The 243rd 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 October 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, PM, SW in the West, and Bro. Neganza, 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 October 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 Sagara 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. Sketo moved and Bro. Livernois seconded that the bills be paid. MOTION CARRIED.
Next was the report of the several committees:
HOUSE: Deferred to Old Business.
ENTERTAINMENT: WB McGowan rendered a report on the Lodge Picnic and thanked all the Brethren who participated for their assistance.
DeMOLAY: Negative.
PUBLICATIONS: WB Hodges reported that the Friendly Tips will be mailed out this weekend. He had been waiting for the Masonic Shimbun which was just received this evening. He reminded the Pillars that the next isssue is scheduled for publication NLT 10 December 1977 and as that will be the last edition this year, they should make every effort to have an article ready for publication.
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.
BALLOTING: The petition of Mr. Merrill Carlton ALBURY for the Degrees of Masonry in this Lodge was balloted and he was elected.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: The following petitions were read:
CORRESPONDENCE:
WB McGowan read the following letter:
(1) From Torii Oasis Shrine Clubs of Japan dated 21 September 1977 thanking the Lodge for its purchase of a full page ad in the 1977 Shrine Memorial Program.
OLD BUSINESS: WB McGowan read the appropriate section of the By-laws and Constitution that pertains to the Election of Officers of the Lodge (Article II, Sections 1 and 2 of the By-Laws and Arts. 100, 100a, 100b of the Constitution).
He announced that the Installation of Officers would be held on 14 January 1978 and that MWB Robertson would be the Installing Officers and MWB Nishiyama the Installing Marshal. WB DeLuna will be the Banquet Master of Ceremonies and MWB Quick the Guest Speaker. He further announced that the next week we will confer the First Degree on Mr. Albury and the Bro. Redman will be in the East. If Bro. Ortiz is ready, he will give his proficiency in the First Degree and we will confer the Second Degree on Bro. Ortiz on 19 October 1977.
WB McGowan then reported that an air conditioner can be made available from the Grand Lodge at no expense other than relocating and installation, which will cost ¥470,000. It was moved by WB Williams and seconded by Bro. Livernois that the WM be authorized to commit up to $700.00 through the House Committee as our share of providing the House Committee votes to acquire the air conditioner. MOTION CARRIED.
MWB Robertson then spoke on the Grand Lodge Emergency Relief Fund and the need for funds. He recommended that the Lodge make a donation. After some discussion, it was moved by Bro. Livernois and seconded by MWB Robertson that the Lodge donate ¥50,000 to the Grand Lodge Emergency Relief Fund. MOTION CARRIED.
WB McGowan reminded the Secretary that a "thank you" letter is due to the Eastern Star and Kanto Klowns for their assistance at our picnic.
Bro. Livernois then spoke on the trout pond at Zama and recommended that the Lodge have a fishing trip on the 23rd of this month. It was proposed that the 24th be a "rain date". All the Brethren to signify their intentions of attending by next week.
WB Hodges read a request for a Demit from Bro. Ralph Frederick Sherman, Jr. Finding no reason why Bro. Sherman should not be granted a Demit, WB McGowan so ordered it.
MWB Robertson then spoke briefly on the balloting in Lodge in France, having had it recently explained to him by a visiting Brother from Paris.
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 21:15 hours with WB McGowan, WM in the East, WB Sagara, PM, SW in the West, and Bro. Neganza, JW in the South.
(There were 15 Brethren Present)