The 259th STATED MEETING of Far East Lodge No. 1.F&AM was held at the Masonic Temple, No. 3 Bluff, Yamate-Cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Japan, on the 7th day of February, 1979.
A Lodge of Master Masons was opened in due and ancient form at 19:30 hours with WB Jack C. Barrs, WM, in the East, Bro. Millard C. Sketo, JW, (acting SW) in the West, and Bro. Byron D. Brown (JW, Yokosuka No.20, Acting JW in the South.
At the sound of the gavel in the East the WM requested the Brethren to be upstanding while the Senior Deacon draped the Bible at the Altar in memory of our departed Brother and Past Grand Master, MWB George H. Booth. He then asked all Brethren to join with him in a moment of silent prayer.
After which he recognized the distinguished Brethren present as listed in the Tiler's Register of this date.
He then announced that this being our Stated Meeting for the Month of February the first order of business would be the reading of the minutes of our last Stated Meeting and all subsequent Special Meetings.
The Secretary read the minutes and they were approved as corrected.
At the sound of the gavel in the East the Secretary read the Special Dispensation to hold elections for the Junior Warden and other Officers as needed. The WM then called a 10 minute recess. At the sound of the gavel in the East the WM read Art. 100-100A-100B-101 and Edict No. 8 of the Grand Lodge Constitution and By-Laws.
The WM then called the Brethren briefly free from restraint.
Next was the Treasurer's Report given by Bro. Matthew Zalewski, WB moved and MWB Yamada seconded that the Treasurer's Report be accepted as read subject to the usual audit. MOTION CARRIED.
The Secretary then read the bills for the period and MWB Robertson moved and MWB Yamada seconded the the bills be paid. MOTION CARRIED.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
CHARITY: NONE.
PAY OF MEMBERS: NONE, WB Williams remarked 79 dues coming in.
FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Barrs reported FT's are written and will be printed soon and mailed out.
COACHING: WB Barrs reported on the progress of several of the Brethren.
SICK AND VISITATION: MWB Robertson reported MWB Peck had been readmitted to the hospital and not doing well. WM reported Bro. Ray Howard, Marshal, Yokosuka No. 20, had been hospitalized with heart condition. Bro. Brown he was at home recuperating.
MASONIC EDUCATION & LODGE HISTORY: NONE.
AUDIT: NONE.
TEMPLE TRUST FUND: The WM read a list of those Brethren who had contributed to the Save the Temple Fund during 1978, and that they would be included in the FT's.
HOUSE COMMITTEE: WM deferred to New Business.
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT:
BALLOTING: NONE.
PETITIONS READ: Mr. ROHER, Francis Robert.
COMMUNICATIONS: The Secretary read letters of invitation to installation of Officers from Toyko Yuai Lodge No. 11, and Tokyo Masonic Lodge No. 2.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE
NEW BUSINESS: WM reported pictures of installation were available and spoke briefly on the Harmony Fund. He also announced that next week would be a First Degree, and that Bro. Dave Delpino was preparing an up-to-date telephone list.
The WM then spoke extensively on his two main objectives for the coming year namely the proper operation of the Lodge and the Temple and property situation. He then read a proposed draft of Memorandum of Understanding/Agreement (see attached copy) and will furnish the other using bodies with a copy for consideration. He then invited comments, there were none. As Chairman of the Temple House Committee the WM reported that the financial condition of the committee was solvent at present, he commended Bro. Sketo for the fine job of straightening out the parking and house rental problems and asked anyone who wished to help out to please see Bro. Sketo.
The Secretary then read a letter from Bro. Ed Reyna appealing for sponsorship for a youth ball team. Motion By WB Hodges and Seconded by WB Williams to provide $390.00 for the purchase of Jackets for the team. MWB Robertson suggested that the WM read the appropriate Art. of the Const. and By-Laws concerning this type of expenditure. The MOTION CARRIED. However the WM would obtain permission from the Grand Lodge before expenditure would be made. The WM then called the Brethren briefly free from restraint for recess. At the sound of the gavel in the East the WM thanked all for coming tonight and Bro. Brown invited all to attend Yokosuka Lodge No. 20 for their next meeting and said it promises to be an outstanding one.
The WM then announced that there being nothing further to bring before this Lodge of Master Masons that we would proceed to close.
Peace and Harmony prevailing this Lodge was closed in due and ancient form at 21:45 hours, with WB Jack C. Barrs, WM, in the East, Bro. Millard C. Sketo, SW elect, (acting SW) in the West and Bro. Byron D. Brown, JW Yokosuka No. 20, (acting JW) in the South.
(There were 13 Brethren present.)