The 289th 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 August 1981.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1945 hours with WB Katagiri, PM, WM in the East, Bro. Ohashi, SW in the West, and Bro. LaSalle, JW in the South.
The lodge was raised for a moment of silent prayer after WB Katagiri announced the death of Bro. George Kuuip Kauka on 8 July 1981.
The WM then 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 August 1981, the next 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, which included a Summary of Receipts and Expenditures for the first six months of 1981. It was moved by WB Brown and seconded by MWB Nishiyama that the Treasurer's Report be approved as read, subject to the usual audit. MOTION CARRIED
The Secretary then read the bills for the period and WB Hodges moved and MWB Nishiyama 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: Bro. Ohashi reported that MWB Yamada was briefly in the hospital last month but that he is well with no more problems.
REFRESHMENT/ENTERTAINMENT: WB Katagiri reported that the GM's Chinese Dinner will be held on 18 September 1981 at the Canton Restaurant in China Town. It will commence at 1800 hours and will cost ¥4,000 each with free drinks for the evening, except soft drinks and beer.
FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Hodges reported that he is having trouble writing about the temple and property problem in an objective manner and requested more time to prepare the next issue of the FTs. WB Katagiri granted more time advising that WB Hodges should take as much time as necessary to prepare. WB Hodges indicated that he hoped to have the draft ready by September 1981 stated meeting so that the matter could be put to rest.
COACHING: WB Hodges reported that Bro. LaSalle advises that Bro. Baluyut will be ready for his 2° proficiency on 26 August 1981. WB Katagiri then appointed Bro. Ohashi responible for the 1st Section of the 3° and WB Brown responsible for the 2nd Section. These two Brethren to assume the East for their respective portions and to be completely responsible for filling all other chairs and parts.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: MWB Yamada submitted a negative report.
AUDIT: MWB Nishiyama submitted a negative report.
INVESTMENT: WB Katagiri reported on the status of the Life Membership Dollar ICD. WB Hodges recommended that serious consideration be given to converting this money back to yen due to the present favorable rate of exchange. WB Katagiri indicated he would take the matter under advisement.
HOUSE: WB Katagiri reported that he has received a final bill for ¥1 million from our lawyer and that after negotiations he would present the final bill for payment. WB Katagiri was authorized to make immediate payment if favorable terms can be reached. WB Brown reported that OES Chapter #2 will be unable to make a cash payment of ¥500,000 and that the final settlement will have to allow the Chapter time to pay. The Chapter may even have to ask the Lodge to cover a portion of their half of the bill. WB Hodges reported that the first two quarter property tax has been paid in the amount of ¥920,310 which included ¥12,200 penalty fees for late payment of the 1st quarter.
BALLOTTING: None.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read several pieces of G/L correspondence including the G/L Bulletin of July 20, 1981. He also read an invitation to the open installation of officers of Sinim Lodge to be held on 12 September 1981 at the new Grand Lodge Building in Tokyo. Finally the Secretary read a letter from Brother Edward LEE who has become Life Member #177 after having paid dues to the Lodge for 31 years.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None.
NEW BUSINESS: WB Katagiri reported on Bro. Kauka indicating that upon return of the Widdow and after he has had an opportunity to talk with her plans for a memorial service would be finalized. He also reported that the memorial service for MWB Robertson would he held at our Lodge on 22 August 1981 by the Grand Lodge as G/L will be completely disrupted due their impending move to the new G/L Bldg and because of Robble's close affinity to our Lodge. WB Hodges then moved and WB Brown seconded that MWB Robertson's Life Membership fee of ¥54,000 be returned to Mrs. Robertson. MOTION CARRIED
Before closing, RWB Johnston, SGW, complimented WB Katagiri and the Lodge on a very pleasant and lively Stated Meeting. He remarked that he would like more Lodges in this jurisdiction to conduct their Stated Meetings in such a warm, comfortable but still formal and proper manner. WB Katagiri thanked RWB Johhnston for the fine compliment and invited him to return and visit our Lodge at every opportunity.
The WM than 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 2118 hours with WB Katagiri, PM, WM in the East, Bro. Ohashi, SW in the West, and Bro. LaSalle, JW in the South.
There were 10 Brethren present.
APPROVED
SABURO KATAGIRI
WORSHIPFUL MASTER
ATTEST
THOMAS H. HODGES
SECRETARY