The 292nd 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 2nd day of December 1981.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 2015 hours with Bro. Ohashi, SW, Acting WM in the East, WB Nakano, PM, Acting SW in the West, and Bro. Otani, Tiler, Acting 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 December 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. It was moved by WB Hodges and seconded by Bro. Dodd 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 Yamada seconded that the bills be paid. MOTION CARRIED
Next was the report of the several committees:
CHARITY: Bro. Ohashi submitted a negative.
SICK AND VISITATION: MWB Yamada reported that MWB Nishiyama has returned home and is improving.
REFRESHMENT/ENTERTAINMENT: Bro. Ohashi submitted a negative for Bro. LaSalle.
HOUSE: WB Hodges read a letter dated November 20, 1981, from the legal reprentative in Japan for Masonic Hall Ltd, Hong Kong, which requests this Lodge to remove itself from these premises at No. 3 Yamate-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Japan not later than 6 months from the date thereof, which is to say not later than 20 May 1982. WB Hodges moved and MWB Yamada seconded a motion that the Lodge comply with the request contained in the letter and the lodge remove itself as requested. MOTION CARRIED
COACHING: WB Hodges reported a negative.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: MWB Yamada submitted a negative.
AUDIT: Bro. Ohashi submitted a negative for MWB Nishiyama.
INVESTMENT: Bro. Ohashi submitted a negative for MWB Nishiyama.
FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Hodges reported that the Apr-Oct 81 issue had been distributed. Next issue planned for publication in late January or early February 1982.
BALLOTTING: WB Hodges reported a negative.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: THe Secretary read a request for Demit from Bro Jerry Don Griffin. His dues having been paid until 31 December 1981 and there being no reason to deny Bro. Griffin's request, the WM ordered the Demit granted.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the G/L Bulletin dated November 20, 1981, together with other correspondence from WB Katagiri, other member sof this Lodge as weel as installation invitation letters from Kokusai Lodge No. 15, Yokosuku Lodge No. 20, and Lodge Star in the East No. 640 S.C.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Article II, Sections 1 and 2 of the Lodge By-Laws together with Articles 100, 100a and 100b of the Constitution were read for the benefit of the Brethren present.
NEW BUSINESS: Bro. Dodd reported that Star of the Orient, Chapter No. 2, Order of the Eastern Star has gone dark and their charter returned to the Grand Chapter in the US. THeir demise is attributed entirely to lack of members. Bro. Dodd further reported that one of their last acts was to approve payment to this Lodge the sum of ¥250,000 in full payment for their share of the legal fees originally paid by this Lodge.
The Secretary then read the names of the below listed Brethren who will be suspended for non-payment of dues unless their dues are received prior to 2400 hours, 31 December 1981:
Bro. Ohashi then advised that the next order of business would be the election of Officers for the Lodge for the ensuing Masonic Year. Before proceeding, Bro. Ohashi announced that for personal reasons he would be unable to accept any elected position for 1982 and requested the Brethren to make their selection accordingly. He then appointed MWB Yamada to the official Teller assisted by Bro. Dodd. The following named Brethren were elected to the position indicated. Each accepted the position indicated except as noted:
Due to the lateness of the hour, WB Hodges, WME, advised that the appointed positions would be made by him prior to the installation on 12 December 1981 after due deliberation and consultation with those concerned.
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 2300 hours with Bro. Ohashi, SW, Acting WM in the East, WB Nakano, JS, Acting SW in the West, and Bro. Otani, Tiler, Acting JW in the South.
There were 8 Brethren present.
APPROVED
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
WORSHIPFUL MASTER
ATTEST
S. NISHIYAMA, PGM
SECRETARY