The 208th Stated Meeting of Far East Lodge No. 1, F&AM was held at the Masonic Temple, No. 3 Bluff, Yamate-Cho, Yokohama on the 6th day of November, 1974.
A Lodge of Master Masons was opened in due and ancient form at 19:30 hours with Bro. Hodges, SW, (acting WM) in the East, Bro. Poll, MM, (acting SW) in the West and Bro. Watson, MM, (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 November, 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.
Bro. Alaback then presented the Treasurer's report for the period and Bro. Lambert moved and Bro. Poll seconded that it be approved as read, subject to the usual audit. Motion carried.
The Secretary then presented the bills for the month of October, and Bro. Alaback moved and Bro. Watson seconded that the bills be paid. Motion carried.
The next order of business was the report of the several committees:
HOUSE: Bro. Poll reported that the repair of the roof and electrical circuits had been completed and that we were waiting for the electrical repair bill, also next committee meeting would be sometime next week. At which he would request the bodies to pay their share to include Bro. Riefenstein's Yen 200,000. Also that the main roof still has some leaks.
ENTERTAINMENT: Bro Alaback reported on buffet held on PM's night which was catered by the Officers Club at a cost of 51,000 Yen and a good time was had by all.
PUBLICATIONS: Bro. Lambert, Managing Editor, FT, reported that the latest issue had been completed at a cost of 18,000 yen for 350 copies, 200 copies had been mailed, others in process of being mailed. and that Bro. Howe had been mailed 120 copies. Also that he would be trying to get out a monthly issue. He then read a very interesting letter from Bro. George N. Bailey.
COACHING: Bro. Lambert reported that Bro. Korman would be ready by 13 Nov. and Bro. Hodges reported that Bro. Ohkawa should be ready by the 20th of Nov. Also that we would be taking the candidates singularly.
AUDITING: Bro. Hodges appointed Bros. Diel, Poll and Watson as auditors, and suggested they should audit after Jan. 1, 1975.
SICK & VISITATION: Bro. Hodges reported no word as yet on Bro. Bennett's wife's progress, and MW Bro. Robertson sugested that MW Bro. Horiuchi would appreciate telephone calls or visitations.
LAPSATION & LIFE MEMBERSHIP: W Bro. Williams reported that 59 dues notices had been sent out and some replies were already being received. Also, that Bro. Clyde B. Keene had become Life Member No. 153.
SIGHT ASSISTANCE: Bro. Alaback reported on attending the Sight Assistance Committee meeting also what benefits could be given including, eye glasses, transportation, etc. and that a list would soon be published and given each lodge designating the areas to work in. That money was available and again asked the Brethren to assist him in this very worthwhile project.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: As required, the WM read articles 100, 100a, 100b of the Grand Lodge Constitution and By-Laws, also Art. 2, Section 1 of the Lodge By-Laws.
NEW BUSINESS: Bro Hodges informed the Brethren that he had received from MW Bro. Peck a copy of the 50th Aniversary publication of Pearl Harbor Lodge No. 598, Honolulu, Hawaii, along with a gold medalion struck to commemorate the occasion. And instructed the Secretary to acknowledge by letter to the Lodge No. 598 and send thanks to MW Bro. Peck.
PETITIONS READ: A petition to receive the Degrees of Masonry in this Lodge was read for the following
MR. VAUGHN, Ralph Wayne
BALLOTING: Balloting by secret ballot was held on the request to be restored to good standing of the following and it was approved.
Bro. MAADIE, Thomas J. (LM No. 1)
MASONIC EDUCATION: MW Bro. Robertson read from the 50th Aniversary Publication of Pearl Harbor Lodge No. 598, concerning some of the Masonic background of MW Bro. Nohea O. A. Peck. Also an article entitled "How many of you know the duties, rights and privileges of a Master Mason?" which as very interesting.
Bro. Hodges then reported on his visit to the Grand Lodge Workshop on 28 Oct, at which he had listened to a presentation given on Parlimentary procedure and that a Master rules his lodge. He also informed the Brethren that Jan. 18th would be the date for installation of officers for the ensuing Masonic year.
W. Bro. Williams, visiting from the New Zealand area, made a few interesting observations on the slight differences in the ritual work between the two Grand Jurisdictions.
There being no further buiness to come before this Lodge of Master Masons the WM announced that we would proceed to close.
Peace and harmony prevailing, this Lodge was closed in due and anc form at 21:55 hours, with Bro. Hodges, SW, (acting WM) in the East, Bro. Poll, MM, (acting SW) in the West and Bro. Watson, MM, (acting JW) in the South.
(There were 10 Brethren present)