The 232nd 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 November 1976.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 19:30 hours with Bro. ALABACK, SW, (Acting) WB in the East, WB SAGARA, PM, (Acting) SW in the West, and Bro. NEGRANZA, TR, (Acting) JW in the South.
The WB 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 November 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 MWB ROBERTSON 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 MWB ROBERTSON moved and WB WILLIAMS seconded that the bills be paid. MOTION CARRIED
Next was the report of the several committees:
HOUSE: Nothing to report.
ENTERTAINMENT: Bro. McGOWAN reported on the status of the Harmony Fund. Bro. ALABACK thanked all for their support on PM night especially Bro. ZALEWSKI.
DeMOLAY: Nothing to report.
PUBLICATIONS: WB HODGES reminded the Pillars that the next edition of the FTs would be put to press in early December and their input would be needed not later than 1st week.
EXAMINATION & RECEPTION: Nothing to report.
MEMBERSHIP: Nothing to report.
COACHING: Nothing to report.
AUDITING: Bro. ALABACK reported that audit was not completed last month as scheduled and that the books were to be audited Wednesday, 10 Nov 1976.
SICK & VISITATION: Nothing to report.
LAPSATION: WB HODGES reported on status of delinquent members as required by Article 104a of the Constitution.
LIFE MEMBERSHIP: Upon completion of New Business, WB HODGES reported that Bro. Roar John BOWMAN was now Life Member No. 171.
CHARITY: Nothing to report.
SIGHT ASSISTANCE: Bro. ALABACK reported that optical scanner in operation as of 2 October 1976. The school is deeply appreciative and grateful. Bro. ALABACK also reported that the potential candidate from Hiratsuka had been determined not qualified.
LODGE SYSTEM OF EDUCATION: Bro. ALABACK reported only Bro. NORMAN as being behind and that he would be scheduled for his next session soon.
LIBRARY: Nothing to report.
BALLOTTING: None.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: Bro. ALABACK read a letter dated 26 October 1976 from the GM concerning Masonic Jurisdiction of the GL of Pennsylvania. WB HODGES then read the following correspondence:
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Bro. ALABACK read Article II Sections 1 and 2 of the By-Laws and Articles 100, 100a and 100b of the Constitution.
WB WILLIAMS asked if all funds are accounted for. He was advised that all bonds and funds have been accounted for except one telephone bond which Bro. ALABACK is still trying to determine the status of. Research still being conducted and the Lodge would be advised of results.
Bro. McGOWAN suggested that a Lodge of Instruction be scheduled on lodge finances to be sure all the brethren understand our financial system.
NEW BUSINESS: Bro. ALABACK reported on plans for Installation and appointed a committee consisting of WB HODGES, WB SAGARA, Bro. McGOWAN and Bro. NEGRANZA to make the necessary arrangements.
WB HODGES reported that Bro. Harry N. BARLOW and Bro. Marvin (NMN) NASH have been restored as of 13 October 1976 and 25 October 1976 respectively.
Bro McGOWAN requested volunteers to assist in a general field day of the Lodge on 13 November 1976.
Bro. WEAVER brought up the matter of support for an orphanage here in Yokohama. It was explained that WB BARTELSON had directed that the Lodge would not sponsor this effort at this time.
WB HODGES moved and WB WILLIAMS seconded a motion to make Bro. Roar John BOWMAN a Life Member of this Lodge with all fees to be paid from the General Fund and to revert to the General Fund upon his death. MOTION CARRIED
Bro. McGOWAN requested WB HODGES to explain the status of the Temple and grounds at some future meeting for the edifiction of all the Brethren. WB HODGES indicated that he is prepared to report at anytime the WM schedules a 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 22:10 hours with Bro. ALABACK, SW, (Acting) WM in the East, WB SAGARA, PM, (Acting) SW in the West, and Bro. NEGRANZA, TR, (Acting) JW in the South.
(There were 12 Brethren Present)