The 300th Stated Meeting of Far East Lodge No. 1, F. & A. M. was held at the Masonic Temple, No. 31, Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Japan on the 5th day of January 1983.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1950 hours with WB Hodges PM, WM in the East, Bro. Moore, MM, (Acting) SW in the West, and Bro. Ohashi, CH, (Acting) JW in the South.
The WM recognized the Distinguished Brethren as listed in the Tiler's Register of this date.
He then called the lodge up for a moment of silent prayer on behalf of the death of Brother Robert A. Birnie who died September 1982.
He then announced that this being our Stated Meeting for the month of January 1983, 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, PGM. It was moved by Bro. Moore and seconded by Bro. Norman 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 Bro. Moore seconded that the bills be paid. MOTION CARRIED
Next was the report of the several committees:
CHARITY: Negative.
SICK AND VISITATION: WB Hodges reported that Bro. Norman's wife has gall stones and is scheduled for surgery next Monday in Yokosuka's navy hospital. He recommended the lodge send her a bouquet of flowers the cost of which is NTE $25.00. The Brethren agreed and Bro. Moore was requested to take the matter for action. WB Hodges also stated that he intended to purchase flowers for MWB Nishiyama, PGM.
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: WB Hodges appointed Bro. Otani and Bro. Moore to make arrangements for the Installation Banquet to be held the evening of 12 February 1983. Banquet to commence NLT 1900 hours. Final details and arrangements to be reported at the February Stated Meeting.
FRIENDLY TIPS: Negative report.
COACHING: Negative report.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: Negative report.
AUDIT: Negative report.
INVESTMENT: Negative report.
HOUSE: WB Hodges had nothing specific to report except the ¥100,000 assessment of the two using bodies which is required to pay our quarterly utility and monthly custodial services costs.
BALLOTTING: None.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Acting Secretary read the G/L Bulletin of Deceinber 20, 1982 and several other pieces of correspondence from various lodge members and from sister lodges.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: WB Hodges advised that he has not yet completed the necessary preliminary paperwork required to amend/change our By-Laws; therefore the proposed increase in lodge dues will have to lay over for an additional period of time until the necessary documents and notification of members can be accomplished. WB Hodges then brought up WB Bettencourt's proposed Resolution to change/amend the Grand Lodge Constitution and Code. After some preliminary discussion, Bro. Moore moved and Bro. Ohashi seconded a motion to adopt the preposed Resolution and submit it to Grand Lodge for action. After considerable discussion, Bro. Moore moved and Bro. Ohashi seconded a motion to modify his original motion to adopt the proposed Resolution with the following changes:
Change the first sentence of the Resolution which reads "WHEREAS THE GRAND LODGE OF JAPAN WAS FORMULATED TO PROVIDE THE GOVERNMENT OF MASONRY FOR AND OF JAPANESE NATIONALS WITHIN THE SOVEREIGN COUNTRY OF JAPAN, AND" to "WHEREAS THE GRAND LODGE OF JAPAN WAS FORMULATED TO PROVIDE THE GOVERNMENT OF MASONRY FOR AND OF ALL MASONS WITHIN THE SOVEREIGN COUNTRY OF JAPAN, AND", and to add certain words to the proposed revision of CHAPTER XXXIV, ARTICLE IV, SECTION 3 which now reads "EVERY PERSON INITIATED IN THIS LODGE, OR ELECTED TO BE A MEMBER THEREOF, SHALL SIGN ITS BY-LAWS." to read "EVERY PERSON INITIATED IN THIS LODGE, OR ELECTED TO BE A MEMBER THEREOF, SHALL SIGN ITS BY-LAWS, EXCEPT WHEN SUCH DEGREE SHALL HAVE BEEN CONFERRED AT THE REQUEST OF ANOTHER LODGE.
MOTION, AS MODIFIED, CARRIED
The Acting Secretary was duly instructed to forward the proposed Resolution, as amended, to Grand Lodge for action. Copy of proposed amendment is attached hereto.
WB Tommy R. Brown, PM, Grand Lodge Inspector for this lodge, who was in attendance this evening, then advised the Brethren elected to the pillar positions that he will make himself available at almost any time to hear their proficiencies in the required work for certification of them for installation. He recommended that they consider having a meeting with him at the lodge hall on some evening this month or NLT the 12th of February and as necessary giving their proficiencies in an informal manner, e.g. not in open lodge, since the lodge has no degree work scheduled. WB Hodges agreed with the proposal and requested Bros. Otani and Moore to propose to him a date which would then be worked out with WB Brown if there are any conflicts. Bros. Otani. and Moore agreed.
NEW BUSINESS: Bro. Moore moved and Bro. Ohashi seconded a motion that Brother Robert Alexander Birnie's dues for 1981 and 1982 be remitted. MOTION CARRIED.
The WM then announced that there being no further business to come before this Lodge of MMs, we would proceed to close. Peace and harmony prevailing, this lodge was closed in due and ancient form at 2247 hours with WB Hodges, PM, WM in the East, Bro. Moore, MM, (Acting) SW in the West, and Bro. Ohashi, CH, (Acting) JW in the South.
(There were 8 Brethren present)
APPROVED
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
WORSHIPFUL MASTER
ATTEST
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
ACTING SECRETARY