The 224th STATED MEETING of Far East Lodge No. 1, F.&.A.M. was held at the Masonic Temple, No. 3 Bluff, Yamate-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Japan on the 3rd day of March 1976.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 19:30 hours with WB Bartelson, WM, in the East, Bro. Alaback, SW, in the West, and Bro. McGowan, JW, in the South.
The WM recognized the distinguished brethren 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 the 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. Negranza. It was moved by WB Hodges and seconded by Bro. Alaback that the Treasurer's Report be approved as read, subject to the usual audit. MOTION CARRIED
The Secretary then read the bills for the period and MWB Robertson moved and Bro. Harding seconded that the bills be paid. MOTION CARRIED
Next was the report of the several committees:
HOUSE: WB Hodges reported that the House Committee met on 2 March 1976 and had, among other things, (1) Waived the 4th Qtr CY 75 assessment of ¥120,000 (2) Waived the 1st Qtr CY 76 assessment, which had been set at ¥75,000; and (3) Reduced the assesment for the balance of CY 76 to ¥75,000 per Body per quarter from the previous assessment of ¥120,000 per Body per quarter. The reduction is possible due to renting parking spaces and the House in back of the Temple.
ENTERTAINMENT: Bro. McGowan submitted a negative report. WB Bartelson reported on the fellowship Get-together sponsored by Lodge Star in The East No. 640, SC, indicating that a most enjoyable time was had by all.
DeMOLAY: RWB Nishiyama reported negative.
PUBLICATIONS: Bro. Harding reported that the F.T.'s was in the final stages of preparation and that it is hoped that they can be sent to the printer NLT next week.
EXAMINATION & RECEPTION: A negative report was submitted.
MEMBERSHIP: A negative report was submitted.
COACHING: Bro. McGowan reported that Bro. Livernois would be ready for his 2nd Degree Proficiency on 17 March 1976. WB Bartelson reported that Bro. Nichols would be ready to give his 3rd Degree Proficiency next Wednesday, 10 March 1976.
AUDITING: Bro. Alaback reported that the books had been audited with no discrepancies noted.
SICK & VISITATION: MWB Robertson reported on his visit with MWB HORIUCHI who is 90 years old and who was delighted with the visit. MWB Robertson urged those who could to visit MWB Horiuchi. RWB Nishiyama reported that Bro. Otani was still having problems with his stomach and that he extends his regrets for not being able to attend Lodge more often.
LAPSATION: A negative report was submitted.
LIFE MEMBERSHIP: WB Bartelson reported that our newest Life Member is Bro. Poling who is Life Member No. 163.
CHARITY: WB Bartelson submitted a negative report.
SIGHT ASSISTANCE: Bro. Alaback submitted a negative report.
MASONIC LODGE SYSTEM OF EDUCATION: Bro. Alaback reported that the Committee is finalizing plans for the program which would soon be reported to the Lodge.
BALLOTING: Before balloting, MWB Robertson gave the Ballot Lecture to Bro. Nichols and Bro. Harding after which secret balloting was held on the following named petitioner to receive the Degrees of Masonry in this Lodge, and he was elected:
Mr. OKUYAMA, Yasuo Michael
NEW PETITIONS READ: The petition to receive the Degrees of Masonry in this Lodge was read for the following:
Mr. WEAVER, John Lewis, Jr.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None.
OLD BUSINESS: None.
NEW BUSINESS: WB Bartelson appointed Bro. Negranza and Bro. Nichols to the standing Library Committee and instructed them to inventory the Library. WB Bartelson appointed a committee, consisting of RWB Nishiyama, MWB Robertson, WB Hodges, WB Williams, and himself, to study the feasibility of preparing and submitting to the Grand Lodge Communication in 1977 a Resolution to change the Constitution of the Grand Lodge to permit the constituent Lodges to dispose of Life Membership funds other than returning to the Widow or family of a deceased Life Member.
MWB Robertson moved and WB Williams seconded that the Lodge purchase a PM Jewel, Apron and Case. MOTION CARRIED
Bro. Maadie moved that the Lodge purchase two additional PM Jewels, Aprons and Cases. Motion was seconded by WB Williams. MOTION CARRIED
Purchase to be withheld until MWB Robertson has been able to ascertain actual costs.
WB Bartelson advised that the Grand Master's Chinese Dinner was scheduled for 22 May 1976 and appointed Bro. Alaback to assist the Standing Entertainment Committee to make all arrangements and that if more assistance is needed, the Committee is to advise him.
Bro. Alaback gave a report on the last GL Executive Committee meeting.
Bro. Alaback moved that the Lodge contribute ¥10,000 to the General Assembly of Rainbow Girls. Seconded by Bro. Maadie. MOTION CARRIED
Bro. Alaback requested clarification of those who are entitled to vote at GL Executive Committee meetings and at the GL Communications. MWB Robertson provided the requested clarification.
Bro. McGowan requested that the letter on the proposed amendment to Article 101 of the Constitution be discussed so that the Lodge delegation would know the feelings of the Brethren and thereby cast their vote accordingly. The Brethren voted as follows:
MWB Robertson gave a very interesting talk on Masonic Education entitled "A Letter From a Newly Made Master Mason."
Bro. Harding recommended that the Lodge consider purchasing a typewriter for use by the F.T.'s that has larger than normal type. It was also reported that the F.T.'s does not have use of the typewriter previously purchased since it was being used by the Secretary. WB Bartelson requested Bro. Harding to look into the cost of the proposed typewriter and report to the Lodge at the next Stated Meeting.
The WM then announced that there being no further business to come before this Lodge of Master Masons, we would proceed to close. Peace and Harmony prevailing, this Lodge was closed in due and ancient form at 10:25 hours with WB Bartelson, WM, in the East, Bra. Alaback, SW, in the West and Bro. McGowan, JW, in the South.
(There were 14 Brethren Present)