The 277th 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 6th day of August 1930.
A lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1945 hours with WB Katagiri in the East, WB Hodges (acting) SW in the West and Br. Ohashi, JW 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 August, the first order of business would be the reading of the minutes of the last Stated Meeting and all subsequent special meetings. The Secretary read the minutes and they were approved as read.
(The death of Br. Moreau was announced prior to the minutes being read and a moment of silence was observed in memory of our departed Brother).
Next was the Treasurer's report which was given by MWB Yamada. WB Hodges moved and WB Barrs 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. Br. Dodd moved that we pay our just debts and WB Hodges seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Sick and Visitation: The WM, WB Hodges and WB Barrs spoke about our sick Brethren. The WM reported that MWB Nishiyama was out of the hospital and resting. WB Barrs and Hodges reported that Br. Howard also was out of the hospital after a recent illness and seemed to be doing better.
Charity: Negative Report. WM asked that if information was forthcoming on Br. Malcomson that he be informed right away.
Coaching: WM commented that he did not believe Br. Komachi or Sugano would be ready this month. MWB Yamada gave the same report on Br. Sakai. WB Hodges commented that he would try to contact Br. Forbes about his MM proficiency.
Masonic History and Education: Negative Report.
Audit: WB Barrs and Hodges commented that the lost records had been recovered and that there would be further progress hopefully by the Audit Committee.
Finance and Investment: Negative Report.
Temple: WB Katagiri commented that a draft agreement had been forwarded to Hong Kong. WB Hodges stated that he was attempting to follow up to get a status report if possible. WB Katagiri further reported that a preparation committee had been formed recently and had held their first meeting recently. He stated that the committee had concerned itself chiefly with what its objectives and authority should be. He stated that the members were in unanimous agreement that the committee's role would be that of advisor only and that all recommendions or plans would have to be approved first by the Lodges or the member's organization. He said that two specific actions had been initiated. Br. Spiwak from LSE 640 had been asked to explore the possibility of WB Laslabben acting as a tax consultant financial advisor for the upcoming agreements when put into effect. Also MWB Yamada has been asked to contact the Mori Developement people to investigate any possible development usage which might arise concerning the present property. WB Katagiri stated that the next meeting of the committee would be Sep 1 at 1800 hours in Mori Bldg No.6.
There was no Balloting and no new Petitions were submitted,
Correspondence: WB Barrs read the Grand Lodge Monthly Bulletin as usual. The following correspondence was also read and acted upon as indicated.
A request for a demit was received from Br. Phillips which will be handled in the customary manner.
A very touching letter was read from Br. Ivins concerning a request that he be allowed to Demit due to health, age and financial reasons. Due to the fact that Br. Ivins has faithfully paid his due since 1951 and is now 83 years old, WB Barrs moved and WB Hodges seconded that Br. Ivins' dues be remitted. MOTION CARRIED
Correspondence was received from the Torii Oasis Shrine Clubs of Japan announcing the upcoming ceremonial and asking if FE No. 1 would care to support the efforts of the Shrine with an advertisement in the ceremonial bulletin. MWB Yamada moved and WB Hodges seconded that we take the usual ¥40,000 full page add. MOTION CARRIED
WB Barrs gave a report that it was time to act to either renew or withdraw our investment with Bank Haus Deak and Co. and that due to declining interest and other unstable financial conditions he recommended that we withdraw our investment and reinvest it with the Grand Lodge Consolidated Fund, WB Barrs so moved and WB Hodges seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED
There was no Old Business.
New Business: MWB Yamada asked that WB Barrs forward a letter that he would draft to the Grand Lodge asking that they return any interest proceeds and any uninvested funds currently held for FE No. 1 to the Lodge to be placed in the General Fund.
MWB Yamada gave a report of the Grand Master's comments at the last Executive Committee Meeting. WB Hodges and LaSalle made brief and timely comments expressing faith in the quality of present Brethren and that Masonry would flourish in Japan even if only among a few Brethren.
WB Barrs presented Br. Dodd with a rather belated MM Diploma and made a few brief comments.
There being no further business to come before th Lodge of MMs, the WM announced that we would proceed to close. The Lodge was closed in due and ancient form with WB Katagiri in the East, WB Hodges in the West and Br. Ohashi in the South at 2150 hours
There were 9 Brethren present.
APPROVED
SABURO KATAGIRI
MASTER
ATTEST
JACK C. BARRS
SECRETARY