The 297th 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 August 1982.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 2018 hours with WB Hodges, PM, WM in the East, Bro. LaSalle, SW in the West, and Bro. Otani, 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 August 1982, 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, PGM. It was moved by MWB Yamada and seconded by Bro. LaSalle that the Treasurer's Report be approved as read, subject to the usual audit. MWB Yamada also submitted his semi-annual financial report for the period 01 January thru 30 June 1982, a copy of which is attached to and made a part of these minutes. MOTION CARRIED
The Secretary then read the bills for the period and Bro. LaSalle moved and Bro. Otani seconded that the bills be paid. MOTION CARRIED
Next was the report of the several committees:
CHARITY: WB Hodges was happy to submit a negative report.
SICK AND VISITATION: The WM welcomed WB Nakano back to lodge and expressed his delight that WB Nakano has successfully overcome his case of the Shingles and is again able to join us in our deliberations. MWB Yamada gave a report on the condition of MWB Nishiyama advising that MWB Nishiyama says he is getting better but still must see the doctor every day. He advises that he hopes to be back in lodge with us before too long.
REFRESHMENT/ENTERTAINMENT: Bro. Otani recommended that the lodge continue with planning for our annual Grand Master's Dinner but to expand it into a Friend and Fellowship dinner for Masons and Non-Masons alike and to explore the possibility of Getting Yokosuka #20 to join with us in this project. The other present expressed enthusiasm with the idea and WB Hodges requested Bro. Otani to pursue the matter and to keep us posted on the proposed dinner plans as events occur.
FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Hodges announced that the tentative plan on publishing the next issue of the FT's indicates that he will publish in late August or early September 1982. He intends to continue with his "Issue of Concern" by publishing some of the reactions submitted by various Brethren.
COACHING: WB Hodges submitted a negative. Bro. LaSalle stated that he would endeavor to get Bro. Pearson moving towards his 1° proficiency.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: MWB Yamada submitted a negative report.
AUDIT: Bro. LaSalle submitted a negative report.
INVESTMENT: MWB Yamada reported that the ¥30 million investment made recently by the Grand Lodge does indeed have a return of only 5.2% p.a. Several comments were made by the Brethren present but no positive action was called for.
HOUSE: WB Hodges gave a brief report on the status of the House Committee indicating that funds were needed for utilities and Nagumo's wages. He then moved and Bro. LaSalle seconded a motion that the lodge pay the Yokohama Masonic House Committee the amount of ¥50,00 as an assessment towards covering the legitimate expenses of the committee.
BALLOTTING: None.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: None. The WM announced that WB Jose J. DeLuna, PM, and Bro. Ira N. Medley had been granted Demits at their written request with effective date of 07 July 1982. He noted that WB DeLuna is the first and only PM of this lodge to ever request a Demit.
CORRESPONDENCE: The GL Bulletins for June and July 1982 were read as were a number of pieces of other correspondence.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None.
NEW BUSINESS: WB Hodges read a letter from the Torii Oasis Shrine Clubs of Japan requesting donations to their Crippled and Burned Children's Assistance Fund. It was moved by MWB Yamada and seconded by Bro. LaSalle that the lodge purchase a one page ad in the Annual Shrine Ceremonial Program at a cost of ¥49,500. MOTION CARRIED
The WM then announced that being no further business to come before this Lodge of Master Masons, he would preceed to close. Peace and harmony prevailing, this lodge was closed at 2200 hours with WB Hodges, PM, WM in the East, Bro. LaSalle, SW in the West, and Bro. Otani, JW in the South.
There were 7 Brethren present.
APPROVED
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
WORSHIPFUL MASTER
ATTEST
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
ACTING SECRETARY