The 268th 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 November 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 MWB Robertson, JW (Acting) 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.
The WM offered a Prayer for our departed Bro. Zalewski and for our ill WB Williams and hope for his speedy recovery. The WM announced that Bro. Zalewski's family have not made their desires known at present for a Masonic ceremony.
He then announced that this being our Stated Meeting for the month of November the first order of business would be the reading of the minutes of our Stated Meeting for the months of September and October and all subsequent Special Meetings.
The Secretary read the minutes and they were approved as corrected.
WB Barrs read an interim financial report that he had compiled based on partial records that he holds. WB Hodges moved and Bro. Sketo seconded that the interim financial report be accepted as presented by the WM, subject to the usual audit when the records are available. MOTION CARRIED.
The Secretary then read the bills for the period and WB Hodges moved and Bro. Sketo seconded that we pay our bills. MOTION CARRIED.
Next was the report of the several committees:
CHARITY: No Report.
PAY OF MEMBERS: WB Barrs presented a report on dues paid by the Brethren for 1978,79, &/or 80. He expressed concern over the number of Brethren who have not paid their 1978 & 1979 dues. He then read their names. A list of which is attached.
REFRESHMENT & ENTERTAINMENT: WB Barrs thanked all the Brethren for the food for PM's night. He also reported that the Lodge raised $220 and ¥23,990 during the Navy Friendship Day held in Yokosuka. A like amount was raised for the Rainbow Girls and OES Chapter No. 2.
FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Barrs reported that due to his heavy schedule the FT's were not out and probably would not be done in the near future.
COACHING: Bro. Sketo reported that Bro. Eugenio was progressing smartly but that he was not able to say yet when Bro. Eugenio would be ready to give his proficiency.
SICK AND VISITATION: WB Barrs reported that WB Williams was back in country but that he had been ill. He expressed his hope that WB Bob would be with us again soon.
MASONIC EDUCATION: No Report.
AUDIT: No Report.
TEMPLE TRUST FUND: No Report.
HOUSE: No change. WB Barrs reported that Lodge Star in the East No. 640, SC had paid their 1/3 share of the Air Conditioning Installation. WB Barrs also reported that due entirely to Bro. Sketo's efforts, the using Bodies will not be required to pay the 4th quarter assessment. This makes 2 quarters this year that the Bodies have not had to pay.
BALLOTING: The majority of the Committee of Investigations on the Petitions of Mr. Daniel Errol Koch and Mr. Archie Horrace Clark were favorable. They were elected.
PETITIONS: The petition of Robert Earl Dodd was read. Full fees and pictures accompanied the petition.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the GL Bulletin dated Oct 20, 1979. WB Max Drummond, PM, has requested that his dues be suspended (read remitted) due to ill health. WB Hodges moved and MWB Robertson seconded and motioned that WB Drummond's dues be remitted until such time as the Lodge may have reason to reinstate his dues.
Bro. Redman requested a Demit which was granted by the WM.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None.
NEW BUSINESS: WB Barrs dropped Bro. Nakayama for non-progression. The WM announced that a Dual Initiation of Mr. Koch and Clark would be held next week.
WB Barrs reminded the Brethren that elections would be held next month at the Stated Meeting and then he read Article 11, Section 12 of the Lodge By-Laws, Articles 100, 100a, 100b and 100c of the Constitution of the GL. He also read Article 115 of the Constitution for the information of the Brethren. He announced that our Installation would be held on 15 December 1979. Bro. Judy raised the question about the possibility of holding the Installation at a later date, WB Barrs said that he would take the question under advisement. WB Hodges GL Inspector made official visit at own request was received w/o Grand Honors.
Bro. Sketo suggested that the Finance Committee investigate our investments with the GL as soon as possible.
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 2210 hours with WB Jack C Barrs, WM in the East, Bro. Millard C. Sketo, SW in the West, and MWB Robertson, JW (Acting) in the South.
(There were 6 Brethren present.) Dispensation granted by GL.