The 308th 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 2nd day of November 1983.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 2008 hours with Bro. Otani, SW, (Acting) WM in the East, Bro. Ohashi, MA. (Acting) SW in the West, and MWB Nishiyama, CH (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 November 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.
Due to the absence of the Treasurer, MWB Yamada, no report was rendered.
The Secretary reported that there were no bills for the period.
Next was the report of the several committees:
CHARITY: Brother Otani submitted a negative report.
SICK AND VISITATION: MWB Nishiyama reported that MWB Yamada is progressing satisfactorily. All tests to date have been negative. It is expected that the doctor will be able to make a final diagnosis in the next 5–10 days.
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: Bro. Ohashi gave a brief review of the GM/35th Anniversary Dinner which was held on 29 Oct 1983. There were only 13 guests present, including the GM and his lady. All costs were paid by the donations received except for the sum of ¥5,000 which was paid out of the Harmony Fund.
FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Hodges reported that he had not yet completed the next issue as advised by him at the last meeting. He took this opportunity to advise the Brethren that the GL has finally published another edition of the "Masonic Shimbun" after more than a year. As soon as the Lodge's supply is received, it will be mailed to the members.
COACHING: Nothing to report.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: MWB Nishiyama submitted a negative.
AUDIT: Bro. Otani submitted a negative.
INVESTMENT: In the absence of MWB Yamada, no report was submitted.
HOUSE: WB Hodges advised there was nothing to report.
BALLOTTING: The Secretary reported a negative.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: The Secretary read requests for Demit from Bros. William Henry Estell, Jr. and Daniel Eroll Koch. Both of them having paid their dues for 1983 and there being no reason why their petition should be denied, the WM granted the Demits.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the GL Bulletin dated 20 October 1983 and a letter from the GM under the date of October 20, 1983, concerning the "Masonic Shimbun".
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: At the request of the Acting WM, WB Hodges read Article II, Sections 1 and 2 of the Lodge By-Laws and Articles 100, 100a, and 100b of the Constitution of the Grand Lodge.
NEW BUSINESS: Bro. Charles E. Norman moved and Bro. Tadashi Otani seconded the following motion which was duly carried by vote of the Brethren present:
It is moved that the Lodge seek Special Dispensation to temporarily change the date and time of the Stated Meetings of this Lodge to the Second Saturday of each month at 2.00 pm. Such change in meeting time not to exceed six (6) months after which either the Lodge will revert to its By-Law prescribed meeting date and time or submit the the Grand master our petition to change our By-Laws to reflect the new date and time.
The Secretary was instructed to prepare and submit the request for Special Dispensation as soon as possible.
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 2100 hours with Bro. Otani, SW, (Acting) WM in the East, Bro. Ohashi, MA. (Acting) SW in the West, and MWB Nishiyama, CH (Acting) JW in the South.
(There were 5 Brethren present)
APPROVED
WILLIAM J. LASALLE
WORSHIPFUL MASTER
ATTEST
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
SECRETARY