The 291st 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 November 1981.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1935 hours with WB Katagiri, PM, WM in the East, Bro. Ohashi, SW in the West, and Bro. Otani, Tiler, Acting JW in the South.
The WM raised the lodge and announced the death of MWB Eichorn, HPGM, on 21 September 1981 and called for a moment of silent prayer on his behalf.
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 November 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 corrected.
Next was the Treasurer's Report given by MWB Yamada, PGM. It was moved by MWB Yamada and seconded by WB Hodges that the Treasurer's Report be approved as read, subject to the usual audit. MOTION CARRIED
The Secretary advised that there were no bills for the period.
Next was the report of the several committees:
CHARITY: WB Katagiri submitted a negative report.
SICK AND VISITATION: WB Katagiri reported a negative except to remind the Brethren of the memorial service for Bro. Kauka to be held on 14 November at 1700 hours. Lodge to open prior to commencement of services and rehearsal to be held immediately after closing of lodge this evening.
REFRESHMENT/ENTERTAINMENT: WB Katagiri advised that the installation and banquet is firm for 12 December 1981. Banquet at WB Weinberger's place. Cost will be ¥3,500 per person. Bro. Ohashi will obtain map to WB Weinberger's place which is known as "Deli-Carti". WB Katagiri reminded WB Hodges to be sure and have the Installation Program printed prior to the Installation.
FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Hodges reported that the next issue of the FTs is at the printers and that it will be mailed as soon as received.
COACHING: WB Hodges and other reported that our Japanese Entered Apprentices have not made any progress to date. This led to a general discussion of the problem of younger Masons, especially our Japanese Brethren, progressing and while all agreed that it is a problem no obvious solutions presented themselves for adoption.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: MWB Yamada submitted a negative report.
AUDIT: WB Katagiri submitted a negative report on behalf of MWB Nishiyama.
INVESTMENT: WB Katagiri submitted a negative report on behalf of MWB Nishiyama.
HOUSE: WB Hodges advised that the using Bodies may possible have to be assessed additional funds prior to the end of the year to pay property taxes. Suitable correspoondence will be submitted to the using Bodies should assessment be necessary. WB Hodges also advised that the has heard that OES, Chapter No. 2, is going dark soon. If so, then all expenses will fall on Far East Lodge No. 1 and Lodge Star in the East No. 640.
BALLOTTING: None.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the GL Bulletin dated October 20, 1981 and other correspondence, including Special Dispensation 39-81 issued by the Grand Master on our behalf.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: WB Katagiri gave the Brethren a briefing on the upcoming GL Dedication ceremonies scheduled for Friday and Saturday, 7 and 8 November 1981.
Article II, Sections 1 and 2 of the Lodge By-Laws and Articles 100, 100a and 100b of the Constitution were read for the benefit of the Brethren.
NEW BUSINESS: WB Katagiri stated that he would be unable to attend the December stated meeting and will be unable to accept another year as Master of the Lodge. He indicated that he would be available for another elected or appointed position if so chosen or appointed. He charged Bro. Ohashi to conduct the Stated Meeting for December and for all the Brethren possible to attend Lodge on that date as it is election night and the lodge needs all the help possible.
Bro. Hodges moved and MWB Yamada seconded a motion to present WB Katagiri with two (2) service bars for his Paster Master's jewel for his services as Worshipful Master of this Lodge for the last 2 consecutive years. MOTION CARRIED
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 2100 hours with WB Katagiri, PM, WM in the East, Bro. Ohashi, SW in the West, and Bro. Otani, Tiler, Acting JW in the South.
There were 7 Brethren present.
APPROVED
SABURO KATAGIRI
WORSHIPFUL MASTER
ATTEST
THOMAS H. HODGES
SECRETARY