The 247th 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 1st day of February 1978.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 19:30 hours with WB DeLuna, WM, in the East, Bro. Sketo, SD, Acting SW, in the West, and Bro. Walker, SS, Acting JW, in the South.
The WM recognized the distinguished Brethren as listed in the Tiler's Register of this date. He then required every member of the Lodge present to take an oath at the Altar that would make it a Masonic Offense, subject to proper penalties, to reveal anything, especially information pertaining to the Temple and Property, to any person regardless of who, outside the Tiled Walls of the Lodge.
After all Brethren present had taken the required oath, the WM then announced that this being our Stated Meeting for the month of February 198, the next 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. Poling that the Treasurer's Report be approved as read, subject to the usual audit. MOTION CARRIED.
The Secretary then read the bills for the period and Bro. Weaver moved and Bro. Albury seconded that the bills be paid. MOTION CARRIED.
WB DeLuna then opened the business portion of the meeting by discussing the Committee assignments and elaborating on the duties and responsibilities of each as set forth in enclosure (1) hereto. During the course of these discussions certain reports, as listed below, were rendered:
COACHING: MWB Robertson reported that Bro. Ohashi will be ready for his 2° proficiency on the 22nd of February 1978. WB DeLuna reported that he had talked with Bro. Manes who expressed no interest in progressing in his Degree work at this time. WB Hodges recommended that the Chairman of the Coaching Committee be assigned the additional responsibility for recommending to the WM when a Brother should be dropped for non-progression. WB DeLuna concurred with the recommendation.
MASONIC EDUCATION: WB DeLuna expressed keen interest in this area. He made it abundantly clear that an active Masonic Education Program will be pursued this year.
HOUSE: WB DeLuna reported that our Lawyers have completed their investigations into the ownership of the Temple and Property. Their findings indicate that Masonic Hall, Ltd., Hong Kong, is not the legal owner. It is unclear exactly who the courts might recognize as the legal owners, however, it is their opinion that the three Bodies presently using the Temple have more legal rights than anyone else.
It was also reported that the lawyers for F.S.H. Clark, the so-called Legal Representative for Masonic Hall, Ltd., Hong Kong, has advised our lawyers that Mr. Clark has withdrawn his intentions to sell the property and will cancel the eviction notice previously tendered the three using Bodies.
In connection with the foregoing, WB McGowan, PM, made the following motion: "I move that the WM be authorized to continue dealing with lawyers and to expend any funds necessary, not to exceed US $1000.00 (or Yen equivalent) to conclude the question of ownership of the Temple and Property. If further funds are needed, that it be brought to the floor of the Lodge." The motion was seconded by Bro. Walker. After much discussion, MOTION CARRIED.
The WM then called the Lodge briefly free from restraint and at the sound of the gavel in the East, business was resumed.
BALLOTING: Secret balloting was had on the following petitions as indicated:
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: The Secretary read a letter of petition from Bro. Joseph N. FRYE for restoration for NPD.
CORRESPONDENCE: After calling the Brethren up, WB DeLuna read a letter from the Grand Master, under date of January 28, 1978, the subject of which is "Dignity in Ritual Work".
After which the Secretary read the following correspondence:
MB Robertson and Bro. Zalewski added personal donations which brought the total to be donated to ¥20,000.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: WB DeLuna, with the assistance of MWB Robertson, PGM, installed WB Thomas H. Hodges, PM, as Secretary of this Lodge for the ensuing Masonic Year.
NEW BUSINESS: After listening to various discussions pertaining to the upcoming 21st Annual Grand Lodge Communication by MWB Robertson, WB McGowan, and Bro. Poling, WB DeLuna urged all Brethren to make plans to attend this year, particularly since he has been designated to respond to the Grand Master's opening Remarks.
WB DeLuna then announced that he will made an official visit to Yokosuka Lodge No. 20 on 14 February 1978 as they will be conferring a 1° followed by a Fellowship Dinner for all Brethren, their Ladies and Guests, at the Yacht Club. WB DeLuna requested as many members as possible to attend with him, especially the Officers, since this will be an official Lodge visit.
MWB Robertson then reported that:
MWB Robertson also reported that WB Cooper, PM, Lodge Star in the East No. 64, S.C., has cancer of the liver and is not expected to live much longer. WB Cooper has returned to the US where he will probably reside until his demise.
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 22:30 hours with WB DeLuna, WM, in the East, Bro. Sketo, SD, Acting SW, in the West, and Bro. Walker, SS, Acting JW, in the South.
(There were 10 Brethren present)
* As above named Brethren relocate out of the area or jurisdiction, other Brethren will be appointed.
** The Brethren appointed to Pay of Members, Refreshment/Entertainment and Friendly Tips Committees are requested to put extra effort in seeing that goals are achieved.
JOSE J. DeLUNA, WM
Far East Lodge No. 1
Copy to: Grand Lodge.
* The above are a brief description of duties and responsibilities of committee members.
ANDERSON, MORI & RABINOWITZ
CENTRAL P. O. BOX 1195
TOKYO, JAPAN.
2096-A-1
February 20, 1978
Mrs. Joephine W. Sagara
703-D Negishi Heights
Negishi-dai
Naka-ku, Yokohama
Kanagawa-ken
re: Yamatecho Temple.
Dear Mrs. Sagara:
This is to briefly advise you of a recent minor development in the captioned matter. Mr. Yabuno, the lawyer in Osaka for the Masonic Hall Ltd., recently wrote to us advising termination of their representation of the Masonic Hall Ltd. and further advising us that his former client would retain a local lawyer (not named) to negotiate with us for settlement of the captioned problem. We have so far not received any new contact from the Masonic Hall Ltd., Mr. Swanson or their lawyer except for aforementioned letter since our last letter to you dated February, 1978.
We shall, of course, keep you informed of every significant development in this connection.
Faithfully yours,
ANDERSON, MORI & RABINOWITZ
By:
Yohei Kinoshita
YOK/AKK:kn
cc: Mr. Jose J. DeLuna.
February 26, 1978
ANDERSON, MORI & RABINOWITZ
CENTRAL P.O. BOX 1195
TOKYO, JAPAN
Re: Yamatecho Temple (2096-A-1)
Attn: Mr. Y. Kinoshita.
Gentlemen:
Thank you for your letter of Febr. 20, 1978 advising us that Mr. Yabuno no longer represents Masonic Hall Ltd.
Because of this change we believe this would be the opportune time to press for clarification of the title and registration of the property to Yokohama Masonic House Committee as appropriate owners.
It is therefore requested that you initiate necessary action to accomplish the above.
It is further requested that you forward a letter to Mr. G. Swanson demanding Yen 288,000 he has collected in parking fees. As per enclosed copies of correspondence he had acknowledged collecting 168,000 Yen. After notification that he was no longer entitled to make collections he has nevertheless collected at least 120,000 Yen more. Since we need these monies for the maintenance of the Temple it is requested that he remit at least the above amount plus the costs for your collection fees.
Should Mr. Swanson et al. desire to have any further discussion with your firm it should be at his or their expense.
Signed: Jose J. DeLuna, Master Far East No. 1.
Josephine W. Sagara, Representative
Star of the Orient No. 2 OES