The 302nd 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 6th day of April 1983.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1945 hours with WB Hodges PM, WM in the East, Bro. Otani, JW, (Acting) SW in the West, and MWB Nishiyama PGM, Sec, (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 April 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 MWB Yamada 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 MWB Yamada seconded that the bills be paid. MOTION CARRIED
Next was the report of the several committees:
CHARITY: WB Hodges submitted a negative report.
SICK AND VISITATION: WB Hodges was pleased to submit a negative now that MWB Nishiyama is with us again.
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: Bro. Otani submitted a negative report.
FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Hodges reported that the last issue was published as scheduled.
COACHING: A negative report was submitted.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: MWB Yamada reported on the contents of the acceptance address by and noted that our new GM, MWB James L Johnston made some very interesting points in his address as follows:
The entire text of MWB Johnston's address is attached hereto and made a part hereof by reference.
AUDIT: No report.
INVESTMENT: MWB Yamada submitted a negative report.
HOUSE: WB Hodges submitted a negative report.
BALLOTTING: None.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: The acting Secretary read the GL Bulletins dated 20 Feb and 20 Mar 1983 as well as other correspondence. After reading the GM's letter concerning the Annual Masonic Children's Festival MWB Yamada moved and Bro. Ohashi seconded a motion that this lodge donate ¥50,000 to the festival. MOTION CARRIED
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: WB Hodges provided an update on the GL Communication the most important decision having been rendered being the non-acceptance of this lodge's proposed amendment to the GL constitution and code submitted by WB Myron G. Bettencourt. He indicated that the GL could have done little else after the proposal had been slaughtered by the Jurisprudence Committee. Expecting little else from the GL Jurisprudence Committee, WB Hodges commented that once again the GL has chosen to ignore its problems and to search for meaningful solutions by hiding behind the facade of 1egality and "inadequacy of wording and/or language use". A sad and disgraceful end to a proposal that had not only the support of several of the lodges but more importantly seemed to have been embraced by the Japanese Brethren as a proposal worthy of adoption.
NEW BUSINESS: WB Hodges reported that the GL fees and dues will increase for 1984 and thereafter as a result of GL action at the Communication.
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 2125 hours with WB Hodges PM, WM in the East, Bro. Otani, JW, (Acting) SW in the West, and MWB Nishiyama PGM, Sec, (Acting) JW in the South.
(There were 6 Brethren present)
APPROVED
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
WORSHIPFUL MASTER
ATTEST
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
ACTING SECRETARY
Distinguished East, Brethren all, and Guests:
When a Mason is elected a Grand Warden of his Grand Lodge'it is normal for him to objectively consider that he may indeed progress to the Grand Master position—to consider otherwise would be less than candid and poor management—and in my case this progression has become a reality. Being elected to the highest office in regular Craft Masonry, a position that is occupied by less than one hundred and fifty Masons throughout the world, it is with mixed emotions, pride, and humbleness that I begin my service as your Grand Master. Our Grand Lodge is beginning its second quarter of a century in this Jurisdiction, and I shall endeavor to do my utmost to uphold the traditions of this honorable office and hope your confidence in me will be justified.
At this time I would request the support of all resident Past Grand Masters, Past and present Grand Lodge Officers, Constituent Lodge Officers and each Master Mason in Japan. Let's work together to ensure that 1983 will be the year that future Masonic Historians will record as the year that the Grand Lodge of Japan reversed its membership losses, as the year that we elevated ourselves from stagnation, inertness, indifference and complacency to a plateau of enthusiasm, cooperation, optimism, and willingness to work harder to solve our problems and achieve our common goals. Marie Dressier wrote, "Never one thing and seldom one person can make for a success. It takes a number of them merging into one perfect whole."
We have laid the cornerstone, dedicated and are occupying our new Tokyo Masonic Center, and it is generally recognized as one of the finest fraternal edifices in the world, thanks to the efforts of the Zaidan Hojin. The significant charitable endeavors of the Zaidan Hojin also continue to enhance the image of Masonry in Japan. Overseas Masons touring Japan continue to visit our Center with increasing regularity, and their remarks are invariably enthusiastic and complimentary. I'm confident that each Japan Mason shares the same degree of pride and accomplishment that I have in our Center, so, whether you reside in Hokkaido or Okinawa, please take these sentiments back to your Lodges and transmit them to your Brethren.
Lord Jellicoe stated, when he was Grand Master of New Zealand, "The power and influence of Freemasonry is just what we Freemasons choose to make it. It can be a great force for good, uplifting and elevating, bringing comfort and light, happiness, understanding, and Brotherhood. Alternatively, it can be a mere body practicing signs and symbols, with a ritual, beautiful in itself, but meaningless unless it leads to the Brotherhood and understanding that is preached." To paraphrase this, could we not look to Freemasonry itself as a solution to our problems? Our timeless ritual, allegories, philosophy and symbols have inspired men for centuries; surely it will 'continue to for the present and future. Consider for a moment the great country of Japan, its energetic people, its remarkable achievements and nfiuence on the rest of the world in recent years, and extrapolate this into our Fraternity. It is obvious that the future of Freemasonry in Japan and our Grand Lodge will depend more on Japanese Brethren. Each of us, particularly our Japanese Masons, need to carry and communicate the message of Freemasonry—and when necessary also defend it—by any means possible, within the means of propriety, personal example and contact, to the Japanese community, a vast potential beyond our tiled doors. Are there changes—not innovations—needed in our Constitution or our present type of Masonry to make it attractive to more good men in Japan, in consonance with the time demands of our competitive society?
Towards this end, I am approving, for a one year trial period, the. optional usage of a shortened proficiency return for our three degrees to test its acceptance and utilitarian value for our Jurisdiction.
Changes and improvements that do not impinge on the landmarks, tradtions, modes of recognition, our Basic Principles for Grand Lodge Recognition and Declaration of Principles can be accomplished so that a new era of Masonry in Japan will be effected. I ask each of you to give this serious thought, and ii you are enthused,take this positive zeal and enthusiasm—it can be contagious—back to your Lodges, infuse your members, and we can go to work to expand our Fraternity in Japan. I don't pretend to have all the answers, and this Grand Master will carefully consider your suggestions and recommendations. It has been stated that Tokyo is one of the main crossroads of the world; it is also possible that with your work and dedication, Tokyo can be one of the main crossroads of Masonry in the world. In the final analysis, it will be up to one vital ingredient as to whether our Tokyo Masonic Center will house this aformentioned future main crossroads of Masonry, or be a beautiful underutilized edifice—that vital ingredient is the most valuable of our resources, the human resource—Masons working toward a common goal. On March 25th, 26th and 27th, the Japan Jurisdiction, Order of DeMolay, will conduct their Annual Conclave at the Tama Recreation Center near the Minamitama Station on the Nambu train line. I urge as many Masons as possible to support the DeMolay movement, not only by attending the Conclave but throughout the year. Both DeMolay and Rainbow provide outstanding moral and leadership training for our youth and deserve more than mere lip service. Presetly eleven Japanese Senior DeMolays from Tokyo Chapter have petitioned our Lodges, and one of them, Brother Daisuke Itabashi, the Junior Deacon of Tokyo Masonic Lodge No. 2, attended last year's Session of the International Supreme Council, visited DeMolay Headquarters in St. Louis and several Chapters at mostly his own expense. I will be proclaiming the month of September as "Grand Lodge of Japan Visitation Month," and a copy of this Proclamation will be sent to each member on our Rolls, urging him to visit a Lodge during September and requesting him to notify his Lodge Secretary when visitation has been accomplished. Visitation is one of our Landmarks, and I have a feeling that certain of our members, here and overseas, are not availing themselves of this significant, privilege of a Master Mason. Hopefully this will stimulate our members, whithersoever dispersed, to visit, attend and support their local Lodges.
Within walking distance of our Center are two logos that closely resemble the Masonic Square and Compasses. To preclude the actual future use of these Masonic implements for commercial or adverse purposes, I am of the opinion that either the Zaidan Hojin or the Grand Lodge should secure with the advice of legal counsel, either by patent or copyright, the exclusive use of the Square and Compasses for regular Freemasonry in Japan. Although I am naturally a non-Japanese, albeit a semi-permanent resident, I am convinced that we must continue to dewesternize our Fraternity in this country so it will have a more indigenous character. For example, this is the first time the American flag hasn't been displayed at our Annual Communications. In support of this, I direct that it will not be required to display any flag in our Constituent Lodges other than the Japanese flag except when it would benefit the Fraternity, such as for Lodges on a Security Forces installation.
In keeping with this concept, it is my desire as soon as current stocks are depleted that our various Grand Lodge and Constituent Lodge letterhead stationery and envelopes become bi-lingual. Is it not consistent, that if a sovereign and independent Grand Lodge such as we are, desires to expand within its Jurisdiction, it should continue to blend and culturize into the Japanese mores and society?
Two years ago there was considerable adverse Masonic publicity in the Japanese news media which was ambiguous, slanderous and inaccurate, written by non-Masons who wanted to sell newspapers, magazines and books. To preclude this from occuring again and to disseminate an accurate account of the history, philosophy and concepts of Freemasonry to the Japanese, I am requesting our Translation, Historical and Publication Committees to work on finalizing the book initiated by MWB Nishiyama, who worked on this significant endeavor even while a patient in the hospital. Hopefully this book can eventually be found in the reference section of every public and university library throughout Japan and will be read by interested Japanese non-Masons. Admittedly, this undertaking will not be easy; however, I believe it is of prime importance for the reputation, growth and future of Freemasonry in Japan.
And now, a few words to the elected Officers of our Constituent Lodges: Are you satisfied with your Lodge's condition in regards to attendance, ritualistic proficiency, educational program, and interior and exterior appearance? Have you made plans to make your Stated meetings more attractive with things like a guest speaker and fellowship after the meetings? Will your Lodge be in an improved condition in December because of your efforts during this year? Are you considering who may replace you at the next election? Wil1 they be "Duly and truly prepared, worthy and well-qualified?" I ask that you develop, if you haven't, a plan of activities similar to the ones developed at the 1982 Grand Lodge Workshop to help ensure a productive and successful year.
Finally, Brethren, again my thanks and gratitude for honoring me with this position. I shall do my best—you have every right to expect this—and I have every right to expect the same from you. We have a busy year ahead of us; with your assistance and cooperation it can be a year of identifying challenges, acceptance of responsibility; completion of goals, personal satisfaction and pride of accomplishment for each of us who is a member of the most honorable and worthy Fraternity in the history of man.