The 250th 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 3rd Day of May 1978.
A Lodge of Master Masons was opened in due and ancient form at 1930 hours with Worshipful Brother DeLuna in the East, Brother Redman in the West and Brother Walker in the South.
The Worshipful Master announced the death of Brother Karl Frederick EHRLICH who passed away on 11 February 1978, and raised the Lodge for a moment of silent prayer.
The Worshipful Master recognized the distinguished Brethren and first time visitors as listed in the Tiler's Register of this date. He then reappointed WB McGowan as Secretary (pro tem) for the month of May.
The WM then announced that our next order of business would be the reading of the minutes of our last Stated Meeting and any subsequent Special Meetings:
The Secretary read the minutes and they were approved as read.
Next was the Treasurer's report given by Brother Zalewski. It was moved by Brother Redman and seconded by Brother Albury that the Treasurer's report be approved as read, subject to the usual audit. MOTION CARRIED.
The Secretary read the bills for the month of April. It was moved by Brother Redman and Seconded by Brother Sketo that we pay our bills. MOTION CARRIED.
Next was the report of the several committees:
CHARITY: Due to the fact that Brother Griffin was in the process of transferring there was a Negative Report.
PAY OF MEMBERS: Due to Brother Albury's upcoming transfer, Brother Albury was directed to turn the committee over to Brother Weaver.
REFRESHMENT: Brother Walker asked that a date be set for the annual picnic. The WM designated 3 September as the day of the picnic. Brother Walker also reported that he had contacted a representative from the Japanese Rotary Club and that the representative would be getting back to him on the matter of sending a guest speaker to the Lodge for a pot-luck dinner.
FRIENDLY TIPS: The WM asked for input from the JW and SW and all the Brethren.
COACHING: Brother Redman reported that Brother Skinner was TAD to Korea and when he returns Brother Walker would be working with him. Brother Fields reported that he would be ready to give his proficiency next week. The WM said we would listed to his proficiency on the 17th of May. The WM stated that in addition to listening to Brother Fields' proficiency we would also have a Lodge of Instruction concerning candidate interviews and that on the 24th of May the Lodge would go dark.
SICK and VISITATION: The WM reported that Brother Harrel, SW of Yokosuka Lodge No. 20 was in the Hospital in Yokosuka and would enjoy seeing any of the Brethren, also that Brother Vincent of Rising Sun No. 151 (P.I.) was discharged from the hospital yesterday and thanked the Brethren who had visited him. MWB Robertson reported that MWB Peck was up and about and that he was going to prove the Doctors wrong.
MASONIC EDUCATION: NEGATIVE.
AUDIT: The WM directed Brother Zalewski to give the books to MWB Robertson in order that he may deliver them to Brother Lenick, GL Auditor, who was going to audit our books for us.
TEMPLE TRUST FUND: WB Williams reported that Brother Arthur Y. IMAMURA had made a $100.00 donation.
HOUSE: The WM gave a negative report and stated that the next meeting of the House Committee would be sometime in May.
BALLOTING: Balloting was held on the petition of Brother Jack Calhoun Barrs and Brother Ira Norman Medley for dual membership and they were elected.
Brother Medley and Brother Barrs were then obligated by the WM as Dual Members.
Balloting was then held on the petition of Mr. Larry Lynn THOMSEN to receive the Degrees of Masonry in this Lodge and he was elected.
CORRESPONDENCE:
GRAND LODGE: A letter from the Grand Secretary concerning Past Master aprons and jewels was read. The WM called the Lodge free from restraint and at the sound of the gavel in the East MWB Robertson had assumed the East. Brother Redman moved that the Lodge purchase 2 aprons, 2 carrying cases and 3 jewels, Brother Albury seconded the motion. After discussion the MOTION CARRIED. MWB Robertson then called the Lodge free from restraint and WB DeLuna re-assumed the East.
GENERAL: The Secretary read a letter from Brother Harry T. MEYERS informing us that Brother Ansel Francis POUNDSTONE had been sick for sometime and that was the reason that he had not paid his 1978 dues. WB McGowan moved that the Lodge remit Brother Poundstone's dues for the year of 1978. MWB Robertson seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: The Secretary recommended that Brother Gary Michael MANES be dropped from the Lodge records for non-progression and that the fees be forfeited. The WM so directed.
NEW BUSINESS: The Secretary reported that he had received a call from a Mr. Loyd Quinn asking if the Lodge could sponsor a baseball team. A Hat League of 6 to 7 year old boys in Yokohama. Brother Redman took the matter for action.
The Worshipful Master then announced that there being nothing further to come before this Lodge of Master Masons we would proceed to close. Peace and Harmony prevailing, the Lodge was closed in due and ancient form at 2150 hours with WB Deluna in the East, Brother Redman in the West and Brother Walker in the South.
(There were 15 Brethren present.)