The 284th 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 March 1981.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1931 hours with WB Katagiri, PM, WM in the. East, Bro. Ohashi, SW in the West, and Bro. LaSalle, JW in the South.
The WM recognized the distinguished brethren as listed in the Tiler's Register of this date. He then announced that this being our Stated Meeting for the month of March 1981 , 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.
Next was the Treasurer's Report given by MWB Yamada PGM. It was moved by WB Brown and seconded by MWB Nishyama that the Treasurer's Report be approved as read, subject to the usual audit. MOTION CARRIED
The Secretary than read the bills for the period and WB Brown moved And MWB Yamada seconded that the bills be paid. MOTION CARRIED
Next was the report of the several committees:
CHARITY: WB Katagiri submitted a negative report.
SICK AND VISITATION: MWB Nishiyama gave a report on the condition of MWB Robertson. There seems to be little noticeable change in his condition and MWB Robertson's wife indicates that eventual return to Japan is still very much in doubt. WB Katagiri called the lodge up for a moment of silent prayer on behalf of MWB "Robbie".
REFRESHMENT/ENTERTAINMENT: Bro. LaSalle submitted a negative report.
FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Hodges reported that the deadline for the next issue will be 20 April 1981 and requested inputs by that time. WB Katagiri called on Bro Ohashi for an input from "THE WEST". Bro. Ohashi graciously consented to prepare a message for publication.
COACHING Bro. LaSalle reported that Bro. Baluyut is progressing and might be ready in 2-3 weeks. WB Katagiri reported that our Japanese EAs have not yet become proficient.
MASONIC EDUCAT1ON/LODGE HISTORY: MWB Yamada reported that there will be visitors from England at which time Yuai #11 will conduct a 2° in Japanese. He also advised that attendees at the G/L Communication whould wear appropriate regalia and that the Children's Festival will be held on 31 May 1981 and that donations are requested from the Lodges. WB Katagiri advised that al letter of solicitation will be sent to all the lodges right after G/L communication.
AUDIT: MWB Nishiyama reported that more supporting data must be found before the Audit can be completed. The Treasurer and Secretary have been able to reconstruct much of the information but more time is needed to see if any more data can be located.
WB Katagiri reported on the status of the $26,701.29 Life Membership Fund money. The check was cashed and money invested with Mitsubishi Bank on a monthly ICD at 15% interest p.a. After taxes the actual interest earned will amount to 12%. Funds must be reinvested every month. He also explained the bill read earlier concerning opening an account with Mitsubishi Bank in the amount of ¥500 and check cashing fee ¥4,046. Interest being earned on this investment to be reinvested monthly together with the principal until such time as cash flow in the General Account Bank Account may require a transrer of funds (interest) into the working account.
HOUSE: WB Katagiri gave a status report indicating that our lawyer Mr. Koga advises that it appears MHL intends to pursue the court case with the next hearing set for 17 April 1981. Several of the Brethren spoke extensively on this subject at the conclusion of which WB Katagiri called on the Brethren to consider the matter very seriously over the next month and to be prepared by the stated meeting of April 1981 to decide whether or not we really should pursue the court case or withdraw our objections entirely and unequivically.
BALLOTTING: None.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: Several pieces of G/L correspondence, including the Bulletin dated 20 February 81, were ready by the Secretary. The Lodge delegation was given a free hand to vote as they see fit on on any of the resolutions to be put before G/L except one having to do with presentation of awards at Masonic functions. WB Hodges moved and Bro. Kauka seconded a motion to instruct our Lodge delegation to vote negative on the resolution submitted by WB Phil Hunt concerning awards to be made at Masonc functions. MOTION CARRIED
With regard to personal correspondence WB Hodges moved and MWB Nishiyama seconded a motion to present Bro. Earl A Harris, L/M #108, with a Masonic Bible, Apron and $100.00 to replace those articles which were recently destroyed by a fire that completely destroyed Bro. Harris' home. The $100.00 is a token of our sympathy and concern. MOTION CARRIED
OLD BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS: WB Katagiri called on the following named Brethren to fill various stations should Bro. Baluyut become proficient in the 1 degree: Bro. Ohashi to assume the East, WB Hodges the West, Bro. Otani the South, and Bro. Dodd Senior Deacon. Other chairs to be filled by Bro. Ohashi as may be required.
The WM then announced that there being no further business to come before this Lodge of Master Masons, we would proceed to close. Peace and harmony prevailing, this lodge was closed in due and ancient form at 2225 hours with WB Katagiri, PM, WM in the East, Bro. Ohashi, SW in the West, and Bro LaSalle, JW in the South.
There were 9 Brethren present.
APPROVED
SABURO KATAGIRI
MASTER
ATTEST
THOMAS H. HODGES
SECRETARY