The 266th 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 5th day of September 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, SW in the West, and WB Saburo Katagiri, JW in the South.
The WM extended recognition to those Brethren who had distinguished themselves in Masonry and first time visitors as listed in the Tiler's register of this date, and presented cards to first time visitors.
He then announced that this being our Stated Meeting for the month of September 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.
The current bank statement was read in lieu of the Treasurer's report due to the continuing illness of our Treasurer, Bro. Matthew Zalewski.
The Secretary then read the bills for the period and WB Hunt moved and Bro. --- seconded that we pay our bills. MOTION CARRIED.
Next was the report of the several committees:
CHARITY: Deferred to NEW Business.
PAY OF MEMBERS: WB Williams reported that all the required dues notices had been mailed.
REFRESHMENT & ENTERTAINMENT: Bro. Rohrer reported that the Harmony Fund presently stands at $74.02 and Yen 13,300. The WM added that with the excess from the recent Bon Odori that the dollar total was approx. $600.
FRIENDLY TIPS: WM reported that the Friendly Tips would be mailed this month.
COACHING: Bro. Forbes and Nakayama still pending. WM reported that it had been over a year since Bro. Nakayama was initiated and that if no progress was made soon he may have to be dropped.
SICK AND VISITATION: WM reported that Bro. Matthew Zalewski is still in Keio University Hospital in Tokyo. It was reported that he would be undergoing surgery in the near future and blood donors would be needed. WM said he would coordinate this effort. Most Wor. Bro. Robbie also reported that Bro. Bill Leper had been in the hospital recently, but was home and improving now.
MASONIC EDUCATION: No report.
AUDIT: No report.
TEMPLE TRUST FUND: No change.
HOUSE: No report.
BALLOTING: NONE.
PETITIONS: NONE.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the Grand Lodge Monthly Report. He then read a communication from the Torii Oasis Shrine Clubs of Japan regarding the upcoming Fall ceremonial. It was moved by WB Williams and seconded by Most WB Robbie that Far East No. 1 take its usual full page ad in the Ceremonial booklet at a cost of ¥40,000 to show our support of their efforts. MOTION CARRIED.
The Secretary then read a request for a Demit from Bro. Harding, Perry C. III.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE.
NEW BUSINESS: The WM reported that the annual Orphan's Picnic would be held Sunday, September 9, at the Area 1 picnic area near the dispensary. He invited the attendance of all who could come. Most WB Nishlyama will assist with the transportation arrangements. The WM announced that the anticipated cost would be approximately $400 from the Harmony Fund.
The WM then announced that as of August 21, 1979, an injunction had been issued against Far East No. 1 and Star of the Orient, Chapter No. 2, Order of the Eastern Star, which according to legal counsel was a preliminary action to a suit being brought against those two bodies. The injunction was filed by Mr. Gustav R. Swanson, a member of Lodge Star in the East No. 640, Scottish Constitution, who claims now to be the legal representative in Japan of a group known as Masonic Halls Limited, Hong Kong. The injunction states that the two groups may not sell or otherwise dispose of the Temple or property or change their names.
WB Williams moved and WB Hunt seconded that the WM be given a vote of confidence and directed to proceed to do whatever was necessary to defend Far East No. 1 rights. A budget of ¥200,000 was set aside to be used, if necessary, in this action. MOTION CARRIED.
WB Katagiri then mentioned that there would be an interesting program on NHK television Channel No. 3 from 2000 to 2045 on Tuesday, September 11, 1979, and encouraged the Brethren to watch if possible.
The WM then asked Bro. Rohrer to stand. He complimented and commended Bro. Rohrer for his dedicated work in assisting the lodge in all phases of its work this year and wished him much good luck and Masonic success on his upcoming departure from Japan.
The WM then made a short statement to the Brethren concerning the fact that it appeared that a member of Lodge No. 640, Scottish Constitution, has taken action against Far East No. 1 and its Master. He reiterated the caution that Brethren should exercise care in their dealing outside the lodge on this matter with any Brother or person so as not to become involved in any act not in the interest of Far East No. 1. He reiterated again that it was his duty to guard against any such action and stated that he would not waiver in his committment to that duty. Most WB Robbie pointed out that the Constituioni contained a prohibition against discussing the business of the Lodge with anyone with whom it was not proper to do so.
There being nothing further 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 21:5 hours with WB Jack C. Barrs, WM in the East, Bro. Millard C. Sketo, SW in the West, and WB Saburo Katagiri, JW in the South.
(There were 11 Brethren present.)
Add Corrections:
The WM announced the death of WB Leland Leotis Bartleson on 8 Aug 1979 and asked the Brethren to join him in a moment of silent prayer for WB Bartleson.
These minutes are amended to add a Request For Demit by:
Merritt, Ralph Holt.
whose Demit was issued on 5 Sep 1979 but was omitted from the correspondence read through administrative oversight.