The 242nd 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 7th day of September 1977.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 19:30 hours with WB McGowan in the East, WB DeLuna, PM, (Acting) SW in the West, and Bro. Norman, JS, (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 September 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 WB Hodges. It was moved by Bro. Livernois 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 Bro. Livernois moved and Bro. Walker seconded that the bills be paid. MOTION CARRIED.
Next was the report of the several committees:
HOUSE: WB McGowan noted that there had been no meeting of the House Committee since the last Stated Meeting and that there was nothing new to report.
ENTERTAINMENT: Nothing further to report on the proposed fishing trip.
DeMOLAY: Nothing to report.
PUBLICATIONS: WB Hodges reported that the next issue of the FTs was at the printers and would be ready form ailing sometime next week. He also reported that he has made some changes in the format to reduce printing and mailing costs.
EXAMINATION & RECEPTION: Nothing to report.
MEMBERSHIP: No report.
COACHING: MWB Nishiyama reported that Bro. Ortiz intends to try to give his First Degree proficiency sometime this month. Bro. Walker advised that he is working on his Third Degree. WB DeLuna requested to be relieved as the primary coach for Bro. Manes.
AUDITING: WB DeLuna reported that no audit has yet been performed but as soon as the books could be turned over to him, he would ensure that an audit is performed. WB Hodges advised WB DeLuna that as soon as he makes a few more entries in the books, he could turn them over to WB DeLuna. WB Hodges to advise WB DeLuna in a couple of days.
SICK & VISITATION: Nothing to report.
LAPSATION: WB Hodges rendered a report of the number of members who are in arrears for dues. He further advised that all members still in arrears when the FTs is ready for mailing would receive a personal letter bringing this subject directly to the attention of the delinquent members.
LIFE MEMBERSHIP: Nothing to report.
CHARITY: WB McGowan reported that the orphans' picnic had to be postponed to the 25th September as that is the only date the orphans could make available. He also gave a report of some of the planned activities and entertainment. He reminded the Brethren that the assistance of everyone would be needed to make the picnic successful. Which will have to be done and each Brother will be expected to help in some manner.
SIGHT ASSISTANCE: Nothing to report.
LODGE SYSTEM OF EDUCATION: : Nothing to report.
LIBRARY: Nothing to report.
BALLOTING: None.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: The petition of Mr. Merrill Carlton ALBURY for the Degrees of Masonry in this Lodge was read.
CORRESPONDENCE:
The Secretary read the following correspondence:
OLD BUSINESS: None. Some discussions on the Temple and property was had by several of the Brethren present, however, WB McGowan reiterated that he had nothing new to report on the situation and that as soon as he did, he would make a report. He advised the Brethren that all contact with our lawyer concerning this matter will be made through him.
NEW BUSINESS: WB Hodges moved and WB Williams seconded a motion to purchase a cassette tape recorder at a cost not to exceed $50.00 for use in our Degree work. MOTION CARRIED.
Bro. Sketo moved that the Tiler's fee be pro-rated and that he be paid only for the time he is here. WB DeLuna seconded the motion. After discussion the motion was DEFEATED.
WB Bettencourt moved and MWB Robertson seconded a motion that the Tiler's fee be set at ¥3,600 per month for the balance of the year and that the fee be set annually at the Stated Meeting of January each year hereafter. MOTION CARRIED.
The WM then called the Lodge briefly free from restraint and at the sound of the gavel in the East, he corrected and oversight by recognizing WB Hunt, reigning Master of Tokyo Lodge No. 2. WB Hunt requested and received permission to speak briefly on the Temple and property. He advised the Brethren that regardless of personal feelings, we should be looking far down the road, i.e. into the 1980s and 90s and realize that a "do nothing policy" will lead us eventually into the same position that the Tokyo Bodies found themselves — that is, constantly losing money. He emphasized that sooner or later we will be forced by economics to do something about the problem.
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 21:35 hours with WB McGowan in the East, WB DeLuna, PM, (Acting) SW in the West, and Bro. Norman, JS, (Acting) JW in the South.
(There were 14 Brethren Present)