The 234th 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 5th day of January 1977.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 19:30 hours with WB McGOWAN, WM in the East, WB SAGARA SW Elect, (Acting) SW in the West, and Bro. NEGRANZA JW Elect (Acting) 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 January 1977, 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 WB DeLUNA 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 WB WILLIAMS moved and WB SAGARA seconded that the bills be paid. MOTION CARRIED.
Next was the report of the several committees:
HOUSE: WB HODGES submitted a negative report.
ENTERTAINMENT: WB McGOWAN thanked one and all for the very fine Installation Banquet.
WB HODGES reported that after deducting contributions, the total cost of the banquet to the Lodge was ¥43,600. WB WILLIAMS extended the thanks fo the Lodge to WB HODGES for making the arrangements for the Banquet.
DeMOLAY: Negative.
PUBLICATIONS: Negative.
EXAMINATION & RECEPTION: Negative.
MEMBERSHIP: Negative.
COACHING: Negative.
AUDITING: MWB ROBERTSON reported that using necessary tests it was determined that the books are in balance and no discrepancies exist.
SICK & VISITATION: Negative.
LAPSATION: Negative.
LIFE MEMBERSHIP: Negative.
CHARITY: Negative.
SIGHT ASSISTANCE: Negative.
LODGE SYSTEM OF EDUCATION: Negative.
LIBRARY: Negative.
BALLOTING: WB McGOWAN reported that the committee of investigations on the petition of Mr. Paul (NMN) BRUBAKER had returned a favorable report. Secret balloting was then had and Mr. BRUBAKER was elected to receive the Degrees of Masonry in this Lodge.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: The following petitions were read.
FOR DEGREES: Mr. Joseph Stephen CHOOPE.
FOR RESTORATION (NPD): Bro. Samuel R. (N/A) BROWN.
CORRESPONDENCE:
The Secretary read the following:
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None.
NEW BUSINESS: WB WILLIAMS spoke briefly on the history of our Temple then presented a proposal that the Lodge attempt to raise a Trust Fund of approximately $25,000.00 over a period of 5 years; the principal of the fund to be invested and the interest earned used to pay or help pay the Lodge's share of the maintenance upkeep and taxes on the property. WB McGOWAN then appointed a TEMPLE FUND COMMITTEE to study the proposal and to recommend a course of action. The Committee to consist of WB WILLIAMS, WB HODGES, MWB ROBERTSON, WB SAGARA, WB BARTELSON, WB McGOWAN, Bro. NEGRANZA and Bro. ZALEWSKI.
WB McGOWAN then announced the following committees for the ensuing year:
AUDITING: WB DeLUNA, Chairman.
HOUSE: WB HODGES, alternate WB McGOWAN.
WB McGOWAN then announced that he would pay an Official Visit to Lodge Star in the East No. 640 on 11 January 1977 and that Yokosuka Lodge No. 20 would pay an official visit to our Lodge on 16 March 1977
He announced that next week would be a practice session for the First Degree.
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 21:20 hours with WB McGOWAN, WM, in the East, WB WILLIAMS, PM, (Acting) SW in the West, and Bro. NEGRANZA, JW Elect (Acting) JW, in the South.
(There were 16 Brethren Present)