The 275th 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 4th day of June 1980.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1930 hours with WB Katagiri, WM in the East, Br. Sketo, SW (acting) in the West, and Br. Ohashi in the South.
The WM recognized the distinguished Brethren and first time visitors present as listed in the Tiler's register of this date. He then announced that this being our Stated Meeting for the month of June, the first order of business would he the reading of the minutes of the last Stated Meeting and all subsequent Special Meetings.
The Secretary announced that he had received a communication announcing the death of Brother Nicholas L. Pope. The WM raised the Lodge and asked that the Brethren observe a moment of silent prayer for our departed Brother.
The Secretary then read the minutes and they were approved as corrected.
Next was the Treasurer's report which was read by MWB Yamada. WB Hodges moved and Br. Howard seconded that the Treasurer's report be accepted subject to the usual audit. MOTION CARRIED.
The Secretary then read the bills for the period. Br. Howard moved and WB Hodges seconded that we pay our bills. MOTION CARRIED.
There were no petitions which could be ballotted upon. The investigation committee was unable to complete the investigation on the petition of Mr. Rosito Mota Mojica which was read last month due to his having been at sea.
There were no new petitions.
Next was the report of the several committees:
AUDIT: WB Hodges stated that due to the loss of the previous year's financial data, the Audit Committee may never be able to render a detailed financial report. WB Hodges moved that due to the loss of the records that the requirement for rendering last year's financial report should be waived and that a six month report for the preceding part of 1980 should be given as soon as possible after July. WB Barrs seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED.
INVESTMENT: WM asked that some decision about replacing the Lodge china be made and that our present remaining china be preserved. A discussion followed and it was generally decided to refer the matter to the House Committee. There followed a discussion about the Lodge investment policy. Because of inflation and changing economic conditions,the WM stated that the Lodge should adopt a good policy. The WM asked the members of the Finance and Investment Committee to meet if possible before the upcoming Chinese Dinner to discuss the matter.
HOUSE: WB Barrs stated that work was proceeding toward an agreement which he hoped would end the current court dispute and that he believed that such an agreement was nearing the initialling stage. He stated that he hoped to complete action on an agreement very soon.
COACHING: WB Hodges gave a negative report. The WM ga a report on the status of our recently initiated Japanese Brethren.
FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Hodges asked that the inputs for the next edition be ready and turned over to him by June 20.
CHARITY: Negative.
SICK AND VISITATION: Negative.
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: Br. Ohashi stated that arrangements for the upcoming Grand Master's Chinese Dinner were completed by himself and Br. Harry Clark. WB Barrs asked for confirmations of attendance by the Brethren and stated that he would try to get figures of others who would be attending.
MASONIC EDUCATION AND LODGE HISTORY: Negative.
FINANCE: Negative except for previous report under Investment Committee.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: WB Barrs presented the Grand Lodge Diploma of Merit to Br. Sketo for the previous Masonic Year and the Lodge responded with a round of applause for Br. Sketo. Br. Sketo made appropriate remarks.
Under new business there was a discussion on a Lodge of Instruction to be given by our Grand Lodge Inspector on June 25 and a Social Night was scheduled for June 18.
There being no further business to come before this Lodge of MMs the WM announced that we would proceed to close. WB Barrs made appropriate remarks to Br. Sketo, this being the last Stated Meeting he would attend prior to his transfer from the area. The Lodge was closed in due and ancient form at 2145 hours with WB Katagiri in the East, Br. Sketo in the West and Br. Ohashi in the South.
There were 11 Brethren present.
APPROVED
SABURO KATAGIRI
MASTER
ATTEST
JACK C. BARRS
SECRETARY
Correction: Demit read for CHUN, Francis Main.
J. C. Barrs