro. Poll reported he had presented to Bro. LaSalle a Traveling Apron earlier, as he was unable to be with us on this occassion.
PUBLICATIONS: Bro. Hodges requested Bro. Bartleson to place himself West of the Altar, appointed him Chairman of the Publications Committee, presented him with all the records and files, congratulated him and remarked that he would be looking forward for an early issue of the next FT's. Bro. Bartleson humbly accepted and received a general round of applause.
COACHING: Bro. Dunning reported Bro. Reyna working on proficiency of the F.C. Degree, Bro. Hodges added that Bro. Reyna would be ready soon.
SICK & VISITATION: Bro. Hodges reported Bro. Bennett's wife was not well and would enter the hospital on their return to Hawaii and that the Bennetts would be leaving next Monday.
LIFE MEMBERSHIP: W Bro. Williams reported that Bro. Zalewski had become Life Member No. 151.
The Secretary than presented the Bills for the Month of July, and Bro. Dunning moved and Bro. Poll seconded that they be paid. Motion carried.
BALLOTING: To be restored to good standing for non-payment of dues:
Bro. HOLLEYMAN Alan R.
APPROVED
PETITIONS READ: NONE
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE
NEW BUSINESS: MW Bro. Robertson reminded the Brethren of Past Masters Night Oct. 16 and that we should select a date for the installation of new officers. After discussion it was tentatively decided that installation would be on 14 Dec or 11 Jan. The WM then requested Bro. Alaback to stand West of the Altar, appointed him Treasurer for the remainder of the year, Bro. Alaback accepted and received a round of applause. MW Bro. Robertson then moved, and it was seconded by W Bro. Williams, that Far East Lodge No. 1 make available to the House Committee a loan in the full amount to cover the cost of the roof and electrical contract if necessary. Motion Carried.
The WM requested the Brethren to be upstanding for a moment of silent prayer for the following charter member and Life Member No. 89.
Bro. BEAUCHAMP, Robert E.
Bro. Diel then reported on his recent visit to his mother Lodge Alcatraz No. 244 and the wonderful welcome that he had received there in California.
The WM announced that next week would be a First Degree for Mr. Ohkawa and RW Bro. Nishiyama assisted by some of our other Japanese Brethren would put on the entire degree work in the Japanese language, also that the following week would be a First Degree for Mr. Korman.
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 21:00 hours, with Bro. Hodges (acting WM) in the East, Bro. Dunning (acting SW) in the West, and Bro. Clark (acting JW) in the South.
(There were 16 Brethren present)