The 230th 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 1st day of September 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.
WB Bartelson then raised the Lodge for prayer in memory of WB Harold Oppenheim.
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 September 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 read.
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 than read the bills for the period and Bro. Alaback moved and WB Sagara 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 hired a man for 40 hours of work initially to clean up around the Temple. Also that hiring a contractor to dispose of all the trash around the Temple is being contemplated since the neighbors are, rightfully so, complaining about the mosquitoes. More information will be provided when known but the Brethren should be thinking of the costs that will accrue as a result of this effort.
ENTERTAINMENT: Bro. McGowan gave a brief progress report on the planning for PM Night.
WB Bartelson reported on the fishing trip that was held last Sunday, noting that while the fish weren't as large as hoped for a fine time was had by all. At the suggestion of Bro. Alaback the Lodge will sponsor another fishing trip in the near future with the objective this time of going after the "big ones".
DeMOLAY: Negative.
PUBLICATIONS: WB Hodges reported that work on the Friendly Tips has started and that he is looking towards a mid- to third-quarter September publication date.
EXAMINATION & RECEPTION: Negative.
MEMBERSHIP: Negative.
COACHING: Bro. McGowan reported on the status of all Brethren working in the various Degrees indicating that a possibility exists that Bro. Ferrer might be ready for his First Degree proficiency next week.
AUDITING: Negative.
SICK & VISITATION: Bro. McGowan reported that Bro. Livernois' wife back in hospital for observation. Nature of problem not considered serious.
LAPSATION: Negative.
LIFE MEMBERSHIP: Upon completion of the balloting on Bro. Cecil W THOMPSON for restoration (N.P.D.) WB Hodges reported that Bro. THOMPSON has become Life Member No. 167.
CHARITY: Negative.
SIGHT ASSISTANCE: Bro. Alaback reported on the status of the Optical Scanner for the Yokohama Blind School noting that delivery is expected around 12 September 1976. He also reported a potential candidate for assistance of the Sight Assistance Committee has been located in Hiratsuka City and that confirmation is being worked on.
LODGE SYSTEM OF EDUCATION: Bro. Alaback reported that all candidates up to date except Bros Norman and Eads. Bro. Eads at sea and Bro. Norman to be scheduled for second session soon.
LIBRARY: Negative.
BALLOTTING: Secret written ballot was held on the petition of Bro. Cecil Warren THOMPSON for Restoration (N.P.D.) and he was restored.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: Petitions for Dual Membership in this Lodge were read for the following: Brother Chester Frederick SCAGGS and Brother Edwin Paul YARGA.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: After the Lodge was raised WB Hodges read a letter from the Grand Master, transmitting Grand Lodge approval of the proposed revision of the Lodge By-Laws. WB Bartelson then declared the new By-Laws to be in full effect from this moment on until again revised in accordance with Grand Lodge Consitutional requirements.
WB Hodges advised that with the approval of the Revised By-Laws of 1 September 1976 it is now necessary for the Lodge to reestablish the Fee for Life Membership since our By-Laws are written in such a way that separate action must be taken. He then moved that the Life Membership Fee be set at fifteen (15) times the Annual Dues or ¥67,500 this being the same ratio as heretofore. MWB Robertson, PGM, seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED
WB Hodges then moved that the Lodge present to each candidate who petitions this lodge and is accepted to receive the Degrees of Masonry in this Lodge the following items in addition to the Lambskin Apron. Bible, MM Pin, and By-Laws:
Bro. Alaback seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED
NEW BUSINESS: WB Hodges moved that the Lodge present to each Member of the Lodge on the rolls as of 31 December 1976 one of the Grand Lodge 20 Year Medallions as a memento of this occasion rather than selling them as was previously decided during the August 1976 Stated Meeting, and additionally that the Lodge present to each First Time Visitor to the Lodge between now and the next Grand Lodge Communication in March 1977, one of the Medallions. MWB Robertson, PGM, seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED
WB Bartelson then asked the Brethren to signify whether they want a luncheon and banquet; a luncheon or banquet; or a luncheon only at the Grand Lodge during the Annual Workshop. Information needed for planning purposes. Nobody wanted a banquet; five Brethren wanted a Luncheon, three of which supported a luncheon at the Grand Lodge.
WB Bartelson then read an invitation from Sinim Lodge to their Annual Installation of Officers to be held this month. He then announced the shedu1e for September:
Regardless of whether or not there is any Degree work to be done the Lodge will open every Wednesday and Lodges of Education or Instruction will he held when Degree work is not required.
MWB Robertson, PGM, advised that MWB Peck, PGM, will be visiting about the middle of the month.
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 21:37 hours with WB Bartelson, WM, in the East, Bro. Alaback, SW, in the West, and Bro. McGowan, JW, in the South.
(There were 8 Brethren Present)