The 260th 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 March, 1979.
A Lodge of Master Masons was opened in due and ancient form at 19:35 hours with WB Jack C. Barrs, WM, in the East, Bro. Millard C. Sketo, SW elect in the West, and MWB Floyd J. Robertson, (acting JW) in the South.
The WM recognized the Distinguished Brethren present as listed in the Tiler's Register of this date. He then requested all Brethren to be upstanding for a moment of Silent Prayer in memory of our departed Bro. Harato Nada (NMN) who passed away on 14 December, 1978.
He then announced that this being our Stated Meeting for the Month of March 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.
Next was the Treasurer's report given by Bro. Matthew Zalewski. WB Hodges moved and Bro. Sketo seconded that the report be accepted as presented subject to the usual audit. MOTION CARRIED.
The Secretary then read the bills and Bro. Sketo moved and WB Hodges seconded that the bills be paid. MOTION CARRIED.
Next was the report of the several committees:
CHARITY: NONE.
PAY OF MEMBER: WB Williams reported dues steadily coming in.
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: NONE.
FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Barrs reported that after much work the FT's had been mailed out and that the next issue was due in April. He requested the members of the FT committee to provide input for use in the FT's, as well as any member who might have something of interest to our Brethren. He reminded all again of the importance of maintaining this publication as the only means of communication with our Brethren abroad who sincerely desire information concerning their mother Lodge. WB Hodges volunteered to help.
COACHING: Bro. Sketo reported Bro. Judy was ready for the 3rd degree. Bro. Barrs reported Bro. Lamm will be ready for the 3rd degree soon and that he would contact Bros. Nakayama and Forbes. Bro. Edwards reported Bro. Forbes is ready.
SICK AND VISITATION: WB Barrs reported the illness of the wife of Bro. Ohashi. MWB Robertson said he had spoken to him and that he preferred no flowers to be sent at this time. WB Barrs requested Bro. Sketo to contact Bro. Ohashi and offer any assistance if required.
MASONIC EDUCATION: NONE. The WM requested the Secretary to determine if any Lodge History had been prepared for 1978.
AUDIT: The WM reported that he and Bro. Sketo along with Bro. Zalewski would meet over the weekend and review all of our financial records.
HOUSE: WB Barrs reported that he was proceeding with the preliminary negotiations of an agreement/understanding with the other two bodies, also that he and the representative for Eastern Star had met with our attorneys and that our present position was still strong. Also, that all large fees had been paid and that we need not expect any more large bills. He also expressed his willingness to discuss any questions concerning the Temple and property with anyone outside the Lodge.
BALLOTING: Secret balloting upon the petition of the below named applicant was had and he was elected to receive the Degrees of Masonry in this Lodge:
Mr. ROHRER Francis Robert.
PETITIONS: NONE.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read letters of request for demits for the following named Brethren;
Also, letter from Bro. ESTEL, William Henry, explaining present financial difficulties, and WB Williams moved and Bro. Edwards seconded to remit Bro. Estel's dues until his financial condition improves. MOTION CARRIED.
He then read a request for support from the International Order of DeMolay, Japan Jurisdiction, for their annual conclave, and it was moved by WB Hodges and seconded by Bro. Jewell to donate 20,000 Yen to this worthy cause. MOTION CARRIED.
The WM then read a brief but pointed and interesting letter from a Brother elaborating on the absolute necessity of supporting the Worshipful Master as a very important duty of every Mason.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
At this time the below named Brother was asked to withdraw from the Lodge after which he reentered and was conducted to the Altar where he was obligated as an affiliated member of this Lodge by WB Barrs with Bro. Sketo in the West and MWB Robertson in the South.
Bro. EDWARDS, Edward Lee.
NEW BUSINESS:
The WM announced that he had received a concordant letter and articles of agreement from the Master of Lodge Star in the East, No. 640, SC that they were very similar to his proposal, but had no comment at this time. He then requested all who could to join the work party on Saturday at 10:00 hrs to make necessary repairs to the rental house in back of the Temple. He then spoke to all and encouraged the Brethren to extend an invitation to all Masons in the area to attend and help the craft in our labors. He also inform all that he would prepare a letter to the Grand Lodge requesting permission to expend Lodge funds for Youth Activities and others that would suitably fall under Masonic Community relations. He then welcomed Bros. Clarke and Jewell and the SW announced that next week would be a 3rd degree.
There being no further business to come before this Lodge of Master Masons the WM announced that we would proceed to close. Peace and harmony prevailing the Lodge was closed in due and ancient form at 22:05 hours, WB Jack C. Barrs, WM, in the East, Bro. Millard C. Sketo, SW elect in the West, and MWB Floyd J. Robertson, (acting JW) in the South.
(There were 10 Brethren present.)