The 251st 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 June 1978.
A Lodge of Master Masons was opened in due and ancient form at 1930 hours with Brother Redman in the East, Brother Albury in the West and Brother Norman in the South.
The Worshipful Master stated before conducting our business that we would listen to the proficiency of brother Joel H. Skinner. Brother Skinner was examined in the Third Degree of Masonry by Brother John B. Walker and was found to be proficient by the Worshipful Master. The Worshipful Master presented Brother Skinner with a proficiency card and Brother Samuel B. Fields with a Master Mason's diploma. The Worshipful Master then announced that our first 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 Brother Zalewski. It was moved by Brother Albury and seconded by Brother Sketo that the Treasurer's report be approved as read. MOTION CARRIED.
The Secretary read the bills for the month of May. It was moved by Brother Albury and seconded by Brother Barrs that we pay our bills. MOTION CARRIED.
Next was the report of several committees.
CHARITY: Negative Report.
PAY OF MEMBERS: Negative Report.
REFRESHMENTS & ENTERTAINMENT: Brother Walker discussed the Picnic. A letter was to be delivered to the C.O. of NAF Atsugi for permission to use the Atsugi Picnic Grounds on 3 September 1978. Brother Walker was to meet with Brother Fox for the 4th of July sales. The meeting was at 1300 on 9 June 1978. Rotary Club — Still working on it.
FRIENDLY TIPS: It was reported that no one had put in any friendly tips and brother McGowan was to put in his own.
COACHING: Brother Thomsen should be ready to give his proficiency for Entered Apprentice next week, or the week after.
SICK & VISITATION: Brother Redman reported that brother Elrod was in Yokosuka Hospital and would enjoy seeing any of the Brethren.
MASONIC EDUCATION & LODGE HISTORY: Negative Report.
AUDIT: Due to the books being at the Grand Lodge, no audit report was presented.
TEMPLE TRUST FUND: Negative Report.
HOUSE: Brother Redman reported that the Scottish Jurisdiction has appointed a new representative in Japan.
BALLOTING: Negative Report.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: The petitions for Mr. Jerome Foster Zarth and Mr. Rokuro Nakayama were read for the Degrees.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Brother Redman gave a report on sponsorship of Little League Baseball Teams. Worshipful Brother McGowan moved that we donate $150.00 out of the Harmony Fund. Brother Walker seconded. MOTION CARRIED.
Worshipful Master assigned Brother Redman to contact the Grand Lodge Jurisprudence Committee on the disposition of Lodge funds.
CORRESPONDENCE: Worshipful Brother McGowan read a letter from Brother Poling.
NEW BUSINESS: Brother Norman Medley was appointed as Secretary for the month of June 1978. Brother Joel Skinner was appointed as Chaplain. Brother Barrs was appointed to Junior Deacon's position. The Worshipful Master said that we would have a 2nd Degree conferred on Brother Thomsen on 14 June 1978. Worshipful Master wished Brother Fields good luck at his new duty station and asked him to be sure and attend Lodge and enjoy the fellowship.
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 2115, with Brother Redman in the East, Albury in the West, and Norman in the South.
(There were 14 Brethren present.)