The 226th STATED EETING 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 5th day of May 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. McCowan, JW, in the South.
The WM recognized the distinguished and first time visitors as listed in the Tiler's Register of this date. He then announced that this being our Stated Meeting for the month of May 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 Hodges and seconded by Bro. Alaback that the Treasurer's report he 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 negative.
ENTERTAINMENT: Bro. McGowan rerpoted all is ready for the GM's Dinner on the 22nd. He asked about refreshments for the Executive Committee meeting and was informed only coffee.
DeMOLAY: Bro. Otani reported negative.
PUBLICATIONS: Bro. Harding reported that the November 1975/January 1976 issue completed and ready for mailing. Next issue about 52% complete in draft.
EXAM & RECEPTION: Bro. Poling reported that two visitors were examined last month.
MEMBERSHIP: WB Bartelson reported negative.
COACHING: Bro. McGowan reported Bros. Weaver and Livernois working. No recent contact with Bros. Ohkawa and Okayama.
AUDITING: Bro. Alaback reported negative.
SICK & VISITATION: Bro. Alaback reported that Bro. Komar had fallen recently and that due to age he is recovering slowly. Bro. McGowan related an incident that points out we need not limit our concern to Masons only, others are worthy of our concern as well.
LAPSATION: WB Hodges reported there are 44 Members who have not paid 1976 dues and 13 members who have not paid 1975/76 dues. ¥252,000 is outstanding in unpaid dues. (SEE REVERSE) WB Hodges also reported the status of our 2 year members advising that 31 members of our lodge were raised in 1951. He advised that appropriate letters with the 25 year pins, have been sent to all members due them through the month of May.
LIFE MEMBERSHIP: Negative.
CHARITY: Bro. Alaback reported on status of the orphanage here in Yokohama that has been requesting funds. Investigations are still in progress with no recommendations being made at this time.
SIGHT ASSISTANCE: Bro. Alaback reported current situation but indicating no further progress. Ideas are still being saught for investigation.
MASONIC LODGE SYSTEM OF EDUCATION: Bro. Alaback reported that all meetings have been held and that two meetings require scheduling.
LIBRARY: Bro. Negranza reported that inventory complete and up-to-date listing of on-hand books given to the Secretary.
BALLOTING: Secret balloting was held on the following named petitioners and they were elected as follows:
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: The petition to receive the Degrees of Masonry in this Lodge was read for the following:
Mr. DEH-LEE, William (NMN)
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: The motion made during the April 1976 stated Meeting to provide bus transportation for Far East Lodge No. 1's designated orpnans to the Grand Lodge Charity Carnival was reopened after information concerning number of orphans and locations had been provided. MOTION CARRIED
OLD BUSINESS: None.
NEW BUSINESS: Bro. McGowan presented a request by Bro. Weaver that Far East Lodge No. 1 sponsor a Little League Baseball Team. Bro. Alaback moved and Bro. McGowan seconded that we sponsor Bro. Weaver's team and donate ¥50,000 towards their requirements. MOTION CARRIED
Bro. McGowan moved and WB Hodges seconded that we purchase 27 each Masonic Pins for presenting to newly raised MMs. MOTION CARRIED
MISCELLANEOUS: WB Bartelson presented the following schedule for the month of May 1976:
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 21:30 hours with WB BARTELSON, WM, in the East, Bro. ALABACK, SW, in the West and Bro. McGOWAN, JW, in the South.
(There were 13 Brethren Present)