The 295th 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 03rd day of March 1982.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1950 hours with WB Hodges, PM, WM in the East, Bro. Ohashi, Chaplain, Acting SW in the West, and WB Hunt, PM, Acting JW in the South.
Immediately after the Lodge was opened, WB Hodges called the lodge up for a moment of silent prayer in memory of Brother Franklin Henry Bloomingdale, who passed away on February 12, 1982. After prayer the WM had the Lodge draped in mourning and ordered such to remain in effect for 30 days in memory of Bro. Bloomingdale, a member of this lodge more that 30 years.
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 1982, 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 MWB Yamada 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 MWB Nishiyama moved and MWB Yamada seconded that the bills be paid. MOTION CARRIED
Next was the report of the several committees:
CHARITY: Negative.
SICK AND VISITATION: Negative.
REFRESHMENT/ENTERTAINMENT: Negative.
FRIENDLY TIPS: Negative.
COACHING: Negative.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: Negative.
AUDIT: Negative.
INVESTMENT: MWB Yamada reported on the steps taken recently to secure all funds directly under the control of the Lodge. Appropriate Bonds have been cashed and funds in the amount of almost ¥6,000,000 will be invested through the Grand Lodge Consolidated Investment Fund. The WM signified that the action taken to date by the Treasurer is entirely satisfactory and in keeping with the instructions previously given.
The Treasurer signified his understanding of the WM's guidance and indicated that he would proceed and report on this matter again at the March Stated Meeting.
HOUSE: The WM added information on the temporary meeting place which was instroduced in his special newsletter, particularly on the floor plan of the proposed space. He stated that it is acceptable for our temporary meeting place though the space is much smaller than the present temple. He requested the help of all the Brethren in moving to start on or about 15 March 1982. He will call individual Brethren before 18 March 1982 to request their assistance.
BALLOTTING: The investigating committee made a favorable report on the petition of Mr. Joseph Benjamin Pearson, and Mr. Pearson was duly elected to receive the degrees of Masonry in this lodge. WM will confirm the trestleboard for the degree work with the individual Brethren scheduled to participate that evening.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the G/L Bulletin of February 20, 1982 together with his letter of 23 February 1982. He also read a letter from the Grand Secretary dated February 20, 1982, concerning the upcoming Grand Lodge Communication. He also read a letter from WB Katagiri, now in Singapore, sharing his concern over the Temple and expressing his happiness that the Lodge has already secured suitable temporary quarters.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: MWB Nishiyama moved and MWB Yamada seconded a motion that this Lodge donate ¥50,000 to the Grand Lodge Emergency Relief Fund. MOTION CARRIED
After some further discussion on the proposed change to the Constitution submitted by Kunitachi Lodge #4 concerning "inactive" Life Members, Bro. Ohashi changed his motion made last Stated Meeting to: The representatives of this Lodge to the Grand Lodge Communication are to vote against the proposed resolution" after which MWB Yamada agreed to modify his second made last month to second the revised motion by Bro. Ohashi. REVISED MOTION CARRIED
NEW BUSINESS: After discussing the schedule of the three pillars of the Lodge during the upcoming Grand Lodge Communication, WB Hodges moved and Bro. Dodd seconded a motion that MWB Yamada, WB Nakano and Bro. Ohashi be appointed to represent this Lodge at the G/L Communication with full authority to act in the stead of the pillars PROVIDING he himself or Bro. Otani, JW, are in fact unable to attend the G/L Communication. MOTION CARRIED
Bro. Dodd made an impressive speech on his departure scheduled for 15 March. The WM expressed his gratitude for his faithful service to the Craft and charged him to continue his labors in Masonry regardless of where he may be.
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 2140 hours with WB Hodges, PM, WM in the East, Bro. Ohashi, Chaplain, Acting SW in the West, and WB Nakano, JD, Acting JW in the South.
There were 7 Brethren present.
APPROVED
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
WORSHIPFUL MASTER
ATTEST
S. NISHIYAMA, PGM
SECRETARY