Minutes 2 February 1977

The 235th 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 2nd day of February 1977.

A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 19:30 hours with WB McGOWAN, WM in the East, Bro. LIVERNOIS, SD, (Acting) SW in the West, and Bro. NEGRANZA, 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 February, 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. ZALEWSKI. It was moved by WB HODGES and seconded by Bro. NORMAN 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 BARTELSON moved and WB DeLUNA seconded that the bills be paid. MOTION CARRIED.

Next was the report of the several committees:

HOUSE: Negative.

ENTERTAINMENT: Negative. WB McGOWAN appointed Bros. NEGRANZA, FERRER AND WEAVER as members of the Entertainment Committee.

DeMOLAY: Negative.

PUBLICATIONS: Negative.

EXAMINATION & RECEPTION: Negative.

MEMBERSHIP: Negative.

COACHING: Negative.

AUDITING: Negative.

SICK & VISITATION: Negative.

LAPSATION: Negative.

LIFE MEMBERSHIP: Negative.

CHARITY: Negative.

SIGHT ASSISTANCE: Negative.

LODGE SYSTEM OF EDUCATION: Negative.

LIBRARY: Negative. WB McGOWAN appointed Bro. NORMAN as the Library Committee.

BALLOTING: Secret balloting was had on the Petition of Brother Samuel R. Brown for Restoration (NPD) and he was restored. Concurrent with his restoration WB McGOWAN granted him a Demit as requested in his letter requesting restoration.

RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: Negative.

CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the following correspondence:

1. Letter dated Jan 6, 1977 from Grand Lodge forwarding proposed amendment to Art 100 of the Constitution and such other provisions as may be affected by approval
2. Letter dated Jan 22, 1977 from Grand Lodge forwarding proposed amendment to Art 83 of the Constitution.
3. Letter dated 24 January 1977 from Kyoto Masonic Lodge No. 5 extending an invitation to their annual installation.
4. Letter dated January 7, 1977 from Grand Lodge forwarding proposed amendment to Art. 137a of the Constitution.
5. Letter dated Jan 29, 1977 from Bro. Connelly requesting material to be used to publicize the 1977 Charity Festival.

OLD BUSINESS: None.

NEW BUSINESS: Before proceeding with New Business the Lodge was called briefly free from restraint. At the sound of the gavel in the East WB McGOWAN made the following announcements:

1. Star of the Orient Chapter No. 2 O.E.S. will be hosting a Masonic Honor Night. All Masons and their wives and guest are cordially invited to attend. Festivities to begin at 19:30 hours 3 Feb.
2. On 23 February Far East Lodge No. 1 and Star of the Orient Chapter No. 2 will jointly sponsor a Guest Speaker who will talk on Inter-cultural Relations. Everybody welcome, including non-Masonic friends.
3. On 16 March 1977 Yokosuka Lodge No. 20 will pay an official visit to our Lodge Also expect MWB PECK to join us that evening.
4. Grand Lodge Communication will be held 18/19 March 1977.
5. On 30 March 1977 the Lodge will again have a guest speaker who will speak on the Japanese and American Red Cross.
6. In May the Lodge will host a dinner for the Grand Master. Details to be announced later.
7. February 9th will be a Lodge of Instruction in Grand Honors and floor work

MWB ROBERTSON then announced that Far East Lodge No. 1 would open the Grand Lodge at the next Communication. Details to be announced later.

WB DeLUNA announced that Yokosuka Lodge No. 20 was having an open house "Pot Luck" dinner on 27 February 1977. Everyone is invited.

MWB ROBERTSON announced that MWB NISHIYAMA, GM, would be visiting the United States soon and wished him "God Speed, Happy Landings and Safe Return" as do all the Brethren of the Lodge.

MWB ROBERTSON then gave a very informative explanation of the term "Forty and Two Thousand of the Ephramites" as used in the Second Degree.

WB McGOWAN then instructed the Secretary to re-read the proposed amendments to the Constitution and invited the Brethren to speak freely on each one for they are of concern to each Master Mason in this Jurisdiction. Since each of these proposed amendments will be brought on the floor at the Grand Lodge Communication in March the Lodge Delegation will need to know the will and pleasure of the Brethren so that they can cast their vote accordingly.

The Secretary then re-read the proposed amendment to Art 100 of the Constitution. WB DeLUNA moved and WB HODGES seconded a motion to instruct our delegation to the G/L Communication to vote against the proposed amendment. MOTION CARRIED.

Concerning proposed amendment to Art. 83, WB HODGES moved and WB BARTELSON seconded a motion to instruct our delegation to vote against the proposed amendment. After discussion, WB McGOWAN set the motion aside without vote.

Concerning proposed amendment to Art. 137a, WB DeLUNA moved and WB HODGES seconded a motion to instruct our delegation to vote for the proposed amendment. MOTION CARRIED.

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 21:45 hours with WB McGOWAN, WM, in the East, Bro. LIVERNOIS, SD, (Acting) SW in the West, and Bro. NEGRANZA, JW, in the South.

(There were 13 Brethren Present)