The 240th 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 6th day of July 1977.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 19:30 hours with WB McGowan, WM in the East, WB DeLuna, (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 July 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. Zalewski. It was moved by WB DeLuna and seconded by WB Williams that the Treasurer's Report be not accepted until the error in the books has been rectified. MOTION CARRIED.
The Secretary than read the bills for the period and WB Williams moved and Bro. Livernois seconded that the bills be paid, provided sufficient funds are available in the General Fund. MOTION CARRIED.
Next was the report of the several committees:
HOUSE: WB McGowan rendered a report on the status of the Temple and grounds and the progress of the sale. After considerable discussion by the Brethren, WB DeLuna moved and WB Williams seconded a motion that the Lodge retain a lawyer and authorize up to $1,000 for fees, to advise us on what position we should take with regard to the sale of the property. MOTION CARRIED.
ENTERTAINMENT: Deferred to New Business.
DeMOLAY: Negative.
PUBLICATIONS: Report not requested.
EXAMINATION & RECEPTION: Report not requested.
MEMBERSHIP: Report not requested.
COACHING: No report requested.
AUDITING: No report requested.
SICK & VISITATION: No report requested.
LAPSATION: No report requested.
LIFE MEMBERSHIP: No report requested.
CHARITY: No report.
SIGHT ASSISTANCE: No report.
LODGE SYSTEM OF EDUCATION: No report requested.
LIBRARY: Bro. Norman reported that satisfactory progress is being made to alphabetize our library.
BALLOTING: Secret balloting was had on the petition of Bro. Millard Carwell SKETO for dual membership in this Lodge and he was elected.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: The following petitions were read:
CORRESPONDENCE:
The Secretary read a letter dated June 15, 1977 from MWB Leo N. Parlavecchio, PGM, concerning corrections to the Ritual.
OLD BUSINESS: None.
NEW BUSINESS: Bro. Livernois requested and received clarification of his duties as the Lodge Historian. WB McGowan proposed that the Lodge sponsor a picnic for a group of orphans. After some discussion, WB McGowan appointed a committee, consisting of WB Williams, MWB Nishiyama, WB DeLuna, Bro. Norman and Bro. Negranza, to study the feasibility of the proposed picnic and to recommend the most appropriate date and other details. The WM then instructed the SD to retire and escort Bro. SKETO into the Lodge for the purpose of obligating Bro. SKETO as a dual member of this Lodge. Bro. SKETO was obligated a dual member of this Lodge with WB McGowan in the East, WB DeLuna in the West, and Bro. Negranza in the South. After congratulations, WB McGowan announced that next week will be a Third Degree for Brother Paul BRUBAKER and that the trestle board must be filled.
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 21:55 hours with WB McGowan, WM, in the East, WB DeLuna, PM, (Acting) SW in the West, and Bro. Negranza, JW, in the South.
(There were 14 Brethren Present)