The 238th 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 May 1977.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 19:30 hours with WB McGOWAN, WB in the East, WB SAGARA, PM, SW in the West, and Bro. OTANI, MM, (Acting) JW in the South.
The WM recognized the distinguished Brethren (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 1977, the first order of business would be the reading of the minutes of the last Stated Meeting and all subsequent Special Meetings.
Before doing so, the WM called the Lodge up for prayer for our departed Brother, Brother Samuel Braden KIRK.
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 MWB ROBERTSON and seconded by WB HUNT that the Treasurer's Report be approved as read, subject to the usual audit. MOTION CARRIED.
The Acting Secretary than read the bills for the period and WB WILLIAMS moved and Bro. WEAVER seconded that the bills be paid. MOTION CARRIED.
Next was the report of the several committees:
HOUSE: WB McGOWAN appointed himself to this committee and appointed WB WILLIAMS as Chairman of the Temple Trust Fund Committee.
ENTERTAINMENT: WB McGowan announced that the Grand Master's Dinner will be held at the Canton Restaurant in China Town the evening of 28 May 1977 following the Grand Lodge Executive Committee Meeting to be held at the Lodge the afternoon of the 28th.
DeMOLAY: Negative.
PUBLICATIONS: Negative
EXAMINATION & RECEPTION: Negative.
MEMBERSHIP: Negative.
COACHING: Negative.
AUDITING: WB DeLUNA reported that the Ledger portion of the Treasurer's Books needs updating through April and therefore audit could not be completed.
SICK & VISITATION: Negative.
LAPSATION: Negative.
LIFE MEMBERSHIP: Negative.
CHARITY: WB McGOWAN reported that our Lodge has been tasked to provide transportation on 15 May 1977 for a group of orphans attending the Charity Carnival. Mrs. McGowan to act as translator for bus trip. WM to coordinate with Grand Secretary on band. WB McGowan stated he will provide deposit for bus which is to be reimbursed.
SIGHT ASSISTANCE: Negative.
LODGE SYSTEM OF EDUCATION: Negative.
LIBRARY: Bro. Norman submitted a negative report.
BALLOTING: Secret balloting was held on the following petitions as indicated and the petitioners elected as indicated:
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: The following petition for the Degrees of Masonry was read: Mr. Emil Frank ORTIZ.
CORRESPONDENCE: None.
OLD BUSINESS: None.
NEW BUSINESS: A card from the Yokohama Taxation Office was read and response prepared by MWB S. NISHIYAMA, PGM. The card was in form of an inquiry requesting information on the type of business F.E. No. 1 is involved, i.e. profit or non-profit.
WB WILLIAMS read a letter forwarded to Hong Kong by Lodge Star in the East No. 640 offering to buy the Temple for 41 million. Brief discussion on speculation. Consensus was that any proposals be studied.
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 ---- hours with WB McGOWAN, WM, in the East, WB SAGARA, SW in the West, and Bro. OTANI, (Acting) JW, in the South.
(There were 11 Brethren Present)