The 225th 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 7th day of April 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 present as listed in the Tiler's Register of this date. He then announced that this being our Stated Meeting for the month of April 1976, 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 WILLIAMS and seconded by WB HODGES 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 Bro. HARDING moved and WB WILLIAMS seconded that the bills be paid. MOTION CARRIED
Next was the report of the several committees:
HOUSE: WB HODGES reported that the House Committee has purchased additional Fire, Theft and Public Liability Insurance on the Temple, Grounds and Caretaker's house.
ENTERTAINMENT: Bro. McGOWAN reported that the Committee would be meeting to select a place for the GM's Dinner to be held on 2 May 1976 at 1800 hours.
DeMOLAY: Negative.
PUBLICATIONS: Bro. HARDING reported that the Nov 1975–Jan 1976 issue of the F.T.'s completed and ready to go to the printer. Next issue about 1/3rd complete. Bro. ALABACK noted that the Masonic Shimbun is ready for mailing. Bro. McGOWAN asked if there was any known plan to reissue the book "The First 100 Years of Masonry". He was informed by MWB ROBERTSON that there is no current plan known. Bro. McGOWAN suggested that the Brethren always carry with them some of the GL pamphlets "Freemasonry, A Way Of Life" since it is very handy when non-Masons express an interest in knowing more about the Craft.
EXAM & RECEPTION: Negative.
MEMBERSHIP: WB BARTELSON reported negative.
COACHING: Bro. ALABACK reported Bro. OHKAWA sill not in country. WB BARTELSON requested Pro. ALABACK to continue to keep in touch with Bro. OHKAWA if at all possible.
AUDITING: Negative.
SICK & VISITATION: Negative.
LAPSATION: Negative.
LIFE MEMBERSHIP: WB WILLIAMS reported that Bro. Eugene BRILLANT has become LM No. 164.
CHARITY: Bro. ALABACK reminded the Brethren that the Sight Assistance Committee of the GL was looking for new programs to initiate since the GL had suspended the By-Laws of the Committee for one year to enable them to search for new ways to use the available funds in the sight assistance field.
MASONIC LODGE SYSTEM OF EDUCATION: Bro. ALABACK reported that the Committee is functioning, using the GL System of Education and that the system is mandatory and is being adherded to. He also advised that from time to time the Pillars and other Brethren will be called upon to present talks on the various aspects of the Degree work for the edification of all.
Bro. McGOWAN moved and WB WILLIAMS seconded that the Lodge purchase six (6) additional copies of the GL book on Masonic Education. MOTION CARRIED
LIBRARY: Bro. NEGRANZA reported negative.
BALLOTTING: Secret balloting was held on the following named petitioner to receive the Degrees of Masonry in this Lodge and he was elected:
Mr. WEAVER John Lewis, Jr.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: The following petitions were read:
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: The GL sponsored Orphans' Charity Carnival was discussed. It was decided that FE Lodge No. 1 would provide transportation for those orphans which the GL Carnival Committee might determine they would for us to transport. Bro. ALABACK moved and Bro. HARDING seconded that we provide transportation by bus only. WB WILLIAMS moved and MWB ROBERTSON seconded that the motion be tabled until more facts, i.e. number of orphans, locations, etc. is known. MOTION CARRIED
Bro. HARDING reported on cost of another typewriter and it was decided to investigate further as local cost is considered too high.
OLD BUSINESS: None.
NEW BUSINESS: The GL Mid-Year was discussed and WB BARTELSON requested the Brethren to decide which is preferred: (1) A Workshop, or (2) A Mid-Year Communication, or (3) A combination of both. It was the wish of the Brethren that only a Workshop be held. Secretary to communicate this desire to the GL.
WB WILLIAMS spoke on our By-Laws, reminding the Brethren that our dues have not been increased in many years. Other changes to the By-Laws are also needed. WB BARTELSON appointed a committee consisting of himself, WB WILLIAMS, WB HODGES, the Senior and Junior Wardens, and MWB ROBERTSON, to review the By-Laws for the purpose of changing that which needs to be changed and for considering an increase in dues. Committee to submit proposed revision to MWB ROBERTSON for review prior to submitting to GL for consideration.
MISCELLANEOUS: WB BARTELSON moved and Bro. HARDING seconded a motion that the Lodge purchase new collars for the Officers. MOTION CARRIED
MWB ROBERTSON clarified a question concerning residence requirements for Military and Military-associated residents in Japan.
WB BARTELSON read Articles 150 thru 159, Chapter 28 of the Constitution for the edification of the Brethren.
MWB ROBERTSON gave an informative talk on "Masonic Etiquette Grand Lodge of Georgia: The Letter 'G'". He then reminded the Brethren that the GL Executive Committe would be meeting at our Temple at 1500 hours on 22 May 1976. They are meeting here to make it easier for the Grand Lodge Officers to attend the GM's Chinese Dinner scheduled for 1800 hours that same day. He urged everyone to turn out and welcome our guests.
The WM then announced that there being no further business to come before this Lodge of MMs we would proceed to close. Peace and harmony prevailing, this Lodge was closed in due and ancient form at 21:50 hours with WB BARTELSON, WM, in the East, Bro. ALABACK, SW, in the West, and MWB ROBERTSON, GS, Acting JW, in the South.
(There were 12 Brethren Present)