The 246th 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 4th day of January 1978.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 19:45 hours with WB McGowan, WM in the East, Bro. Redman, MM, SWE, (Acting) SW in the West, and Bro. Norman, JS, JWE, (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 January 1978, 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 Hodges and seconded by Bro. Livernois 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. Griffin moved and Bro. Weaver seconded that the bills be paid. MOTION CARRIED.
Next was the report of the several committees:
HOUSE: WB McGowan rendered a negative report.
ENTERTAINMENT: Bro. Redman reported that all arrangements for the Installation Banquet have been completed. It will be held at the Seaside Club, commencing at 1900 hours. A donation of $5.00 per person will be collected from all attendees except those who will be our guests.
DeMOLAY: No report.
PUBLICATIONS: WB Hodges apologized to WB McGowan for failing to get into the SEP/NOV 77 issue of the FTs all that WB McGowan desired. He then reported that the SEP/NOV 77 issue the FTs has been distributed to the members. WB McGowan specifically requested WB DeLuna, WME, to ensure that his article on the Duties and Responsibilities of Past Masters of a Lodge be included in the next issue of the FTs.
EXAMINATION & RECEPTION: Negative.
MEMBERSHIP: Negative.
COACHING: Bro. Livernois reported Bro. Albury ready for MM proficiency. MWB Robertson reported that Bro. Ohashi is ready for 1° proficiency.
AUDITING: WB DeLuna reported that the books have been audited through November 1977 and no discrepancies were noted. He recommended that the records continue to be maintained as at present. WB McGowan, after ascertaining that the records are being maintained in a manner acceptable to WB DeLuna, WME, so ordered it.
SICK & VISITATION: WB DeLuna reported that Bro. Richard Plesur WME Rising Sun Lodge No. 151, PI Constitution, in hospital at Yokosuka. He also reported that WB Cooper, PM, Lodge Star in the East No 640, S.C, is in the hospital recovering from a gall stone operation w/other complications and would appreciate visits from English-speaking Brethren.
LAPSATION: WB Hodges reported that the following named Brethren were suspended on 31 December 1977 for NPD: Bros. George N. BAILEY; Raymond R. BLAUVELT; Henry S. GLENN; Alan R. HOLLEYMAN; Berry N. LOVE; and David L. SOMERVILLE.
LIFE MEMBERSHIP: Negative.
CHARITY: Bro. Weaver reported that Bro. Ferrer has obtained a number of boxes of clothing and as soon as it can be sorted and laundered it will be available for donation.
SIGHT ASSISTANCE: Negative.
LODGE SYSTEM OF EDUCATION: Negative.
LIBRARY: Negative.
BALLOTING: Negative.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: Negative.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the following correspondence:
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: WB McGowan obligated the following named Brethren as Dual Members of this Lodge. Bros. John Fred ALLEN; Chester F. SKAGGS and Edwin P. YARGA.
NEW BUSINESS: WB Hodges rendered a resume of the Annual Report noting that there was a net loss of one member for the year and that the Dues and Fees due the Grand Lodge amounted to ¥412,000.
Bro. Merrill C. Albury was examined in the 3° by Bro. Livernois after which the WM declared Bro. Albury proficient.
WB McGowan brought up the matter of the Tiler's fees for 1978, as required by our By-Laws. WB Hodges moved and MWB Robertson seconded a motion that the Tiler's Fees for Masonic Year 1978 be set at ¥3,600 per month. After discussion the motion was DEFEATED. Bro. Redman then moved and Bro. Griffin seconded a motion that there will be no Tiler's Fees for Masonic Year 1978. MOTION CARRIED.
WB McGowan then announced that next week would be a practice 1°; on the 14th the Installation of Officers; and a 1° proficiency and conferral of the 2° on Bro. Ohashi on 21 January 1978.
Bro. Redman then spoke briefly on his expectations and hopes for the coming year, emphasizing the need for stability in our work, the necessity for an early qualifying of Brethren who might be interested in progressing through the chairs and his hopes and plans for easing the burden as much as possible on the Brethren without sacrificing the quality of our endeavors.
MWB Robertson then asked for the hour of the Installation. He was advised that seating of guests would commence at 17:30 hours and the installation ceremony would commence at 18:00 hours, with the banquet commencing at 19:00 hours. He then asked when Lodge would be opened and WB McGowan stated at 17:00 hours. MB Robertson then reminded the Brethren that tuxedo or other appropriate attire should be worn.
Before closing WB McGowan emphasized that his actions concerning the Temple and property were done entirely for what he believed to be the best for the Lodge.
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, WM, in the East, Bro. Redman, MM, SWE, (Acting) SW in the West, and Bro. Norman, JS, JWE, (Acting) JW, in the South.
(There were 21 Brethren Present)