The 215th Stated Meeting of Far East Lodge was held at the Masonic Temple, No. 3 Bluff, Yamate-Cho, Yokohama, Japan on the 4th day of June 1975.
A Lodge of Master Masons was opened in due and ancient form at 19:30 hours with W Bro. Hodges in the East, MW Bro. Robertson, Grand Secretary, (acting SW) in the West and Bro. Alaback, Treasurer, (acting JW) in the South.
The WM then 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 June, 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 was the Treasurer's Report given by Bro. Alaback, and it was approved as read subject to the usual audit.
The next order of business was the report of the several committees:
HOUSE: Bro. Poll reported that the House committee had repaid 1/3rd of the cost of repairing the roof to Far East Lodge No. 1. He also expressed his appreciation to Bro. and. Mrs. Diel for their assistance with the parking area.
ENTERTAINMENT: Bro. Bartelson reported everyone enjoyed themselves at the annual Chinese Dinner, and suggested that we have a picnic in July. W Bro. Hodges thanked Bros. Bartelson, Reyna, Watson, and Alaback for making the GM Dinner a success, Bro. Bartelson reported that 14 persons were present.
DeMOLAY: NEG
PUBLICATIONS: Bro. Bartelson reported latest issue ready for mailing.
EXAMINATION & RECEPTION: MW Bro. Robertson reported examinining satifactorily our first-time visitor this evening.
COACHING: Bro. Bartelson reported Bros. Livernois and Riggins not in country, and several other Brethren working on 3rd Degree proficiency.
AUDITING: NEG
SICK & VISITATION: NEG
LAPSATION: W Bro. Williams reported NEG
LIFE MEMBERSHIP: NEG
SIGHT ASSISTANCE: Bro. Alaback reported losing one 9 year old candidate, a little girl whose case is unoperable, also he had requested bi-lingual form for use by eye specialists and hospital and again asked everyone for any ideas for publizing this worthwhile program. MW Bro. Robertson reported that Mr. Jensen had donated ¥500,000 to the G.L. Sight Assistance program and that the Grand Lodge would shortly issue to Mr. Jensen a certificate of appreciation.
BALLOTING: Secret Ballot was had on the petition of the below named Petitioner and he was elected to receive the Degrees of Masonry in this Lodge.
Mr. WILSON, Robert Lee
PETITIONS TO BE READ: Petitions to receive the 3 Degrees in this lodge were read for the following:
Mr. NEGRANZA, Cresencio Velasco
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: The Secretary read letter from Chairman of the GL Charity Committee, there was some discussion and Bro. Bartelson moved and Bro. Poll seconded that the matter be tabled until the next stated meeting. Motion carried
MW Bro. Robertson requested permission to conduct an item of business from the West and was granted permission by the Master. He then explained the need to order the Past Master's Jewel, Apron and Case as soon as posible. W Bro. Williams so moved and Bro. Alaback seconded the motion. Motion carried
W Bro. Hodges announced that a farewell party would be held in honor of George and Sylvia Mason here in the Temple on Sat. June 7th, beginning at 18:30 hours.
Bro. Bartelson inquired if the House Committee had liability insurance, and Bro. Poll responded, not yet, but will have shortly. Bro. Bartelson then discussed further about the picnic to be held in July, after which the WM appointed the following to serve on the picnic committee: Bros. Bartelson, Otani, Poll, Williams.
MW Bro. Robertson reminded all of the upcoming Shrine ceremonial Program booklet and moved that Far East Lodge take out its usual 1/4 page, the motion was seconded by Bro. Watson. Motion carried
The WM then requested the Secretary to read a letter from the GL Library Committee Chairman, and then discussed the necessity of instructing candidates by using the Lodge System of Masonic education, and appointed himself along with Bros. Bartelson, Williams, Poll and Alaback to serve as the committee. He also announced the mid-year GL Communication would be held on Oct 18th beginning at 08:00 until 17:00 hours and that it would be informal. Also that Bro. Watson, our Friendly Tips editor would be leaving Japan next week.
MASONIC EDUCATION: MW Bro. Robertson spoke briefly on his observations of the manner in which some of the Constitution Lodges kept their minutes and conducted business. He then read an interesting Article, written by the GM of New Mexico, concerning Relief and Charity.
W Bro. Williams requested W Bro. Hodges to place himself West of the Altar and there presented him with the Grand Lodge Diploma of Merit in recognition of his outstanding services to the fraternity during the past year. W Bro. Hodges responded with appropriate remarks.
There being no further business 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 ancient form at 22:00 hours with W Bro. Hodges in the East, MW Bro. Robertson, (acting SW) in the West and. Bro. Alaback (acting JW) in the South.
(There were 12 Brethren present)